Background: The University of Florida is seeking companies interested in commercializing an innovative cost-efficient and safer LED form of the traditional theatrical lighting system. The system utilizes LED technology to provide a more efficient light source that last up to up 10 years under continuous 24 hour operation compared to incandescent sources with a 6 month life span under the same 24 hour operation. The improved lighting device also provides a sophisticated color changing LED system that can be remotely controlled via electronic signals to transition between colors in the visible spectrum eliminating the need for gel or dichroic filters that reduce light output and concentrate heat in the lamp. This system is composed of a high intensity lighting apparatus including an outer housing and a curved support disk having an array of diode or laser-based integrated light sources attached within the housing. This innovation will provide a valuable resource for application in all forms of theatrical production. Technology Description: This technology uses existing optics and control features common in theater fixtures with the exception of the incandescent lamp. Light Emitting Diodes (LED) light sources are used to generate light that provides much longer lamp life remote color changing capabilities at a much higher efficiency and substantially lower heat output which is more consistent with typical electronics than a typical incandescent lamps. The device is a high intensity lighting apparatus which includes an outer housing a curved support disk having an array of diode or laser-based integrated light sources attached within the housing. Each of the light sources includes a tube having a laser or diode chip at one end of the tube. The tubes each have at least one concave shaped exit surface on an end opposite the chip wherein the concave exit surface converges light emitted from each of the light source to focal points within the housing. A shape of the curved support disk converges the respective focal points into a light beam having a common focal plane. Adjustable secondary optics are disposed in the housing after the focal plane for creating various angles of transmission of the light beam. The laser can be a diode laser while the diode can be a light-emitting diode. Applications: LED lighting systems used in theatrical productions.
1) Extremely low heat output reducing potential for combustion and subsequent fires 2) Lowers cooling required from HVAC systems in performance buildings a long-term expense and energy saving advantage 3) The color changing systems uses existing DMX control technologies that are prevalent in the in- dustry providing a low cost compatible system for easy installation 4) Eliminates the need for gel or dichroic filters that reduce light output and concentrate heat in the lamp resulting in a more efficient system for theatrical color lighting