Claims
- 1. An optoelectronic method comprising the steps of:
providing a generally planar surface at a predefined distance from an optoelectronic element; defining a light transmissive region of said surface within the critical angle of said element; and contouring said surface within said transmissive region without exceeding said predefined distance so as to create a non-protruding lens for said element.
- 2. The optoelectronic method of claim 1, wherein said transmissive region has a circular cross-section.
- 3. The optoelectronic method of claim 2, wherein said contouring step comprises forming a flat surface element.
- 4. The optoelectronic method of claim 3, wherein said contouring step further comprises forming an arcuate surface element.
- 5. The optoelectronic method of claim 2, wherein said contouring step comprises forming a spherical surface element.
- 6. The optoelectronic method of claim 2, wherein said contouring step comprises forming a parabolic surface element.
- 7. The optoelectronic method of claim 1, comprising the further step of shaping a surrounding region adjacent said transmissive region.
- 8. The optoelectronic method of claim 7, wherein said shaping step comprises forming a sidewall defining a trough disposed around said transmissive region.
CLAIM OF PRIORITY
[0001] This application is a divisional application of, and claims priority from U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/643,391, filed Aug. 22, 2000, which is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein. This application is also related to a U.S. patent application filed on even date herewith entitled “Mold Tool for an Optoelectronic Element.”
Continuations (1)
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Number |
Date |
Country |
Parent |
09038494 |
Mar 1998 |
US |
Child |
10337058 |
Jan 2003 |
US |