The present disclosure is directed to backlighting systems, which include
first and second lightguides, at least one light source optically
connected to an edge of the first lightguide and at least one light
source optically connected to an edge of the second lightguide for
supplying light into their respective interiors. In the appropriate
exemplary embodiments, the backlighting systems of the present disclosure
include an extractor disposed at a surface of the second lightguide for
diffuse extraction of light from the interior of the second lightguide.
In such exemplary embodiments, at least a portion of the light supplied
into the interior of the second lightguide and then diffusely extracted
therefrom enters the interior of the first lightguide through a
substantially optically clear surface. In some exemplary embodiments, the
backlighting systems of the present disclosure include recycling
enhancement structures, which may be attached to the first lightguide.