Abstract: Various structures for variable reflectance rearview mirrors and variable transmittance windows are disclosed. One embodiment pertains to the provision of a polarized reflector in a rearview mirror. Another embodiment pertains to the provision of a switchable cholesteric liquid crystal element in a window. Yet another embodiment pertains to the provision of a plurality of apertures in a reflector layer of a rearview mirror where the apertures are sized and positioned in alignment with light emitting areas of a display positioned behind the reflector layer. In another embodiment, a moveable display or mirror element is attached to a rearview mirror housing.

Abstract: A light-diffusing sheet includes a transparent film and a light-diffusing layer formed on at least one side of the transparent film. The light-diffusing layer is composed of a resin coating layer having a rough surface. The transparent film contains a thermoplastic resin having a substituted and/or unsubstituted imide group at a side chain and a thermoplastic resin having a substituted and/or unsubstituted phenyl group and a nitrile group at a side chain.

Abstract: For a semiconductor device S as a sample of an observed object, there are provided an image acquisition part 1 for carrying out observation of the semiconductor device S, and an optical system 2 comprising an objective lens 20. A solid immersion lens (SIL) 3 for magnifying an image of the semiconductor device S is arranged movable between an insertion position where the solid immersion lens includes an optical axis from the semiconductor device S to the objective lens 20 and is in close contact with a surface of the semiconductor device S, and a standby position off the optical axis. Then an image containing reflected light from SIL 3 is acquired with the SIL 3 at the insertion position, and the insertion position of SIL 3 is adjusted by SIL driver 30, with reference to the image.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the invention is an optical filter including a mirror including a plurality of first dielectric layers having a first index of refraction and a plurality of second dielectric layers having a second index of refraction. A plurality of the first dielectric layers have an integer quarter wave optical thickness and at least one of the first dielectric layers has a non-integer quarter wave optical thickness. A plurality of the second dielectric layers have an integer quarter wave optical thickness and at least one of the second dielectric layers has a non-integer quarter wave optical thickness. In an exemplary embodiment, the non-integer quarter wave optical thickness first layer and the non-integer quarter wave optical thickness second layer are determined so as to enhance transmission at a predetermined wavelength.

Abstract: A variable bandwidth tunable optical filters comprised of two transparent optical substrates, upon each of which is deposited a linearly variable multilayer interference filter coating which varies in total thickness from end to end in a wedged fashion. This wedge imparts a corresponding variation of the center wavelength of the filter bandpass with respect to the linear position of the coated filter substrates. The variable bandpass tunable filter can be adjusted to a specific center wavelength by moving the filter pair together linearly through the incident beam. The bandwidth of the filter pair is maximized when the two filters are spectrally aligned, and is determined by the bandwidth of the individual filters. The variable bandwidth of the tunable filter can be adjusted by introducing a relative linear offset between the linearly variable filter pair.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the monitoring of polymers during their processing by the determination of optical scattering properties. According to one aspect of the invention, there is provided a monitoring system for a vessel for polymer processing and the like, comprising a monitoring cell for measuring the optical properties of the contents of the vessel, a feed path and a return path both connecting the cell to the vessel, and a pump connected in the feed or return path. According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a monitoring cell for measuring the optical properties of the contents of the cell, including a source for generating a laser beam through the cell, and a detector for detecting light scattered from the laser beam, preferably a linear camera and an optical system for focusing scattered light thereon.

Abstract: A fiber-optic cable routing and bend limiting device having a base with a top surface that defines a plane. A bend limiter and a mounting plate extend generally perpendicular to and away from the plane at opposite ends of the base. A separation bar also extends generally perpendicular to and away from the plane and is positioned between the bend limiter and mounting plate. The bend limiter has a generally arcuately-shaped surface and a generally planar surface that enables adjacent placement of two fiber-optic cable routing and bend limiting devices constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. When two devices in accordance with the present invention are positioned adjacent each other with their respective planar surfaces confrontingly opposite each other, their respective arcuate surfaces define a generally continuous cable routing path between the two adjacently positioned devices.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a plurality of transmitting devices with a plurality of optical fibers that each have a distal end. A plurality of focusing devices are included. Each distal end of a fiber is coupled to at least one focusing device. A plurality of receiving devices are provided. At least a portion of the distal ends of the optical fibers move in three orthogonal and at least two angular dimensions to direct output beams from the plurality of transmitting devices to the plurality of receiving devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflective marker such as is used to delineate the location of a road, driveway or parking area. A reflective marker according to the invention includes a support post and a head fastened to the support post. The head includes a top portion and a bottom portion that are spanned by a generally cylindrical shell portion, which is preferably multi-faceted. Means are disposed on the shell portion for reflecting incident light directed thereat over a 360° range. Preferably, the reflective means comprises reflective tape having a width of from about 1.5 to about 3.5 inches. In the presently most preferred embodiment of the invention, the head is constructed of a polymeric material, and the support post is constructed of fiberglass.

Abstract: The invention is to develop a color polarizing plate with a support, the polarizing plate having both good brightness and polarizing efficiency for a blue channel (for blue light). The color polarizing plate with a support for a liquid crystal projector comprises a polarizing plate containing a stilbene type water-soluble azo dye as a dichroic molecule and a support, wherein the polarizing plate has an average single transmittance of 39% or more and an average crossed transmittance of 0.4% or less at 420 to 500 nm and an average crossed transmittance of 4% or more at 50 to 780 nm.

Abstract: A coated lens for use in a riflescope, telescope, spotting scope, binoculars, or the like is provided. The coating on the lens comprises two layers, an anti-reflective layer adjacent the lens and a hydrophobic layer disposed on the anti-reflective layer. The hydrophobic layer preferably includes an organosilane compound. Advantageously, the coating does not significantly reduce light transmission through the lens.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image displaying apparatus includes: a casing; a pair of plates engaged at both sides of the casing and having a guide hole having a certain curvature at upper and lower portions and a fixing hole formed near the guide hole; a pair of support frames engaged at both inner sides of the casing, each having a lower portion engaged at a bottom of the casing by a hinge shaft and an engaging groove formed on an inner surface for thereby fixing a half mirror, said support frames being rotatable along the guide hole in upward and downward directions; and a varying means engaged at upper portions of the support frames for fixing the support frames at a certain angle, whereby it is possible to selectively use the apparatus as a 2D image displaying apparatus and a 3D image displaying apparatus by moving the half mirror upwardly or downwardly.

Abstract: A colored light filter for providing a single colored light upon light being transmitted thereto and including a lamination of an at least substantially clear plastic material provided with colored dye and an at least substantially clear thermosetting material. A manufacturing process for laminating an at least substantially clear plastic material provided with colored dye and an at least substantially clear thermosetting material together to provide the color light filter.