Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: A mirror unit having two mirrors, so the area in front of the mirror can be viewed, is adjustable in a plurality of planes to facilitate use by a wide range of users. The mirror unit can be used on a motor vehicle.

Abstract: A method for generating a multicolor image of a specimen with a microscope is disclosed. The method comprises the step of determining the spacing of the focal planes of a first illuminating light beam that has a first wavelength and of a second illuminating light beam that has a second wavelength; the step of scanning the specimen with the first illuminating light beam and generating a first partial image; the step of performing a relative displacement, by an amount equal to the spacing, between the specimen and the focal plane of the illuminating light beam of the second wavelength; the step of scanning the specimen with the second illuminating light beam and generating a second partial image; and the step of superimposing the first and second partial images to yield the multicolor image. Further more a microscope and a confocal scanning microscope are disclosed.

Abstract: A projection exposure lens system has an object side catadioptric system, and intermediate image and a refractive lens system. The refractive lens system from its intermediate image side and in the direction of its image plane has a first lens group of positive refractive power, a second lens group of negative refractive power, a third lens group of positive refractive power, a fourth lens group of negative refractive power, and a fifth lens group of positive refractive power.

Abstract: The current invention is directed to optical MEM devices and methods for making the same. MEM devices, in accordance with the current invention, have one or more movable micro-structures which are preferably ribbon structures or cantilever structures configured for modulating light. The movable micro-structures are patterned from a device layer comprising a silicon nitride under-layer, a reflective metal top-layer and a ceramic compensating layer. The ceramic compensating layer is provided. to reduce stress in the micro-structures which can lead to curvature. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention, the device layer is formed on a silicon substrate that is preferably etched with trenches before forming the device layer. The device layer is then patterned using lithographic masking and etching techniques to release the patterned device layer and form the movable micro-structures. Portions of the device layer which are formed over the trenches provide support for the released patterned device layer.

Abstract: A diffusing film comprises a transparent resin in which scatterers are dispersed. The difference between the refractive index of the transparent resin and that of the scatterers is in the range of 0.04 to 1.5. The scatterers are flat particles having sizes of 0.1 to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An exterior rearview mirror of a passenger motor vehicle has a retaining foot which can be fastened to a vehicle body in the region of a mirror triangle by fastening means. In order to simplify the installation and removal of an exterior rearview mirror of this type, the fastening means have at least one retaining bracket which is arranged on the retaining foot and is configured in such a manner that it can be hooked in gripping from behind at an edge of an opening formed in the vehicle body in the region of the mirror triangle. The fastening means have at least one latch which is arranged on the retaining foot and is mounted on the retaining foot in a manner such that it can be adjusted between an unblocking position, in which the latch, with the retaining bracket hooked in at the edge, unblocks the edge, and a locking position, in which the latch, with the retaining bracket hooked in at the edge, grips behind the edge.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a grating structure etched on a mirror substrate has a grating period causing diffracting, out of an optical path, a first incident radiation within a first band around a first wavelength. A multi-layer coating deposited on the grating structure reflects the first incident radiation, in the optical path, within the first band and a second incident radiation within a second band around a second wavelength. In another embodiment, a first multi-layer coating deposited on a mirror substrate reflects a first incident radiation within a first band around a first wavelength and a second incident radiation, in an optical path, within a second band around a second wavelength. A grating structure is deposited on the first multi-layer coating. The grating structure is etched to have a grating period causing diffracting, out of the optical path, the second incident radiation within the second band.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus (PE1) and exposure method for use in photolithographically manufacturing devices such as semiconductor devices, image pickup devices, liquid crystal display devices and thin film magnetic heads. The apparatus is capable of transferring onto a substrate (W) the image of a pattern on a reticle (R) and includes a light source (2) capable of supplying an exposure energy beam (IL) with a wavelength under 200 nm, and an illumination optical system arranged to receive the exposure energy beam from said light source. The illumination optical system is designed to guide the exposure energy beam to the reticle. The apparatus also includes a projection optical system (PL) arranged between the reticle and the substrate. The projection optical system is capable of forming an image of the reticle pattern onto the substrate based on the exposure energy beam passing through the reticle.

Abstract: A plurality of baffle rails (4C) extending along a front-rear direction of a vehicle body are provided on a periphery of a mirror body (4) of an automotive door mirror (1), at least on a surface (4A) opposite a side of the vehicle body. Wind that sweeps along the periphery of the mirror body (4) during driving of the automobile passes along the baffle rails (4C) to the end of the surface (4A) without deviating partway from the surface (4A). Accordingly, the wind noise of about 1-3 kHz like a whistle may be reduced. The baffle rails (4C), which may serve as an accent of patterning, are provided without marring the beautifully designed appearance of the mirror body (4). The automotive door mirror (1) with the baffle rails (4C) lends itself to injection molding of the mirror body (4), and thus may be easily manufactured.

Abstract: An ocular mounting assembly for adjustably mounting a pair of ocular devices, such as telemicroscopic loupes, to an eyeglass frame or head mount with linear and rotational adjustments, but with view angle being permanently preset in accordance with working distance. The ocular mounting assembly includes an adjustable ocular support assembly and an adjustable clamp assembly rotatably attached to the ocular support assembly. The ocular mounting assembly includes a housing and two slidable mounting arms to which the ocular devices are attached, the transverse cross-sectional shape of the housing interior and mounting arms being such that substantially all of the volume of the housing interior is consumed apart from close tolerances to facilitate the sliding motion, thus resulting in a structure which cooperates to assist in providing a substantially rigid assembly.

Abstract: A multi-layer anti-reflection coating for simultaneously coupling electromagnetic radiation of two different wavelengths, &lgr;1 and &lgr;2, where &lgr;1 is greater than &lgr;2, from a first region into a second region is provided. The first region has an index of refraction that is smaller than that of the second region. The anti-reflection coating comprises three layers: (a) a first layer and a third layer that are essentially invisible to &lgr;1 and serve to reduce Fresnel losses for &lgr;2 and (b) a second layer sandwiched between the first and third layers that serves to reduce Fresnel losses for &lgr;1. The thickness and the index of refraction are calculated for each layer.

Abstract: In an optical sheet 10 having a prism surface 16 formed by providing unit prisms 14 on the upper surface of a transparent base material 12, a coating layer 18 is provided on the reverse surface of the transparent base material opposite to the prism surface 16, spherical beads 20 are arranged projecting from the surface of the coating layer 18 by 1 to 10 &mgr;m in height, and the coating layer 18 is brought into contact with the flat and smooth surface 22A of the light-transmissive material 22 through the spherical beads 20 which are put between them. The spherical beads are 1 &mgr;m or less in half bandwidth of the distribution of particle diameters and are made uniform in height projecting from the coating layer 18.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a grating structure etched on a mirror substrate has a grating period causing diffracting, out of an optical path, a first incident radiation within a first band around a first wavelength. A multi-layer coating deposited on the grating structure reflects the first incident radiation, in the optical path, within the first band and a second incident radiation within a second band around a second wavelength. In another embodiment, a first multi-layer coating deposited on a mirror substrate reflects a first incident radiation within a first band around a first wavelength and a second incident radiation, in an optical path, within a second band around a second wavelength. A grating structure is deposited on the first multi-layer coating. The grating structure is etched to have a grating period causing diffracting, out of the optical path, the second incident radiation within the second band.

Abstract: A combination magnetic pick up tool and inspection mirror includes a telescoping handle with a connection fixture to a magnetic pick up element. A separable mirror assembly may be attached to the magnetic pick up element. The tool thus may include a mirror assembly or a magnetic pick up element at the top section or distal end of the tool and may be easily converted from an inspection mirror to a pick up tool.

Abstract: In a vehicle door mirror assembly, an outer mirror-holder that holds a rearview mirror is mounted to an inner mirror-holder attached to a vehicle body side. Elastic tabs disposed at the outer mirror-holder elastically press an abutment portion of the inner mirror-holder. Thus, it is possible to maintain an excellent assembled state with respect to the inner mirror-holder and the outer mirror-holder, and to reduce loosening between the inner mirror-holder and the outer mirror-holder. It is therefore also possible to suppress vibration of the mirror with respect to the inner mirror-holder and to improve anti-chattering performance of the mirror.

Abstract: This invention provides method and apparatus for fabricating a MEMS apparatus having a bulk element with hinges underneath. The bulk element may comprise single-crystal silicon, fabricated by way of bulk micromachining techniques. The hinges may be made of thin-films, fabricated by way of surface micromachining techniques. A distinct feature of the MEMS apparatus of the present invention is that by disposing the hinges underneath the bulk element, the surface of the bulk element can be maximized and the entire surface becomes usable (e.g., for optical beam manipulation). Such a feature would be highly advantageous in making arrayed MEMS device, such as an array of MEMS mirrors with a high optical fill factor. Further, by advantageously making use of both bulk and surface micromachining techniques, a MEMS mirror thus produced is equipped with a large and flat mirror along with flexible hinges, hence capable of achieving a substantial rotational range at modest electrostatic drive voltages.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: Antireflection multilayer coatings with only three or four layers are proposed for the production of laser resistant optical components with minimal residual reflection and high transparency for UV light in a wavelength range approx. 150 nm to approx. 250 nm at large angles of incidence in the range of approx. 70° to approx. 80°, particularly in the range between approx. 72° and approx. 76°. For incident p-polarized UV light three-layer systems can be used, in which a layer of low refractive material, in particular magnesium fluoride is arranged between two layers of high refractive material and, in the case of the specified wavelength, of minimally absorbent material, in particular of hafnium oxide or aluminum oxide. For example, this allows a residual reflection of perceptibly less than 1% to be achieved in the case of a wavelength of 248 nm at angles of incidence in the range between approx. 72° and approx. 76°.

Abstract: Light-reflective concave portions are disposed on the surface of a substrate. The concave portions have a first and second vertical section perpendicular to each other. The first vertical section has an internal shape defined by a first curve and a second curve, the first curve extending from one point on the peripheral edge of the concave portion to the deepest point of the concave portion, and the second curve extending continuously from the first curve and from the deepest point of the concave portion to another point on the peripheral edge of the concave portion. The average of the absolute value of an inclination angle of the first curve is larger than that of the second curve relative to the substrate surface. The second vertical section has an internal shape defined by a shallow curve and deep curves formed at both sides of the shallow curve.