Abstract: A phosphor comprising a crystalline phase having a composition expressed by Formula [1] below, a crystal system of the phosphor being a hexagonal crystal system, MmAaAlbSicN40??[1] (in Formula [1] M denotes an activating element, A denotes one or more types of elements selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal elements, and m, a, b and c denote values that satisfy expressions below independent from each other 0<m?0.2 1.2?a?5.6 2.4?b?11.2 18.8?c?27.6).

Abstract: A phosphor comprising a crystalline phase having a composition expressed by Formula [1] below, a crystal system of the phosphor being a hexagonal crystal system, MmAaAlbSicN40??[1] (in Formula [1] M denotes an activating element, A denotes one or more types of elements selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metal elements, and m, a, b and c denote values that satisfy expressions below independent from each other 0<m?0.2 1.2?a?5.6 2.4?b?11.2 18.8?c?27.6).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a color filter, which comprises the steps of forming a black matrix pattern with a resin on a transparent base, conducting a surface-state-modifying treatment to increase surface energy of the surface of the base at areas corresponding to spaces of the black matrix pattern, and applying inks to the portions of the base corresponding to the spaces of the black matrix pattern.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a process for producing a color filter, which comprises the steps of forming a pre-cured black matrix pattern having a water repellency on a transparent substrate, applying color inks to the portions of the substrate corresponding to the spaces of the pre-cured black matrix pattern, and complete curing the pre-cured black matrix.

Abstract: A method for forming a glass preform into an optical element utilizing a formation chamber having a central axis and including a plurality of glass preform heaters, a plurality of glass preform pressing molds, and a conveyor, an exchanging chamber and a controller, comprises the steps of providing the heaters and the pressing molds along a circular path substantially concentric with the formation chamber and providing the conveyor to rotate coaxially with the central axis of the formation chamber. The operating condition of the heater is detected, the glass preform is conveyed from the exchanging chamber to a heater based on the detected condition of the heaters, and the glass preform is heated.

Abstract: A mold structure for press molding, including an upper mold member and a lower mold member in a sleeve member in longitudinally slidable manner. The mold includes a member for limiting the movement of the lower mold member with respect to the sleeve member in a direction in which the lower mold member is separated from the upper mold member, and a ring member mounted on the upper end face of the sleeve member. The ring member is provided, in the longitudinal direction of the sleeve member, with at least three penetrating holes in which pins with same length are detachably inserted, and the upper mold member has an impinging face to be brought into contact with the pins in the pressing operation, thus determining the thickness of the molded article.

Abstract: A method of molding an optical element by pressing glass material uses a cavity composed of a pair of mold members and a side mold member. Either or both of the pair of mold members are rendered slidable along the axial direction of the optical element within the side mold member used during the pressurized molding operation, so that the pair of mold members move in close contact with the contracting glass along the axial direction in the side mold member, during the cooling subsequent to the pressurized molding due to adhesion between the contracting glass and either or both of the pair of mold members. The contraction of the glass during the cooling phase is limited by the adhesive force between the glass and the mold members when at least one of the pair of mold members traverses a gap and reaches a limit of travel; thus tension will be created in the glass.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing an optical element, in which a molding material is put in molds and is heated and press-molded to manufacture an optical element, a preheating treatment of the molding material is performed before it is put in the molds at a reduced pressure and a temperature lower than a temperature during the press molding.

Abstract: Disclosed is a glass press molding method which comprises a step of heating glass material and a mold die composed at least of an upper mold die and a lower mold die for molding the glass material;a step of pressing the glass material by means of the mold die;plural pallets for supporting the glass material and the mold die, each of the pallet supporting the glass material and the mold die in independent manner;a step of transporting, in succession, the pallets each supporting the glass material and the mold die; anda step of transferring the glass material, prior to the pressing step, in such a manner as to place the glass material, heated to a predetermined temperature in the heating step, between the lower mold die and the upper mold die, and to transfer the pallet with the glass material inserted in the mold die to the pressing step.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for producing optical elements, provided with a conveyor for transporting carriers for materials of optical elements into an evacuatable process chamber, and with a heating system for the material supported by the carrier, a forming system for the material supported by the carrier while the material is heated by the heating system, and a system for depositing a thin film to the material formed by the forming system and supported by the carrier.