Abstract: A monolithic element has a substrate body and at least one macro-optical characteristic integral in a first portion of the optical element. A plurality of surface micro-structures are integral in a portion of the optical element. The micro-structures are designed to homogenize light passing through the optical element to produce a predetermined pattern of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the optical element. The light exiting the optical element is therefore altered according to both the macro-optical characteristic of the optical element as well as the homogenizing characteristics of the micro-structures.

Abstract: An improved method for generating masters having a plurality of randomly distributed speckle suitable for making seamless light shaping diffusers of virtually any size and at low cost is disclosed herein. The method utilizes incoherent light to record a desired speckle pattern in a photosensitive medium which is then exposed in an imagesetter.

Abstract: A monolithic element has a substrate body and at least one macro-optical characteristic integral in a first portion of the optical element. A plurality of surface micro-structures are integral in a portion of the optical element. The micro-structures are designed to homogenize light passing through the optical element to produce a predetermined pattern of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the optical element. The light exiting the optical element is therefore altered according to both the macro-optical characteristic of the optical element as well as the homogenizing characteristics of the micro-structures.

Abstract: A monolithic element has a substrate body and at least one macro-optical characteristic integral in a first portion of the optical element. A plurality of surface micro-structures are integral in a portion of the optical element. The micro-structures are designed to homogenize light passing through the optical element to produce a predetermined pattern of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the optical element. The light exiting the optical element is therefore altered according to both the macro-optical characteristic of the optical element as well as the homogenizing characteristics of the micro-structures.

Abstract: A glass diffuser is fabricated by first producing a metal shim submaster or other high temperature resistant diffuser having a surface relief structure on one surface. A glass substrate material is heated to a suitable temperature and at least one exposed surface is thereby softened to a desired degree. The submaster diffuser, and particularly the surface relief structure, is then placed in contact with the exposed and softened glass substrate material in order to replicate the surface relief structure in the glass material. The submaster diffuser and the glass substrate are separated and then the glass is allowed to cool to form a glass diffuser.

Abstract: A device has a carrier and an optical element supported by the carrier. The optical element has a macro-optical characteristic and at least one surface. A light shaping surface microstructure is integral on the surface of the optical element. The microstructure homogenizes, shapes and controls directionality of light emanating from the surface of the optical element to produce a smooth, consistent and continuous pattern of light in a predetermined distribution shape and direction. The optical element can either transmit or reflect light incident on a portion of the device and the optical element.

Abstract: A diffuser master is provided which is manufactured mechanically instead of holographically. The master can be made from a suitable substrate including relatively hard materials such as plastic, glass or metal. A substrate having a first side is worked to form a diffuser surface relief structure thereon. The substrate can be buffed using a buffing agent of a selected grit in order to form surface scratches in the first side of the substrate. The substrate can also be blasted with shot particles in order to form indentations and depressions in the first side. The substrate can alternatively be acid or alkali etched in order to form surface irregularities in the first side. The scratches, depressions or irregularities can be formed in order to create a desired surface relief and hence desired diffuser output characteristics.

Abstract: A diffuser master is provided which is manufactured mechanically instead of holographically. The master can be made from a suitable substrate including relatively hard materials such as plastic, glass or metal. A substrate having a first side is worked to form a diffuser surface relief structure thereon. The substrate can be buffed using a buffing agent of a selected grit in order to form surface scratches in the first side of the substrate. The substrate can also be blasted with shot particles in order to form indentations and depressions in the first side. The substrate can alternatively be acid or alkali etched in order to form surface irregularities in the first side. The scratches, depressions or irregularities can be formed in order to create a desired surface relief and hence desired diffuser output characteristics.

Abstract: A diffuser master is provided which is manufactured mechanically instead of holographically. The master can be made from a suitable substrate including relatively hard materials such as plastic, glass or metal. A substrate having a first side is worked to form a diffuser surface relief structure thereon. The substrate can be buffed using a buffing agent of a selected grit in order to form surface scratches in the first side of the substrate. The substrate can also be blasted with shot particles in order to form indentations and depressions in the first side. The substrate can alternatively be acid or alkali etched in order to form surface irregularities in the first side. The scratches, depressions or irregularities can be formed in order to create a desired surface relief and hence desired diffuser output characteristics.

Abstract: A backlight assembly is disclosed having a light pipe and at least one light source located at an edge of the light pipe. The light pipe has a back surface and a front surface opposite the back surface. The light pipe also has one or more light directing, diffusing, turning, or brightness enhancing film layers adjacent the front surface. The light pipe also has an integral surface diffuser microstructure molded, embossed, or otherwise replicated in the front surface of the light pipe.

Abstract: A glass diffuser is fabricated by first producing a metal shim submaster or other high temperature resistant diffuser having a surface relief structure on one surface. A glass substrate material is heated to a suitable temperature and at least one exposed surface is thereby softened to a desired degree. The submaster diffuser, and particularly the surface relief structure, is then placed in contact with the exposed and softened glass substrate material in order to replicate the surface relief structure in the glass material. The submaster diffuser and the glass substrate are separated and then the glass is allowed to cool to form a glass diffuser.

Abstract: A beam deflector comprising a pair of mated microprism arrays with one of the arrays comprised of a variable refractive index material capable of being selectively changed in response to a field whose magnitude or intensity is regulated by regulating voltage applied. The other array preferably is comprised of a material having a constant refractive index. A conductive layer is disposed on both sides of the variable refractive index array. A pane preferably is disposed in front and behind the arrays. Two pairs of the arrays can be arranged parallel to each other with their microprisms generally perpendicular forming a two-dimensional deflector. To achieve a deflection response time faster than 100 &mgr;s, each prism has a height no larger than about 20 &mgr;m and a width preferably no greater than about 100 &mgr;m. Preferably, each prism height is less than about 15 to about 10 &mgr;m to achieve a response time 30 &mgr;s or faster.

Abstract: An apparatus for projecting light on to a predetermined area includes a light source and a transparent element disposed adjacent the light source where in the transparent element is made from a sol-gel type glass, quartz, or other optical material. A plurality of surface micro-structures integral in a surface of the transparent element are provided which both homogenize and control directionality of light passing form the light source through the transparent element. These micro-structures produce a predetermined pattern of highly transmissive, smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light in a predetermined direction which is suitable for any number of applications wherein a sol-gel material transparent element including the diffuser surface structures are particularly well suited.

Abstract: A surface light shaping diffuser (LSD) is formed from a monolithic glass material by recording light shaping structures on a surface of the material during its formation. A surface LSD is produced by embossing or molding light shaping structures onto a high quality optical glass or by embossing light shaping structures on a glass film layer coated onto a substrate. A rubber submaster carrying the light shaping structures is used as the master in such diffusers control the angular spread of transmitted light while homogenizing otherwise spatially noisy light sources such as LCDs and filamented light sources and while maintaining damage thresholds consistent with any glass optical element. The surface LSD has a transmission efficiency of over 90% from the Ultraviolet wavelengths through the physical spectrum and into the near-infrared.

Abstract: An improved method of making laminated optical components through the use of a master and several submasters is disclosed. A glass/photoresist master is made by recording optical surface features in the photoresist with coherent or incoherent light. The master is processed to reveal the surface features. A frame is fastened to the edges of the photoresist/glass master with edges rising slightly above the top surface of the master. Silicone rubber is poured into the frame over the photoresist layer and allowed to cure. The silicone rubber submaster is then separated from the photoresist/glass master. Use of silicon rubber permits separation of the submaster without damaging the master. Additionally, silicone rubber is less prone to shrinkage than prior art submasters thus permitting more accurate copying of the surface features of the photoresist/glass master. Subsequent epoxy replicas may then be made from the silicone rubber submaster.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing colored replicas are described. A method includes: combining a polymerizable varnish and a dye to form a composition, wherein the dye is substantially dissolved in the composition; and replicating a surface topography with the composition. The compositions and methods provide advantages in that surface topography is replicated in a color tinted polymer matrix with enhanced overall cost effectiveness.

Abstract: A simple, fast, and reliable method and apparatus are provided for replicating a light shaping surface structure on a laminated surface of a relatively rigid substrate. More specifically, after the substrate is mounted on a table and a layer of epoxy is deposited between the substrate and a submaster to produce a layered structure, the layered structure is automatically compressed in a nip formed between the table and an outer surface of a rotating impression roller, thereby replicating the surface structure in the epoxy layer. The epoxy is then cured, and the submaster is separated from the substrate to leave a laminated structure having the light shaping surface structure on a surface thereof. Preferably, the submaster is wrapped around the impression roller, and the impression roller is rotated while the table is reciprocated linearly to compress the layered structure in the nip.

Abstract: Apparatus for analyzing biological samples includes a unique surface which promotes adhesion, growth and optical analysis of samples. The unique surface is formed at the bottom of each well of a microplate and provides increased surface area with a distribution of features operative also to shape and redirect light used to sense test results. The unique surface may be used in forms such as a monolith, a microplate, a chamber, a flask and others.

Abstract: An autostereoscopic display system including: I) image signal electronics; II) a first projector including: A) a first light source 33; B) a first spatial light modulator 35 optically connected to said first light source and electrically connected to said image signal electronics; and C) a first image delivery system optically connected to said first spatial light modulator; III) a second projector connected to said first projector, said second projector including: A) a second light source 34; B) a second spatial light modulator 36 optically connected to said second light source and electrically connected to said image signal electronics; and C) a second image delivery system optically connected to said second spatial light modulator; IV) a fan-out multiplexer 39 optically connected to both said first image delivery system and said second image delivery system, said fan-out multiplexer being characterized by a viewing zone period and a viewing region period; and V) a binary head tracker 40 electrically connec

Abstract: An optical storage medium including a transparent polymer and an isomerizable AZO dye, the optical storage medium being coated as a water miscible solution on a substrate so as to form a film having a thickness of from .mu.m to 100 .mu.m storing information through birefringence and having a diffraction efficiency greater than 40% at a 1 millisecond response time. The isomerizable AZO dye remains in the film and is present in a concentration of from 4.5% to 25% based on the weight of the film.