Abstract: An optical system includes a substrate. An image sensor is on the substrate. The image sensor has an image plane. A lens barrel defines a mechanical axis that intersects the image sensor and image plane. The lens barrel has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). A lens mount is integrally formed with the lens barrel. The lens mount is connected to the substrate. The lens mount has a second CTE. At least one lens element is in the lens barrel on the mechanical axis and defines an optical axis. A last powered optical surface of the at least one lens element is spaced along the optical axis from the image plane by a back focal length. At least one of the first and second CTEs limiting a change in the back focal length as a result of a change in temperature of the optical system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating color video from a dual-context camera. A dual-context camera provides a first series of video frames encoded in accordance with a full color model and a second series of video frames encoded in accordance with an underdetermined color model. The two series of video frames are interleaved as to form a series of pairs of frames, each comprising a color video frame and an underdetermined video frame. An image merger generates a composite image for each pair of frames in the series of frames. The composite image includes a set of brightness values from the underdetermined video frame and a set of chrominance values from the color video frame. A color video source replaces the underdetermined image in each of the series of pairs of frames with the composite image generated for the pair of frames to provide a color video stream.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating an optical device include a pattern source that provides a pattern suitable for use in the evaluating the optical device. The optical device images the pattern to provide an image. The optical device has an optical device and an image sensor, with an associated image sensor plane. An image analysis system determines, from the image, a tip and a tilt for a component of the optical device relative to the image sensor plane that maximizes a depth of focus for the optical device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating color video from a dual-context camera. A dual-context camera provides a first series of video frames encoded in accordance with a full color model and a second series of video frames encoded in accordance with an underdetermined color model. The two series of video frames are interleaved as to form a series of pairs of frames, each comprising a color video frame and an underdetermined video frame. An image merger generates a composite image for each pair of frames in the series of frames. The composite image includes a set of brightness values from the underdetermined video frame and a set of chrominance values from the color video frame. A color video source replaces the underdetermined image in each of the series of pairs of frames with the composite image generated for the pair of frames to provide a color video stream.

Abstract: An optical system includes a substrate. An image sensor is on the substrate. The image sensor has an image plane. A lens barrel defines a mechanical axis that intersects the image sensor and image plane. The lens barrel has a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). A lens mount is integrally formed with the lens barrel. The lens mount is connected to the substrate. The lens mount has a second CTE. At least one lens element is in the lens barrel on the mechanical axis and defines an optical axis. A last powered optical surface of the at least one lens element is spaced along the optical axis from the image plane by a back focal length. At least one of the first and second CTEs limiting a change in the back focal length as a result of a change in temperature of the optical system.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for evaluating a modulation transfer function (MTF) of a device under test comprising a red/clear color filter. A pattern source provides a pattern. The device under test images the pattern to provide an image comprising a plurality of filtered pixels and a plurality of unfiltered pixels, each having an associated brightness value. An image analysis system determines, for each filtered pixel, an axis, of a plurality of axes, having a lowest curvature. A first axis of the plurality of axes is not orthogonal to a second axis. An interpolated image is generated having a new brightness value for each of the plurality of filtered pixels as a function of respective brightness values for a set of unfiltered pixels selected from a first-order Moore neighborhood of the pixel along the axis having the lowest curvature. The modulation transfer function is determined from the interpolated image.

Abstract: An industrially hardened terahertz electromagnetic transmitter and receiver module (29) is disclosed. The electromagnetic wave module has an optic (30) which relays an optical pulse from the delivery fiber (32) to the terahertz device. The relay optic (30) allows for a greatly reduced optical spot size as compared to the output of the optical fiber. Thus, the sensitivity of the overall system is enhanced by improving the efficiency of the terahertz device. The relay optic (30) allows the small spot of light to be aligned to the electromagnetic transmitter or receiver with sub-micron precision.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a patternable diffusing layer therein positioned between the display's substrates. The diffusing (or diffuser) layer includes a host material having a plurality of particles (e.g. substantially transparent spherical balls or spacers) provided therein in order to perform a diffusion function. The refractive index n.sub.p of the particles is different (i.e. .DELTA.n) from the refractive index n.sub.h of the host material by at least about 0.05, and .DELTA.n is preferably from about 0.05-0.15. In certain embodiments, photoimageable color filters, with diffusing particles embedded therein, function as discrete diffusing members across the passive substrate. In other embodiments, a substantially continuous diffusing layer with a transparent host, including spherical balls embedded therein, may be provided across the passive substrate between the substrate and the color filters.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display includes a patternable diffusing layer therein positioned between the display's substrates. The diffusing (or diffuser) layer includes a host material having a plurality of particles (e.g. substantially transparent spherical balls or spacers) provided therein in order to perform a diffusion function. The refractive index n.sub.p of the particles is different (i.e. .DELTA.n) from the refractive index n.sub.h of the host material by at least about 0.05, and .DELTA.n is preferably from about 0.05-0.15. In certain embodiments, photoimageable color filters, with diffusing particles embedded therein, function as discrete diffusing members across the passive substrate. In other embodiments, a substantially continuous diffusing layer with a transparent host, including spherical balls embedded therein, may be provided across the passive substrate between the substrate and the color filters.