Abstract: A bifocal multiorder diffractive lens having a lens body with one or more first regions having a first multiorder diffractive structure providing near vision correction, and one or more second regions having a second multiorder diffractive structure providing distance vision correction, in which the lens defines an aperture divided between the first and second regions. The lens body may be provided by a single optical element or multiple optical elements. In other embodiments, a bifocal multiorder diffractive lens is provided by a single or multiple element lens body having a multiorder diffractive structure for distance vision correction and one or more refractive regions to add power for near vision correction, or a single or multiple element lens body shaped for refractive power for distance vision correction and a multiorder diffractive structure for add power for near vision correction. Multiorder diffractive structures may be optimized for photopic and scotopic vision.

Abstract: Diffractive lenses for vision correction are provided on a lens body having a first diffractive structure for splitting light into two or more diffractive orders to different focal distances or ranges, and a second diffractive structure, referred to as a multiorder diffractive (MOD) structure, for diffracting light at different wavelengths into a plurality of different diffractive orders to a common focal distance or range. In a bifocal application, the first and second diffractive structures in combination define the base power for distance vision correction and add power for near vision correction of the lens. The first and second diffractive structures may be combined on the same surface or located on different surfaces of the lens. The first diffractive structure may have blazed (i.e., sawtooth), sinusoidal, sinusoidal harmonic, square wave, or other shape profile. A sinusoidal harmonic diffractive structure is particularly useful in applications where smooth rather than sharp edges are desirable.

Abstract: A bifocal multiorder diffractive lens having a lens body with one or more first regions having a first multiorder diffractive structure providing near vision correction, and one or more second regions having a second multiorder diffractive structure providing distance vision correction, in which the lens defines an aperture divided between the first and second regions. The lens body may be provided by a single optical element or multiple optical elements. In other embodiments, a bifocal multiorder diffractive lens is provided by a single or multiple element lens body having a multiorder diffractive structure for distance vision correction and one or more refractive regions to add power for near vision correction, or a single or multiple element lens body shaped for refractive power for distance vision correction and a multiorder diffractive structure for add power for near vision correction. Multiorder diffractive structures may be optimized for photopic and scotopic vision.

Abstract: Diffractive lenses for vision correction are provided on a lens body having a first diffractive structure for splitting light into two or more diffractive orders to different focal distances or ranges, and a second diffractive structure, referred to as a multiorder diffractive (MOD) structure, for diffracting light at different wavelengths into a plurality of different diffractive orders to a common focal distance or range. In a bifocal application, the first and second diffractive structures in combination define the base power for distance vision correction and add power for near vision correction of the lens. The first and second diffractive structures may be combined on the same surface or located on different surfaces of the lens. An optical element, such as a substrate or coating, may be integrated along one or both surfaces of the lens to provide the lens with smooth outer surface(s).

Abstract: A bifocal multiorder diffractive lens having a lens body with one or more first regions having a first multiorder diffractive structure providing near vision correction, and one or more second regions having a second multiorder diffractive structure providing distance vision correction, in which the lens defines an aperture divided between the first and second regions. The lens body may be provided by a single optical element or multiple optical elements. In other embodiments, a bifocal multiorder diffractive lens is provided by a single or multiple element lens body having a multiorder diffractive structure for distance vision correction and one or more refractive regions to add power for near vision correction, or a single or multiple element lens body shaped for refractive power for distance vision correction and a multiorder diffractive structure for add power for near vision correction. Multiorder diffractive structures may be optimized for photopic and scotopic vision.

Abstract: A bifocal multiorder diffractive lens is provided having a lens body with one or more first regions having a first multiorder diffractive structure providing near vision correction, and one or more second regions having a second multiorder diffractive structure providing distance vision correction, in which the lens defines an aperture divided between the first and second regions. Such one or more first regions may represent one or more annular rings, or other portion of the lens, and the second region may occupy the portion of the lens aperture outside the first region. The lens body may be provided by a single optical element or multiple optical elements. When multiple optical elements are used, the multiorder diffractive structures may be located along an interior surface of the lens.

Abstract: A writing apparatus (10) for forming images from digital data onto color motion picture film or other photosensitive medium (32), the apparatus employing a single spatial light modulator (30) and having an illumination system (14) comprising a dichroic prism (26) and a plurality of light sources (20). The dichroic prism (26) directs light from each light source (20) onto a common output axis, thereby providing an incident light beam for modulation by the spatial light modulator (30). The apparatus allows high-speed imaging optimized for photosensitive media (32). Additional sensor (12) and logic components allow writing apparatus (10) to adapt to different types of photosensitive media (32) without requiring any retooling or manual adjustment.

Abstract: A writing apparatus (10) for forming images from digital data onto color motion picture film or other photosensitive medium (32), the apparatus employing a single spatial light modulator (30) and having an illumination system (14) comprising a dichroic prism (26) and a plurality of light sources (20). The dichroic prism (26) directs light from each light source (20) onto a common output axis, thereby providing an incident light beam for modulation by the spatial light modulator (30). The apparatus allows high-speed imaging optimized for photosensitive media (32). Additional sensor (12) and logic components allow writing apparatus (10) to adapt to different types of photosensitive media (32) without requiring any retooling or manual adjustment.

Abstract: A linear light source for a film scanner is disclosed which includes an elongated light integrating cavity, formed within a solid illumination body, having diffusely reflective walls. Light is introduced into the cavity through an input port, and an output beam of diffuse light is produced through a slot which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the integrating cavity. In order to increase the efficiency of the light source, light is introduced into the cavity through a high collection non-imaging optical device formed as a hollow bore within the illumination body.

Abstract: A film scanner is disclosed which comprises a dynamic film gate. The film gate includes a pair of capstans for supporting the film at an imaging station and a pair of belts which clamp the film against the capstans. The capstans are driven to advance the film through the imaging station. An integrating cylinder, located between the capstans, produces a line of light on the film, and light transmitted through the film in imaged onto a linear CCD image sensor. In order to provide a more efficient drive mechanism for the capstans, the drive shaft for the capstans is incorporated in the integrating cylinder.

Abstract: A linear light source for a film scanner is disclosed which includes an elongated light integrating cavity having diffusely reflective walls. Light is introduced into the cavity through an input port, and an output beam of diffuse illumination is produced through a slot which is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the integrating cavity. A baffle is disposed in the cavity along the longitudinal axis to prevent light from passing directly from the input port to the output slot. In order to provide a light source which can be positioned closely adjacent the film in a film scanner, the surfaces of the integrating cavity walls adjacent the output slot are generally linear and are disposed at an angle to the optical axis of the output beam.