Abstract: An optical element includes a base having a curved depression formed in a front surface thereof and a formed layer arranged on the base. The formed layer includes a main part in the depression as viewed from a depth direction of the depression and an overhang on the front surface of the base while connecting to the main part. An opposite surface of the main part to a surface thereof on a side of an inner surface of the depression is formed like a concave curve that is concave in a same direction as the inner surface of the depression. A predetermined surface of the main part that is opposed to the inner surface of the depression is provided with an optical function part.

Abstract: A technique is provided which enables preparation of a curved grating having a desired curvature, by plastically deforming, along a curved substrate, a flat grating prepared by a semiconductor process on a silicon substrate, and which thus prepares a diffraction grating with high accuracy. A silicon flat grating prepared by a semiconductor process is transferred to an amorphous material, and the amorphous material substrate is curved and mounted on a curved fixed substrate, thus providing a curved grating having a crystalline material in which the generation of a dislocation line is restrained.

Abstract: A marking device is provided suitable for marking visible marks at equidistant points along a surface, where the device comprises a replaceable marker configured to durably apply a mark upon the surface from a fixed position, and further comprises a rotatable housing having an enclosed interior space, a removable face for securably and alternatively enclosing and exposing the interior space as desired, and an opening through which the marker may extend to contact the surface.

Abstract: A method for forming one or more patterns for a thin film photovoltaic material. The method includes providing a substrate including a molybdenum layer and an overlying absorber comprising a copper bearing species and a window layer comprising a cadmium bearing species. The substrate is supported to expose a surface of the window layer. In a specific embodiment, the method includes using a scribe device. The scribe device includes a scribe having a tip. The scribe device is configured to pivot about one or more regions and configured to apply pressure to the tip, such that the tip is placed on a selected region of the window layer or the absorber layer. The method moves the scribe device relative to the substrate in a direction to form a pattern on at least the window layer or the absorber layer at a determined speed maintaining the molybdenum layer free from the pattern.

Abstract: The template for ruling index cards is a guide for marking a number of parallel lines on an unruled writing surface, such as a 3?×5? index card. The template has a number of parallel slits spaced at predesignated distances from each other. Preferably, a template with horizontal slits is used in combination with a template having vertical slits to form a grid with horizontal and vertical rules for blocking letters, i.e., for creating blocks, which ensure uniform size and spacing of letters drawn on the index card. The template may be used to form a grid on a marking substrate, which is used as a guide for marking sweepstakes entries on the substrate. A transparency may be laid over the substrate, and cutouts formed corresponding to the entries to form a template for sweepstakes entries from the transparency.