Abstract: Provided are a liquid crystal diffraction element that diffracts incident light while allowing transmission of the incident light and has wavelength selectivity, and a laminated diffraction element.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled optical wedge is formed by creating an adjustable voltage gradient along the length of a relatively large-sized LC cell. A pair of bias voltages (AC voltages) are applied at the opposing side terminations of the LC cell, their RMS values selected to create a continuous phase variation along the length of the cell, where a defined phase variation is associated with a specific beam steering angle. Adjustments in the applied bias voltages (specifically, changes in the RMS values of the bias voltages) result in changing the beam steering angle, providing for active, controllable beam steering as a function of time. The LC cell may be configured to provide either a linear or nonlinear continuous phase variation, as preferred for different beam steering applications.

Abstract: Provided is a driving method for a beam steering device having a metasurface optical phased array, the beam steering device includes a nano-antenna, a conductor, and an active layer arranged therebetween. The driving method includes comparing a first voltage to be applied to a first electrode of one of the nano-antenna and the conductor, with a second voltage applied immediately before the first voltage, and applying a correction voltage the first electrode of the other of the nano-antenna and the conductor and then applying the first voltage. The correction voltage is applied to the first electrode and has an electrical polarity different from an electrical polarity of the second voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for deflecting and/or modulating a laser radiation, wherein the laser radiation is a plurality of laser beams. The apparatus comprises a plurality of deflecting elements configured as mirror elements or transparent components, and movement apparatus that is capable of moving the plurality of deflecting elements individually or in groups. The movement apparatus comprises a plurality of piezo actuators which are capable of performing a translatory motion.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes an image source, a relay optical system, and an optical processing system. The image source is configured to display an image. The relay optical system is configured to project the image displayed by the image source to the optical processing system, and to image at infinity. The optical processing system is configured to project incident light from the relay optical system in a same direction to at least two preset directions sequentially.

Abstract: An image display device includes a flat panel display, a lens array layer, and a microstructure dynamic optical layer. The lens array layer is located at a side of a display surface of the flat panel display, and can adjust light field. The microstructure dynamic optical layer is located at the side of the display surface of the flat panel display, and can be switched to have a microstructure function or not to have the microstructure function. When being switched to have the microstructure function, the microstructure dynamic optical layer can modulate a direction of light emitted from the flat panel display. Accordingly, the image display device can display a 3D dimensional image floating in mid-air, and enables a user to see the 3D dimensional image at an oblique viewing angle. The image display device can be used in different ways according to practical applications.

Abstract: The opto-electronic module comprises a first substrate member; a second substrate member; a first spacer member comprised in the first substrate member or comprised in the second substrate member or distinct from and located between these, which comprises at least one opening; a light emission element arranged on the first substrate member; a first passive optical component; at least one of the first and second substrate members comprising one or more transparent portions through which light can pass, the first passive optical component being comprised in or distinct from the one or more transparent portions, and wherein the first passive optical component has adjustable optical properties. Such modules are well mass-producible in high precision and can be used in photo cameras, e.g., as flashes.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to a photonic apparatus. The photonic apparatus including a phase shifter that modulates a light wave propagated within the phase shifter by progressively shifting a phase of the light wave along a length of the phase shifter. The photonic apparatus includes optical outputs operably connected with the phase shifter at intervals along the length of the phase shifter. The optical outputs provide the light wave with different phases according to the intervals at which the optical outputs are spaced on the phase shifter.

Abstract: A beam steering apparatus, a method of driving the beam steering apparatus, and a spatial information acquisition apparatus using the beam steering apparatus, are provided. The beam steering apparatus includes a light source, and a steering array including elements having refractive indexes varying with a voltage driving the steering array, the elements being configured to control a direction of a beam from the light source and incident on the steering array. The beam steering apparatus further includes a driver configured to generate the voltage, based on an intermediate value of at least two voltages, and drive the steering array, based on the generated voltage.

Abstract: A device includes a waveguide grating out-coupler, and a tunable uniform phase shifter communicating with the waveguide grating out-coupler. The tunable uniform phase shifter steers a Hat phase front along a first angle in a first plane. Optionally, the waveguide grating out-coupler includes a modulated refractive index and a physical grating period. The tunable uniform phase shifter controls the refractive index, thereby controlling an effective grating period. The grating period relates to die modulated refractive index, and the physical grating period. Optionally, the tunable uniform phase shifter includes a first thermo-optic phase shifter, a first electro-optic phase shifter, or a first micro-electro-mechanical system index perturbation phase shifter. Optionally, the tunable linear gradient phase shifter communicates with the waveguide grating out-coupler and steers a beam along the flat phase front along a second angle in a second plane, which is perpendicular to the first plane.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device for realizing a transparent image. The display device includes a display panel, a source printed circuit board (PCB) on which a signal line is mounted, a control PCB on which a timing controller is mounted, and a circuit film connected to the display panel at one side of the circuit film and connected to the source PCB at another side. The source PCB and the control PCB are disposed to overlap each other.

Abstract: A laser apparatus comprising an aperture module array including two or more aperture modules, each aperture module of the array being optically couple-able to a source of coherent electromagnetic radiation and configured to emit a beam of radiation received from the source. The apparatus emits a composite beam comprising beams emitted by the respective aperture modules and modulates at least one of the beams in power and phase relative to at least one other of the beams such that a desired non-uniform composite beam profile is provided.

Abstract: A laser scanning microscope, which is switchable between different operating modes, wherein it contains, for switching in the illumination beam path, an electro-optical modulator (EOM) in a first beam path, which electro-optical modulator has arranged, upstream and downstream of it, adjustable first and second polarization-rotating elements and, downstream of it, at least one first polarization splitter for producing a second beam path, in which light-influencing means are located, wherein one or more of the following operating modes of the LSM can be set:—Single spot LSM—multispot LSM—single spot FMM—multispot FMM—FRAP system.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens is comprises: a plurality of lens units (1), and a driver circuit electrically-connected with the plurality of lens units respectively; each lens unit comprises: a common electrode (11), a signal electrode opposite to the common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer provided between the common electrode and the signal electrode; each signal electrode comprises: one or two conductive wires (25) with one end being electrically-connected to the driver circuit, and a resistive block (22) provided on a second substrate and opposite to the common electrode. The resistive block is electrically-connected with the conductive wire(s). Where the driver circuit applies a drive voltage through the conductive wire(s) to the resistive block, the liquid crystal layer provided between the resistive block and the common electrode has a lens function. A stereoscopic display device comprising a same liquid crystal lens is also disclosed.

Abstract: A beam steering apparatus includes a first beam steering stage and at least a second beam steering stage arranged in-line with the first beam steering stage. The first beam steering stage includes a first polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a first periodic director pattern, and the second beam steering stage includes a second polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a second periodic director pattern. In nonmechanical embodiments, a polarization selector may be arranged to provide a circularly polarized input beam incident on the first polarization grating. In mechanical embodiments, at least one of the first polarization grating and the second polarization grating may be operable to be independently rotated about an azimuth thereof. Related methods of operation are also discussed.

Abstract: A method for directing light beams includes generating a light beam along a light path. A voltage differential is created by generating a voltage in a first and second linear electrode contacts arranged such that the first and second linear electrical contacts alternate with each other. The light path is altered by passing the light beam through a liquid crystal device coupled to the first and second linear electrical contacts.

Abstract: Included is a light emitting unit, an optical deflector, a control unit, and a liquid crystal panel. The optical deflector includes a first optical deflector and a second optical deflector which are arranged side by side in a direction from a light incident side to a light emitting side. A maximum light deflection angle of the first optical deflector is smaller than a maximum light deflection angle of the second optical deflector, and a maximum light deflection speed of the first optical deflector is higher than a maximum light deflection speed of the second optical deflector. The first optical deflector includes a first optical deflection layer and a second optical deflection layer stacked in the direction from the light incident side to the light emitting side. Each of the first and second optical deflection layers includes the liquid crystal deflection elements arranged in the planar state.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, for optical switching. In one aspect, a wavelength selective switch includes one or more optical input ports; one or more optical output ports; a first optical wavelength dispersion element configured to separate the plurality of wavelength channels of the input optical beam; a second optical wavelength dispersion element configured to combine two or more separate optical beams each having one or more different wavelengths, into a combined beam having the plurality of wavelength channels; a polarization modulator array configured to independently change a polarization orientation of an optical beam passing through; optical components for directing optical beams corresponding to respective wavelength channels to different polarizing modulation cells; and a polarization beam splitter configured to route received optical beams to particular output paths according to polarization orientation.

Abstract: An optical switching device has multiple input ports and multiple output ports and is capable of switching a wavelength component from any of the input ports to any of the output ports. The optical switching device is configured with beam steering arrays that are controlled to provide the switching from any of the input ports to any of the output ports. The beam steering arrays may be microelectromechanical (MEMS) mirror arrays or liquid-crystal on silicon (LCOS) panels. In addition, an array of beam-polarizing liquid-crystal elements provides wavelength-independent attenuation.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens or beam steering device is made by programming alignment surfaces of the LC cell walls using a programming field to align the alignment surface molecules before fixing them. By setting the desired pre-tilt, the lens can operate in the absence of the control field, and power consumption by the control field can be reduced.

Abstract: A substrate guided relay includes multiple output couplers and multiple light valves positioned between the substrate and the output couplers. The number of light valves may be equal to the number of output couplers, or may be more or less than the number of output couplers. The light valves may be enabled sequentially, or may be enabled based on the position of a user's eye. The light valves may include liquid crystal material.

Abstract: An imaging system for imaging an object onto an image sensor, and which has a front side facing the object and a rear side facing away from the object, the rear side being arranged behind the front side as viewed from the object. Furthermore, the imaging system has a light entrance device at the front side through which light coming from the object can enter into the imaging system. In this case, the light traverses the beam path between object and image sensor. At least one first and one second optical element are likewise present and are arranged at the rear side in such a way that they can influence the beam path. The light entrance device has an electrically switchable liquid crystal element which deflects the beam path at at least one first angle and a second angle which is different from the first angle depending on the electrical switching state. A discretely switchable focal length change is realized by this electrically effected change in the beam path.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical element including a liquid crystal layer having a spatially-varying tilt angle includes coating a substrate with a linearly photopolymerizable polymer layer, irradiating the linearly photopolymerizable polymer layer with linearly polarized ultra-violet light at a oblique angle, and coating a layer of liquid crystal material on a surface of the irradiated linearly photopolymerizable polymer layer. The liquid crystal material has a predetermined relationship between its tilt angle and a total dose of the linearly polarized ultra-violet light. The linearly photopolymerizable polymer layer is irradiated with at least one dose of linearly polarized ultra-violet light that is sufficient to induce formation of a plurality of discrete regions within the liquid crystal layer having a larger in-plane birefringence than an adjacent or surrounding region.

Abstract: An optical system includes at least one lens and a liquid crystal optical element. The liquid crystal optical element is constructed so that a first liquid crystal lens and a second liquid crystal lens are oppositely arranged so that orientation directions cross at right angles with each other in a plane perpendicular to the optical axis, a voltage applied to the liquid crystal optical element is controlled and a shift of a focal position relative to incident light from a different object point is corrected, and when the liquid crystal optical element does not have a ray deflecting action, a far object point is brought into focus, while when the liquid crystal optical element has the ray deflecting action, a near object point is brought into focus.

Abstract: A variable optical device for controlling the propagation of light has a liquid crystal layer (1), electrodes (4) arranged to generate an electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer, and an electric field modulation layer (3,71) arranged between the electrodes and adjacent the liquid crystal layer for spatially modulating said electric field in a manner to control the propagation of light passing through said optical device. The electric field modulation layer has either an optical index of refraction that is essentially spatially uniform, or a polar liquid or gel, or a very high low frequency dielectric constant material having a dielectric constant greater than 20, and preferably greater than 1000.

Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes a first polarization grating (101), a second polarization grating (102), and a liquid crystal layer (103). The first polarization grating (101) is configured to polarize and diffract incident light (190) into first and second beams (195,196) having different polarizations and different directions of propagation relative to that of the incident light (190). The liquid crystal layer (103) is configured to receive the first and second beams (195,196) from the first polarization grating (101). The liquid crystal layer (103) is configured to be switched between a first state that does not substantially affect respective polarizations of the first and second beams (195,196) traveling therethrough, and a second state that alters the respective polarizations of the first and second beams (195,196) traveling therethrough.

Abstract: An electro-optical device comprises a liquid crystal material disposed in a cell and electrodes configured to bias the liquid crystal material into a generally in-plane director configuration having a non-constant spatial pattern selectable or adjustable by an in-plane component of the biasing to produce a desired refractive of diffractive optical effect.

Abstract: Devices and systems to perform optical alignment by using one or more liquid crystal layers to actively steer a light beam from an optical fiber to an optical waveguide integrated on a chip. An on-chip feedback mechanism can steer the beam between the fiber and a grating based waveguide to minimize the insertion loss of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light modulating device, comprising a SLM and a pixelated optical element, in which a group of at least two adjacent pixels of the SLM in combination with a corresponding group of pixels in the pixelated optical element form a macropixel, the pixelated optical element being of a type such that its pixels comprise a fixed content, each macropixel being used to represent a numerical value which is manifested physically by the states of the pixels of the SLM and the content of the pixels of the pixelated optical element which form the macropixel.

Abstract: An imaging system (200), such as a scanned laser projection system, includes one or more laser sources (201) configured to produce one or more light beams (204), and a light modulator (203) configured to produce images (206) from the light beams (204). Optional optical alignment devices (220) can be used to orient the light beams (204) into a combined light beam (205). A beam separator (221), which can be any of a birefringent wedge, compensated birefringent wedge, or a polymerized liquid crystal layer, is disposed between at least one of the laser sources (201) and the light modulator (203). The beam separator (221) is configured to receive light from the laser sources (201) and deliver two angularly separated and orthogonally polarized light beams (223) to the light modulator (203) so as to reduce speckle appearing when the images (206) are displayed on a display surface (207).

Abstract: An optically transparent electrically conductive structure having: an optically transparent substrate; an optically transparent buffer and barrier layers; a plurality of optically transparent, two-dimensional electron gas (2-DEG) carrier layers disposed on the substrate. A barrier layer is disposed over a corresponding one of the carrier layers. One of the carrier layers comprises: a GaN channel layer and wherein the barrier layer is Al1-xInxN or Al5yGa1-6yInyN where 0.10<x<0.30 and 0.05<y<0.17.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electro-optic unit. A lens unit disposed at an upper portion of a display panel has a plurality of lens part. An electro-optic unit is disposed between a display panel and a lens unit, and includes an electro-optic material layer formed as a graded refractive index lens in an electric field. A display device shows a two-dimensional and a three-dimensional image according to a mode of the electro-optic unit. A driving part may form the graded refractive index lens to have the same pitch as the pitch of the lens part. The graded refractive index lens may be formed as a convex lens or a Fresnel lens. The electro-optic unit is displayed to form the Fresnel lens. A driving method enhancing mode conversion velocity of the electro-optic unit is displayed.

Abstract: A polarized-light splitting device includes a transmissive base member having a base portion and pattern of ridges on the base portion, and a non-transmissive layer on the ridges, wherein the non-transmissive layer includes a light reflecting portion, and a light absorbing portion.

Abstract: A reflective display, comprising a plurality of pixels (10), each having a first electrode, a light-modifying layer (12), and a second electrode (3; 16) arranged to enable formation of an electric field in the light-modifying layer (12) through application of a voltage between the electrodes. The pixel (10) further includes an active portion (16) which is switchable between light-modifying states by means of said electric field, and an inactive portion (17). The inactive portion (17) is arranged for reflecting light so as to direct at least a fraction of incoming light (20) impinging on the inactive portion (17) towards the active portion (16). As a result, a contrast ratio of the reflective display is improved, since light is now directed from the inactive portion towards the active portion and thus contributes to the displayed image as observed by a viewer.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical beam steering. There is described an optical beam steering apparatus, comprising: a splitter arranged to split an optical beam into at least a first part having a first polarisation and a second part having a second polarisation, said first and second polarisations being substantially mutually orthogonal; a first liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said first part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said first polarisation; and a second liquid crystal device region arranged to receive said second part and to have director orientation substantially aligned to said second polarisation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a membrane structure for a diffractive phased array assembly is provided. The method includes the steps of providing a wafer having a body and at least a membrane layer and a backside layer disposed on opposite faces of the body, forming a grating pattern on a surface of the membrane layer, and forming a window through the wafer to expose a back surface of the membrane, thereby allowing light to pass through the membrane.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal optical modulation element which is excellent in durability against blue laser and which can maintain the characteristics for a long period of time. A liquid crystal optical modulation element to modulate a laser beam having a wavelength of at most 500 nm, which comprises a layer of a polymer liquid crystal composition sandwiched between a pair of transparent substrates facing each other, characterized in that each of the pair of transparent substrates has an alignment film on the surface which faces the other transparent substrate, and the polymer liquid crystal composition is a polymer liquid crystal containing a hindered amine compound and a hindered phenol compound.

Abstract: Systems and methods for electronically controlling the viewing angle of a display using liquid crystal optical elements are provided. Each liquid crystal optical element may be associated with a respective scattering module and may selectively steer a device generated light beam to one of two or more scattering regions of its associated scattering module. When a scattering region receives a steered light beam, the steered light beam may be scattered into a viewing cone having at least one viewing angle defined by a characteristic of that scatter region. Each liquid crystal optical element may be made from one or more suitable liquid crystal materials that can be controlled electronically to vary the effective index of refraction of one or more different regions of the liquid crystal optical element, thereby steering incoming light towards a particular one of two or more scattering regions of an associated scattering module.

Abstract: In an aspect, described herein is a dynamically controllable optoelectronic smart window which utilizes a diffraction grating for selective transmission or rejection of a specific region of the electromagnetic spectrum, for example the infrared, near-infrared and/or visible regions. Window embodiments described herein may further utilize a selectively controlled and/or patterned total internal reflection layer to assist with the selective rejection of a specific spectral region while allowing for transmission of another specific spectral region. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods for dynamically controlling the transmission or rejection of solar near-infrared and/or visible radiation.

Abstract: The use of spatial light modulators to steer light beams is disclosed. A dual frequency liquid crystal spatial light modulator can be controlled so as to form a blazed phase grating thereon that effects desire deflection of incident light.

Abstract: A variable optical device for controlling the propagation of light has a liquid crystal layer (1), electrodes (4) arranged to generate an electric field acting on the liquid crystal layer, and an electric field modulation layer (3,71) arranged between the electrodes and adjacent the liquid crystal layer for spatially modulating said electric field in a manner to control the propagation of light passing through said optical device. The electric field modulation layer has either an optical index of refraction that is essentially spatially uniform, or a polar liquid or gel, or a very high low frequency dielectric constant material having a dielectric constant greater than 20, and preferably greater than 1000.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal optical modulation element which is excellent in durability against blue laser and which can maintain the characteristics for a long period of time. A liquid crystal optical modulation element to modulate a laser beam having a wavelength of at most 500 nm, which comprises a layer of a polymer liquid crystal composition sandwiched between a pair of transparent substrates facing each other, characterized in that each of the pair of transparent substrates has an alignment film on the surface which faces the other transparent substrate, and the polymer liquid crystal composition is a polymer liquid crystal containing a hindered amine compound and a hindered phenol compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a smart mirror apparatus using an LCD panel. The smart mirror of the present invention includes a reflective mirror, which is provided in the vehicle, and an LCD panel, which is placed in a light path between the reflective mirror and eyes of the driver and has one or two polarizing sheets. The smart mirror further includes an incident light detecting unit, which detects both the brightness of the incident light transmitted from the rear to the LCD panel and the brightness around the LCD panel, and calculates a difference value therebetween. The smart mirror further includes a voltage determination unit, which receives the calculated difference value and determines the drive voltage depending on the difference value, and a voltage apply and supply unit which applies the drive voltage, determined by the voltage determination unit, to the LCD panel.

Abstract: To provide a liquid crystal optical modulation element which is excellent in durability against blue laser and which can maintain the characteristics for a long period of time. A liquid crystal optical modulation element to modulate a laser beam having a wavelength of at most 500 nm, which comprises a layer of a polymer liquid crystal composition sandwiched between a pair of transparent substrates facing each other, characterized in that each of the pair of transparent substrates has an alignment film on the surface which faces the other transparent substrate, and the polymer liquid crystal composition is a polymer liquid crystal containing a hindered amine compound and a hindered phenol compound.

Abstract: On one side of a liquid crystal layer, a first electrode is provided, and, on the other side of the liquid crystal layer, a second electrode, composed of a plurality of individual electrodes, and a third electrode are provided. The second and third electrodes have holes that are increasingly small away from the liquid crystal layer. When the potential at the third electrode is set equal to or lower than the potential at the second electrode, the liquid crystal layer acts as a convex lens; when the potential at the third electrode is set higher than the potential at the second electrode, the liquid crystal layer acts as a concave lens. The range in which the focal length can be varied depends on the diameters of the holes, and giving the holes of the different electrodes varying diameters helps widen the range. Moreover, conductors can be laid to reach the electrodes at the outer edges thereof so as not to directly face the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: An optical pickup device is equipped with a diffraction element (8) that includes liquid crystal, two transparent electrodes sandwiching the liquid crystal, and a liquid crystal control portion (21) with electrodes connected electrically to the transparent electrode for controlling a voltage to be applied between the two transparent electrodes. The diffraction element (8) is provided with two types of diffraction areas (19) and (20). Each of the diffraction areas (19) and (20) generate predetermined diffracted light only from one of different wavelengths of light beams. The transparent electrodes of the diffraction areas (19) and (20) that are patterned are connected electrically to different electrodes (22c) and (22a), respectively.

Abstract: The present application relates to a liquid crystal lens element and an optical head device, in particular order, to a liquid crystal lens capable of switching the focal length among a plurality of different focal lengths according to switching of applied voltage among a plurality of applied voltages, and an optical head device employing the liquid crystal lens, for writing and/or reading an information to/from an optical recording medium.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens element having a lens function capable of stably correcting spherical aberration containing a power component corresponding to focus change of incident light according to the magnitude of applied voltage. The liquid crystal lens element comprises a pair of transparent substrates 11 and 12, one (12) of the transparent electrodes is provided with a transparent electrode 15 and a Fresnel lens surface 17, and the other one (11) of the pair of transparent electrodes is provided with a phase correction surface 18 and a transparent electrode 16. Thus, by disposing a Fresnel lens surface 17 and a liquid crystal layer 13 between a pair of transparent electrodes 15 and 16, it becomes possible to change substantial refractive index distribution of the liquid crystal layer 13 according to the magnitude of applied voltage, and to add a positive or negative power to a wavefront transmitted through the liquid crystal layer 13, the Fresnel lens surface 17 and the phase correction surface 18.

Abstract: A liquid crystal diffraction lens element and an optical head device, which can switch focal lengths of both of outgoing light and returning light by a single element, are provided. The liquid crystal lens element comprises transparent substrates 1a, 1b, a liquid crystal 4 sandwiched between the transparent substrates 1a, 1b, transparent electrodes 2a, 2b, birefringent Fresnel lens members 3a, 3b each having a Fresnel lens shape and made of a birefringent material, and a seal 5, wherein the extraordinary refractive index direction A of the birefringent Fresnel lens member 3a and the extraordinary refractive index direction B of the birefringent Fresnel lens member 3b are perpendicular to each other, and the alignment direction of the liquid crystal 4 at the interface between the liquid crystal 4 and the transparent substrate 1a is perpendicular to the alignment direction of the liquid crystal 4 at the interface between the liquid crystal 4 and the transparent substrate 1b.

Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a pair of substrates, and an electro-optic material held between the pair of substrates, wherein one of the pair of substrates includes a condensing unit provided on the electro-optic material-side surface of the substrate in order to condense light incident on the substrate, and a functional layer provided to overlap at least the condensing unit in a plan view.