Abstract: An apparatus for the pixel-integrated return of fluid in the pixel of a fluidic display is characterized in that the fluid with which the desired information is to be displayed and/or the carrier fluid in which the fluid is optionally embedded can be returned in a particularly compact manner and in a manner which is invisible to an observer past the visible part of a pixel (image compartment) into a reservoir (reservoir compartment) through or out of the reservoir. The device comprises an image compartment, a reservoir compartment, a connecting duct and at least one return duct, whereby the at least one return duct is formed by the fact that the connecting duct has at least one area with an uninterruptedly enlarged cross section which transitions in a specified manner into the cross section of the original cross section.

Abstract: An electrowetting optical device includes a cell surrounded by a light-incident surface, a light-exit surface, and a plurality of side surfaces, an electrode portion formed along the light-incident surface, the electrode portion including a plurality of electrodes, an insulation layer covering at least a portion of the electrode portion, an oil layer within the cell, the oil layer contacting the electrode portion, an aqueous solution layer filled in the cell, the aqueous solution layer contacting the oil layer, and a light source emitting light onto the light-incident surface. A method of controlling a voltage of the electrowetting optical device is also provided.

Abstract: An electro-wetting display panel including a first substrate, an insulator layer, a second substrate, partitioning structures, and electro-wetting display mediums. The first substrate has a plurality of first electrodes. The insulator layer is disposed on the first substrate to cover the first electrodes. The second substrate located above the first substrate and has a plurality of second electrodes. The partitioning structures are disposed on the insulator layer and each defines a pixel region, respectively. At least one of the partitioning structures has a flow channel surrounding the pixel regions, and the flow channel is connected to one of the pixel regions correspondingly. The electro-wetting display mediums are disposed within the pixel regions and the flow channels. When the electro-wetting display mediums are driven by the electric charge between the first electrodes and the second electrodes, the electro-wetting display mediums move between the pixel regions and the flow channels.

Abstract: An electro-optical device, e.g., a suspended particle device (SPD) adapted for controlling the transmission of radiation wherein the device is provided with at least one layer of an overcoating adapted to enhance adhesion on at least a portion of a surface between a film serving as a light modulating element and electrode means for applying an electrical field to said film, wherein the overcoating is formed from a material comprising a member selected from the group consisting of (a) titanium dioxide (TiO2) alone and (b) a combination of SiOx and an inorganic material having an index of refraction at 589 nm greater than 1.54. A method of producing the device with the application of such overcoating is additionally described.

Abstract: An optical device includes: a sealed container having edge walls facing each other in a thickness direction of the container and a side wall connecting both of the edge walls; a first liquid with polarity or electrical conductivity and sealed within the container; a second liquid that is sealed within the container and does not mix with the first liquid; and a voltage applying unit for applying a voltage across the first liquid. The first liquid and the second liquid have equal specific gravity, and transmissivity of the first liquid is lower than the transmissivity of the second liquid. An interface between the first liquid and the second liquid changes shape in response to a voltage applied by the voltage applying unit. A light transmission path that passes through the edge walls and extends in a direction of the thickness of the container is formed.

Abstract: An optical element includes a container including first and second end face walls, a side face wall, and an accommodating chamber inside the walls; first and second liquids enclosed in the chamber; a first electrode provided on a surface of the first end face wall; a second electrode provided on a surface of the second end face wall; an insulating film provided on a surface of the second electrode; and a unit configured to apply a voltage. The shape of an interface between the liquids is changed by a voltage application, and a light transmission path, the center of which is a virtual axis passing through the end face walls in the thickness direction of the container, is formed in a portion of the second liquid. An opening having a diameter the same as or larger than the maximum diameter of the transmission path is provided in the first electrode.

Abstract: An optical switch, e.g., a display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids, e.g., oil in a first state, adjoins at least a first support plate and, in the second state, the other fluid at least partly adjoins the first support plate, in which picture elements are separated by areas having a hydrophilic surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for aligning the two images (528) of a binocular eyewear display (500, 600) with respect to their vertical and horizontal alignment, and magnification. The method for aligning images comprise generating a signal from a display modification system (718) based on stored values indicative of misalignment of the binocular eyewear display (500, 600); and adjusting, in accordance with the signal, an image (528, 1052, 1152, 1252) to be displayed. The reflection angle of one or more electrowetting devices (708, 1000, 1300) is modified to move the image in an X and/or Y direction, or to focus the image.

Abstract: Electrowetting display devices are presented. The electrowetting display includes a first substrate and an opposing second substrate with a transparent polar fluid layer and an opaque non-polar fluid layer insoluble with each other and interposed between the first and second substrates. A first transparent electrode is disposed on the first substrate. A second transparent electrode is disposed on the second substrate. A dielectric layer is disposed on the second transparent electrode. A reflective plate structure is interposed between the second transparent electrode and the second substrate, thereby defining a reflective region and a transmission region. A backlight plate is disposed on the back of the second substrate. During operation, the opaque non-polar fluid converges, therefore, exposing equal areas of reflective region and transmission region.

Abstract: An exemplary electro-wetting display (EWD) device includes a plurality of sub-pixel units. Each sub-pixel unit defines two opposite long sides and two opposite short sides. Each sub-pixel unit includes a first substrate, a second substrate facing toward the first substrate, a conductive first liquid and a polar second sandwiched between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an electrode. The first and second liquids are immiscible. The electrode is disposed at a surface of the second substrate facing the first liquid. The electrode defines an opening. A length of the opening as measured parallel to the nearest short side is not less than 0.8 times a length of the nearest short side.

Abstract: A switchable optical element has a fluid chamber including immiscible first and second bodies of fluid disposed relative to one another along an optical axis of the element. The second body of fluid is movable in a direction away from the optical axis (A) by electro-wetting action, giving the switchable optical element a changeable transmissivity along the optical axis.

Abstract: The invention in microgravity uses the natural effect of capillary action and surface tension of a liquid substance inside a cylindrical chamber to form a curved meniscus suitable to use in a space telescope. The geometry of the meniscus can be controlled by using a boundary line that fixes the contact point of the meniscus and then controlling the volume of the liquid. The meniscus geometry can then be controlled to form a reflective liquid mirror dish that is suitable to use in a space telescope.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming device. The image forming device includes: a light source for emitting light; a liquid lens configured to allow a focal point of the liquid lens to be adjusted and which focuses the light on an imaging plane; and drive means for driving the liquid lens to scan the focal point. The drive means scans the focal point to scan the light on the imaging plane, thereby forming an image.

Abstract: An exemplary electro-wetting display (EWD) device (30) includes a first substrate (31), a second substrate (39) facing the first substrate, a hydrophobic insulator (36) provided between the first and second substrates, a first fluid (33), a second fluid (32) and colored layers (38). The first fluid and the second fluid are immiscible and disposed between the hydrophobic insulator and the first substrate. The second fluid is electro-conductive or polar. The first fluid is located between the hydrophobic insulator and the second fluid. Colored layers may be located between the hydrophobic insulator and the second substrate.

Abstract: A large number of holes are formed in a two-layered porous film sandwiched between a lower substrate and an upper substrate and filled with a light transmitting liquid and fine particles. When a voltage is applied between an upper electrode and a lower electrode, migration of the fine particles, takes place based on electrophoresis. White color is displayed when the fine particles are located on an upper transparent porous film side and black color is displayed when the fine particles are located on a lower black porous film side. Color display is also possible by periodically repeating three primary colors of RGB in the lower layer porous film or arranging a color filter on the transparent upper substrate. Bubbles-containing fine particles or bubbles themselves may be employed in place of the fine particles.

Abstract: A flexible display comprises a flexible dielectric layer (2) having a conductive layer (3) on one side and a hydrophobic layer (1) on the other side. Two fluids (4, 5) are located on the hydrophobic surface, the fluids being immiscible with one another. One fluid is a liquid conductor (5). When a potential is applied between the conductive layer and the liquid conductor the interface between the two fluids changes.

Abstract: Display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids (5) e.g oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate (3) and in the second state the other fluid (6) at least partly adjoins the first support plate. In one embodiment a picture element corresponds to a substantially closed space and in the first state the other fluid layer substantially completely adjoins both support plates and is divided in two sub-layers. This makes it possible on the one hand to use lower voltages to make displacement occur. On the other hand this opens the opportunity to color displays.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shutter for an optical imaging system, e.g. a digital camera. The shutter comprises an interface between a transparent body and a capillary space. Light rays introduced to the active area of the interface are reflected by total internal reflection when the capillary space is filled with a gas. The light rays are transmitted through the interface when the capillary space is rapidly filled with a liquid. Thus, the light rays are either absorbed or reflected towards an image sensor, depending on the state of the shutter. The liquid is delivered to the capillary space through at least one duct which is positioned opposite the active area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shutter for an optical imaging system. An amount of opaque fluid is moved in a planar capillary space to open and close the shutter. Depending on the position of the opaque fluid with respect to an optical path passing through the capillary space, the fluid opens or blocks the optical path. In an embodiment, the opaque fluid is moved by a pressure differential caused by a diaphragm which is coupled to a piezoelectric actuator. In another embodiment, the opaque fluid is moved by electrostatic forces.

Abstract: A variable aperture includes a chamber, a transparent and electrically conductive aqueous solution, an opaque and electrically non-conductive oily solution, a transparent insulative and hydrophobic layer, a first electrode and a second electrode assembly. The chamber includes a first transparent portion and a second transparent portion located on opposite sides. The aqueous solution and the oily solution are contained in the chamber thus forming a contact interface therebetween. The transparent insulative and hydrophobic layer is arranged between the oily solution and the second transparent portion. The first electrode is arranged electrically contacting the aqueous solution. The second electrode assembly is arranged adjacent to the second transparent portion, and includes a transparent circular electrode and a plurality of concentric transparent annular electrode surrounding the transparent circular electrode, the circular electrode being insulated from the annular electrode.

Abstract: An optical shutter for a display device includes a partition wall surrounding and isolating a light-transmitting portion; a polar liquid having polarity, allowing light transmission, and placed at the light-transmitting portion; a nonpolar liquid having no polarity, blocking light, and placed at the light-transmitting portion; an insulator having hydrophobic properties and disposed over the entire light-transmitting portion; and first and second electrodes that are different. When no voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes, the nonpolar liquid spreads near the insulator, becomes stable, and thus blocks the light. When a voltage is applied across the first and second electrodes, the polar liquid gravitates toward the insulator because of a change in wettability of the insulator against the polar liquid and causes the nonpolar liquid to collect in part of the light-transmitting portion according to the level of the voltage, thereby controlling the amount of transmission of light.

Abstract: A switchable optical element having a first discrete state and a different, second discrete state. The element comprises a fluid system including a first fluid (44) and a different, second fluid (46), a wavefront modifier (26) having a face (28); and a fluid system switch for acting on the fluid system to switch between the first and second discrete states of the element. When the element is in the first discrete state, the face (28) of the wavefront modifier (26) is substantially covered by the first fluid (44). When the element is in the second discrete state, the face of the wavefront modifier is substantially covered by the second fluid (46). The fluid system switch comprises a configuration of electrodes arranged to act on the fluid system by the application of electrowetting forces and a voltage control system arranged to control voltages applied to the configuration of electrodes to switch between the first and second discrete states of the element.

Abstract: A variable aperture includes a chamber, a transparent and electrically conductive aqueous solution, an opaque and electrically non-conductive oily solution, a transparent insulative and hydrophobic layer, a first electrode and a second electrode assembly. The chamber includes a first transparent portion and a second transparent portion located on opposite sides. The aqueous solution and the oily solution are contained in the chamber thus forming a contact interface therebetween. The transparent insulative and hydrophobic layer is arranged between the oily solution and the second transparent portion. The first electrode is arranged electrically contacting the aqueous solution. The second electrode assembly is arranged adjacent to the second transparent portion, and includes a transparent circular electrode and a plurality of concentric transparent annular electrode surrounding the transparent circular electrode, the circular electrode being insulated from the annular electrode.

Abstract: An exemplary shutter includes a chamber; a transparent, hydrophobic dielectric layer; a light-tight (i.e., non-transparent), insulating oily layer; a transparent conductive aqueous layer; and a pair of electrodes. The chamber has a pair of opposing transparent plates. The dielectric layer, the oily layer, and the aqueous layer are accommodated in the chamber, in that order, from one of the pair of transparent plates to the other. The pair of the electrodes is configured for generating an electric field to induce an electrowetting effect in the aqueous layer.

Abstract: A display device comprising the following arranged from light input side in the order listed below: a first reflector having a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective property; a translucent porous body having a plurality of pores in which a translucent material is filled, each of the pores having a substantially smaller diameter than the wavelength of input light; and a second reflector having a perfect reflection property, or a semi-transmissive and semi-reflective property. The average complex refractive index of the translucent porous body is changeable with respect to each display dot, and the wavelength of light absorbed by the translucent porous body is changeable with respect to each display dot according to the average complex refractive index. In this way, the input light is modulatable, and the modulated light is outputted from the first reflector and/or the second reflector to perform image display.

Abstract: An exemplary display device based on layer displacement having a perforated white substrate positioned close to a transparent substrate. Layer (fluid) displacement such as oil movement results in the (colored) oil film being pumped in a controlled manner above the white substrate. Fluids of three subtractive colors can be independently pumped to separate spaces. Based on the color strength of the used fluids good color rendition can be obtained for a flow channel thickness of less than 25 microns and therefore a total pixel thickness including the sub pixel reservoirs of less than 200 microns.

Abstract: An electrowetting optical device includes a cell surrounded by a light-incident surface, a light-exit surface, and a plurality of side surfaces, an electrode portion formed along the light-incident surface, the electrode portion including a plurality of electrodes, an insulation layer covering at least a portion of the electrode portion, an oil layer within the cell, the oil layer contacting the electrode portion, an aqueous solution layer filled in the cell, the aqueous solution layer contacting the oil layer, and a light source emitting light onto the light-incident surface. A method of controlling a voltage of the electrowetting optical device is also provided.

Abstract: A light emitting device includes a light emitting portion provided on a reference plane to supply light, and an optical portion provided on the output side of the light emitting portion to transmit light from the light emitting portion. In the device, the optical portion is formed so that its refractive index periodically changes in a two-dimensional direction approximately parallel to the reference plane, and the optical portion can be formed separately from the light emitting portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer gel composition including: at least two polymer compounds which interact with each other to form a polymer complex; and a liquid. One of the polymer compounds forms a three-dimensional crosslinked structure, at least one other polymer compound is compatible with the liquid, and at least a portion of the compatible polymer compound is included in the three-dimensional crosslinked structure. Preferably, when the polymer complex is disassembled or decomposed by stimuli, the polymer compound forming the three-dimensional crosslinked structure changes its volume by absorbing or releasing the liquid. The three-dimensional crosslinked structure is preferably in a particle shape. An optical device using such a polymer gel composition is also provided.

Abstract: In a 2D/3D display, a switchable lenticular array having foci which can be switched in a continuous way between first focal strength and a second focal strength is provided. The switchable lenticular array comprises fluid cylindrical lens portions, while the foci can be controlled by electrowetting.

Abstract: A light-filtering element for a display device is provided. The element includes at least one filter having a chamber with a filtering fluid, the filtering fluid selectively disposed in an optical path, and a liquid motion actuator selectively configured to move the filtering fluid substantially into and out of the optical path.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical system that has superior optical characteristic and wear resistance and can be formed at low temperatures. An optical system 101 for adjusting visible light transmittance to have a desired value comprises fluoride 103, and at least part of the optical system has a crystal grain diameter of 3 nm to 10 nm. The fluoride 103 has a specific surface area of 1 m2/g to 5 m2/g.

Abstract: Pixels of a display device include a reservoir containing two immiscible fluids. Switching of a pixel state is based on redistribution of the fluids within the reservoir due to electrostatic forced applied onto electrodes, and a potential applied to one of the fluids which is electrically conducting.

Abstract: A light-filtering element for a display device is provided. The element includes at least one filter having a chamber with a filtering fluid, the filtering fluid selectively disposed in an optical path, and a liquid motion actuator selectively configured to move the filtering fluid substantially into and out of the optical path.

Abstract: An electrostatic micromechanical device with continuously variable displacement, that includes: a movable member having a first electrode; an opposing surface having a second electrode; a channel separating the movable member from the opposing surface; a liquid situated in the channel, wherein the liquid has a sufficiently high dielectric constant so as to enable continuously variable and stable control of a displacement of the movable member over a travel range spanning at least half of the channel; the displacement being a result of a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode; and at least one solid dielectric layer physically situated between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A tunable filter having a top mirror, a bottom mirror, and one or more intervening layers. The one or more intervening layers preferably have a refractive index that changes with temperature. By heating the one or more intervening layers, the wavelength that is selected by the optical filter can be controlled. The one or more intervening layers are preferably heated by passing current through the one or more intervening layers, or by passing current through a separate resistive layer that is thermally coupled to the one or more intervening layers. Such a filter can provide a high degree of wavelength selectivity in a robust and stable manner.

Abstract: A visible light modifier and method provide a new visual display. A projection is generated by the visible light modifier that includes a monochromatic or chromatically separated light beam having variations generating a stunning visual display. The display may be used in advertising, entertainment, psychotherapy and anywhere that attention-getting or mood-altering visual displays are desired. The visible light modifier includes a fluid refractive medium within a container and a a mirror positioned within the fluid refracting medium at a predetermined angle so that for multi-chromatic sources an angular chromatic separation is achieved in a beam reflected from the reflective surface through the refractive medium, or for monochromatic sources, a projected beam having a shape variance is achieved. Motion of the fluid generates variations in the shape and/or chromatic distribution within the reflected beam, which can be projected on a screen or other suitable background.

Abstract: A double glass system is disclosed in which not only the sunbeams are completely shielded, but also the firefighting is made easier at a fire accident. An incombustible or combustion-resistant liquid with a pigment added therein is used as the solution to be supplied into the double glass. Thus the double glass can shield the sight and the sunbeams, and can serve as a compartment wall, while it is helpful to firefighting at a fire accident, because the solution generates a fire-suppressing gas upon being burned. Thus the functions of the double glass are diversified. Further, an opaque liquid such as mercury is used in place of the solution, so that a sunbeam-shielding effect, a sight blocking effect (to the required degree) and a mirror effect can be obtained. Mercury is supplied into double glass by expanding the mercury and the air by heating them, and therefore, a driving means such as pump is not required.

Abstract: A processing method for selectively reducing or removing the region to be exposed with energy ray in a film formed on a substrate, comprising relatively scanning a first exposure light whose shape on the substrate is smaller than the whole first region to be exposed against the whole first region to be exposed to selectively remove or reduce the first region to be exposed, and exposing a whole second region to be exposed inside the whole first region to be exposed with a second exposure light to selectively expose the whole second region to be exposed.

Abstract: An internal field activated display sheet is disclosed which comprises a medial plane disposed between reservoirs in the display sheet. The reservoirs communicate with each other through apertures in the medial plane, which includes a plurality of conductors. At least one of the reservoirs is filled with a liquid means, which is responsive to a peristaltic internal field developed within the medial plane. Applying a field across selected apertures in the medial plane causes the liquid means to be electrically pumped from one reservoir into the other, thereby displaying an image.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for fluid processing a plurality of ophthalmic lenses in a tank of fluid includes rotation of the carrier frame holding the lenses in the tank between the first and second stages of fluid processing. The rotation of the carrier frame ensures complete fluid processing of the lenses as well as consistent location of the lenses following removal from the tank.

Abstract: A projection type image display apparatus includes a light source emitting light, a polarization device transmitting light polarized in one direction of incident light emitted from the light source, a reflection type image generating unit generating a color image from incident light and reflecting the generated color image to proceed along a path different from a path of the incident light, a light deflection device deflecting the image reflected by the image generating unit, and a projection lens unit magnifying and transmitting the image generated by the image generating unit and deflected by the light deflection device to proceed toward a screen. Thus, a full color can be realized with respect to the area of a pixel, and an efficiency in use of light and resolving power can be improved.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method whereby an optical signal representing the amount of ionizing light of at least a gas in the proximity of an object is displayed and/or recorded. Said method is characterized in that it consists in: gradually increasing (D1) the voltage (U) between the object and the conductor element up to a final value (U2) wherein the maximum brightness (L1) is observed; determining, as first characteristic value of the object, the value of the voltage (U2) as from which the brightness (L2) is not less than about 10% of the maximum brightness (L1) and in determining, as second characteristic value of the object, the voltage value as from which the brightness (L3) of the signal is not less than about 90% of the maximum brightness (L1). The installation comprises a sensor equipped with a flexible membrane defining a volume of confinement for a gas or a gas mixture wherein the ionization occurs.

Abstract: Mounting systems for micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) structures are provided including a non-Newtonian fluid having a threshold viscosity that is positioned between a MEMS base member and the MEMS structure so as to position the MEMS structure relative to the base member. A MEMS actuator is coupled to the MEMS structure. The MEMS actuator is positioned to cause movement of the MEMS structure relative to the MEMS base member by generating a force sufficient to exceed the threshold viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid when the MEMS actuator is actuated. The MEMS structure may be a MEMS mirror positioned for pivotal movement about a bearing member to control tilt of the MEMS mirror.

Abstract: The invention relates to a back-illuminated type light-receiving device. The light-receiving device can be used for a wide frequency range. The device has a structure in which a p-type semiconductor layer and an n-type semiconductor layer are successively stacked on the front side of the semiconductor substrate. A light-receiving portion is provided on the back side of the substrate. A dopant diffusion suppressing layer may be provided between the substrate and the p-type layer.

Abstract: A projection surface includes scattering microparticles that are in constant motion in relation to each other and to a source of laser radiation in a laser projection system. The microparticles reduce the formation of spots that normally occur when viewing the contents of images which are uniformly illuminated by means of laser projection and which are reflected off a projection surface. The microparticles are reflective in a suspension fluid and move due to Brownian molecular motion. A mirror is placed on the back wall of the screen so that the viewer sees both the backscattered light from the incident beam as well as the forward scattered light from the reflected beam. A cellular structure is located in the suspension fluid to laterally confine the scattered light increasing the sharpness of the laser light seen by the viewer.

Abstract: The invention provides an image display for viewing images in a preferred viewing direction. The display has parallel, macroscopically planar, structured surface, non-light absorptive light deflecting and reflecting portions which are longitudinally symmetrical in mutually perpendicular directions, both of which are perpendicular to the preferred viewing direction. A liquid containing a plurality of movable members contacts the light reflecting portion. A controller applies an electromagnetic force to selectively move the members into an evanescent wave region adjacent the light reflecting portion to frustrate TIR of light rays at selected points on the light reflecting portion. The structured surfaces on the light deflecting portion deflect light rays incident in the preferred viewing direction toward the light reflecting portion by imparting to the rays a directional component in the direction of longitudinal symmetry of the light reflecting portion.

Abstract: An optical material has a polymer gel whose volume is reversibly changed by absorbing or releasing a liquid in response to an external stimulus and a light scattering member covering at least a part of the surface of the polymer gel.

Abstract: An iris apparatus includes a transparent elastic member which is provided on an optical axis including a convex surface, the apex thereof being located on the optical axis; a transparent plate which is opposed to the convex surface of the transparent elastic member in the optical axis direction; an elastic tube which defines a space between the convex surface of the transparent elastic member and the transparent plate; light intercepting liquid which is contained within the space; and an actuator that relatively moves the transparent elastic member and the transparent plate in the optical axis direction.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrocapillary display sheet which utilizes three transparent sheets being spaced from each other and placed parallel to each other. The medial sheet has a plurality of reservoirs which are filled with a dyed or pigmented ink. Each of the reservoirs has an individually addressable voltage source to create an individual electric field. By activating each electric field, the ink from the corresponding reservoir flows out into the space between the medial sheet and one of the other two sheets in order to create a pixel. By removing the electric filed, the liquid which had created a pixel will retreat back into the reservoir.