Abstract: A plenoptic camera having a camera lens, a microlens array and a photosensors array is described. An optical device is arranged before the camera lens according to a light-traveling direction of a light flux entering the plenoptic camera. The optical device includes a first layer that is controllable between a transmissive mode and a scattering mode and at least one light source arranged at a border of the optical device. A method for controlling the plenoptic camera is also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed relating to composite photonic materials used to design structures and detecting material deformation for the purpose of monitoring structural health of physical structures. According to one aspect, a composite structure is provided that includes a base material, an optical diffraction grating and one or more fluorophore materials constructed such that localized perturbations create a measureable change in the structure's diffraction pattern. An inspection device is also provided that is configured to detect perturbations in the composite structure. The inspection device is configured to emit an inspecting radiation into the structure and capture the refracted radiation and measure the change in the diffraction pattern and quantify the perturbation based on the wavelength and the angular information for the diffracted radiation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a color display comprising an electrophoretic fluid which comprises one or two types of pigment particles dispersed in a clear and colorless or clear and colored solvent, wherein said electrophoretic fluid is sandwiched between a common electrode and a plurality of driving electrodes. The driving electrodes are kept at a certain distance in order to expose a background layer.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a method of projecting an image, the method comprising the steps of, providing light signal which is configured such that it can be projected onto a display surface to display an image; oscillating a first reflective surface, to scan the light signal over the display surface, using an actuator which is in operable co-operation with the first reflective surface, by applying a first actuation signal to the first reflective surface, wherein a rise time or fall time of the first actuation signal is inversely proportional to a resonant frequency of oscillation of the first reflective surface.

Abstract: A micromechanical device includes a micromechanical functional structure and an electromagnetic radiation heating associated with the micromechanical functional structure, which is formed to cause a spatially and temporally defined temperature or a spatially and temporally defined temperature course in the micromechanical functional structure.

Abstract: A light source wavelength modulator includes a substrate made of a material with a high light transmittance and a thermal conduction effect, a wavelength modulation layer formed on the substrate and made of a wavelength modulation material, and patternized or multilayered, and further having a spacer between the wavelength modulation layer and its corresponding light source for achieving the best light source wavelength modulation, such that a portion of light spectrum of an original solar light or LED having no response or poor response to the light receiver is converted into a range of the best application efficiency for improving the utility efficiency of the light source. The white light emitted from the LED is gone through a wavelength modulation to enhance the light emitting color rendering, conversion efficiency and using life.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element which includes a support substrate and a thin plate of single crystal stacked on the support substrate through a thermoplastic adhesive, having the advantages of easily regulating the phase of light waves and restoring the regulated state to the original state. The optical element includes a support substrate 4 and a thin plate 1 of single crystal stacked on the support substrate 4 through a thermoplastic adhesive 3. The optical characteristics of the optical element are regulated by applying stress within an elastic limit to at least a part of the thin plate in a state where the thermoplastic adhesive is softened by heating the optical element, forming a concavo-convex part 10 in the thin plate, and then cooling the optical element to fix the concavo-convex part.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators.

Abstract: Optical components and systems are disclosed that include an optical element and a base member. Multiple wells correspond to respective locations on a surface of the optical element. Liquid metal in the wells is coupled to the respective locations to apply respective hydrostatic pressures to the locations. At least one displacement device is coupled to at least one well to selectively change the respective hydrostatic pressure applied, relative to the base member, by the liquid metal in the well to the respective location. The “liquid metal” is any of several formulations of metal that are liquid under actual-use conditions (e.g., a liquid alloy of gallium). The liquid metal can be displaced through conduits to change the hydrostatic pressure being applied to the respective locations. The displacement, and hence the hydrostatic pressure, can be feedback controlled.

Abstract: A multi-level optical writer for writing an image by illumination to an optical-write-type recording medium laid with a display layer having a memory nature and a photoconductive layer, the optical writer includes: a holding portion holding the optical-write-type recording medium; and a write section for writing a multi-level image to the display layer by illuminating, to the photoconductive layer, image light having optical dots different in size in accordance with a gray level.

Abstract: A method drives a spatial light modulation device to record an image into the device. The device includes first and second light modulation layers. The method includes exposing the device to imagewise light while applying a first voltage between electrodes of the first light modulation layer. If the second light modulation layer has such a characteristic that a curve of an intensity of light, which has the same wavelength as the imagewise light and is applied to the second light modulation layer, versus a reflectivity of the second light modulation layer after finishing applying the light has a local maximum point, an intensity of the imagewise light in the exposing is larger than an intensity, which the curve has at the local maximum point, and in the exposing, the second light modulation layer has a reflectivity lower than a reflectivity, which the curve has at the local maximum point.

Abstract: An optical address type spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical address type light modulation layers stacked on each other, each having a liquid crystal layer for reflecting visible light in a specific wavelength band or a liquid crystal layer for absorbing visible light in a specific wavelength band and coloring and a photoconductive layer for absorbing the visible light in the specific wavelength band and changing the resistance value in response to the light intensity of the visible light absorbed, the liquid crystal layer and the photoconductive layer being stacked on each other between electrodes.

Abstract: An optically addressed, photoconductive spatial light modulator (SLM) operates in a transmissive mode and is capable of modulating a wide spectrum of visible light. There is no pixel structure or native pixel resolution in the SLM. The SLM has no photodiodes and does not rectify. A light projection system (100) in which one or more SLMs (128, 130, 132) are placed includes a write (image definition) UV light path (102) and a read (illumination) visible light path (104) to form a color image projection display. The write UV light propagates from an image display pattern source (120) and either sequentially or continuously writes image patterns on the photoconductive SLMs. The read visible light propagates through the SLM and is modulated by an electro-optical material, the optical properties of which change in response to the image structure carried by the write light. The result is a high efficiency display system that delivers high resolution color images through a projection lens (190) onto a display screen.

Abstract: Provided is a digital micromirror device (DMD). The DMD includes a first metal line, a second metal line, a third metal line, and a mirror. The first metal line is formed to have a predetermined line width and a predetermined thickness, and the second metal line is formed to have the same width and thickness as the first metal line. The third metal line is formed to have its own predetermined line width and predetermined thickness, and the mirror rotates according to a voltage applied to the first, second and third metal lines to reflect light incident thereto.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a mirror device with anti-reflective coating layer. The method of the invention comprises: (a) forming an anti-reflective metal film on a first surface of a mirror material to be a mirror device; (b) defining a plurality of mirror units from the mirror device, each mirror unit having a mirror layer and an anti-reflective metal film unit, the anti-reflective metal film unit formed on a first surface of the mirror layer; and (c) defining an anti-reflective coating layer from the anti-reflective metal film unit, the anti-reflective coating layer formed on edges of the first surface of the mirror layer. According to the invention, the anti-reflective coating layer on the mirror layer can shield a bright area caused by fringe effect so as to minimize the bad influence of the fringe effect. In manufacture, the method of the invention follows the semiconductor manufacturing process, and has high precision and simple process.

Abstract: An optical address type spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical address type light modulation layers stacked on each other, each having a liquid crystal layer for reflecting visible light in a specific wavelength band or a liquid crystal layer for absorbing visible light in a specific wavelength band and coloring and a photoconductive layer for absorbing the visible light in the specific wavelength band and changing the resistance value in response to the light intensity of the visible light absorbed, the liquid crystal layer and the photoconductive layer being stacked on each other between electrodes.

Abstract: A light modulator assembly includes a substrate, a micro-electro mechanical semiconductor device (MEMS device) formed on the substrate, and a temperature control device coupled to the substrate and configured to maintain the MEMS device at or above an elevated threshold temperature.

Abstract: An improved image projection lighting device is disclosed. Commands received by a communications port of the base housing may be acted upon to change zoom and focus values of a zoom and focus lens. A cooling system may be provided which compares an input air temperature of the image projection lighting device to an exiting air temperature to determine if a filter needs service. A video projector may project a first image comprised of first, second, and third separate images and the first separate image can be faded up to project light that is void of an image by a first command received at the communications port.

Abstract: A three dimensional photonic crystal and layer-by-layer processes of fabricating the photonic crystal. A substrate is exposed to a plurality of first microspheres made of a first material, the first material being of a type that will bond to the templated substrate and form a self-passivated layer of first microspheres to produce a first layer. The first layer is exposed to a plurality of second microspheres made of a second material, the second material being of a type that will bond to the first layer and form a self-passivated layer of second microspheres. This layering of alternating first and second microspheres can be repeated as desired to build a three dimensional photonic crystal of desired geometry. Charged polymers such as polyelectrolyte coatings can be used to create the bonds.

Abstract: A light modulation element which has a light guide body 11 for guiding light from a light source and a flexible thin film 12 having a phosphor 13 being provided facing the light guide body 11. The distance between the flexible thin film 12 and the light guide body 11 is changed by the electromechanical operation and light emission of the phosphor 13 excited by the guided light is controlled.

Abstract: A light transistor system, including an image transistor, and a coolant passageway extending through the image transistor. The image transistor has a liquid crystal modulator, configured to amplify a low-power light signal using amplification energy from a higher-power light source, such as a laser or arc lamp. The coolant passageway is configured to receive a flow of coolant therethrough, to allow cooling of the image transistor to prevent damage to it from the higher-power light source.

Abstract: An optical address type spatial light modulator has a plurality of optical address type light modulation layers stacked on each other, each having a liquid crystal layer for reflecting visible light in a specific wavelength band or a liquid crystal layer for absorbing visible light in a specific wavelength band and coloring and a photoconductive layer for absorbing the visible light in the specific wavelength band and changing the resistance value in response to the light intensity of the visible light absorbed, the liquid crystal layer and the photoconductive layer being stacked on each other betwen electrodes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a light emitting device includes providing a light emitting diode that emits primary light, and locating proximate to the light emitting diode a (Sr1−u−v−xMguCavBax)(Ga2−y−zAlyInzS4):Eu2+ phosphor material capable of absorbing at least a portion of the primary light and emitting secondary light having a wavelength longer than a wavelength of the primary light. The composition of the phosphor material can be selected to determine the wavelengths of the secondary light. In one embodiment, the light emitting device includes the phosphor material dispersed as phosphor particles in another material disposed around the light emitting diode. In another embodiment, the light emitting device includes the phosphor material deposited as a phosphor film on at least one surface of the light emitting diode.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optimized optical attenuator device. It includes the design of resonator formed by two identical mirrors, which are made by MEMS process. The structure realizes the minimum insertion loss. The two membranes are chosen to be with high reflection rate. Multiple layer or metal layer or mixture of them can produce membrane of high reflection rate. High reflection rate causes low tuning voltage for one certain attenuation range. To reduce the manufacture error and the cost, the two identical membranes can be formed by bonding two MEMS cells fabricated in the same process face to face. To further reduce the insertion loss, the input mode should match the residual basic mode in the resonator. The basic residual mode is the only one surviving in the resonator. A design of the resonator will guarantee this happen. Ripple is a key specification for present optical component.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a pair of transparent substrates disposed with a prescribed gap therebetween and each having thereon a transparent electrode, and a liquid crystal layer and a photoconductor layer disposed between the substrates, with the transparent electrode on one substrate being split into a plurality of split electrodes. A display apparatus is formed by disposing a recording medium carrying a recorded picture at different sizes between the spatial light modulator and a writing light source. Depending on the picture size to be displayed on the spatial light modulator, a number among the plurality of split electrodes are selected for writing voltage application under illumination with writing light based on picture size data recorded in the recording medium, whereby a selected size of picture is written in the spatial light modulator and displayed thereon under illumination with reading light.

Abstract: An electrode for use in actuating MEMS elements. The electrode declines in height along its length from a first end thereof to second end thereof. In use, the first end of the electrode is disposed proximal to an axis of rotation or axis of bending of an overlying MEMS element. In one embodiment, the decline in height of the electrode along its length is linear such that the electrode has a wedge-shaped profile. In another embodiment, the height of the electrode declines in discrete steps such that the electrode has a stepped profile.

Abstract: A method for producing an electrophoretic display panel is provided. In the first process, elements including TFTs are formed on an element substrate, thereby pixel electrodes being produced thereon. In the second process, a bulkhead is placed on the element substrate. In the third process, an ink jet type of dispersion charging apparatus is used to charge dispersion into divided cells partitioned by the bulkhead. In the fourth process, an upper opening of the bulkhead is sealed with a sealer. And in the fifth process, an opposing substrate on which a common electrode is formed is applied to the sealer in a manner that the common electrode faces the pixel electrodes.

Abstract: A transmissive display device using a micro light modulator that is capable of improving a light efficiency. In the display device, a plurality of stationary members are provided on the first surface of the first transparent substrate in a line with and at a desired distance from each other in a stripe shape. A plurality of movable members are provided on the first transparent substrate and takes a bridge shape to be spaced from the stationary members and have each side overlapped with the stationary members. A light path controller is formed at each portion corresponding to the movable members on the second transparent substrate in such a manner to be spaced from the adjacent members, to thereby reflect a light passing through a light path between each station member and each movable member such that the light is progressed perpendicularly to the second transparent substrate.

Abstract: A far-infrared image is directed onto a transducer having a planar array of absorbing discs on one side. The discs are supported by a thin membrane ich expands and bulges as the discs heat up. The discs thus change their spacing with respect to a partially reflective mirror. The nominal spacing between the discs and mirror is about 1/4 wavelength of the infrared radiation, such that absorption is enhanced. The mirror is supported on a transparent substrate through which visible or near-infrared light is shown, and carries a perforated mask atop an insulating layer and in registration with the discs. The mirror/discs thus establish a Fabry-Perot cavity for the visible or near-infrared light, whereby a visible or near-infrared image may be observed or detected as the various discs establish various spacings in accordance with incremental variations in the infrared image. An electrostatic field is established between the mirror and the shield by a voltage source.

Abstract: There is provided an array of M.times.N thin film actuated mirrors for use in an optical projection system comprising an active matrix, an array of M.times.N thin film actuating structures, each of the thin film actuating structures including at least a thin film layer of a motion-inducing material, a pair of electrodes, each of the electrodes being provided on top and bottom of the thin film motion-inducing layer, an array of M.times.N supporting members, each of the supporting members being used for holding each of the actuating structures in place by cantilevering each of the actuating structures and also for electrically connecting each of the actuating structures and the active matrix, and an array of M.times.N mirrors for reflecting light beams, each of the mirrors being placed on top of each of the actuating structures.

Abstract: A method of providing control signals for resetting mirror elements (10,20) of a digital micro-mirror device (DMD) having reset groups (FIG. 4), or for resetting moveable elements of other micro-mechanical devices that operate with similar principles. A bias voltage is applied to the mirrors and their landing sites, and an address voltage is applied under the mirrors. (FIG. 3). The address voltage is held at an intermediate level except during a reset period. During this reset period, the address voltage is increased. Also, during reset, the bias applied to mirrors to be reset is pulsed and offset, and the bias applied to mirrors not to be reset is increased. (FIGS. 5 and 6).

Abstract: Modulation mirrors including the deformable cells (CD1 to CDn) locally modified the planarity of a reflecting surface 18. The deformable cells deform under the effect of a voltage and the control of these deformable cells is such that a control voltage V.sub.c is applied between a first and a second electrode 17, 26. A photoconductor element P1 to Pn is inserted between the second electrode 26 and the deformable cell (CD1 to CDn). A light beam (MF1 to MFn) illuminates the photoconductor element in order to obtain an elongation of the deformable cell.

Abstract: A high performance light valve for optimizing the switching of a liquid crystal on an area basis. The light valve uses a transparent charge separation layer to allow for the accumulation of photo-generated charges. The light valve concentrates the light absorption in a narrow charge generation region where high electric fields are present from the junction of dissimilar semiconductor materials. The light valve has a switching characteristic dominated by the light and dark carrier densities in a narrow reversed biased region.