Abstract: An optical power limiter is designed for use with high gain optical systems by providing intensity reduction by the use of a non-linear fluid. As the intensity of light increases in the fluid, the index of refraction becomes non-linear very rapidly. This results in a plasma being formed within the fluid. Picosecond reaction time is provided. Recovery time of less than a microsecond is required for the system to return to its starting point.

Abstract: A dimming device is provided by using a material which is capable of transitioning between a metallic reflection state and a transmitting state. The dimming device has a layered structure including a first layer and a second layer, such that the light reflectance of the first layer changes in response to an external stimulation. The first layer contains a first material whose optical characteristics change in accordance with a concentration of a specific element. The second layer contains a second material capable of containing the specific element, the second material releasing or absorbing the specific element in accordance with the external stimulation.

Abstract: The optical analysis system (20) for determining an amplitude of a principal component of an optical signal comprises a multivariate optical element (10) for reflecting the optical signal and thereby weighing the optical signal by a spectral weighing function, and a detector (9, 9P, 9N) for detecting the weighed optical signal. The optical analysis system (20) may further comprise a dispersive element (2) for spectrally dispersing the optical signal, the multivariate optical element being arranged to receive the dispersed optical signal. The blood analysis system (40) comprises the optical analysis system (20) according to the invention.

Abstract: A display element capable of being driven with a low voltage through a simple member arrangement in which the time for switching the screen is shortened. The display element has an electrolytic layer, containing silver or a compound containing silver in the chemical structure, between opposed electrodes, and performs driving operation of the opposed electrodes such that dissolution-deposition of silver takes place. The display element is characterized in that the electrolytic layer substantially contains no iodine ion and at least two pixels having different degree of blackening are subjected to whitening reset driving simultaneously in the driving operation.

Abstract: An optical element includes a sealed container having a first end wall facing a second end wall in a thickness direction, and a sidewall connecting the first and second end walls; a first polar or conductive liquid encapsulated in the container; a second liquid encapsulated in the container and not mixed with the first liquid so as to form an interface between the first liquid and the second liquid, the first liquid and the second liquid having substantially the same specific gravity and the first liquid having less light transmittance than the second liquid; and a voltage application unit configured to apply a voltage to the first liquid, wherein when a voltage is applied to the first liquid, the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid deforms to form a light transmission path that passes through the first and second end walls and extends in the thickness direction of the container.

Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.

Abstract: A heated glass panel assembly according to one embodiment of the invention may include a substrate having an electro-conductive film provided thereon. A conductor is positioned in contact with the electro-conductive film. A resilient material is positioned in contact with the conductor so that at least a portion of the conductor is located between the resilient material and the electro-conductive film. A retainer is positioned in contact with the resilient material so that at least a portion of the resilient material and at least a portion of the conductor are located between the retainer and the electro-conductive film. The retainer applies a compressive pressure to the resilient material which transfers at least a portion of the compressive pressure to the conductor to hold the conductor in contact with the electro-conductive film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a spatial optical modulator, more specifically to a temperature adaptive optical modulator using a heater.

Abstract: An optical element includes an airtight container having opposing first and second end face walls in a thickness direction, and side walls connecting the first and second end face walls; a first liquid sealed in the container and having polarity or conductivity; a second liquid sealed in the container and not mixed with the first liquid so as to form an interface between the first liquid and the second liquid; and voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the first liquid. Further, the first liquid and the second liquid have substantially the same specific gravity, and the first liquid has less light transmittance than the second liquid. In a state in which the voltage is applied to the first liquid, the interface between the first liquid and the second liquid deforms, and a transmitting path of light is formed that passes through the first and second end face walls and propagates in the thickness direction of the container.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for improving the performance of an electrophoretic display, which method comprises adding a fluorinated quaternary nitrogen salt in either the internal phase or the continuous phase in a microencapsulation process for the formation of pigment-containing microparticles. One or more of the following materials may be further added to the internal phase or continuous phase in the microencapsulation process: a fluorinated protective colloid, a second charge controlling agent or a second monomer or oligomer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a micromirror array device package having a light blocking area for reducing unexpected light scattering from the surfaces of the posts.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display (EPD) with thermal control is disclosed for controlling and maintaining an image in extreme temperature environments. Techniques are also disclosed for maintaining the EPD cell threshold voltage for EPD cells comprising an EPD display media at or above a desired level in an environment in which the EPD may be subjected to an extreme temperature. The techniques comprise sensing a sensed temperature associated with the EPD display media, determining whether the sensed temperature satisfies a criterion established to ensure that the display media temperature remains at a level associated with an acceptable EPD cell threshold voltage, and in the event it is determined that the sensed temperature does not satisfy the criterion, controlling the EPD display media temperature as required to bring the sensed temperature to a level that satisfies the criterion.

Abstract: A novel method of sealing ink in a microcell is described. A microcell is formed and an ink deposited in the microcell. A pressure sensitive tape seals the microcell. Ultraviolet light changes the properties of the adhesive in the pressure sensitive tape such that the material deposited in the microcell does not adhere to the adhesive. The described method is particularly useful for forming display structures.

Abstract: A method for packaging micromirror array devices is disclosed herein. The method enhances illumination on micromirror array devices by applying a selected optical material between a package lid and glass substrate of the micromirror array device, the selected optical material having a refraction index that matches the refraction indices of the package lid and the glass substrate.

Abstract: A display device comprises a plurality of light modulating elements being arranged in an array. In the display device, an image is displayed by driving the light modulating elements and each of the light modulating elements has a pair of substrates which are spaced apart from each other; a fluid which is enclosed in a sealed space formed by a gap between the substrates; and a driving section which deforms the fluid in the sealed space to control an area of the fluid in the sealed space, the area extending in a face of at least one of the substrates, thereby adjusting an amount of transmitted light or reflected light.

Abstract: A projection system, a spatial light modulator, and a method for forming micromirrors are disclosed. A substrate comprises circuitry and electrodes for electrostatically deflecting micromirror elements that are disposed within an array of such elements forming the spatial light modulator. In one embodiment, the substrate is a silicon substrate having circuitry and electrodes thereon for electrostatically actuating adjacent micromirror elements, and the substrate is fully or selectively covered with a light absorbing material.

Abstract: Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include a scheme for rear-addressing displays, which allows for in-plane switching of the display material. Other schemes include a rear-addressing scheme which uses a retroreflecting surface to enable greater viewing angle and contrast. Another scheme includes an electrode structure that facilitates manufacture and control of a color display. Another electrode structure facilitates addressing a display using an electrostatic stylus. Methods of using the disclosed electrode structures are also disclosed. Another scheme includes devices combining display materials with silicon transistor addressing structures.

Abstract: A frontlighting illumination system for selectively illuminating a nonemissive electronic display includes display elements in communication with at least one light source. The electronic display includes a nonemissive electro-optic medium; and a light transmissive element. Light transmitted through the light transmissive element illuminates the display medium. The propagation of light that is directed through the light transmissive element towards the microencapsulated electrophoretic display medium is substantially undeflected at the interface between the surface of the light transmissive element and the microencapsulated electrophoretic display medium. A reflector is included for directing light from the light source through the light transmissive element.

Abstract: An optical modulator includes a first substrate, a second substrate arranged with a predetermined gap interposed between itself and the first substrate, and partition wall members partitioning pixels arranged between the substrates. A liquid and a plurality of charged particles are arranged at each of the pixels. The optical modulator is manufactured by forming the partition walls on the second substrate, placing the liquid and the electrically charged particles in the recesses defined by the second substrate and the partition wall members, placing the perforated member on the partition wall members to confine the charged particles in the recesses, and arranging a blind member so as to close the perforations of the perforated member. With this method charged particles are prevented from flowing out of the pixels in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A method and an improved multilayer hinge structure for use in a micromirror device for a spatial light modulator are provided herein. The micromirror device presents a conductive, composite torsion hinge with improved mechanical reliability, achieved by optimizing the geometry of the hinge, which minimizes the amount of residual twist, fixed torsional stiffness and fixed rate of plastic deformation in the mechanically undesirable hinge element. A method and its alternatives are disclosed herein by the present invention for manufacturing such multilayer hinge structure.

Abstract: A display device comprises a plurality of light modulating elements being arranged in an array. In the display device, an image is displayed by driving the light modulating elements and each of the light modulating elements has a pair of substrates which are spaced apart from each other; a fluid which is enclosed in a sealed space formed by a gap between the substrates; and a driving section which deforms the fluid in the sealed space to control an area of the fluid in the sealed space, the area extending in a face of at least one of the substrates, thereby adjusting an amount of transmitted light or reflected light.

Abstract: A printed product including an image with visual effects and a method for obtaining the printed product, the method comprising providing a photographic image, printing the image on a front transparent sheet and adhering the transparent sheet to a light-reflecting front surface of a back support sheet for providing a visual effect resulting from the combination of the light-reflecting surface and the image.

Abstract: A ray of light incident via a pin hole (6) and a field stop (7) having a field of vision a predetermined angle larger than a telescope's actual field of vision that are disposed on an axis (5) in parallel to the optical axis (4) of the telescope is measured in intensity by a photoelectric element (8). When a quantity of light incident on the photoelectric element is larger than a predetermined quantity of light, a shutter (11) is inserted into an optical path of the telescope to cut off a ray of light going into the eyes of the observer. Since an incidence of a quantity of light in excess of a predetermined one into a field of vision a predetermined angle larger than the actual field of vision of the telescope will block the optical path of the telescope, a risk such as damage to the eyes of the observer can be eliminated to prevent an accident even when the observer erroneously observes a strong light-generating object such as the sun.

Abstract: A light modulating element array comprises a parallel arrangement of light guides operative to guide light entering in the light guide repeating total reflection, a parallel arrangement of electromechanically deflectable main thin-films partly overlapping the light guides, respectively, and a parallel arrangement of electromechanically deflectable main thin-films disposed perpendicularly to the light guides downstream from the main thin-films. The main thin-films are electromechanically deflected toward the light guide with image signals so as to change transmission rates of light traveling in the light guides, respectively, in synchronism with selective electromechanical deflection of the subsidiary thin-film for line scanning.

Abstract: A packaging method of the optical transceiver module for transmitting optical signals is disclosed. The invention includes a base, a case, a transmission unit and a receiving unit. The transmission unit and the receiving unit contain a circuit board, respectively. The base provides two fixing positions for the installation of the two circuit boards. The two circuit boards are installed horizontally and vertically, respectively. This design increases the utilization of the inner space, providing ideal shielding for the elements and circuit boards. A central beam is used to fix the structure and case in a drawable way like a matchbox. This reduces covered area of the circuit board, making the elements easy to be tested and assembled.

Abstract: The present invention provides a horizontally transfer type electrophoretic display device that can suppress occurrence of cross-talk and is capable of passive matrix addressing that can obtain a good display. The display device includes a fist display electrode and a second display electrode disposed on a first substrate, a second substrate being disposed in opposed relation to the first substrate via a barrier wall, a first control electrode as one of the two control electrodes disposed on the second substrate, and a second control electrode disposed at the boundary between the first display electrode and the second display electrode on the first electrode. A voltage can be independently applied to each control electrode, a transparent insulation liquid is filled in the space formed by the both substrates and the barrier wall, and colored and charged particles are dispersed in the transparent insulation liquid.

Abstract: A lighting system operating using a digital mirror as its operative device. The digital mirror is used to shape the light which is a passed through advanced optical devices in order to produce an output.

Abstract: Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include a scheme for rear-addressing displays, which allows for in-plane switching of the display material. Other schemes include a rear-addressing scheme which uses a retroreflecting surface to enable greater viewing angle and contrast. Another scheme includes an electrode structure that facilitates manufacture and control of a color display. Another electrode structure facilitates addressing a display using an electrostatic stylus. Methods of using the disclosed electrode structures are also disclosed. Another scheme includes devices combining display materials with silicon transistor addressing structures.

Abstract: Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include the use of addressing signals with additional signals having opposite polarity and equal integrated signal strength and addressing schemes that minimize the number of state changes that a display element undergoes. In one embodiment, pre-pulses are employed to apply a pre-stress to an display element that is equal and opposite to the electrical stress applied in addressing the element. In another embodiment, the addressing signal is followed by a post-stressing pulse. Methods for minimizing the number of display elements that must change state to change the image displayed include the determination of a set of elements that must be deactivated and a set of elements that must be activated to change the image depicted by a display.

Abstract: An dynamic optical filter 10 is provided to selectively attenuate or filter a wavelength band(s) of light (i.e., optical channel(s)) or a group(s) of wavelength bands of an optical WDM input signal 12. The optical filter is controllable or programmable to selectively provide a desired filter function. The optical filter 10 includes a spatial light modulator 36, which comprises an array of micromirrors 52 that effectively forms a two-dimensional diffraction grating mounted in a retro-reflecting configuration. Each optical channel 14 is dispersed separately or overlappingly onto the array of micro-mirrors 52 along a spectral axis or direction 55 such that each optical channel or group of optical channels are spread over a plurality of micromirrors to effectively pixelate each of the optical channels or input signal.

Abstract: Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include a scheme for rear-addressing displays, which allows for in-plane switching of the display material. Other schemes include a rear-addressing scheme which uses a retroreflecting surface to enable greater viewing angle and contrast. Another scheme includes an electrode structure that facilitates manufacture and control of a color display. Another electrode structure facilitates addressing a display using an electrostatic stylus. Methods of using the disclosed electrode structures are also disclosed. Another scheme includes devices combining display materials with silicon transistor addressing structures.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrophoretic display device in which a first display electrode and a second display electrode are placed on a first substrate, a second substrate is placed in opposition to the first substrate through a bulkhead, and auxiliary display electrodes (projections) each of a projecting structure are provided on the first display electrode and the second display electrode and along lines of portions where an absolute value of a horizontal component of an electric field generated over the first display electrode and the second display electrode, becomes minimum. A space formed by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the bulkhead is filled with a transparent insulating liquid and colored electrophoretic particles are dispersed in the insulating liquid.

Abstract: A light valve of deformable graftg tye and a metahod for light modulation using the light valves is provided. The light valve of deforable rating tpe, includes at least three beams, one beam of the at least tFee beams being of a substantially fixed-position, and at least two beams of tle at least three beams being deformable by electrostatic force in a substantially staircase structure, each step of the staicase creating a predefinied change in the phase of an Aching light beam, a first electrode and a second electrode, the electrodes ttansmitting electrostatic force to at least the deformiable beams of the at least three beams.

Abstract: Electrochemical displays have electronic or ionic pathways between electrodes interrupted to control activation. Electrochemical erosion of one of the electrodes reveals an underlying graphic image. Game assemblies are constructed by dividing electrochemical components between a main substrate and one or more mounting pieces that can be assembled on the main substrate to activate the display cells.

Abstract: A device for protecting an optical system against the excess luminosity of an incident light beam. The device forms first and second light beams from an incident light beam. A mirror reflects the first beam which is then guided toward the optical system. The mirror includes a reflecting layer capable of being ablated, at least locally, when it is subjected to high luminous intensity. The second beam initiates the ablation process of the reflecting layer, which is continued and completed by the joint action of the first and second light beams.

Abstract: The optical fuse of the present invention comprises: at least one light heatable portion for receiving an incident beam, and at least one thermally sensitive degradable portion with transparency and reflectivity, positioned in contact with the light heatable portion. The light heatable portion contains a light heatable material which generates heat depending on a specified light intensity of the incident beam. The thermally sensitive degradable portion contains a thermally sensitive degradable material which loses or reduces its transparency and reflectivity, depending on the heat generated by the light heatable portion when the light intensity of the incident beam exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: Novel addressing schemes for controlling electronically addressable displays include a scheme for rear-addressing displays, which allows for in-plane switching of the display material. Other schemes include a rear-addressing scheme which uses a retroreflecting surface to enable greater viewing angle and contrast. Another scheme includes an electrode structure that facilitates manufacture and control of a color display. Another electrode structure facilitates addressing a display using an electrostatic stylus. Methods of using the disclosed electrode structures are also disclosed. Another scheme includes devices combining display materials with silicon transistor addressing structures.

Abstract: Chitosan-based electro-optic elements are disclosed. An optical waveguide is made from films of chitosan-acetic acid, and from films of chitosan-acetic acid doped with various rare-earth metal ions, over a substrate. Optical limiters are made from chitosan gel host materials doped with a variety of photo-interactive or light limiting dopants. Three different suitable example chitosan gel hosts are disclosed. An electrostatically self-assembling multilayer film is made with a chitosan base layer.

Abstract: A technique for marking pixels on workpieces by routing a scanned beam to different marking stations to mark individual pixels on the workpieces. A diffractive scan lens focuses the beam. A mark is formed on a workpiece by producing the mark and curing the mark. Angular position of a scanning mirror in a raster scanner is determined by moving a beam, reflected from the scanner, across rulings on an optical element during scanning. A print head for printing spots on a surface of a workpiece has a walled, internally pressurized chamber and structure for causing an inked web to conform to a contour of the chamber wall and to be pulled along the chamber wall. A print head has a compliant-walled, internally pressurized chamber. A print head has a chamber having a low-coefficient of friction coating. Two workpieces may be marked at two marking stations by two-directional scanning.

Abstract: An electrochemical display cell has a layered construction including two electrode layers separated by a dielectric layer. Concentric openings are formed in the dielectric layer and one of the electrode layers exposing a designated portion of the other electrode layer. An electrolyte layer overlaps the one electrode layer and the designated portion of the other electrode layer. When activated, current flow cascades through the openings in the one electrode layer and the dielectric layer to the designated portion of the other electrode layer supporting an electrochemical reaction that erodes the designated portion revealing underlying visual information.

Abstract: A piezoelectric actuatable array of light shutters is disclosed wherein each pixel aperture in the array is selectively opened and closed by way of an opaque piezoelectric shutter. Upon application of a voltage, each piezoelectric shutter extends laterally so as to close the corresponding pixel aperture and prevent light from passing therethrough. The pizeoelectric shutters contract, opening the corresponding pixel aperture, upon removal of the above-threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method for forming an array of M.times.N thin film actuated mirrors for use in an optical projection system comprises the steps of: (a) forming a sacrificial layer on top of an active matrix; (b) forming an array of M.times.N supporting members on the sacrificial layer; (c) depositing an elastic layer; (d) forming M.times.N conduits; (e) depositing a second thin film layer; (f) forming an electrodisplacive layer; (g) patterning the elastic layer, the second layer and the electrodisplacive layer to form an array of M.times.N semifinished actuated mirror structures; (h) heat treating the array of M.times.N semifinished actuated mirror structures; (i) depositing a first thin film layer on each of the semifinished actuated mirror structures to form an array of M.times.N actuated mirror structures; (j) covering each of the actuated mirror structures with a protection layer; and (k) removing the protection layer and the sacrificial layer to thereby form said array of M.times.N thin film actuated mirrors.

Abstract: A laminated glazing unit has controllable transparency to visible light and a solar load reduction element which preferentially excludes infrared radiation while being substantially transparent to visible light. Electro-active material for controlling the transmission of visible light through the glazing unit is sandwiched between electrodes deposited on facing surfaces of plys or layers of an inextensible polymeric material, such as polyethylene terephthalate. One or both electrodes comprises a solar load reduction ("SLR") element, i.e., a Fabry-Perot interference filter which includes preferably at least one silver metal film sandwiched between zinc oxide films.

Abstract: The present invention provides protection from lasers with a high nonlinear bsorption structure including a mirror which directs an incident beam to a beam splitter. A focusing lens receives and focuses the radiation to a higher intensity beam which is directed into an absorption material with a third order polarization property. Such materials will cause a two-photon absorption partial attenuation from the intensified beam when the incident radiation intensity is greater than ambient intensity. A focusing mirror receives the partially attenuated beam and reflects and refocuses the partially attenuated beam back through the absorption material, which now acts as a single photon absorption material to further attenuate the beam. The doubly attenuated beam passes through the focusing lens which recollimates the doubly attenuated beam and directs it to the beam splitter which in turn directs the beam to the receiving device.

Abstract: A method for the use of light pressure to optically center a lens on a source of emitted light with submicron accuracy. In one aspect the method uses light pressure to optically center a lens on a source of emitted light, where the lens is then fixed in place. In another aspect the method uses light pressure to create an optically centered lens from a dielectric liquid on a source of emitted light, the shaped lens is then fixed to form an optically aligned permanent lens. By choosing the appropriate lens the light emitted from the source can be either focused or collimated.

Abstract: An eye protection device for protection against a broad spectrum of incid high intensity radiation includes a beam splitter which transmits the radiation to a first focusing lens which in turn focuses the radiation on a first mirror. The first mirror has a sacrificial surface which desorbs if the radiation has a predetermined minimum intensity. A second lens receives radiation reflected from the first mirror and directs the beam orthogonally onto a second mirror. The beam reflects off the second mirror and is directed back through the second lens which refocuses the beam onto the surface of the first mirror at the original area. When the initial beam was above the minimum, reflectivity at this location will have been destroyed and the beam will pass harmlessly through the mirror. If the initial beam does not destroy the surface, the beam will be reflected back to the beam splitter and then to a receiving device.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for modulating light involving the formation of bubbles in a normally opaque dye solution contained within a cell. The bubbles are created in the dye solution by focusing a beam from a laser in regions of the dye solution thereby vaporizing a solvent in the solution. When the bubble is formed, the modulator becomes substantially transparent in the region of the bubble. If the focused laser beam is turned off, the bubble condenses and the modulator again becomes opaque in the region of the condensed bubble.

Abstract: A broadband optical limiter for use in combination with a sensor system is operative to prevent irradiation of the sensor system by laser radiation of unknown wavelengths having intensity levels sufficient to damage or disable the sensor system. The broadband optical limiter is further operative to throughput, with minimal optical distortion at wide angle fields of view, electromagnetic radiation in the operating spectral band(s) of the sensor system. The broadband optical limiter includes a flat or spherically shaped sacrificial mirror that is operative to reflect electromagnetic radiation in the operating spectral band(s) of the sensor system and to be optically machined, i.e., vaporized, by focused laser radiation of unknown wavelengths having intensity levels sufficient to damage or disable the sensor system to create a reflective dead spot. The reflective dead spot prevents the focused laser radiation from being throughputted to the sensor system.

Abstract: A laminated glazing unit is disclosed having controllable transparency to visible light and a solar load reduction element which preferentially excludes infrared radiation while being substantially transparent to visible light. The solar load reduction element comprises a Fabry-Perot interference filter which includes a film stack deposited on the laminated surface of the outer ply of the glazing unit. The film stack includes at least a zinc oxide film followed by a silver metal film followed by a second zinc oxide film followed by a second silver metal film followed by a dielectric film which provides good long term adhesion durability to an adjacent laminating layer of PVB or like material. The dielectric film preferably is zinc oxide with a thin overcoat of chromium oxide, SiO.sub.2 or, alternatively, is tantalum pentoxide.

Abstract: A variable focal length lens integrated onto a silicon wafer. A light transmitting material such as gas or liquid is entrapped in a cavity in the wafer. The cavity has a flexible, light transmitting wall. The wall provides one surface of the lens. When the material inside the cavity is heated or cooled, the wall flexes and the focal length of the lens changes. The lens is suitable for use in temperature and pressure sensors, fiber optic communication networks, optical computers, and other applications.