Abstract: An ultra-broadband ultraviolet (UV) catadioptric imaging microscope system with wide-range zoom capability. The microscope system, which comprises a catadioptric lens group and a zooming tube lens group, has high optical resolution in the deep UV wavelengths, continuously adjustable magnification, and a high numerical aperture. The system integrates microscope modules such as objectives, tube lenses and zoom optics to reduce the number of components, and to simplify the system manufacturing process. The preferred embodiment offers excellent image quality across a very broad deep ultraviolet spectral range, combined with an all-refractive zooming tube lens. The zooming tube lens is modified to compensate for higher-order chromatic aberrations that would normally limit performance.

Abstract: An illuminator system (16) for an interior cabin (12) of a vehicle (14) includes a light source (72) and a beam-forming optic (100) that is optically coupled to the light source. The optic (100) forms an illumination pattern (22) that is directed forward of the vehicle (14). A housing (58) supports the beam-forming optic (100) along a roofline (47) and window perimeter (48) of the vehicle (14).

Abstract: An infra-red imaging system has two variable focal length optical components (6, 7) whose positions are fixed relative to one another. The system also comprises an image detector (8). Control means (13) is provided such that the focal length of one of the variable focal length optical components (7) can be varied in relation to the focal length of the other variable focal length optical component (6). The system can be used to produce an image of variable magnification while maintaining an in-focus image at the detector (8). The control means (13) may comprise a mechanical linkage, an electronic circuit, or a computer program. In an alternative embodiment the optical system is a beam expander. Controlling a focusing mirror can achieve a dither effect. Controlling a focusing mirror can also de-focus the image, giving a mean scene temperature evaluation.

Abstract: In a scanning display apparatus an image signal source produces an image signal. A light emitter is coupled to the image signal source and responsive to the image signal to emit light. A lens receives light from the light emitter and passes exiting light, the exiting light having a focal distance. A controller alters the index of refraction of lens to alter the focal distance of the exiting light.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element, as well as an optical system incorporating the same, has a comparatively large minimum grating pitch and, hence, is easy to produce. The diffractive optical element has a diffraction grating surface and an aspherical surface formed on an identical substrate or on separate substrates. The pitch of the diffractive grating varies such that it progressively decreases radially outward from the center of the substrate and then kept constant towards the radially outer extremity of the substrate.

Abstract: A multi-beam zoom lens for producing variable spot sizes on a photosensitive medium from a plurality of individually modulated light sources wherein each light source emits a light beam parallel to each of the other light sources and parallel to an optical axis and wherein a numerical aperture of each of said light beams is greater than 0.125, comprising an afocal zoom lens (10). The afocal zoom lens comprises a first moving group of lenses (13), a second group of moving lenses (14), and a third group of moving lenses (15). A constant barrel length of the afocal zoom lens is less than 160 mm and the zoom lens has a constant distance from the light sources to the photosensitive medium of less than 180 mm. The zoom lens has an afocal magnification of at least 45% across a zoom range.

Abstract: An ultra-broadband ultraviolet (UV) catadioptric imaging microscope system with wide-range zoom capability. The microscope system, which comprises a catadioptric lens group and a zooming tube lens group, has high optical resolution in the deep UV wavelengths, continuously adjustable magnification, and a high numerical aperture. The system integrates microscope modules such as objectives, tube lenses and zoom optics to reduce the number of components, and to simplify the system manufacturing process. The preferred embodiment offers excellent image quality across a very broad deep ultraviolet spectral range, combined with an all-refractive zooming tube lens. The zooming tube lens is modified to compensate for higher-order chromatic aberrations that would normally limit performance.

Abstract: A multi-beam zoom lens for producing variable spot sizes on a photosensitive medium from a plurality of individually modulated light sources wherein each light source emits a light beam parallel to each of the other light sources and parallel to an optical axis and wherein a numerical aperture of each of said light beams is greater than 0.125, comprising an afocal zoom lens (10). The afocal zoom lens comprises a first moving group of lenses (13), a second group of moving lenses (14), and a third group of moving lenses (15). A constant barrel length of the afocal zoom lens is less than 160 mm and the zoom lens has a constant distance from the light sources to the photosensitive medium of less than 180 mm. The zoom lens has an afocal magnification of at least 45% across a zoom range.

Abstract: A dual field-of-view objective system (40) which is inexpensive, has high transmission and is essentially achromatized and athermalized. The system (40) uses a silicon front lens A and all lens elements have positive temperature/refractive index change coefficient.

Abstract: A scanning beam display controls the curvature of scanning light wave impinging on the eye to simulate image points of differing depth. To simulate an object at a far distance the generated light waves are flatter. To simulate closer objects, the light wave curvature increases. When changing the curvature of the light waves, the eye responds by altering its focus. The curvature of the light waves thus determines the apparent focal distance from the eye to the virtual object. To vary the curvature, either a variable focus lens or a variable index of refraction device is used. Alternatively, a moving point source is used. The generated apparent distance of a virtual object is correlated to a detected distance in a background field of view. Intensity of the virtual object is correlated to detected intensity of background light.

Abstract: An optical system comprising three lens sections, a catadioptric objective lens section, a reimaging lens section and a zoom lens section, which are all aligned along the optical path of the optical system. The reimaging lens section re-images the system pupil such that the re-imaged pupil is accessible separately from any of the lens sections. The reimaging lens section includes an intermediate focus lens group, which is used to create an intermediate focus, a recollimating lens group, which is used to recollimate the light traveling from the intermediate focus lens group, refocusing group to generate the re-image of the pupil. The optical system may also include a beamsplitter, which creates a separated illumination pupil and collection pupil.

Abstract: An infrared imaging microscope, particularly of the type used to carry out FT-IR measurements, is provided with an assembly (40) which can be moved into or out of the beam propagating to the microscope detector (32) in order to change the magnification provided by the optical elements of the microscope. The assembly (40) can be located between the objective Cassegrain mirror (18) and the intermedite focus position (42) of that mirror. In one example the assembly includes first and second spherical mirrors (44, 45). The assembly can be mounted so as to be rotatably movable between its positions in or out of the beam.

Abstract: A scanning beam display controls the curvature of scanning light wave impinging on the eye to simulate image points of differing depth. To simulate an object at a far distance the generated light waves are flatter. To simulate closer objects, the light wave curvature increases. When changing the curvature of the light waves, the eye responds by altering its focus. The curvature of the light waves thus determines the apparent focal distance from the eye to the virtual object. To vary the curvature, either a variable focus lens or a variable index of refraction device is used. Alternatively, a moving point source is used. The generated apparent distance of a virtual object is correlated to a detected distance in a background field of view. Intensity of the virtual object is correlated to detected intensity of background light.

Abstract: A wide field of view infrared zoom lens assembly (16) having a constant F/Number. The wide field of view infrared lens assembly (16) includes a focusing component (33), a collecting component (37), an aperture stop (46), and a diffracting component (41). The focusing component (33) may include a pair of focusing zoom lenses (34, 36). The collecting component (37) may include a first collecting lens (38) and a second collecting lens (40). The focusing component (33) and the collecting component (37) may be formed from high dispersion, low index material. The aperture stop (46) may be mounted to the first collecting lens (38) to maintain a constant F/Number. The diffracting component (41) may include a diffractive surface to correct color aberrations associated with an infrared waveband. The focusing component (33) and the collecting component (37) cooperate with the diffracting component (41) to focus infrared radiation at an image plane (15) of an infrared detector (18).

Abstract: An infrared zoom lens assembly (16) operative as either a continuous zoom or a two-position zoom lens. The infrared zoom lens assembly (16) includes a focusing component (33), a collecting component (37) and a diffracting component (41). The focusing component (33) includes a first focusing zoom lens (34) positioned at the same location at the ends of the zoom range and a second focusing zoom lens (36) movably mounted in the infrared zoom lens assembly (16). The diffracting component (41) may be used to correct color aberrations associated with an infrared waveband. The focusing component (33) and the collecting component (37) cooperate with the diffracting component (41) to focus infrared radiation at an image plane (15) of an infrared detector (18).

Abstract: An infrared zoom lens comprises, in order from the subject end to the image end, a positive power first lens group having lens elements less than three, a negative power second lens group having lens elements less than three, a third lens group having a single meniscus lens element with a concave subject side surface, a fourth lens group having a single convex lens element, and a positive power fifth lens group having at least four lens elements which include a convex meniscus lens with a concave image side surface facing directly to an image plane, the second and third lens groups being axially movable in predetermined relation relative to each other and relative to the first, fourth and fifth lens groups which are stationary to vary the zoom ratio of the infrared zoom lens and form a sharp image on the image plane, and satisfies the following conditions:______________________________________ 1.00 < f1/ft -0.40 > f2/ft 0.35 < f5/ft < 0.70 ______________________________________where f.sub.

Abstract: A pair of correction lenses is unitarily held by a holding plate in binoculars. The direction and the amount of the movement of the focused image occurring due to hand tremble while utilizing hand-held binoculars, are detected. The holding plate is driven in the vertical and horizontal directions, so that the direction and the magnitude of the movement of the focused image are canceled by the correction lenses.

Abstract: A solar control window film having low emissivity minimizes the transfer of thermal energy through window glass by thermal radiation between a temperature controlled interior environment and a uncontrolled exterior environment. The film is comprised of a transparent flexible polymeric substrate bearing various transparent thin film layers of coating materials, including a highly reflective metal. The film is devoid of laminations and laminating adhesives and provides high visual light transmission of up to 50% or more while maintaining a very low emissivity of 0.30 or less. The film is especially suited for retrofitting existing plain glass windows to convert the same to solar control windows.

Abstract: An infrared lens assembly (16, 60 and 80) operative in the near and far infrared wavebands to focus infrared radiation at an image plane (15) of an infrared detector (18). The infrared lens assembly (16, 60 and 80) includes a focusing component (33, 63 and 83), a collecting component (37, 65 and 85) and a diffracting component (41, 67 and 87). The focusing component (33, 63 and 83) and the collecting component (37, 65 and 85) may be formed from high dispersion, low index material. The diffracting component (41, 67 and 87) may be used to correct color aberrations associated with an infrared waveband.

Abstract: An ultra-broadband ultraviolet (UV) catadioptric imaging microscope system with wide-range zoom capability. The microscope system, which comprises a catadioptric lens group and a zooming tube lens group, has high optical resolution in the deep UV wavelengths, continuously adjustable magnification, and a high numerical aperture. The system integrates microscope modules such as objectives, tube lenses and zoom optics to reduce the number of components, and to simplify the system manufacturing process. The preferred embodiment offers excellent image quality across a very broad deep ultraviolet spectral range, combined with an all-refractive zooming tube lens. The zooming tube lens is modified to compensate for higher-order chromatic aberrations that would normally limit performance.

Abstract: The focus of variable-focus lenses in eyeglasses worn by a person is regulated in accordance with an indication of a spatial relationship of features of the person's eyes to provide an at least partially in-focus image of a feature at which the person is gazing.. The lenses are nematic liquid crystal display devices. Light reflected off of each of the person's eyes is detected to provide data indicating the respective dispositions of the person's eyes; and the combined data for both eyes is processed by a neural network in a computer to provide focus-control signals for setting the focus of each lens.

Abstract: An infrared zoom lens assembly (16) operative as either a continuous zoom or a two-position zoom lens. The infrared zoom lens assembly (16) includes a focusing component (33), a collecting component (37) and a diffracting component (41). The focusing component (33) includes a first focusing zoom lens (34) positioned at the same location at the ends of the zoom range and a second focusing zoom lens (36) movably mounted in the infrared zoom lens assembly (16). The diffracting component (41) may be used to correct color aberrations associated with an infrared waveband. The focusing component (33) and the collecting component (37) cooperate with the diffracting component (41) to focus infrared radiation at an image plane (15) of an infrared detector (18).

Abstract: An infrared lens assembly (16) having a variable F/Number. The infrared lens assembly (16) includes a focusing component (33), a collecting component (37), an aperture stop (46), and a diffracting component (41). The focusing component (33) may include a first and a second focusing zoom lens (34, 36) movably mounted in the infrared lens assembly (16). The focusing component (33) and the collecting component (37) may be formed from high dispersion, low index material. The aperture stop (46) may be mounted to the second focusing zoom lens (36) to vary the F/Number between a retracted zoom position and an extended zoom position. The diffracting component (41) may include a diffractive surface to correct color aberrations associated with an infrared waveband. The focusing component (33) and the collecting component (37) cooperate with the diffracting component (41) to focus infrared radiation at an image plane (15) of an infrared detector (18).

Abstract: A photographic printing apparatus including a lens controlled to be positioned at a printing position, immediately adjacent a film negative, during photographic printing operation of the apparatus and at a normal position, displaced from the film negative, during other operations of the apparatus. Positioning the lens at the normal position, displaced from the film negative, enables the lens to be more easily protected and adjusted. The apparatus further includes a sample print detector apparatus comprising a CCD camera for capturing the sample print for display on a video monitor with a print position recognizing cursor. Key-subject points are specified with the cursor and mismatch between the key-subject points is determined in order to provide correction of filming-position. A rotating mechanism is also provided for rotating a negative mask member, lens member and exposure station by an identical angle of rotation to obtain a predetermined angle of exposure.

Abstract: A thermal imaging device (10) provides for its use with a variety of accessory telescopic lenses (12). Each of the accessory telescopic lenses (12) and the thermal imaging device (10) include cooperating physical features allowing the lenses (12) to be mated with the device (10) in a single relative position. Each lens (12) also carries a uniquely positioned magnet (176), and the thermal imaging device (10) includes a plurality of magnetically-responsive sensors (178) responding to the magnets (176) of the various lenses (12) to identify which (if any) of the accessory lens (12) is installed on the device (10). Some of the accessory lenses (12) also include a variable-power feature. These variable-power lenses (12) have an additional magnet (182) moving between an effective position and an ineffective position in response to a user-selected power setting for the lens (12).

Abstract: An infrared continuous zoom telescope or afocal lens system using a diffractive surface for color correction. The lens system comprises an objective lens, an eyepiece lens, a plurality of lenses disposed between the objective lens and the eyepiece lens to provide the zoom function and a diffractive pattern disposed at a surface, preferably the interior surface and preferably integral therewith, of the objective lens to provide color correction at a predetermined wavelength of light passing through the objective lens. All of the lenses are preferably germanium. The diffractive pattern comprises a plurality of spaced ring-shaped steps, each ring concentric with the center of the objective lens and each step having a height equal to the predetermined wavelength for which the lens system is designed. The plurality of ring-shaped steps are formed in accordance with a known formula.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) of high visual quality and having a high density wiring arrangement is provided. The LCD can accommodate up to four addressing and/or control conductors placed across the display and between columns and rows of display electrodes. If four conductors are utilized, those conductors can be arranged as a stacked pair placed between rows and a stacked pair placed between columns of display electrodes. At areas where one stacked pair of conductors intersect the other, a plurality of cross-over regions exists which provide vias for routing the conductors through the region as well as for connecting the conductors to a control circuit within each region. Each control circuit includes a pass-gate transistor for receiving two addressing conductors and a memory element capable of receiving two power conductors.

Abstract: A refractive inverse telephoto optical system (10) has a first lens doublet (12), a Pechan prism assembly (14) and a second lens doublet (16). The Pechan prism assembly (14) is spaced between the front negative doublet (12) and the rear positive doublet (16). The Pechan prism assembly (14) may be rotated and, as rotation occurs, the associated linear detector array is rotated around within the optical field of view.

Abstract: A finger mounted laser spotlight is constructed of a near-infrared continuous wave laser diode powered by a miniature power supply powered in turn by a nine volt battery. The laser diode is mounted inside a cylindrical heat sink housing which includes a focusable lens assembly. A momentary switch is connected in-between the power supply and battery. Cables interconnecting the components are sized to preselected lengths so that, when the power supply and battery are positioned over a wrist or other portion of the arm behind the fingers, the laser diode and housing are positioned over an index finger and the momentary switch is positioned between a thumb and index finger. In use, the momentary switch is pressed and held to provide a beam of near-infrared light.

Abstract: A zoom lens, for use in a telescope at infra-red wavelengths or single wavelength visible light, provides a magnification which may be adjusted to either of two predetermined values. The lens comprises a pair (14) of similar elements (15, 16) fixed relative to one another and each having an aspheric convex surface with the aspheric surfaces of the pair of elements outermost. The pair of elements (14) is located between the two image planes formed in the telescope and is movable between two conjugate positions.

Abstract: An UV-capable dry objective for microscopes in which aperture aberration is corrected, at the same time, both for the visible spectrum and for a selected UV-wavelength. The objective comprises two lens groups separated by an air gap which is varied in size by relative movement between the two lens groups. The size of the air gap is adjusted to correct aperture aberration for the selected UV-wavelength. The objective is designed so that the mathematical sign is the same for both (i) the corrections required as the illumination moves toward the longer-wave portion of the visible spectrum, and (ii) for the corrections required as the illumination moves toward the shorter-wave portion of the UV-spectrum. The objective has an aperture of at least 0.7 and a magnification of more than 60.times..

Abstract: The invention is directed to an IR-pancratic optical device which includes a drive for displacing optical members thereof. The drive permits the focal length range to be passed through in 0.5 second. The drive includes a rotatably mounted drum on which a steel band is attached. Redirecting roller guides are provided to enable the rotational movement to be translated into a linear movement. The IR-pancratic optical device includes forward and rearward optical members and two intermediate optical members are arranged therebetween. One of the intermediate optical members is attached to the band and is moved along the optical axis. A cam control couples the movement of the second intermediate optical member to the movement of the first intermediate optical member.