Abstract: There are provided a resin composition and an optical film using the same. The resin composition includes a copolymer (A) formed by polymerizing a (meth)acryloyl morpholine-based monomer (a), a maleimide-based monomer (b), and an alkyl(meth)acrylate-based monomer (c), and the optical film is manufactured using the same. The resin composition may provide a film having excellent optical properties and optical transparency, reduced haze, excellent mechanical strength, a relatively low level of thermal expansion coefficient leading to a relatively small change in a dimension, and a relatively low level of alteration in a retardation value due to external stress.

Abstract: Articles comprising a substrate and a first layer on a major surface thereof, wherein the first layer has a first random, nanostructured surface, and wherein the first layer has an average thickness up to 0.5 micrometer. Embodiments of the articles are useful, for example, for display applications (e.g., liquid crystal displays (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) displays, or plasma displays); light extraction; electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, ophthalmic lenses; face shielding lenses or films; window films; antireflection for construction applications; and, construction applications or traffic signs.

Abstract: Provided are a resin composition and an optical film formed by using the same, and more particularly, a resin composition including 85 to 95 parts by weight of a matrix copolymer resin including an alkyl(meth)acrylate-based unit, an acryl-based unit containing a benzene ring, and a (meth)acrylic acid unit, and 5 to 15 parts by weight of a polymer resin having a molecular weight range of 150,000 to 1,000,000 and an optical film formed by using the composition. A resin composition according to the present invention may provide a protective film for a polarizing plate having excellent heat resistance and toughness as well as excellent optical properties, and thus, an optical film formed by using the resin composition of the present invention may be used in information electronic devices such as display devices for various applications.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging directional backlight polarization recovery apparatus including an imaging directional backlight with at least a polarization sensitive reflection component with optional polarization transformation and redirection elements. Viewing windows may be formed through imaging individual light sources and hence defines the relative positions of system elements and ray paths. The base imaging directional backlight systems provide substantially unpolarized light primarily for the illumination of liquid crystal displays (LCDs) resulting in at least 50% loss in light output when using a conventional sheet polarizer as input to the display. The invention herein introduces a polarization sensitive reflecting element to separate desired and undesired polarization states for the purposes of transformation and redirection of the reflected light for usable illumination.

Abstract: A polarization converter and polarization conversion systems are provided. The polarization converter and polarization conversion systems include a patterned polarization grating with left hand and right hand polarization grating domains. The polarization grating domains are configured to diffract incident non-polarized light into beams having left and right circular polarization states.

Abstract: A concealing structure to at least partially conceal a sensor, light emitter or other component by at least partially preventing reflection of external light by an underlying structure. In some examples, this function is performed by a two-component masking assembly, the masking assembly including a linear polarizer to cause linear polarization of light which passes from the exterior of the device to an underlying component, and a wave plate to shift the axis of any reflected polarized light. In many cases, a high density optical fluid will further be included within the masking assembly to minimize reflections from the other components of the assembly.

Abstract: There is provided a light diffusing element made of a thin film capable of realizing low back scattering and a high haze. A light diffusing element according to an embodiment of the invention includes: a first region having a first refractive index n1; a refractive index modulation region having a substantially spherical shell shape and surrounding the first region; and a second region having a second refractive index n2, the second region being positioned on a side of the refractive index modulation region opposite to the first region.

Abstract: Optical systems for routing light that reduce or eliminate polarization-dependent loss are provided. Such optical systems generally accommodate an optical element that has an intrinsic polarization-dependent loss and which is disposed to be encountered twice by the light being routed. In some instances, the optical element may be a dispersive element such as a diffraction grating or prism, but the invention has more general applicability. The optical system additionally includes both a reflective element and a wave plate assembly disposed to be encountered by the light between encounters with the dispersive element.

Abstract: In order to achieve a high brightness optical source with both spatial size and numeric aperture ideal for fiber coupling, an assembly of multiple individually collimated laser diode chips on submount (COS) are mounted onto a common flat surface and redirected through a series of optical components. This is done in such a manner which allows for active reduction of both overall spot size and numeric aperture. This optical stacking technique achieves a high brightness source which is also suitable for directly coupling into an optical fiber, or can achieve enhanced brightness through the use of existing polarization or wavelength combining schemes prior to fiber optic coupling.

Abstract: Anisotropic film laminates for use in image-preserving reflectors such as rearview automotive mirror assemblies, and related methods of fabrication. A film may comprise an anisotropic layer such as a light-polarizing layer and other functional layers. The film having controlled water content is heated under omnidirectional pressure and vacuum to a temperature substantially equal to or above a lower limit of a glass-transition temperature range of the film so as to be laminated to a substrate. The laminate is configured as part of a mirror structure so as to increase contrast of light produced by a light source positioned behind the mirror structure and transmitted through the mirror structure towards a viewer. The mirror structure is devoid of any extended distortion and is characterized by SW and LW values less than 3, more preferably less than 2, and most preferably less than 1.

Abstract: Optical elements, color combiners using the optical elements, and image projectors using the color combiners are described. The optical elements can be configured as color combiners that receive different wavelength spectrums of light and produce a combined light output that includes the different wavelength spectrums of light. The optical elements include a wavelength selective dichroic mirror that reflects a major portion of actinic light that can damage a reflective polarizer within the optical element. The wavelength selective dichroic mirror transmits a major portion of other wavelengths of light. The resulting color combiners using the optical element may have improved durability compared to a color combiner lacking the wavelength selective dichroic mirror. Image projectors using the color combiners can include reflective (including digital micro-mirror) or polarization (including liquid crystal) imaging modules.

Abstract: In a first face and a second face of an irregular configuration portion configuring a wire grid structure, surface roughness of the first face farther from an input side of a light (electromagnetic wave) is made rougher than the surface roughness of the second face closer to the input side of the light (electromagnetic wave). With this configuration, according to this embodiment, since a reflection polarization element can be realized, there can be provided an optical device that is excellent in tolerance to heat and light, and contributes to a reduction in the costs.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a method for manufacturing a long laminated polarizing plate having a long polarizing coating formed by coating directly on a long retardation film and to provide such a long laminated polarizing plate. The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a long laminated polarizing plate comprising a long retardation film having a slow axis in its longitudinal direction and a long polarizing coating placed on the retardation film and having an absorption axis or a transmission axis in an in-plane direction at an angle of 25 to 65° to the slow axis direction of the long retardation film.

Abstract: A reflective polarizing film includes a transparent substrate, and a reflective layer unidirectionally elongated to be formed on one side of the transparent substrate, wherein the reflective layer is composed of nanowire particles, and 80% or more of the nanowire particles are aligned at an angle of ?10° to 10° with respect to an elongation direction.

Abstract: Provided are a polarization beam splitter 69 disposed between a subject side finder window 16 and a photographer side observation window 17 and disposed to be obliquely inclined at 45 degrees with respect to an optical axis L of an incident light from the subject side finder window 16, a polarizing filter installed at the incident light entering side of the polarization beam splitter 69 and configured to reflect or cut the s-polarized wave of the incident light; and a display device 61 configured to project a display information of the s-polarized wave on the polarization beam splitter 69 and project the display information reflected from the polarization beam splitter 69 in a direction of the photographer side observation window 17.

Abstract: An electronic display configured to provide a visual output, such as a liquid crystal display. The electronic display includes an optical shutter and a first polarizer operably connected to the optical shutter. The first polarizer includes an optical filter layer, a protective layer, and a moisture barrier positioned on a first surface of either the optical filter or the protective layer. The moisture barrier substantially prevents water molecules from being transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for fetching optical images. Images from multiple channels are obtained. A device is used to automatically switch the images. The switching is based on time-sharing multiplexing (TSM). Thus, the images are formed on another device. The images are then integrated and displayed to be used in an optical vehicle safety assistant system.

Abstract: An optical member, an optical adhesive, and a display apparatus, the optical member including a transparent conductive film; an optical adhesive layer on the transparent conductive film; and a polarizer plate stacked on the optical adhesive layer, wherein a surface resistance difference Rs2?Rs1 of a specimen including the optical adhesive layer is less than about 0.2?, the specimen being prepared by manufacturing the polarizer plate having the optical adhesive layer thereon and stacking two transparent conductive films on opposite upper sides of the optical adhesive layer, where Rs1 is an initial surface resistance of the specimen and Rs2 is a surface resistance of the specimen kept at 70° C. and 95% RH for 48 hours.

Abstract: Optical devices and systems including a polarization maintaining interconnect are disclosed. An optical assembly can include an optical component, a low-birefringence optical fiber and a polarization transformer. The polarization transformer is coupled between the optical component and the optical fiber. The polarization transformer is configured to transform between a substantially circularly-polarized light at the low-birefringence optical fiber and a substantially linearly-polarized light at the optical component.

Abstract: A display panel is provided with a solar cell, a light transmitting substrate arranged on a side of the solar cell to be seen, and a reflective polarizing plate. An uneven pattern is arranged on at least one surface of the reflective polarizing plate. The pattern desirably has concave and convex shape formed on at least one surface of the reflective polarizing plate. The respective concave and convex patterns may be different from each other. The reflective polarizing plate is provided with a light reflection axis and a light transmission easy axis.

Abstract: Planar reflective devices that operate as reflective blazed diffraction gratings are disclosed. In one aspect, a reflective device includes a substrate with a planar surface, and a planar, high-contrast, sub-wavelength grating disposed on the surface. The grating is divided into a number of regions that each reflect incident light of a particular wavelength and with a particular angle of incidence into a single diffraction order and associated diffraction angle.

Abstract: A multi-segment optical retarder that can be used with or within a single projector for creating 3D images. The multi-segment optical retarder is coupled to an actuator used to effect some predetermined linear, rotary, or oscillating movement of the multi-segment optical retarder such that a fast axis orientation of each segment is substantially constant relative to itself over time and for a given area of incidence.

Abstract: As the polarizing fiber of the present invention, the cross sectional form perpendicular to the longitudinal direction has a sea-island structure, and the cross sectional form is continuously made up in the longitudinal direction. A resin (sea component) that constitutes the sea region of the sea-island structure comprises a dichroic dye, and a resin (island component) that constitutes the island regions of the sea-island structure is a transparent resin. The polarizing fiber of the present invention may be used as a forming material of a polarizer, for example. By using the above polarizing fiber, a polarizer wherein unevenness of the transmittance is small and cracks are less generated may be formed.

Abstract: An optical projection device includes a laser engine, a first wave plate and a lens. The laser engine provides light. The first wave plate changes a light phase. The lens focuses light. A projecting method of an optical projection device includes providing a light including a first P polarized light, a first S polarized light, and a second S polarized light, and projecting light through a wave plate on a screen, wherein the wave plate moves in a direction perpendicular to light. A projecting method of an optical projection device includes providing light including a first P polarized light, a first S polarized light, and a second S polarized light, and projecting light through a wave plate on a screen, wherein the wave plate rotates around an axis parallel to a projecting direction of light.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate laminate film containing a skin B layer that contains a cellulose acetate satisfying 2.50?Z2<3.00 (Z2 means a total degree of acyl substitution) and a core layer that is thicker than the skin B layer and contains a cellulose acylate satisfying 2.00<Z1?2.50 (Z1 means a total degree of acyl substitution), wherein the core layer and the skin B layer contain a retardation-controlling agent having refractive index anisotropy and the difference between the refractive index anisotropy measured on one surface of the film and the refractive index anisotropy measured on the other surface thereof is at most 0.0005.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical planar thermoplastic resin composition including a lactone ring-containing polymer as a main component thereof, or including a lactone ring-containing polymer and at least one other thermoplastic resin. The optical planar thermoplastic resin composition of the present invention has high transparency, high heat resistance, and high optical isotropy, and therefore, can sufficiently exhibit characteristics according to various optical applications.

Abstract: There is provided a polarization optical apparatus including a reflection-type polarization element for transmitting a predetermined polarization component light, inputting the light to a reflection-type optical modulation element, and reflecting polarization component light optically modulated by the reflection-type optical modulation element, a polarization element holding member including a sliding support surface for slidably supporting the reflection-type polarization element in a surface direction, and holding the reflection-type polarization element, and an urging portion for urging the reflection-type polarization element toward the sliding support surface while enabling the reflection-type polarization element to be slid along the sliding support surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to an optical element, a light projector that includes the optical element, and an image projector that includes the optical element. In particular, the optical element provides an improved uniformity of light by homogenizing the light with lenslet arrays, such as “fly-eye arrays” (FEA). The FEA is positioned to homogenize a polarized combined light after an unpolarized input light is converted to a single polarization state.

Abstract: Microstructured optical films, assemblies of films including at least one microstructured optical film, and (e.g. illuminated) display devices including a single microstructured optical film or assembly.

Abstract: An optical system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a reflective imaging element having a first principal face which is struck by light emitted from a display panel, a second principal face parallel to the first principal face, and two mutually-orthogonal specular elements being perpendicular to the first principal face, and causes an image displayed on a display surface of the display panel to form an image at a position of planar symmetry with respect to the reflective imaging element as a plane of symmetry. A transparent substrate which is disposed on at least either the first principal face side or the second principal face side of the reflective imaging element is further included, and first light striking the transparent substrate is linearly polarized light, with a large proportion of p-polarized light.

Abstract: A first linearly polarized bundle of rays of incident rays is converted by optical modulation with an input video signal into a second linearly polarized bundle of rays orthogonal to the first rays in polarization. The first rays pass through a polarizer before optically modulated. A second linearly polarized bundle of rays originally involved in the incident rays is reflected by the polarizer in a first direction. The second rays obtained by the optical modulation are reflected by the polarizer in a second direction. The second rays reflected in the second direction pass through another polarizer. A first linearly polarized bundle of rays involved in the reflected second rays is reflected by the other polarizer. The reflected first rays is detected by an optical sensor that is positioned outside an optical path of the second rays originally involved in the incident rays and reflected in the first direction.

Abstract: A phase plate including a plurality of surfaces arranged around a symmetry axis to reflect an incident electromagnetic field having a null orbital angular momentum, thereby generating a reflected electromagnetic field having an orbital angular momentum. The surfaces are arranged such that, with respect to a cylindrical reference system in which the azimuthal coordinate is measured in a plane perpendicular to the symmetry axis, the respective heights define a non-monotonic azimuthal profile, so that the reflected electromagnetic field forms an optical vortex whose topological charge is not associated one-to-one to the orbital angular momentum.

Abstract: Optical stack is disclosed. The optical stack includes a first optical stack that includes, a first optical adhesive layer, and a reflective polarizer layer that is disposed on the first optical adhesive layer. The reflective polarizer layer substantially reflects light of a first polarization state and substantially transmits light of a second polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state. The optical stack also includes a second optical stack that includes a second optical adhesive layer, a low index layer that is disposed on the second optical adhesive layer and includes a plurality of voids dispersed in a binder, and a light directing film that is disposed on the low index layer and includes a plurality of unitary discrete structures. Portions of each unitary discrete structure penetrate into the first optical adhesive layer. Portions of each unitary discrete structure do not penetrate into the first optical adhesive layer.

Abstract: Provided is a wavelength plate that can increase incident angle tolerance. The wavelength plate in which a high refractive index layer and a low refractive index layer are alternately stacked, each layer having a concave-convex structure the period of which is equal to or shorter that a wavelength in one direction within a plane, includes, as periods in the thickness direction of the high refractive index layer and the low refractive index layer: a first period defined so that a used wavelength can belong to the first band of a photonic band structure; and a second period defined so that the used wavelength can belong to a wavelength side longer than the center wavelength of the second band of the photonic band structure.

Abstract: Generally, the present disclosure describes a compact optical integrator that provides an increased path length for a beam of light in a compact projection system. The increased path length can improve the uniformity of the light passing through the compact projection system, with a minimal increase in the size of the system. The light can be homogenized by mixing light entering the integrator from different regions of the input area. The compact optical integrator can be positioned in the optical path between a light source and a spatial light modulator, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a digital micro-mirror (DMM) array.

Abstract: A polarization splitting device includes a polarization beam splitter having a polarization splitting surface and allows P-polarized light to transmit therethrough and reflects S-polarized light. A subwavelength structure grating is formed on the polarization splitting surface with a grating pitch smaller than wavelength of incident light. The polarization splitting device also includes a polarizer that is arranged on an optical path of light reflected from the polarization beam splitter and has a transmission axis that is parallel to a polarization direction of the S-polarized light.

Abstract: Nano-structured layers having a random nano-structured anisotropic major surface.

Abstract: Optical stack is disclosed. The optical stack includes a light redirecting film that includes a first structured major surface that includes a plurality of unitary discrete structures. The optical stack also includes an optical adhesive layer that is disposed on the light directing film. At least portions of at least some unitary discrete structures in the plurality of unitary discrete structures penetrate into the optical adhesive layer. At least portions of at least some unitary discrete structures in the plurality of unitary discrete structures do not penetrate into the optical adhesive layer. The peel strength of the light redirecting film and the optical adhesive layer is greater than about 30 grams/inch. The average effective transmission of the optical stack is not less or is less than by no more than about 10% as compared to an optical stack that has the same construction except that no unitary discrete structure penetrates into the optical adhesive layer.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes: a display unit that displays a two-dimensional image; and a variable lens array disposed to face the display unit, wherein the variable lens array includes a variable phase difference layer that receives incident linearly polarized light polarized in a first direction and allows the linearly polarized light polarized in the same direction to exit or allows linearly polarized light polarized in a second direction switched from the first direction and different therefrom to exit, and an optically anisotropic layer that receives the light having exited out of the variable phase difference layer and works as a lens array for one of the light polarized in the first direction and the light polarized in the second direction whereas working as a transparent layer for the other light.

Abstract: A hard coat film includes a transparent plastic film substrate; and a hard coat layer, wherein the hard coat layer is formed of a composition for forming a hard coat layer, the composition containing the following component (A), component (B), and an organic solvent: Component (A): a polyrotaxane, Component (B): a monomer having two or more ethylenically unsaturated groups.

Abstract: Curved lenses configured to decode three dimensional content and method of fabricating the same. The lenses decode three-dimensional content displayed on televisions or computer monitors. Sheets from which the lenses are cut have either (i) a polarizing axis of 0 degrees relative to horizontal and one sheet has a retarder axis at ?45 degrees relative to horizontal and the other sheet has a retarder axis of +45 degrees relative to horizontal; (ii) a polarizing axis of ?45 degrees relative to horizontal and one sheet has a retarder axis at 0 degrees relative to horizontal and the other sheet has a retarder axis of 90 degrees relative to horizontal; or (iii) a polarizing axis of +45 degrees relative to horizontal and one sheet has a retarder axis at 0 degrees relative to horizontal and the other sheet has a retarder axis of 90 degrees relative to horizontal.

Abstract: A passive all optical polarization switch and apparatus and methods for implementing logical operations using the switch is provided. The switch converts a first polarized beam having a polarization angle equals to or nearly equals to ±45 degrees into a beam equal to or nearly equal to the vertical component of the first polarized beam. The switch converts a second polarized beam having a polarization angle equals to or nearly equals to ±45 degrees into a beam equal to or nearly equal to the horizontal component of the second polarized beam. The switch combines the vertical component of the first polarized beam and the horizontal component of the second polarized beam to produce an output polarized beam. The switch is used to implement all optical polarization logic gates.

Abstract: A polarization converter made of metamaterial, including a base material and a number of artificial microstructures disposed on the base material. The artificial microstructures can influence the electric field vector of plane electromagnetic wave propagating in it. The electric field vector of the electromagnetic wave can be decomposed into two non-zero orthogonal components on one or more planes perpendicular to the incident direction of the electromagnetic wave, the orthogonal components can be parallel and perpendicular to the optical axis at the position where the artificial microstructure located. After the electromagnetic wave passing through the polarization converter made of metamaterial, the two orthogonal components have a phase difference ?? different from before incidence, thereby achieving mutual conversion between the above electromagnetic wave polarization methods.

Abstract: A method for producing a light scattering film is provided and includes: casting onto a support a dope containing at least a thermoplastic resin and light transmitting particles to provide a casted film, and peeling and drying the casted film to prepare a light transmitting base material; applying an coating solution containing at least a curable compound, a polymerization initiator, and a solvent onto the light transmitting base material and drying the solvent; and curing the curable compound to form a cured layer. At least one surface of the light transmitting base material has an asperity shape, the light transmitting particles have an average primary particle size greater than 2.5 ?m but not greater than 12 ?m, the cured layer has an average thickness of 0.1 ?m or greater but not greater than 10.0 ?m, and the cured layer satisfies the specific formulae.

Abstract: A light-transmitting substrate has an uneven profile on at least one surface thereof, the light-transmitting substrate contains a thermoplastic resin and a flat translucent particle; a tilt angle of the uneven profile on at least one surface of the light-transmitting substrate has the following distribution: (a) an integral value of frequencies of from 0° to less than 1.0° is from 0% to less than 25%, (b) an integral value of frequencies of from 1.0° to less than 10° is from 60% to less than 100%, and (c) an integral value of frequencies of 10° or more is from 0% to less than 25%, and an average distance between trough and crest in the uneven profile is from 10 to 300 ?m.

Abstract: An optical film in accordance with one embodiment comprises a stack having a plurality of basic pairs each constructed by stacking first and second layers. The number of stacks, the refractive index difference |?ni| in a predetermined direction between the first and second layers, the thicknesses of the first and second layers, and the number of basic pairs are set such that a reflection spectrum formed by the optical film conforms to a target reflection spectrum. The target reflection spectrum is a spectrum having a reflection peak region including a spectrum region having a reflectance of at least 50% within a predetermined wavelength width, in a reflection spectrum of a first polarized light in a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm, while exhibiting a reflectance of 20% or less in a reflection spectrum of a second polarized light within the wavelength range.

Abstract: A display apparatus and a method for manufacturing an optical compound layer are provided. The display apparatus comprises a light source and an optical compound layer, wherein the light source is adapted to emit a light beam, and the light beam has a polarization direction. The optical compound layer is disposed on the light source correspondingly to receive the light beam. The optical compound layer comprises a thin film and a plurality of dopants doped therein. One of the thin film and the dopants has a specific orientation which is substantially the same as the polarization direction of the light beam and the refractive indexes of the thin film and the dopants are substantially the same as well.

Abstract: The polarization beam splitting element is configured to reflect or transmit an entering beam according to its polarization direction. The element includes, in order from a beam entrance side, a base member having a light transmissive property, a first one-dimensional grating structure formed of a dielectric material and having, in a first direction, a first grating period smaller than a wavelength of the entering beam, and a second one-dimensional grating structure formed of a metal and having, in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction, a second grating period smaller than the wavelength of the entering beam.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate including a base with a pattern on at least one side thereof, in which a refractive index in a lower region of the pattern and a refractive index in an upper region of the pattern are different from each other according to a shape of the pattern; and a water repellent coating layer provided on at least one side with the pattern of the base, an optical product including the same, and a manufacturing method of the substrate. The substrate according to the present invention has both an excellent anti-reflective property and an excellent water repellent property.

Abstract: An illuminating device is described comprising an optical source emitting an unpolarized light beam, a polarizing beam splitter comprising a grid polarizer situated between the faces of two prisms. The light beam penetrates into the first prism through a face and reaches the polarizing beam splitter that transmits the light having a first polarization direction to the face that reflects it toward an exit face. In addition, the splitter reflects the light having a second polarization direction to the face that reflects it toward an exit face.