Abstract: A programmable spectrum light source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the programmable light source comprises a light source, a spectrum separation system that splits the light into its constituent spectral components, a light modulator that modulates the spectral components according to a required spectral envelope and a light recombination system that recombines the shaped spectral components to produce light with a required spectrum.

Abstract: Optical systems and methods in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein can receive one or more beams of light from the system's field of view. Internal optical components can then direct the beam of light, including splitting the beam of light, rotating at least one of the split beams of light, and displacing one or more of the beams of light, such that the split beams of light are parallel to each other. Each beam of light may then be directed onto at least one linear detector array. The linear detector array can transform the light into electrical signals that can be processed and presented in a human-readable display.

Abstract: An optical system is provided. The optical system comprises a first polarizing beamsplitter (PBS), a first reflecting image-forming device, and a first quarter-wave retarding element. An optical system is also provided that comprises an image-forming device, a reflective polarizing layer, at least a first birefringent element disposed on an optical path between the image-forming device and the polarizing layer, and a quarter-wave retarding element. Further provided is an optical system comprising a color combiner unit, at least two polarizing beamsplitters (PBSs), and a first quarter-wave retarding element. The present application also provides methods of compensating for birefringence in an image projection system.

Abstract: A light integrating device for an illumination system and an illumination system. The illumination system includes a first light source module and a second light source module providing a first light and a second light, respectively. The device includes first and second light collecting elements and a beam splitting element. The first light travels into the first light collecting element and is split into a plurality of light groups by the beam splitting element. At least one light group travels into the second light collecting element from the beam splitting element. The second light travels into the second light collecting element, is reflected by the beam splitting element and emits out from the second light collecting element along the principle axis of the light integrating device together with the at least one light group which is split from the first light and travels into the second light collecting element.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a projector which includes several optical elements, reflective devices and beam splitters, arranged to reduce back reflection effects. At least one exemplary embodiment includes a mirror, two beam splitters, three reflection devices, and two optical elements affecting polarization of incident light upon the optical elements.

Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a first, a second and a third light sources, a first reflective element, a first and a second dichroic mirrors, a light-homogenizing element, a light valve and a projection lens. The first reflective element is configured to reflect the first light beam, and the first dichroic mirror is configured to reflect the second light beam and to transmit the first light beam transmitted from the first reflective element. The second dichroic mirror is configured to reflect the first and the second light beams transmitted from the first dichroic mirror and to transmit the third light beam. The light-homogenizing element is used for homogenizing the combined light beam, and the light valve is used for modulating the combined light beam to form an image beam. The projection lens is used for receiving and then projecting the image beam.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an optical component is provided. The optical component includes a first polarizing prism having a first face, a second face and a third face. The light beam may be received incident on the first face. Light having a first polarization may be output through a second face and light having a second polarization may be output through a third face. The optical component further includes a half-wave plate fastened to the second face of the first polarizing prism. The optical component further includes a first reflecting prism connected to the third face of the first polarizing prism. The first reflecting prism has a first face and a second face, the first face connected to the third face of the first polarizing prism. The optical component further includes a second reflecting prism connected to the half-wave plate and to the second face of the first reflecting prism. The second reflecting prism has a first face, a second face and a third face.

Abstract: An improved optic system for measuring and/or controlling displacement, force, pressure, position, or chemistry is disclosed. This apparatus allows for more accurate, robust, and economical communication between the transducer (or control input element) and the reader device (or control output), allows the use of a single optic fiber and/or or a gap for the communication link, and produces substantial insensitivity to attenuation due to mechanical, chemical, thermal, and radiation effects acting on the optic fiber or open space in which the signal propagates. It is also significantly immune to interference from electromagnetic radiation, since the link can be easily produced as a non-conductor which will not propagate unwanted electrical energy or lightning, and is intrinsically safe from igniting fires or explosions. It also facilitates use on rotating machinery and remote location of the transducer by the ability to transmit the signal across a large gap or air space.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to single prism beamsplitters and compound beamsplitters formed from combining one or more of the single prism beamsplitters. In one embodiment, the beamsplitters can be configured to produce one or more split beams of light that can emerge at angles other than 90° to one another. The prisms of the beamsplitter embodiments are configured so that light propagating through prisms encounter one or more intermediate planar surfaces at various angles with respect to the path of the light. A certain number of the intermediate planar surfaces can be angled so that the light transmitted along a particular path undergoes total internal reflection within the prism. A number of other intermediate planar surfaces are angled so that the light transmitted along a particular path does not undergo total internal reflection.

Abstract: There is provided an optical system, including a substrate having a major surface and edges, an optical element for coupling light into the substrate by total internal reflection, a reflecting surface carried by the substrate, a retardation plate and a reflecting optical element. The retardation plate is located between a portion of the major surface of the substrate and the reflecting optical element.

Abstract: A projection optical system including a projection lens, a first mirror that reflects a light from the projection lens, and a second mirror that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror by reflecting the light projects a light modulated according to an image signal from an optical engine unit. A third mirror reflects a light from the projection optical system. A screen transmits a light from the third mirror. An optical axis of the projection lens substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror, and the light from the optical engine unit is shifted to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens.

Abstract: The image observation apparatus includes a first image-forming element and a second image-forming element each of which forms an original image, and an optical system configured to introduce light fluxes from the first and second image-forming elements to an exit pupil position of the optical system where an eye of an observer is placed. The optical system includes an optical surface as a single surface that reflects the light flux from the first image-forming element and transmits the light flux from the second image-forming element. The first image-forming element and the second image-forming element respectively form a first original image and a second original image that correspond to different viewing fields from the exit pupil position. The apparatus combines plural original images to enable observation of one combined image and that can suppress generation of light scattering.

Abstract: A digital image projector includes a light assembly configured to project light along a light path from at least one laser array light source, the projected light having an overlapping far field illumination in a far field illumination portion of the light path; a temporally varying optical phase shifting device configured to be in the light path; an optical integrator configured to be in the light path; a spatial light modulator located downstream of the temporally varying optical phase shifting device and the optical integrator in the light path, the spatial light modulator configured to be located in the far field illumination portion of the light path; and projection optics located downstream of the spatial light modulator in the light path, the projection optics configured to direct substantially speckle free light from the spatial light modulator toward a display surface.

Abstract: The addition of DMD illumination modulator(s) 702 in series with projection SLM(s) 706/709 to produce high-performance projection displays with improved optical efficiency, reliability, and lower maintenance requirements. This approach eliminates the vibration, audible noise, and safety problems associated with high speed rotating color filter wheels 203 commonly used in SLM projectors and controls the light applied to individual areas of the projection SLM(s).

Abstract: An apparatus includes first and second portions. The first portion has optics which cause first radiation within a selected waveband to travel along a path of travel and to have a selected field of view. The second portion introduces second radiation within the selected waveband into the field of view, without any significant degradation of a transmission efficiency of the first radiation along the path of travel. The second radiation then travels with the first radiation along the path of travel.

Abstract: A reflective surface and a beamsplitting surface are optically coupled to a mirror and to phase optics arranged in interleaver configuration so as to either reflect all light to a single output in an all-pass mode of operation, or to split the incoming beam and produce odd and even channel outputs in an interleaver mode of operation. The direction of the incoming beam is switched hitlessly between the reflective and beamsplitting surfaces by passing the incoming beam through a transparent slab coupled to a rotating mechanism.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed wherein the structural health of a civil structure, such as, but not limited to, a bridge or the like is measured by electronic distance measurement from a plurality of stable locations to a plurality of cardinal points on the structure in a methodical manner. By measuring the coordinates of the cardinal points, the dynamic and long-term static behavior of the structure provide an indication of the health of the structure. Analysis includes; comparison to a Finite Element Model (FEM), comparison to historical data, linearity, hysteresis, symmetry, creep, damping coefficient, and harmonic terms.

Abstract: An optical prism comprising a first end adapted for input of light, a second end adapted for output of light and a plurality of sides forming a solid geometric structure. The sides are arranged at controlled angles to one another and have refracting surfaces to mix light. A plurality of outputs at the second end of the optical prism split light such that the light can be transmitted via a plurality of separate optic cables.

Abstract: A collimated periscope that is switchable between a normal optical view of the outside, a display view, and an overlay view in which the outside view and display view are combined. The switching element is an electronically switchable mirror with primarily reflective, primarily transparent, and intermediate states, depending on the application of electrical potentials.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to single prism beamsplitters and compound beamsplitters formed from combining one or more of the single prism beamsplitters. In one embodiment, the beamsplitters can be configured to produce one or more split beams of light that can emerge at angles other than 90° to one another. The prisms of the beamsplitter embodiments are configured so that light propagating through prisms encounter one or more intermediate planar surfaces at various angles with respect to the path of the light. A certain number of the intermediate planar surfaces can be angled so that the light transmitted along a particular path undergoes total internal reflection within the prism. A number of other intermediate planar surfaces are angled so that the light transmitted along a particular path does not undergo total internal reflection.

Abstract: An x-prism provides four triangular prisms each of which includes a hypotenuse side, a first side surface adjoining the hypotenuse side surface, a second side surface perpendicular to the first side surface, a first end surface and an opposite second end surface, the first and second end surfaces being at opposite sides of each of the triangular prisms, the triangular prisms being attached to each other with the hypotenuse side surfaces thereof facing outward. The four triangular prisms includes at least two triangular prisms with the first end surfaces thereof being coplanar with each other, and at least one triangular prism with the first end surface thereof being non-coplanar with the first end surfaces of the other triangular prisms.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical damage assessment using an existing imaging focal plane array and a fixed or moving set of optics and filters. Advantages include cost reductions and improved reliability due to fewer components arid therefore fewer points of failure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed whereby a laser-based spherical coordinate measurement system is dynamically calibrated. A mechanical oscillator, such as, but not limited to, a Foucault pendulum is used to generate periodic motions which can be fitted to Fourier series models. The residuals between the experimental measurements and the model can provide information which can be used to calibrate the instrument. The calibration information is used to augment the ASME B89.4.19-2006 standard to improve sensitivity to cyclic errors and include the servo systems.

Abstract: An optical scanning apparatus includes a first optical member for receiving a plurality of light beams with an interval and for causing a first group of beams to emerge with a narrower interval, the first optical member being rotatable to adjust the interval of the beams emergent therefrom; a second optical member for receiving a second light beam and the first group of beams emergent from the first optical member with an interval and for causing a third group of beams to emerge with a narrower interval, the second optical member being rotatable to change the interval between the first group of beams and the second beam; and deflecting means for scanningly deflecting a third group of beams emergent from the second optical member.

Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a light source and an optical member disposed over the light source and including a surface that has a plurality of lens-shaped portions and at least one prism-shaped portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical component, which comprises a prism element adjacent to a lens element, where the two elements are separated by a small air gap. In disclosed embodiments, the elements have adjacent and parallel surfaces which are substantially planar and which, with the small air gap, operate through Total Internal Reflection (“TIR”) to direct light beams that strike the planar surfaces. Light beams that strike at less than the critical angle are internally reflected, while light beams which strike at greater than the critical angle pass through. The TIR surfaces thereby separate the desired optical signals from the spurious ones. The combined TIR prism lens operates as a single and integrated component which directs desired light beams to a reflective optical processing element such as a Spatial Light Modulator and which focuses the processed light beams as they leave the combined TIR prism lens.

Abstract: A weapon sight of the kind comprising a lens having a partially reflecting surface, a light source spaced from the lens for emitting light towards the reflecting surface to produce a light spot by direct imaging of the light source on the surface to be superimposed on a target when sighting through the lens. For adjustment of the location of the light spot on the reflecting surface when observed from a defined fixed position, the sight includes a device for displacement of the light source, comprising a miniature drive motor or element operatively connected with the light source.

Abstract: First of all, the present invention relates to a light trap (20) for eliminating or preventing stray light, e.g., in the form of scattered light. In addition, the invention relates to a device (10) for coupling a first beam path (34) to a second beam path (42)*. Finally, the invention also relates to an illumination device (30) for an optical observation device as well as an optical observation device. In order to be able to further improve the elimination of disruptive stray light in the form of scattered light, light trap (20) is configured in a special way. It has a filter element (21), particularly a neutral filter element, which is characterized in that incident light face (22) of filter element (21) has a concave radius, whereby incident light face (22) has a specific curvature. * sic; second beam path (41)?—Trans.

Abstract: An electro-optomechanical beam steering system has: a first deflector for selectively deflecting an optical beam in a first field of regard centered about a boresight; and a rotation stage having a second deflector, the rotation stage selectively positioning the second deflector in azimuth about the boresight, the second deflector selectively deflecting the optical beam of the first field of regard in a second field of regard along a polar axis defined by the second deflector and the azimuth as positioned by the rotation stage. Methods using the beam steering system are also provided, to steer an optical beam or to acquire a target in a field of regard.

Abstract: A light source for use in a projection system comprises a pair of lamps each effective to produce a substantially collimated beam. Part of the light emitted by each lamp is directed through the light originating part of the same, or another, lamp. A light combiner is arranged within the path of the light beams from each of the two lamps to provide a composite light beam of a cross section less than the sum of the cross section of the beams produced by each of the lamps.

Abstract: An optical system is provided. The optical system comprises a first polarizing beamsplitter (PBS), a first reflecting image-forming device, and a first quarter-wave retarding element. An optical system is also provided that comprises an image-forming device, a reflective polarizing layer, at least a first birefringent element disposed on an optical path between the image-forming device and the polarizing layer, and a quarter-wave retarding element. Further provided is an optical system comprising a color combiner unit, at least two polarizing beamsplitters (PBSs), and a first quarter-wave retarding element. The present application also provides methods of compensating for birefringence in an image projection system.

Abstract: An optical projection apparatus is provided, where a reflective light valve, a light deflecting device and a lens set are arranged on an optical path of the light beam providing by an illuminating system. The light deflecting device is located between the illuminating system and the reflective light valve, and the lens set is located between the reflective light valve and the light deflecting device. When the light beam is incident to the reflective light valve through the light deflecting device and the lens set, the light beam is converted into sub-image beams, and then the sub-image beams are reflected to the lens set. The projection lens set arranged on an optical path of the sub-image beams has a pupil located on the light deflecting device. The lens set converges the sub-image beams on the pupil and then the sub-image beams are incident to the projection lens set for imaging.

Abstract: An illumination system is provided, which provides a plurality of light beams to a light valve. The illumination system includes a plurality of light sources, a polynomial lens and an optical scanning element. The light sources are capable of emitting the light beams. The polynomial lens is disposed on light paths of the light beams and located between the light sources and the light valve. The polynomial lens shapes the light beams into a plurality of rectangular light beams. The optical scanning element is disposed on light paths of the rectangular light beams and located between the polynomial lens and the light valve. The optical scanning element is capable of moving for scanning the rectangular light beams on the light valve unidirectionally or back and forth along a direction, and the rectangular light beams partially overlap with each other on the light valve.

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device to separate unwanted off-state and/or flat-state light from the projection ON-light bundle. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. These TIR surfaces are placed to immediately reflect the unwanted light as it comes off the SLM, thereby preventing the contamination of light along the projection path, which tends to degrade the system contrast. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package, completely eliminating the package window. Also, these TIR prism can be coupled to DMDs having asymmetric mirrors, which tilt through a larger angle for the ON-light to provide high etendue and lumen output, but through near-zero degrees for the OFF-light, thereby improving the separation of any unwanted light from the off/flat states.

Abstract: Laser beams emitted by a plurality of laser sources are divided into a plurality of sub-beams, which are irradiated onto selected portions of an amorphous semiconductor on a substrate to crystallize the amorphous semiconductor. A difference in diverging angles between the laser beams is corrected by a beam expander. The apparatus includes a sub-beam selective irradiating system including a sub-beam dividing assembly and a sub-beam focussing assembly. Also, the apparatus includes laser sources, a focussing optical system, and a combining optical system. A stage for supporting a substrate includes a plurality of first stage members, a second stage member disposed above the first stage members, and a third stage member 38C, rotatably disposed above the second stage to support an amorphous semiconductor.

Abstract: A non-polarizing beam splitter has a first prism; one or more ground layer(s) made of a dielectric material which is (are) formed on a slant face of the first right angle prism; an Au layer having thickness of 13 to 35 nm which is formed on the ground layer; one or more protective layer(s) made of a dielectric material which is (are) formed on the Au layer; and a second prism which is jointed to an outermost layer of the protective layer via adhesive. The non-polarizing beam splitter divides light at wavelength of 640 nm to 820 nm into transmission light and reflection light by a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A light integrating device for an illumination system and an illumination system. The illumination system includes a first light source module and a second light source module providing a first light and a second light, respectively. The device includes first and second light collecting elements and a beam splitting element. The first light travels into the first light collecting element and is split into a plurality of light groups by the beam splitting element. At least one light group travels into the second light collecting element from the beam splitting element. The second light travels into the second light collecting element, is reflected by the beam splitting element and emits out from the second light collecting element along the principle axis of the light integrating device together with the at least one light group which is split from the first light and travels into the second light collecting element.

Abstract: A three dimensional viewing assembly includes a first display, a second display, and a beamsplitter. The first display is for displaying a first image. The second display is for displaying a second image. The beamsplitter is disposed at least partially between the first display and the second display, and is configured to receive, and to optically overlay, the first and second images. The beamsplitter comprises a first surface, a second surface, and a mirror. The first surface at least partially faces the first display, and the second surface at least partially faces the second display. The mirror is disposed between the first surface and the second surface.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus includes a polarized light beam splitter, a first polarized light source device, and a second polarized light source device. The first polarized light source device has a first light source device, a first polarized light separation prism, and a first polarization element. The second polarized light source device has a second light source device, a second polarized light separation prism, and a second polarization element. The illuminating light flux having the first polarized light component emitted from the first polarized light source device and illuminating light flux having the second polarized light component emitted from the second polarized light source device are both linear polarized light components and have different polled light axis from each other.

Abstract: A projection apparatus (10) has an LC modulator panel (60) with photoresponsive layer, segmented into at least first, second, and third portions, each spatially separated. An image writing section (120) forms a first, second, or third image within the corresponding portion of the LC modulator panel by scanning successive lines of image writing light to energize the photoresponsive layer (316). The image writing section has at least one grating electromechanical system for modulating incident emission from a narrow-band light source (70) by providing diffracted and non-diffracted orders and a scanning element for directing a line of light thus formed toward the LC modulator panel to energize the photoresponsive layer. An illumination section (130) directs first, second, and third illumination beams for modulation by the respective portions of the LC modulator panel.

Abstract: The image observation apparatus includes a first image-forming element and a second image-forming element each of which forms an original image, and an optical system configured to introduce light fluxes from the first and second image-forming elements to an exit pupil position of the optical system where an eye of an observer is placed. The optical system includes an optical surface as a single surface that reflects the light flux from the first image-forming element and transmits the light flux from the second image-forming element. The first image-forming element and the second image-forming element respectively form a first original image and a second original image that correspond to different viewing fields from the exit pupil position. The apparatus combines plural original images to enable observation of one combined image and that can suppress generation of light scattering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for reducing the coherence of a wave front-emitting laser radiation, especially for a projection lens for use in semiconductor lithography, wherein a first partial beam of a laser beam incident on a surface of a resonator body is partially reflected. A second partial beam penetrates the resonator body and emerges from the resonator body at least approximately in the area of entry after a plurality of total internal reflections. The two partial beams are then Passed on jointly to an illumination plane. The resonator body is adapted, in addition to splitting the laser beam into partial beams, to modulate the wave fronts of at least one partial beam during a laser pulse. The partial beams reflected on the resonator body and penetrating the resonator body are superimposed downstream of the resonator body. The resonator body is provided with a phase plate having different local phase distribution.

Abstract: An illumination device for a microscope has a variable working distance (d, d?), at which an object is illuminated obliquely from two different directions. Light from a light source is split into at least two illumination beam paths. In order to adapt to the different working distances, the light is subjected to an angle change before splitting or, if after splitting, then respectively by the same amount in both beam paths. A deviating element with at least two reflective surfaces is arranged in one of the illumination beam paths to induce a change in an angle at which one of the illumination beam paths strikes the object, in the same sense as another illumination beam path. The reflective surfaces may be arranged so that the illumination beam paths strike essentially the same region of the optical axis even with different working distances.

Abstract: A polarizing beam splitter comprising a multilayer film formed by alternately laminating a plurality of H layers and a plurality of L layers having a relatively lower refractive index than a refractive index of the H layers, wherein transmittance of s-polarized light is higher than that of p-polarized light by 60% or higher of the transmittance of the p-polarized light in a first wavelength band having a bandwidth equal to or larger than 30 nm in a visible region, and transmittance of p-polarized light is higher than that of s-polarized light by 60% or higher of the transmittance of the s-polarized light in a second wavelength band different from the first wavelength band in the visible region.

Abstract: A light coupling apparatus for use in an optical equipment is provided. The light coupling apparatus is used to couple a plurality of different incident lights from different light sources into a light that emits in a substantial single outward direction.

Abstract: A projection apparatus includes a first, a second and a third light sources, a first reflective element, a first and a second dichroic mirrors, a light-homogenizing element, a light valve and a projection lens. The first reflective element is configured to reflect the first light beam, and the first dichroic mirror is configured to reflect the second light beam and to transmit the first light beam transmitted from the first reflective element. The second dichroic mirror is configured to reflect the first and the second light beams transmitted from the first dichroic mirror and to transmit the third light beam. The light-homogenizing element is used for homogenizing the combined light beam, and the light valve is used for modulating the combined light beam to form an image beam. The projection lens is used for receiving and then projecting the image beam.

Abstract: A display device for displaying information is provided with an optical system for guiding the light of the display device to the eye, the optical system having, in the order in the proceeding direction of the light, an entrance face for receiving the light, a curved face for totally reflecting the light and a reflecting face concave to the eye side and adapted to reflect the light toward the eye. The reflected light is transmitted by the curved face and reaches the eye. Thus there is obtained a compact display device with satisfactorily suppressed aberrations.

Abstract: A polarizing beam splitter that includes at least one prism, and a reflective polarizing film. The prism comprises a first polymeric material, and has at least one curved outer surface and an incident surface, where the reflective polarizing film is disposed adjacent the incident surface.

Abstract: Laser beams emitted by a plurality of laser sources are divided into a plurality of sub-beams, which are irradiated onto selected portions of an amorphous semiconductor on a substrate to crystallize the amorphous semiconductor. A difference in diverging angles between the laser beams is corrected by a beam expander. The apparatus includes a sub-beam selective irradiating system including a sub-beam dividing assembly and a sub-beam focussing assembly. Also, the apparatus includes laser sources, a focussing optical system, and a combining optical system. A stage for supporting a substrate includes a plurality of first stage members, a second stage member disposed above the first stage members, and a third stage member 38C, rotatably disposed above the second stage to support an amorphous semiconductor.

Abstract: Multidirectional retroreflectors and methods of reflecting light beams from multiple directions are provided. The multidirectional retroreflectors utilize a four-mirror retroreflector with a common virtual reflection point.