Abstract: An optical component (10a) for at least two pencils (4, 5) of rays has at least one one-piece element (1, 2) of inorganic optical material and at least two segments (6, 7) which are coordinated with the pencils of rays and of which the first segment (6) is substantially surrounded by the at least one second segment (7). According to the invention, a depression (8a) is provided between the first and the at least one second segment (6 and 7), respectively. This is formed in such a way that the first segment (6) is substantially optically shielded from the at least one second segment (7) and is held by means of at least one material bridge from the second segment with a stable attitude thereto.

Abstract: A thin-type spherical lens, fabricated according to the result of the virtual procedures of removing the portion of each of a plurality of lens bodies with different radii of curvature of light-exiting faces, which corresponds to a spherical surface with the optical axis of the thin-type spherical lens as its central axis, and assembling the preserved portions thereof to form a plurality of grooves as the light-exiting faces, which are equivalent to the grooves of the conventional Fresnel lens, wherein the depths or the widths of the plurality of grooves are different, and the curvature radii of the plurality of light-exiting faces are also designed to be different so that the lights emerging from the plurality of light-exiting faces are all focused on an identical point. The present invention can, as compare to the conventional approach, reduce the lens thickness when the radius of the apertures on the lens increased.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a catadioptric lens system, the method involving: fabricating a single catadioptric lens element having a bottom surface and an upper surface, the upper surface having a convex portion and a concave portion, both the convex and concave portions sharing a common axis of symmetry; cutting apart the catadioptric lens element to form 2n pie-shaped segments, wherein n is an integer; and reassembling the 2n pie-shaped segments to form the catadioptric lens system with n of the 2n pie-shaped segments being located above a common plane and the rest of the 2n pie-shaped elements being below the common plane.

Abstract: An optical element of which diffraction efficiency hardly varies with wavelength is provided by using an optical material satisfying the conditions that nd>?6.667×10?3?d+1.70 and ?g,F??2×10?3?d+0.59 where nd is a refractive index at d-line, ?d is an Abbe number at the d-line, and ?g,F is a second order dispersion at d-line, whereby diffraction efficiency is improved in any working visible wavelength region and more precise chromatic aberration correction is obtained.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for focusing a laser beam, comprising a source of emission of a laser beam, for example a substantially elliptic and astigmatic laser beam, a focusing lens of the laser beam and first aperture adapted to select a central portion of the laser beam. The first aperture is directly applied on the focusing lens, and comprises a coating made of a substantially opaque material which are applied (for example, by spraying, sputtering, evaporation, printing, painting) on a peripheral portion of a front surface of the focusing lens so as to allow the propagation of the central portion of the laser beam and obstruct the propagation of a surrounding portion of beam. The device of the invention is extremely simple from the constructive point of view, and is inexpensive and small-sized.

Abstract: An auxiliary light projection apparatus used for focus detection has a laser beam generating device and a diffraction plate for diffracting a laser light from said laser beam generating device. The diffraction plate has micro lenses regularly arranged in vertical and horizontal directions. The curvature of each micro lens in the vertical direction is different from that in the horizontal direction. The pitch of arrangement of the micro lenses in the vertical direction is different from that in the horizontal direction. In addition, the height of the micro lenses is varied cyclically. The auxiliary light projection apparatus projects a diffraction light pattern of the laser light emergent from the diffraction plate to an object to be photographed, as a pattern used for focus detection.

Abstract: Disclosed is an objective lens for a DVD/CD compatible optical pickup, which improves optical efficiency while minimizing aberration occurring due to different disc thicknesses of different optical storage media. The objective lens has first and second aspherical lens surfaces.

Abstract: A first optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from that of the first optical material, and the base has a concavity, and the second optical material is filled in this concavity. A second optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from the first optical material, and the base comprises first and second faces facing each other, a first concavity is formed in the first face and a second concavity is formed in the second face, and the second optical material is filled in the first and second concavities.

Abstract: A first optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from that of the first optical material, and the base has a concavity, and the second optical material is filled in this concavity. A second optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from the first optical material, and the base comprises first and second faces facing each other, a first concavity is formed in the first face and a second concavity is formed in the second face, and the second optical material is filled in the first and second concavities.

Abstract: A first optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from that of the first optical material, and the base has a concavity, and the second optical material is filled in this concavity. A second optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from the first optical material, and the base comprises first and second faces facing each other, a first concavity is formed in the first face and a second concavity is formed in the second face, and the second optical material is filled in the first and second concavities.

Abstract: A monolithic multi-focal length miniature refractive element comprising a first surface region and a second surface region. The first surface region has a first characteristic radius of curvature. The second surface region has a second radius of curvature that is different from the first characteristic radius of curvature. The first and second surface regions are formed on a single optical element blank. The optical element blank can be a composite of two or more materials.

Abstract: A method for forming a diffractive lens includes forming an etch stop layer on a first surface of a silicon substrate, forming a diffractive optical element above the etch stop layer, forming a planarization layer covering the diffractive optical element, planarizing the planarization layer, forming a bonding layer on the planarization layer, bonding a transparent substrate on the bonding layer, and etching a second surface of the silicon substrate to the etch stop layer to remove a portion of the silicon substrate opposite the diffractive optical element, wherein the remaining portion of the silicon substrate forms a bonding ring.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric diffusion film exhibiting at least 50% transmissivity containing a thermoplastic polymeric material with internal microvoids and containing a plurality of complex lenses on a surface thereof. Such films are useful for diffusing light when it is desired to provide and even light distribution.

Abstract: An assembled optical component has a support structure with a reference surface at which a number of individual optical elements are bonded at predetermined positions. The curvature of the reference surface is selected such that optical surfaces of the optical elements are in a predetermined orientation at their assembly positions. The optical elements are preferably planar mirrors simultaneously fabricated from a wafer. An adhesive film attached to the wafer prior to separation of the optical elements assists in temporarily positioning the elements on a temporary fixture, which holds the elements in position, while they are bonded to the support structure.

Abstract: A first optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from that of the first optical material, and the base has a concavity, and the second optical material is filled in this concavity. A second optical device according to the present invention comprises a base made of a first optical material and a second optical material having a refractive index different from the first optical material, and the base comprises first and second faces facing each other, a first concavity is formed in the first face and a second concavity is formed in the second face, and the second optical material is filled in the first and second concavities.

Abstract: Visual display systems that can accommodate off-angle viewing. In one embodiment, a visual display system includes a visual display device, such as a video display device, having a display screen configured to display visual images. The display screen can at least generally face a first direction that is angled relative to a viewing direction. The visual display system can further include an optical tilting device at least generally overlaying the display screen. The optical tilting device can include a refracting lens, such as a Fresnel lens or other device, configured to optically tilt the displayed images toward the viewing direction to facilitate viewing of the displayed images. In another embodiment, the visual display device can be carried by a seatback portion of a passenger seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light management film containing a substrate, light shaping elements with a roughness average of at least 3 micrometers, and a layer capable of receiving a colorant density of at least 0.5.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microlens array comprising forming microlenses by dropping or injecting to a plurality of through holes formed on a substrate a liquefied lens material so as to dispose the lens material at each of the through holes, the lens material being curable and has a predetermined transmittivity and a predetermined viscosity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reflection media comprising a polymer layer having a Tg of less than 75° C. and containing machine scannable information in the form of matte and glossy areas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric film having a top and bottom surface comprising a plurality of complex lenses on at least one surface thereof. Such a film is useful for diffusing light such as necessary in an LC display device.

Abstract: A screen for a projection display system. The screen has a Fresnel lens for converting incoming light into parallel light and a Lenticular lens disposed on a surface of the Fresnel lens to change a path of the parallel light from the Fresnel lens, providing a three-dimensional image to a user. The Lenticular lens includes plural pixel lenses corresponding to pixels of the screen. Each of the pixel lenses has a central diffusing portion formed on a light-outgoing portion and a peripheral diffusing portion formed on a peripheral portion of the central diffusing portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photocurable resin composition comprising: (A) a di or more functional urethane (meth)acrylate compound; (B) a monofunctional (meth)acrylate; (C) a photoinitiator; and (D) a polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether phosphate represented by the following formula (2): 1

Abstract: A multidirectional single surface optically shaped film is disclosed. The optically shaped film may include a film having only one surface structure with two or more different, overlapping Fresnel patterns formed in the structured surface for use as thin, decorative film.

Abstract: An optical element (10, 10′, 10″) for deflecting light beams (18, 19), which enter and re-emerge from the latter, in such a way that their angle of emergence (&ggr;) is limited, in particular for use as a luminaire-cover, having a plate-like core (11, 11′, 11″) of transparent material which on one side is occupied by microprisms (12, 13) that taper—starting from their root (15)—forming furrows (22), wherein all of the top surfaces (14) of the microprisms form the light-entry face and the other side (21) of the core forms the light-emergence face, and wherein the top surfaces (14) of the microprisms are formed convexly or concavely in a continuous or non-continuous manner, and also a method for producing the optical element (10, 10′, 10″).

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed that is resistant to pressure-induced defects and which contains a hologram, an optical diffuser, a microlens array or a lens. The optical element is useful as a component in liquid crystal displays (LCDs) or other types of displays.

Abstract: A support structure for a display system includes at least one pentagon-shaped lens, at least two hexagon-shaped lenses, and at least two hexagon-shaped supports. The at least two hexagon-shaped supports support the at least one pentagon-shaped lens and the at least two hexagon-shaped lenses. Each of the hexagon-shaped supports is securely attached to one of the hexagon-shaped lenses and one edge of the pentagon-shaped lens.

Abstract: A rear projection apparatus having a projector containing a light source and a liquid crystal cell, a mirror for reflecting a light from the projector, and a screen for projecting the light reflected by the mirror. The screen is being composed of an optical film having an optical element capable of forming a spatial distribution of light transmittance, a light shield layer and a light diffusion layer. The light shield layer is positioned between the optical element and the light diffusion layer and is composed of a compound which changes light transmittance depending on irradiation of an energy beam. The light transmittance passing the light shield layer is modulated spatially depending on a dose of the energy beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the fabrication of a spot-size converter with a lateral-tapered waveguide (or an active layer), which utilizes a mask during a lithographic process wherein the mask has a pad that can absorb strain to be occurred during forming a lateral-tapered waveguide pattern at its distal end and the lateral-tapered waveguide is fabricated by forming the distal end on the order of about 0.6 &mgr;m in width followed by forming the lateral-tapered waveguide on the order of 0.1 &mgr;m using an wet etching. Thus, it is possible to reduce a fabrication cost because it is free from a high-resolution electron beam lithography and a stepper, and hence enhance a reproducibility of the lateral-tapered waveguide because it is free from an excessive wet etching during the use of a contact exposure equipment.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffusion film comprising a transparent polymeric film base bearing a plurality of integral contiguous layers, each layer having a pattern of complex lenses on a surface thereof, at least two such contiguous layers comprising material having an index of refraction differing by at least 0.1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric film having a top and bottom surface comprising a plurality of complex lenses on at least one surface thereof. Such a film is useful for diffusing light such as necessary in an LC display device.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical unit having elements (6, 7) which are juxtaposed without an air gap therebetween. The two elements (6, 7) are joined by wringing the same to each other. At least one element (7) is of crystalline material and has an amorphous inorganic layer (70) on the side thereof facing toward the other element (6). The invention is also directed to a method of preparing an element made of crystalline material, such as a fluoride, as well as a method for making a thin optical element of the crystalline material.

Abstract: An arrangement and a method for generating a plurality of optical axes which are oriented in a defined manner relative to one another in which the directions of the optical axes are defined by the reflection angles of a light bundle at plane mirror surfaces arranged in different ways.

Abstract: Liquid modular lens, without sphencal deviation, provided with means to absorb the solar energy condenser, supplied with a thermal plate capable of absorbing high temperatures, consisting of a liquid modular lens consisting of lenticular circular crowns, with a precise and adequate refraction index, making possible the convergence of the luminous front captured by the lens towards a single focus, having blunt ends in the lenticular crowns, it being possible to modify the exit angle of every luminous ray in the lenticular crowns, and keeping a proper separation to prevent breakages caused by dilatations, all the constituent pieces of the lens being sealed in their internal and external perimeters, thermal plate consisting of a body made of a ceramic material of great thermal resistance provided internally with a cavity.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microlens array comprising forming microlenses by dropping or injecting to a plurality of through holes formed on a substrate a liquefied lens material so as to dispose the lens material at each of the through holes, the lens material being curable and has a predetermined transmittivity and a predetermined viscosity.

Abstract: An optical lens of this invention comprises a first optical member array, in which a plurality of columnar optical members acting on each ray of light emitted from each light-emitting device are arranged in an array, and a second optical member, formed into a columnar shape from transparent material and within which the first optical member array is embedded along the column axis direction; the refractive index of the constituent material of the plurality of columnar optical members is higher than that of the transparent material of the second optical member. Because the first optical member array is embedded in the second optical member in an integral structure, it is possible to easily place the lens in a position such that each incident light ray is acted upon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical unit having elements (6, 7) which are juxtaposed without an air gap therebetween. The two elements (6, 7) are joined by wringing the same to each other. At least one element (7) is of crystalline material and has an amorphous inorganic layer (70) on the side thereof facing toward the other element (6). The invention is also directed to a method of preparing an element made of crystalline material, such as a fluoride, as well as a method for making a thin optical element of the crystalline material.

Abstract: An optical assembly divides a single image into a plurality of images which are simultaneously projected onto a single sensor array. The optical assembly is arranged so that each of the plurality of images can be made to pass through a filter of a different type. For example a polarizing filter of a different orientation, or a filter which passes a different spectral band. In this way a single digital camera having a single chip sensor array can simultaneously receive multiple substantially identical images which have been acted on by different filters. This allows data capture from a single frame of a single camera to be used to perform stress analysis, or spectral analysis. This is particularly useful when high speed image capture is desired which contains stress or spectral data, because each frame captured from the sensor array contains multiple images which can be processed to obtain stress or spectral data.

Abstract: An optical element is provided with a film having a stress effective to sufficiently suppressing unwanted deformation of the optical element. This accomplishes very small aberration of the optical element and assures precise pattern transfer as the same is used in a lithographic process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a working method of a die which can prevent the decrease in the service life of a cutting tool due to the chip-off of a tip thereof and add an additional value to the Fresnel lens. The working method is the one for working a die for use for a Fresnel lens, the method being intended to work in an original die plate a Fresnel molding groove having wall surfaces corresponding to a lens surface and a non-lens surface of the Fresnel lens, wherein there is used a cutting tool wherein one piece of edge line continuing to a blade end is constructed as a cutting edge; and the blade end has formed therein a notched portion which connects the one piece of edge line and another piece of edge line.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical arrangement comprising at least two optical elements, such as Fresnel lenses or linear prism sheets arranged with their structured surfaces pointing toward one another, and to the use thereof for various projectors and displays. The solution according to the invention seeks to reduce light losses and allows a large intercept distance on one side. This object is achieved by the active edges of the two optical elements that are designed and oriented with respect to one another in such a way that light enters or emerges from the active edges of one of the two optical elements at least in a virtually orthogonal manner.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a display device which can realize a magnified image. A display device comprises a display panel having a predetermined effective display region PS, a display screen, and a magnifying optical system including a first inverting optical system constituted by a first lens array in which a plurality of first lenses corresponding to the display panel are arrayed and a second inverting optical system constituted by a second lens array in which a plurality of second lenses corresponding to the first lenses are arrayed. The magnifying optical system constitutes a plurality of channels for forming on the display screen a magnified erect image for a display image on the display panel through the corresponding first and second lenses. The magnifying optical system is constructed so as to form on the display screen an image of an image point on the display panel through at least three of the channels.

Abstract: An aberration correcting apparatus and an optical pickup apparatus using this apparatus, in which a spherical aberration based on a thickness error of an optical disc substrate can be preferably eliminated and a thickness error permission range of the optical disc substrate can be widened even if an objective lens of a high numerical aperture is used.

Abstract: A fly eye lens has cells in an optical functional portion, and first, second, and third positioning portions on an outer edge. The first and second positioning portions are located in a region of a plane normal to the optical axis of the lens, divided by a first reference line extending through a center of thermal expansion and located in the plane. The first and second positioning portions have side surfaces located on the first reference line. The third positioning portion has a side surface located on a second reference line intersecting the first reference line, extending through the center of thermal expansion, and located in the plane. Even when the fly eye lens thermally expands, the position of the center of thermal expansion does not change in an optical system, and desired optical performance can be continuously achieved.

Abstract: In a lens arrangement for collimating radar waves for distance sensors, in particular for motor vehicles, several sublenses are arranged integrally next to one another. A lobe enlargement necessary for angular analysis is thereby achieved. The range is only slightly reduced as compared to a lens having a surface area of the same size.

Abstract: A flow cell 2, a composite lens 15, and first to third detectors 16 to 18 are arranged in this sequence in the light pathway of light emitted from a laser light source 1. The composite lens 15 is configured by a convex lens 15a, and lens elements 15b and 15c. These lenses have different focal lengths. When the posture of the composite lens is correct, light impinging on the convex lens forms an image on the first detector. Therefore, the positioning of the composite lens is enabled. When particles in the flow cell are irradiated with laser light, forward scatter is produced. Forward small angle scatter having a small scattering angle impinges on the first lens element 15b to be collected thereby, and is then received by the second detector 17. Forward large angle scatter having a large scattering angle impinges on the second lens element 15c in the outermost periphery to be collected thereby, and is then received by the third detector 18 which is remotest from the composite lens.

Abstract: An objective lens for condensing a light beam, has at least one of annular grooves and ridges producing a phase difference. Each of the annular groove and ridge is formed concentrically on at least one of an incident surface which said light beam is introduced, and an emission surface which said light beam is emitted.

Abstract: A light detector comprising a photo sensing chip having a light detecting surface, a cylindrical converging lens to collect incident light from different directions to a light detecting surface, at least one electrode connected to the photo sensing chip, a light detecting surface, and in a cross-sectional view along the axis Z of the light detector, one end of the lens is comprised of a central spherically curved surface having a first radius of curvature, and a peripheral spherically curved surface having a second radius of curvature. In another aspect of the invention, a flat surface is further arranged between the central spherically curved surface and the peripheral spherically curved surface. In the invention, the lens is comprised of just one lens element, and is formed by resin molding.

Abstract: A flow cell 2, a composite lens 15, and first to third detectors 16 to 18 are arranged in this sequence in the light pathway of light emitted from a laser light source 1. The composite lens 15 is configured by a convex lens 15a, and lens elements 15b and 15c. These lenses have different focal lengths. When the posture of the composite lens is correct, light impinging on the convex lens forms an image on the first detector. Therefore, the positioning of the composite lens is enabled. When particles in the flow cell are irradiated with laser light, forward scatter is produced. Forward small angle scatter having a small scattering angle impinges on the first lens element 15b to be collected thereby, and is then received by the second detector 17. Forward large angle scatter having a large scattering angle impinges on the second lens element 15c in the outermost periphery to be collected thereby, and is then received by the third detector 18 which is remotest from the composite lens.

Abstract: An array of graduated prisms disposed in a circle for rotating an incident image, the prisms are disposed with their end faces at the periphery of the circle and their apices at the center. The end faces are all oriented in the same direction either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A lens is fabricated of an array of parallel rod-shaped dielectric waveguides extending from a generally planar front surface of the array, this front surface constituting a front surface of the lens, to a concave back surface of the array, this back surface constituting a back surface of the lens. The wavguides vary in length, from a maximum length at an outer region of the lens to a minimum length at a central region of the array, to provide the concave back surface. The back lens surface envelops a receptor of radiant energy located at a focus of the lens. This configuration of lens provides an increased spherical angle of impingement of the incident radiation upon the receptor.