Abstract: According to the present invention the magnifier lens comprises two lens elements. More specifically, from a front, eye side to a rear, object side there is a front, positive lens element, and a rear, meniscus lens element. The front, positive power lens element has at least one aspheric surface and an Abbe V-number V.sub.1. The rear, meniscus lens element has an Abbe V-number V.sub.2. The front and the rear lens elements, in combination, contain at least one diffractive surface. The rear, meniscus lens element has front and rear refractive surfaces, both of which are concave toward the object side. The rear refractive surface is positionable within 5 mm of an associated object to be viewed from the eye side. This rear surface is an aspheric surface of negative refractive power. The Abbe V-numbers satisfy the following inequalities 50.4<V.sub.1 <65, 25.4<V.sub.2 <40, and V.sub.1 -V.sub.2 >25.

Abstract: A smooth contoured structure is formed from a planar surface by etching mesas of equal height into the surface and heat treating the structure to mass transport material above the desired contour to fill in voids below the desired contour. In an alternate embodiment, an optical element is formed using a patterned layer of sacrificial material and thermally treating the sacrificial layer to form a precursor contour line. The line is then transformed onto a substrate and smoothed to form the optical element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a correction lens system of an exposure apparatus for a cathode-ray tube which comprises a lens formed with a plurality of block cells joined together and which diffuses and irradiates a light emitted from a light source to an inner surface of a panel, characterized in that the lens system is structured to interrupt ultraviolet rays having a wave length of less than 300 nm, and a method for manufacturing a correction lens of an exposure apparatus for a cathode-ray tube, for diffusing and irradiating a light emitted from a light source to an inner surface of a panel, wherein the method comprises the steps of treating a plurality block cells made of glass such that an upper part of each block cell is inclined at a predetermined angle, polishing the block cells, and adhering the block cells to each other to form a correction lens having a certain shape.

Abstract: Coherent light sources combining a semiconductor optical source with a light diverging region, such as a flared resonator type laser diode or flared amplifier type MOPA, with a single lens adapted to correct the astigmatism of the light beam emitted from the source is disclosed. The lens has an acircular cylindrical or toroidal first surface and an aspheric or binary diffractive second surface. The first surface has a curvature chosen to substantially equalize the lateral and transverse divergences of the astigmatic beam. Sources with an array of light diverging regions producing an array of astigmatic beams and a single astigmatism-correcting lens array aligned with the beams are also disclosed. The single beam source can be used in systems with frequency converting nonlinear optics. The array source can be stacked with other arrays to produce very high output powers with high brightness.

Abstract: A large aperture projection lens is disclosed which contains a TESSAR lens set and a FRESNEL lens. The TESSAR lens set consists of four lenses which satisfy the conditions of: Nd1>1.7; Nd2>1.7; and 33<Ud2<35. Nd1 is the refractive idex of a first lens at the wavelength of 0.5876 um; Nd4 is the refractive idex of a fourth lens at the same wavelength; and Ud2 is the Abbe number of a second lens. The FRESNEL lens is provided such that the following relationship is observed: ##EQU1## where Ff is the focal distance of the FRESNEL lens and Ft is the focal distance of the TESSAR lens set. The projection lens satisfies the following requirements while allowing the aperture to be as high as F/2.4, (i) when a color image is projected, the color differential is smaller than 25 um; (ii) the ratio between the brightness at an edge of the image and the brightness at the center of is greater than 60%; (iii) the distortion is smaller than 1%; (iv) the resolution is greater than 50% at 4 lps/mm.

Abstract: An image detection system (10) uses an optical configuration for both image forming and calibration phases of operation. A field lens (20) has an inner portion (36) of a conventional prescription to allow for collection of scene based energy for an opto-electronic approximation of the infrared detail within the afocal field of view by a focal plane array (32). The field lens (20) also has an outer portion (38) that collects far field energy from a scene area (A.sub.I) through a converging point (P.sub.I). The energy collected from the scene area (A.sub.I) is indicative of the average energy level within the scene. The electrical equivalent values of all energy received from the unique area (A.sub.I) is stored in a multidimensional range used for subsequent gain and offset calibration coefficient calculations.

Abstract: A segmented axial gradient array lens is provided. In one embodiment, the segmented array lens includes two sheets of optical material which mate at opposing faces which have a series of corresponding parallel grooves and ridges. At least one of the sheets has an axial gradient index of refraction profile. This provides the functionality of a series of parallel cylindrical lenses. The array lenses may include one or more additional intermediate sheets which may have a homogeneous or axial gradient index. With the first and last sheets having an axial gradient index of refraction, and the grooves forming the first and last interfaces between the sheets being rotated 90 degrees relative to each other, a two dimensional array of point foci can be provided. An array of cones and conical indentations can be used at the interfaces to provide the functionality of an array of spherical lenses. An array lens of the invention can be used to provide an optical multiplexer.

Abstract: A method for mass-producing eccentric Fresnel lens sheets comprising the steps of: preparing a number of concentric Fresnel lens sheets; dividing the concentric Fresnel lens sheets into a first set and a second set each including a plurality of Fresnel lens sheets; cutting out a plurality of first sheets each corresponding to one portion of the eccentric Fresnel lens sheet from each of the Fresnel lens sheets of the first set; cutting out a plurality of second sheets each corresponding to the other portion of the eccentric Fresnel lens sheet from each of the Fresnel lens sheets of the second set; and bonding each of the first sheets and each of the second sheets in such a manner that patterns on the first sheet and the second sheet are continuous to prepare a plurality of eccentric Fresnel lens sheet. The second set can include a third set and a fourth set and a plurality of third sheets are cut out from the third set and a plurality of fourth sheets are cut out from the fourth set.

Abstract: A motion activated light fixture has a housing comprised of a canopy, a base formed integral with the canopy and at least one illumination source mounted on the housing. The housing has a centrally located mounting hole which enables the base and canopy to be rotated 360 degrees around the mounting hole prior to being mounted on a selected vertical or horizontal surface. The sensor component mounts on an outer surface of the housing and includes a lens plate in which plural lens segments are formed in a plurality of rows so as to provide a substantially wide angle of view of up to 180 degrees and which view can be variably positioned utilizing the referred to mounting hole configuration.

Abstract: A daylighting system usable in either a skylight or a dormer includes a film having a plurality of negative Fresnel lenses.

Abstract: A microlens array and mold for making same in which the perimeter of each microlens is a modified polygon in that each edge of the lens approximates an elliptical arc, the ends of which terminate at the corners of the polygon, wherein the middle of the arc curves toward the center of each microlens. The microlenses are preferably rectangular or triangular.

Abstract: A complex lens of one-piece construction has first and second lens surfaces opposite to each other. At least one of the first and second lens surfaces of the complex lens is integrally formed with a diffraction grating. This diffraction grating has a multiplicity of substantially parallel grating grooves each being of a generally triangular, sinusoidal or trapezoidal cross-section. An optical head utilizing the complex lens is also disclosed.

Abstract: Wavefront correction apparatus for correcting a stepped wavefront output produced by certain angles of scan and by certain positions of scan in scanning microlens arrays includes anamorphic transfer optics with diffractive corrections. The transfer optics form the outputs of all of the unit cell trains of the microlens arrays into a unique, separate, linear image at each position of scan of the scanning array. A stepped wavefront corrector is positioned in the path of each linear image, and selected thicknesses of the material in the stepped wavefront corrector are effective to vary the times of optical passage through the stepped wavefront corrector in amounts to restore the wavefront to a continuous, unstepped form at the outlet of the plate.

Abstract: In a multi-beam laser light source constructed of a laser array in which a plurality of independently drivable laser elements are arranged in an equiinterval, and a lens array in which a plurality of lenses employed in accordance with the plural laser elements are arranged in an equiinterval, a laser array interval of the laser array is different from a lens array interval of the lens array.Further, the multi-beam semiconductor laser array is so constructed that a gradient-index type planar micro lens array is closely fitted to a laser beam projection edge of a semiconductor laser array in which a plurality of independently drivable semiconductor laser elements have been arranged on the same substrate.

Abstract: A low-profile transmissive overhead projector employs a folded optical path and an off-axis Fresnel lens condensing system which includes a catadioptric lens element. This lens provides a fast condensing system which allows collimation, dispersion, or concentration of light striking the lens at a high angle of incidence, with efficient transmission to the far edge of the lens. This also enables additional reduction in the OHP base height by allowing the single mirror to be mounted at a flatter angle, with the light source still maintained at a position below (and adjacent) the stage. A novel catadioptric lens design further imparts achromaticity to the element, so that it may be constructed of any material, regardless of its index of refraction. The condensing system may have a single or doublet catadioptric lens.

Abstract: Wavefront correction apparatus for correcting a stepped wavefront output produced by certain angles of scan and by certain positions of scan in scanning microlens arrays includes anamorphic transfer optics with diffractive corrections. The transfer optics form the outputs of all of the unit cell trains of the microlens arrays into a unique, separate, linear image at each position of scan of the scanning array. A stepped wavefront corrector is positioned in the path of each linear image, and selected thicknesses of the material in the stepped wavefront corrector are effective to vary the times of optical passage through the stepped wavefront corrector in amounts to restore the wavefront to a continuous, unstepped form at the outlet of the plate.

Abstract: An image forming device is improved in that crosstalk between adjacent lenses is decreased thereby to improve an imaging power. In the image forming device a lens array has a plurality of lenses continuously formed. A roof prism array is also provided therein with a plurality of roof prisms respectively having a rectangular reflection plane and arranged at the same pitch as that of the lenses in the lens array. The lens array and the roof prism array are integrally formed of a plastic. A space portion, which is a portion unfilled with a resin, is formed between respective two adjacent roof prism lens pairs to prevent the crosstalk therebetween. Alternatively, a light shielding member may be integrally formed in front of the lens array to prevent the crosstalk.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an optical system which includes an image region having at least one light source which directs a beam of light along an optical axis and an object region which is adapted to receive the light from the light source. An optical delivery system is between the image region and object region. The optical delivery system receives the light from the image region and directs it to the object region. The optical delivery system is formed of a plurality of optical elements, such as lenses and volume holograms. The optical delivery system is designed to either receive a plurality of beams of light from a plurality of sources or different modes of a single light source and form a single spot of light in the image region having the combined power of all of the beams of light or modes of a single beam. The optical delivery system can also condense or expand the spacing between the beams of light from a plurality of light sources.

Abstract: In a solid-state imaging device having a microlens above a light receiving section formed on a substrate, the microlens comprises a first lens layer formed on a smooth surface of the substrate and a second lens layer formed on the first lens layer. In a transverse direction, the second lens layer is extended down on both sides of the first lens layer to be in contact with the substrate. In a longitudinal direction, the second lens layer is kept on a top surface of the substrate. The second lens layer is subjected to softening treatment.

Abstract: In a fly-eye lens device according to the present invention, a fly-eye lens supported by supporting means is formed by two-dimensionally arranging plural types of fly-eye constituent lenses of unequal size. In the arrangement, the plural types of the fly-eye constituent lenses are disposed in order of ascending size from the center of the fly-eye lens toward the periphery thereof. A lighting system according to the present invention is equipped with the fly-eye constituent lenses. In the lighting system, light emanating from a light source passes through first optical means and impinges on the fly-eye constituent lenses. The light, after passing through a stop, is directed through second optical means to an object to be illuminated. The present invention can ensure the predetermined number of fly-eye constituent lenses which contribute to uniformity of illumination, and achieve uniform illumination at low cost.

Abstract: A wobble correction lens for a raster output scanner combines a positive cross-scan plano-cylindrical lens, which provides most of the optical power for focusing the light beam to a scan line, with a diffractive surface, which corrects the cross-scan field curvature of the cross-scan plano-cylindrical lens. The diffractive surface will have a multi-level structure (binary diffractive optical surface) which possesses a diffractive phase function that will flatten the cross-scan field curvature of the plano-cylindrical lens.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a BOE-corrected, off-axis image forming apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus has a first stage with a primary reflective element disposed to reflect light incident from an entrance pupil of the apparatus and form a real image at an intermediate image plane, and a second stage located off-axis with respect to the first stage. The second stage is defined by a secondary reflective and/or refractive assembly which re-images light from the intermediate image plane to a final image plane. A binary optical element (BOE), which has higher-order optical characteristics for providing aspheric correction but extremely low optical power, is provided in one of the stages for correcting aberrations introduced by the other optical elements in the apparatus. The BOE contributes no more than about 3% of the optical power provided by the stage which contains the BOE.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plate with lens array comprising a transparent plate, and a plurality of gradient index lenses, at least two of which have different focal lengths, the lenses being linearly or two-dimensionally arranged in the transparent plate.

Abstract: A distance measuring device has a light source for emitting a plurality of light beams in a plurality of directions, and a light receiving lens having a plurality of optical axes for receiving the plurality of light beams reflected from objects in said plurality of directions. Light receiving apparatus is provided for receiving the reflected light beams passing through said light receiving lens and providing an output corresponding to distances to the object. The light receiving lens has (1) a central portion with a thickness (D), a focal length f.sub.a, and a refractive index .phi..sub.A, and (2) a second portion adjacent said central portion. Surfaces of said central and second portions closest to said light receiving apparatus comprising one spherical surface having a refractive power .phi..sub.R. the central and second portions being disposed to satisfy the following conditions:0.4<D/f.sub.A <1.5,and-0.05<.phi..sub.R /.phi..sub.A <0.15, .phi..sub.A >0.

Abstract: A compound corrective lens for use in light exposure in the manufacture of color CRTs includes plurality of lens elements, each having an elementary surface, formed in combination a compound surface on the exit side of the lens, with steps formed at the boundaries between adjacent lens elements to connect edges of the elementary surfaces of the adjacent lens elements. The surfaces are so arranged that the steps falls from the elementary surface on the inner side closest to the optical axis of the lens) to the elementary surface on the outer side (farthest from the optical axis). With such an arrangement, the adverse effect of the steps covered with a light-absorbing layer is reduced. That is, the effective areas of the elementary surfaces are enlarged, and thus the distortion of the lens surface is suppressed.

Abstract: A focusing screen of the type composed of a multitude of micro-lens-like curved surfaces arranged on a given plane is substantially regular in terms of their two-dimensional arrangement on the above-mentioned plane but exhibits some variation in terms of the height of the microscopic surface roughness formed by the micro-lens-like curved surfaces. The variation range is determined in correspondence with the pitch of the above-mentioned two-dimensional arrangement. Also disclosed is a method of manufacturing a focusing screen exhibiting an appropriate degree of randomness in terms of its surface configuration.

Abstract: A focusing screen for use in the finder system of a camera such as a single-lens reflex camera, and a method of forming a microstructure array suitable for use in the production of such a focusing screen. The focusing screen includes an optical material in plate form having on one surface a plurality of small lens portions that project in a regular array of equilateral triangles from the optical material and each of which has concentric contour lines, with a central apex. A flat portion is formed between adjacent small lens portions and a constricted portion is formed in the middle portion of the inclined surface of each small lens portion, with an irregular pattern of finer asperities is formed on the surfaces of the small lens portions and the flat portion. The high and low spots can be reversed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plate with lens array comprising a transparent plate, and a plurality of gradient index lenses, at least two of which have different focal lengths, the lenses being linearly or two-dimensionally arranged in the transparent plate.

Abstract: A method of making a lighting lens having a multiplicity of lenticules is disclosed, and in particular a method using spherical and aspherical lenticules is disclosed. The lenticules are of two or more standard types, each of which produce a characteristic beam pattern. By selecting two standard lenticule types, and determining a weighted ratio, a lens for a desired lighting pattern may be made without having to specifically design the individual lenticules, or the particular lenticule arrangement. In particular, separate sample lens, each with a sample of a particular lenticule type, may be formed to produce characteristic sample beam patterns. By forming a first sample lens with gaps between the lenticules, and forming a second sample lens with lenticules and gaps complementarily positioned with respect to the first sample lens, the first and second patterns may be intermeshed in a finale design, having the combined beam patterns. A weighted averaging process may also may be followed.