Abstract: An optical switch for manipulating a plurality of input optical signals incident thereupon to split one or more optical signal channels from the plurality of input optical signals. The optical switch includes an optical filter having a first reflective region and a second reflective region. One of the first and the second reflective regions is adapted with a wavelength selective filter that is capable of separating one or more optical signal channels from the input optical signal. A translating mechanism cooperates with the optical filter and is adapted to translate the optical filter in a plane substantially parallel to one of the first reflective region and the second reflective region between a first position and a second position. The translation of the optical filter causes at least one of the one or more optical signal channels to be separated from the optical signal and directed in a second direction.

Abstract: A bi-stable micro-machined electromechanical system (“MEMS”) switch. In a preferred embodiment, the bi-stable MEMS switch is used in an N×N optical signal switching system. Spring arms act in conjunction with a hollow beam portion of a movable center body of the switch to accommodate strain in the arms as the switch is moved from a first position to a second position, thus avoiding buckling of the spring arms. Both the first and second switch position occur at local minimums of mechanical potential energy, thus providing two stable switch states. The center body is moved in relation to static portions of the switch by an actuator, such as an electro-static comb drive.

Abstract: An optical switch for use in optical telecommunication applications is configured to tolerate vibration and shock loading, preserving optical alignment at a plurality of switching positions and during the switching operation, and to effectively perform precise and accurate switching operations in a variety of environmental conditions. Switching operations are performed when an actuator that responds to a switching stimulus acts upon a flexure pivot device that in turn accurately and reproducibly displaces an optical element that operates upon a light signal.

Abstract: Polymeric coating materials used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage arc provided. The protective polymeric coating materials are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers of electrochromic devices. The polymeric coating materials are polymers having generic polymer back-bones selected from the group of polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, poly(phenylene ethers), polyquinolines, polycarbonates, and polysulfones.

Abstract: An optical coupler device is provided with gradient index first and second lenses, with each lens having an outer endface with one or more ports at a predetermined location defined by a waveguide such as an optical fiber. A narrow bandpass optical filter is disposed between inner endfaces of the first and second lenses. In one embodiment, the second lens is in coaxial mechanical alignment with the first lens so as to have a common optical axis. An input waveguide and an optional reflection waveguide are disposed on the outer endface of the first lens on opposite sides of the optical axis. A transmission waveguide is disposed on one side of the outer endface of the second lens and is positioned at a non-zero angle with respect to the optical axis in order to compensate for a previously unrecognized lateral beam displacement caused by the optical filter.

Abstract: A mask is placed over a center portion of a deposition source to limit angle of the flux from the source. A substrate or device with a vertical surface (referenced to a major surface of the substrate or device) is rotated past the deposition source to coat the vertical surface with material from the source. In a particular embodiment, the source is a gold sputtering target and a mirror is formed on a vertical surface of a MEMS structure having a depth of about 70-75 microns and a set-back of about 200-250 microns by sputtering about 1000 Angstroms of gold onto the vertical surface.

Abstract: Polymeric coating materials used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage are provided. The protective polymeric coating materials are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers of electrochromic devices. The polymeric coating materials are polymers having generic polymer back-bones selected from the group of polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, poly(phenylene ethers), polyquinolines, polycarbonates, and polysulfones.

Abstract: A pretreatment method for use in manufacturing an improved optical component comprises (i) providing a polymeric optical substrate; and (ii) exposing the polymeric optical substrate to electromagnetic energy having a wavelength of about 30 nm to about 350 nm. The exposure of the polymeric optical substrate to the electromagnetic energy substantially improves adhesion between the substrate and an optical coating deposited onto the substrate following pretreatment. The invention addresses the significant need for coated plastic optics by providing a method to achieve reliable adhesion of optical coatings placed on polymeric optical substrates. Specifically, this invention enables improved adhesion for even highly curved or shaped parts which have been historically more difficult to coat. The pretreatment method is particularly useful for molded substrates such as molded polymethylmethacrylate.

Abstract: A color separation device useful in information display systems is assembled from three prisms in an arrangement that provides for air equivalent thickness adjustment for each color. The air equivalent thickness adjustment provides for the correction of deviations in any of the three prisms, as well as providing a method to correct for the chromatic aberration arising from other optical elements in the information display system. The color separation device improves image quality and provides opportunities to lower the display system cost by using low tolerance components and/or plastic optical components normally having a high chromatic aberration.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus for enhancing the performance of visual display units which utilize plasma display panels. More specifically, the present invention provides methods and apparatus for providing an electrical noise suppressing/chromaticity enhancing accessory device for positioning in front of the viewing surface of a plasma display panel. In its most basic embodiment, the accessory device of the present invention comprises a first and a second rigid substrate laminated together by a laminating layer; an optically selective coating providing high photopic transmittance, continuous high electrical conductivity for RFI shielding, and reflectivity specifically within the near-IR region that is mechanically protected by being sandwiched between one rigid substrate and the laminating layer; and, a multiple-dye coating for selectively absorbing IR energy emissions and selectively balancing the chromaticity of the PDP display.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus for enhancing the performance of visual display units which utilize plasma display panels. More specifically, the present invention provides apparatus for providing an electrical noise suppressing/chromaticity enhancing accessory device for positioning in front of the viewing surface of a plasma display panel (PDP). In its most basic embodiment, the accessory device of the present invention comprises an optically selective coating providing high photopic transmittance, continuous high electrical conductivity for RFI shielding, and reflectivity specifically within the near-IR region. It also preferably includes a multiple-dye coating for selectively absorbing IR energy emissions and selectively balancing the chromaticity of the PDP display and a plastic substrate layer to provide impact resistance.

Abstract: A color measuring sensor assembly includes an optical filter such as a linear variable filter, and an optical detector array positioned directly opposite from the optical filter a predetermined distance. A plurality of lenses, such as gradient index rods or microlens arrays, are disposed between the optical filter and the detector array such that light beams propagating through the lenses from the optical filter to the detector array project an upright, noninverted image of the optical filter onto a photosensitive surface of the detector array. The color measuring sensor assembly can be incorporated with other standard components into a spectrometer device such as a portable calorimeter having a compact and rugged construction suitable for use in the field.

Abstract: Multiple channel optical multiplexing/demultiplexing devices that utilize only a single constant, non-variable wavelength-selective optical interference filter have many advantages. The wavelength-selective optical filter is a conventional fixed wavelength optical interference filter having an angle shift property wherein the wavelength-selectivity changes with changing angles of incidence upon the filter. Because such filters are transparent to a different center wavelength depending on the angle of incidence of a light beam, multiplexing/demultiplexing is achieved by varying the angle of incidence of the light beam upon a single, constant and non-variable optical interference filter. Many different systems can be designed to transmit a light beam at multiple varied angles of incidence upon a single interference filter. Two such exemplary systems utilize a multiple-reflection chamber adapted to transmit a light beam at successively varied angles of incidence upon a single interference filter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a polymeric coating material used to protect electrochromic devices from environmental and mechanical damage. The protective polymeric coating material in the present invention are physically, chemically and optically compatible with the electrochromic cell layers. The polymeric coating materials in the present invention are polymers having generic polymer back-bones selected from the group consisting of polyimides, polybenzimidazoles, polybenzothiazoles, polybenzoxazoles, poly(phenylene ethers), polyquinolines, polycarbonates and polysulfones.

Abstract: The optical properties (absorption, reflection, transmittance, transparency) and physical attributes (hardness, friction, durability, etc.) of metal oxides, nitrides, or films that combine these materials can be modified by adding fluorine to the deposition mixture. The extent of change in properties depends on the amount of fluorine incorporated. Contrary to previous information, the presence of fluorine does not prevent adhesion of overlayers such as hard carbon, hydrogenated carbon, or diamond-like carbon. Considering for example massive silicon oxynitride hardcoat layers which are part of wear resistant composite windows for visible spectral applications, preferably fluorine is incorporated in a relatively very thin surface-adjacent region or layer of the hardcoat on the side thereof on which a carbonaceous layer such as DLC is formed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for enhancing the performance of reflective LCD systems. The high-contrast color-splitting prism system utilizes a "double-pass" prism assembly. Polarized light enters the prism assembly, is color-split and is emitted as separate colors to reflective imagers which reflect each color in accord with a desired image. The reflected light is passed, once again, through the prism assembly where the separate colors converge and the convergent light is emitted to a projection lens for display of the image on a screen. At least one zero-incidence waveplate compensator is positioned between one reflective imager and the prism assembly. The waveplate compensator effectively decreases the unwanted polarized light entering the prism assembly for the second pass-through, thereby increases the polarization purity of the light that is emitted from the prism assembly to the projection lens to yield a high-contrast projection image.

Abstract: A method for effectuating scribe and break of coated glass microsheets for use with satellite solar cell covers. The method improves the consistency and edge quality of scribed solar cell covers, and also adds scribe and break capabilities not available with the conventional processes, resulting in various, even complex shapes and improved yields. The laser scribe method ensures that most of the laser energy is absorbed in a thin layer that is removed during the pulse, which further ensures that virtually no heat is left behind. This method also promotes a superior and consistent edge quality in satellite solar cell covers. The smoother edges eliminate points of weakness from where cracks may originate, as frequently experienced with the conventional diamond scribe techniques. A laser source such as a KrF excimer laser is utilized for scribing the microsheets.

Abstract: A flexible panel is provided that is easily and conformingly applied to a curved display screen of a VDU to afford, in a lightweight manner, variably adjustable contrast enhancement of the VDU while simultaneously providing a decrease in the amount of ambient light reflected from the curved display screen. The flexible panel is a glass microsheet layered, on one side thereof, with an antireflection coating and, on the other side, with an electrochromic device. The electrochrmic device allows for variable adjustment of the contrast of the VDU as a function of the voltage applied across the electrochromic device. The flexible glass microsheet dually possesses the advantages of conventional rigid glass panels, such as excellent optical performance, high durability, capability of being coated with various optical coatings under extreme temperature, pressure and chemical conditions and the additional benfeit of physical flexibility.

Abstract: It has been discovered that control of the intra-layer stress in layers of high refractive index materials, such as zirconia and titania, permits low net stress multilayer thin film stacks comprising alternating layers of the high refractive index material and silica, a low refractive index material, to be sputter-deposited on glass substrates. In particular, a simple, cost-effective and readily reproducible post-deposition annealing process is used, i.e., an annealing process that can be effected within a broad temperature range and for a brief and substantially open-ended time period, to change the post-deposition microstructure of the high refractive index film layers and create a selected intra-layer tensile stress. The intra-layer tensile stress created during such an annealing process is largely dependent on the post-deposition microstructure of the high refractive index thin film layers.

Abstract: It has been discovered that control of the intra-layer stress in layers of high refractive index materials, such as zirconia and titania, permits low net stress multilayer thin film stacks comprising alternating layers of the high refractive index material and silica, a low refractive index material, to be sputter-deposited on glass substrates. In particular, a simple, cost-effective and readily reproducible post-deposition annealing process is used, i.e., an annealing process that can be effected within a broad temperature range and for a brief and substantially open-ended time period, to change the post-deposition microstructure of the high refractive index film layers and create a selected intra-layer tensile stress. The intra-layer tensile stress created during such an annealing process is largely dependent on the post-deposition microstructure of the high refractive index thin film layers.