Abstract: A balloon illumination system, for illuminating a thin film balloon comprising a pair of thin film panels that are heat sealed together to define a balloon interior, the balloon having a balloon top and a balloon bottom, an apex at the balloon top, a mouth at the balloon bottom, and a flat film valve creating a sleeve having a sleeve width. The balloon illumination system comprises a tube having a tube circumference that is substantially equal to two times the sleeve width, a proximal end and a distal end. A light source is located in the tube midway between the proximal end and distal end. An electrical cable extends proximal through the tube from the light source. The distal end of the tube is inserted into the mouth of the tube and is extended through the sleeve until the distal end reaches the apex. Leakage is prevented by the tight fit between the tube and the sleeve. The light source is positioned in the balloon interior midway between the balloon top and balloon bottom.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods that improve the depth resolution of confocal microscopy images using out-of-focus information from within the focal plane of interest (from the x-y direction) and/or from planes above and below the focal plane of interest (from the z-direction). The interaction of (a) a reflective surface or other light-emanating material and (b) the PSF formed by a confocal microscope results in “out-of-focus” information in, above and below the focal plane; this “out-of-focus” information can be measured. Comparing the measurements in the x-y plane, preferably at a plurality of z-positions, can improve the resolution along each of the x, y, and z-axes, increase the number of the photons used in the system, thus improving the signal to noise ratio, and help correct for aberrations, such as spherical aberrations or other optical aberrations, in the optical system of a microscope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact and high-performance prism optical system having, in order in which light rays pass from the object side, a first transmitting surface (4), a first reflecting surface (5), a second reflecting surface (6), a third reflecting surface (7), and a second transmitting surface (8). When an axial principal ray (1) is projected onto a plane defined by three points at which the axial principal ray (1) impinges on the first transmitting surface (4), the first reflecting surface (5) and the second reflecting surface (6), the projected axial principal ray forms an optical path that bends at two consecutive reflecting surfaces (5, 6) in the same direction with respect to the direction of travel of the rays and bends at the other reflecting surface (7) in a direction different from the direction of bending at the two reflecting surfaces. At least one of the three reflecting surfaces is a rotationally asymmetric surface.

Abstract: A stackable multi-fiber ferrule of the present invention enables relatively tighter stacking between fiber arrays, resulting in increased interconnection density. The present invention achieves tighter stacking by incorporating an inner support member having alignment pin grooves on only one side, thereby permitting the thickness of the support member to be reduced. Thus, the thickness of the inner support member may be thinner than that of conventional support members because the inner support member of the present invention does not have to accommodate opposing alignment pin grooves on both sides thereof. Thus, a multi-fiber stackable ferrule in accordance with the present invention will have alignment pin holes on alternating rows of fibers, that is, on every other interface between adjacent support members. Accordingly, a stackable multi-fiber ferrule in accordance with the present invention is capable of improved interconnection density.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a quick connect optical fiber ferrule connector that can be installed in the field without the use of adhesive or epoxy. The connector includes a ferrule having a receiving end, a terminating end, and a tapered ferrule bore disposed therein. The tapered ferrule bore has a larger diameter toward the receiving end than toward the terminating end. Also included is a barrel having a barrel bore disposed therein. The barrel is arranged and configured to receive the receiving end of the ferrule such that the barrel bore and the tapered ferrule bore are axially aligned. An insert having a receiving end, a support end, and a bore disposed therethrough is positioned such that the receiving end of the insert is disposed within the barrel bore and the support end of the insert is disposed within the tapered ferrule bore. The support end is compressible and the insert is tapered such as to correspond with the tapered ferrule bore.

Abstract: An optical element switching apparatus can switch optical elements, as desired, without interference between the optical element and an object. The optical element switching apparatus comprises a movement member to which a plurality of optical elements are detachably attached and which is supported to be parallel-linearly movable by means of a guide mechanism, a drive mechanism for parallel-linearly moving the movement member, and a guide member for guiding, where the optical elements are to be switched, the optical element to be switched in such a direction as to retreat from the object when the movement member is to be parallel-linearly moved.

Abstract: A prism (1) comprises a first inner surface (114A) that performs total reflection of all rays (20) entering from the exterior and allows ON light (21) to pass therethrough; a second inner surface (122) that allows the rays (20) and the ON light (21) to pass therethrough and performs total reflection of OFF light (22); and a third inner surface (134) that allows the ON light (21) to pass therethrough. A first end (1E1) of the first inner surface (114A) is located in proximity to and above a predetermined point (P) in the second inner surface (122). The prism (1) is regarded as a plane parallel plate having a second outer surface (121) and a third outer surface (133).

Abstract: A multi-beam laser exposure unit of the present invention includes a light beam deflector for deflecting a light beam in a predetermined direction, a plurality of laser devices, a pre-optical system, including a glass lens and a plastic lens, for converting a cross sectional shape a of light beam emitted from the respective laser devices to a predetermined shape, and a post-deflection optical system, including two lenses for image-forming each light beam deflected by the deflector to be scanned on a predetermined image surface at a uniform speed. The power of the two lenses of the post-deflection optical system is defined to be positive in a direction parallel to a rotational axis of reflective surfaces of the deflector. Also, at least one lens surface of these lenses is formed not to include a rotational symmetrical surface.

Abstract: A steerable optical arrangement. The inventive arrangement includes a first prism mounted for rotation about an optical axis and a second prism mounted for rotation about the optical axis. In accordance with the inventive teachings, the first prism and/or the second prism have at least one surface contoured to correct for optical aberration. In the illustrative embodiment, the first and second prisms are Risley prisms. In addition, the illustrative implementation includes a first motor arrangement for rotating the first prism about the optical axis and a second motor arrangement for rotating the second prism about the optical axis. A controller is provided for activating the first and second motors to steer the beam at an angle &phgr; and nod the beam at an angle &thgr;. At least two surfaces at least one prism is contoured to correct for astigmatism, coma, trefoil and other non-rotationally symmetric aberration.

Abstract: A beam splitting prism system includes, at least, a first prism for extracting a first light beam along an advancing direction of a light beam coming from an objective lens, an air separation, and a second prism having a predetermined apical angle and having a reflecting surface for extracting a second light beam, wherein the second prism is arranged to cause the second light beam reflected by the reflecting surface to be totally reflected by a surface of the second prism adjacent to the air separation and then exit from the second prism, and the apical angle of the second prism is set such that interference fringes which occur due to reflection of the second light beam by a solid-state image sensor disposed within the optical path of the second light beam do not overlap in a central portion of an image plane of the solid-state image sensor disposed within the optical path of the second light beam.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compact and high-performance prism optical system having, in order in which rays pass from the object side, a first transmitting surface (4), a first reflecting surface (5), a second reflecting surface (6), a third reflecting surface (7), a fourth reflecting surface (8), and a second transmitting surface (9). The first transmitting surface (4) and the second reflecting surface (6) are formed from the identical surface, and the second transmitting surface (9) and the third reflecting surface (7) are formed from the identical surface. The first reflecting surface (5) and the fourth reflecting surface (8) are formed from surfaces independent of the first transmitting surface (4) and the second transmitting surface (9). At least one of the reflecting surfaces is formed from a rotationally asymmetric surface. At least one of the second reflecting surface (6) and the third reflecting surface (7) has a power.

Abstract: In an image display apparatus, between a reflection-type liquid crystal display panel and a light source for supplying illumination light thereto, a half mirror is disposed at an angle. In addition, in the optical path of the light reflected from the liquid crystal display panel and then reflected from the half mirror, a concave mirror is disposed, and, in the optical path of the light reflected from the concave mirror and then transmitted through the half mirror, a polarizing plate is disposed so that, out of the light reflected from the liquid crystal display panel, only the light that conveys an image is directed to an observer's eye. Alternatively, a polarization separation mirror is disposed in place of the half mirror, and a quarter-wave plate is disposed between the polarization separation mirror and the concave mirror instead of using the polarizing plate.

Abstract: Limited rotation, micro-lens scanning of DNA arrays, microscope slides, biological materials, etc., is performed by arcuate and translational motion. A scanning system includes an objective lens located on a low moment of inertia oscillating arm, which provides optical coupling to a light source or a light detector arranged for transmission, reflection, or fluorescence microscopy.

Abstract: A flexible light emitting sheet is curved along a curved liquid crystal screen constituting a meter display, and comprises one of a single sheet of a flexible transparent resin with a system of monoxide silicon particles mixed therein, an electroluminescent substance relatively high of brightness, and a flexible transparent resin sheet and a set of light emitting diodes arranged thereon in a plane conforming manner.

Abstract: A light diffusing film is produced by preparing a paint by adding a light transmissive diffusing material comprising resin beads to a light transmissive resin, and coating the paint on one or both of the surfaces of transparent film substrate made of TAC, to produce a light diffusing layer. In the light diffusing film, the haze value on the surface of light diffusing layer is three or more, the difference between the haze value along the normal and that along the lines ±60° apart from the normal is four or less, and the surface is practically smooth whose roughness is so adjusted as to give a surface roughness Ra of Ra≦0.2 &mgr;m. Application of such a light diffusing film onto a display panel inhibits scattering reflection which would otherwise cause the display to be whitish, reduces the variation of haze values which vary depending on the viewed angle, and thus improves display quality.

Abstract: A display device for presenting a virtual image of a product. The device supports an object whose virtual image is to be presented at a point on one side of the device, and an optical system having a transparent member mounted in the manner of a conventional store window. The optical system projects an image of the object in virtual space towards an observer on the opposite side of said device. The device is also equipped with a means for directing an odor towards the image. The odor is scented according to the image being produced. The device is positioned adjacent to a place frequented by potential consumers of the product, such as a street in a shopping area of a town or mall.

Abstract: An optical waveguide is formed on a first side of an integrated optics substrate. The optical waveguide is included in a first arm of an interferometer that is arranged to produce an interference pattern. The integrated optics substrate is mounted and arranged such that acceleration of the integrated optics substrate along a selected axis produces a change in the interference pattern. Changes in the interference pattern are monitored and correlated with the acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of commanding the heating of a motor vehicle rear-view mirror, said vehicle being, in particular, equipped with an electrical device for commanding the movement of the windows, said method being characterized in that the device for commanding the lifting and lowering of one and the same window is used as a command to heat the rear-view mirror. The present invention also relates to a corresponding rearview mirror heating device.

Abstract: A microscope turret assembly and a microscope with the turret assembly are provided so that active use is made of the space formed on an underside surface of a turret by providing an illuminator or an optical detector therein. The turret retains multiple objective lenses and, by rotation thereof, enables the selection of a single objective lens. At least a part of an illuminator that casts light on an observed specimen via the selected objective lens, or a part of an optical detector that detects light from an observed specimen, is located in the space.

Abstract: A light transmission module for transmitting a light signal through an optical fiber coupled to a light device and/or receiving a light signal transmitted through the optical fiber is provided. The light transmission module includes a light device module having a socket member having a plurality of leads for transmitting an electrical signal, and a light device installed within the socket member to be electrically connected to the leads, for converting the electrical signal into a light signal or converting the light signal into an electrical signal, a connector module having a holder coupled to the socket member, and at least one optical fiber installed in the holder to face the light device, for transmitting the light signal, and a coupling means for slidably coupling the light device module and the connector module and packaging the same.