Abstract: A fiber-optic modulator based on a micromachined grating device which is both polarization independent and achromatic in behavior is described. The device is a two dimensional grating or periodic structure which is symmetric in the X and Y axes. It is comprised of a membrane with holes cut in it that moves downward with the application of a voltage which starts diffracting light. The hole region may have a raised island to provide achromatic behavior.

Abstract: An optical imaging assembly for imaging light from a display. The optical assembly is constructed from first and second linear polarization filters, first and second lenses that are preferably concave-convex lenses, and first and second ¼ wave plates. The first linear polarization filter passes light polarized in a first direction, and second linear polarization filter passes light polarized in a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. A folded imaging assembly is constructed from the first and second lenses and the first ¼ wave plate. The first and second lenses have partially reflecting coatings on one surface of each lens. The folded imaging assembly and the second ¼ wave plate are located between the first and second linear polarization filters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a planar optical waveguide comprising a waveguide core layer interposed between upper and lower cladding layers, characterized in that a so-called “effective” coefficient of thermal expansion of the layer containing the waveguide core is approximately the same as that of the substrate supporting the optical waveguide.

Abstract: Compact linear diode arrays are imaged on linear light modulator arrays by optical systems employing objective asphere/prism segments together with a field lens such that the beams rise in object space or image space, and individual beams are imaged on individual modulator segments with chosen form factors and spacings. More than one laser array can be directed in superimposed fashion onto a single modulator array using laser polarization modes and a polarization beam combiner.

Abstract: In order to visualize an active matrix liquid crystal image generator, it is illuminated in a prism system by a light source and a collimator directing light into the prism system and made linear polarized and reflected by a first half-mirror layer between two joined prism surfaces, the image generator differentially twisting pixelwise the polarization plane of reflected light therefrom, such that twisted light can traverse the first half-mirror layer and a second half-mirror layer for focusing by a concave mirrors, the second half-mirror then directing a virtual image toward an eye location, from which a natural scene may also be viewed. The prism system, as seen in a plan perpendicular to the viewing direction, includes two isosceles prisms and one of trapezium section, or preferably that of a parallelogram.

Abstract: An optical element constructed from a transparent support having a curved surface and a layer of a polarization-dependent film that is affixed to the curved surface. The polarization-dependent film passes linearly polarized light of a predetermined polarization while reflecting linearly polarized light having a polarization orthogonal to the predetermined polarization. The element is constructed by applying a layer of a transparent adhesive either to the layer of polarization-dependent film or to the curved surface. The support and layer of polarization-dependent film are then heated to a temperature above the temperature at which the polarization film can be deformed. The support and layer of polarization-dependent film are then pressed together so as to deform the layer of polarization-dependent film to cause the layer of polarization-dependent film to conform to the curved surface.

Abstract: A laser diode system permitting indirect measurement of optical power includes a laser diode which emits usable light from a front facet and spontaneously emits stray light substantially proportional to the usable light from another facet; and a light pipe disposed proximate to the laser diode which collects and waveguides only the stray light to thereby generate a stray light beam providing an indication of optical power.

Abstract: A distributed fiber-grating-based sensing system, the system comprises one or more scanned birefringence fiber interferometers to detect the small wavelength shift of the light reflected from the fiber grating, a wavelength demultiplexer to separate the lights from each fiber grating, a reference fiber grating for determining the absolute optical wavelengths. Compared with the prior art, the system has advantages of easier fabrication, better stabilization, and can be customized for different applications.

Abstract: An optical attenuating isolator obtained by combining an optical attenuator and an isolator into a module, is provided. The optical attenuating isolator includes a first collimator, an optical attenuating filter, an isolation unit, and a second collimator. The first collimator is connected to a first optical transmission medium, and collimates light received via the first optical transmission medium. The optical attenuating filter attenuates the output light of the first collimator. The isolation unit receives light attenuated by the optical attenuating filter and passes only polarized light which is polarized in a predetermined specific polarization direction. The second collimator is connected to a second optical transmission medium, and collimates polarized light which has passed through the isolation unit, and transmits the resultant light to the second optical transmission medium.

Abstract: An improved micromechanical device comprising a substrate (104), a deflectable member (102) suspended over the substrate (104), at least one spring-ring (124) supported above the substrate (104); and at least one address electrode (110) spaced apart from substrate (104). The spring-ring (124) resists deflection of the deflectable member (102) when the deflectable member (102) deflects to contact the spring-ring (124). By moving the address electrode (110) off the substrate level, the micromirror is much more immune to particle-caused short circuits, and a planer surface on which to fabricate the mirror (102) is provided without the need to utilize an inverse spacer layer.

Abstract: A light guide luminaire includes a longitudinal housing having a center and an inner surface, and a light guide formed of at least two sections of optical lighting film arranged within the housing such that the shortest distance between the center of the housing and the inner surface of the housing is smaller than the radius of curvature of each section of optical lighting film. The light guide is slidably retained within the housing, and the housing and optical lighting film are arranged to define air gaps between the housing and optical lighting film. The luminaire may also include an extractor element extending radially inwardly from the inner surface of the housing for scattering light, and a back reflector for reflecting light back into the light guide. A joint member adapted to slidably receive end portions of the optical lighting film sections, the back reflector sections, and an extractor element is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical fiber organizer and a box for receiving it. The inlets for the optical cables project side-by-side in row abreast from the same short side of the box bottom. The organizer includes a pedestal which receives, in nested manner, stackable modules for holding cassettes. The pedestal is made of a plastics material and has an outside shape that is rounded. A transit empty space is provided before the pedestal for the purpose of passing the fibers, and a storage empty space is provided after the pedestal for the purpose of storing standby fibers.