Abstract: In a titanium nitride-based optical coating, the structural stability of the coating is enhanced by providing a damage-retardation base layer between the titanium nitride layer and a substrate. Where the optical coating is to provide solar control, the titanium nitride layer is selected primarily for achieving desired optical characteristics, while the thickness of the damage-retardation layer is selected primarily for achieving desired mechanical characteristics. The damage-retardation layer is formed of a grey metal, with nickel chromium being the preferred metal. The grey metal layer reduces the likelihood that the titanium nitride layer will crack. The tendency of such a layer to crack and form worm tracks is further reduced by exposing the substrate to a plasma preglow and/or by using a slip agent on the side of the substrate on which the layers are to be formed.

Abstract: A resin prism including two or more optical surfaces (11-13) that are not parallel to each other, a pair of side end faces (14, 15) substantially perpendicular to the optical surfaces (11-13), at least one reference block (17) projecting from either one of the pair of side end faces (14, 15) and having a circumferential end face (16) extending in a projecting direction of the reference block, a positioning portion (19, 20) formed on the circumferential end face (16) of the reference block (17), and a curved surface (18) for smoothly connecting the circumferential end face (16) of the reference block (17) and corresponding one of the pair of side end faces (14, 15), wherein the circumferential end face (16) and the corresponding one of the side end faces (14, 15) form an angle of 90° or more.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making holograms includes a technique for exposing a film substrate or other light-sensitive medium to consecutive two dimensional images, together representative of a physical three-dimensional system, to generate a three dimensional hologram of the physical system. Low beam ratios are employed to superimpose multiple (20-300) images on the substrate. Each image is relatively weak, but the combination of the series of weak images ultimately appears as a single clearly defined hologram.

Abstract: The invention concerns a microsystem module, in particular for use in microoptical systems, the module consisting of a body on the surface of which at least one functional area and support areas for attachment to adjacent microsystem components are provided. According to the invention, in order to provide a microsystem module of this type which can be connected to adjacent microstructure system components with an extremely good fit and in an exactly reproducible manner and preventing damage to the adjacent components and the sensitive functional areas of the microsystem module, the support areas are disposed in the region of outwardly projecting surface regions of the body which are set back relative to the support areas in the direction towards the interior of the body. The functional areas are disposed with very narrow tolerances in a dimensionally accurate manner relative to the support areas.

Abstract: An optically made, high-efficiency in-line holographic mask (ILHM) for in-line holographic patterning of a workpiece, and apparatus and methods for performing same. The ILHM combines the imaging function of a lens with the transmission properties of a standard amplitude mask, obviating the need for expensive projection optics. The ILHM is either a type I (non-opaque) or type II (opaque) specialized object mask having one or more substantially transparent elements which can be phase-altering, scattering, refracting and/or diffracting. A method of creating a pattern on a workpiece includes the steps of disposing an ILHM, disposing a workpiece adjacent the ILHM and illuminating the ILHM to impart a pattern to the workpiece. In another method, the ILHM is used in combination with a lens. The ILHM is disposed such that a holographic real image is formed at or near the lens object plane, and the workpiece is disposed at or near the lens image plane.

Abstract: A fiber optic device for changing direction along a fiber optic path is provided. A first optical fiber having a first end portion, and a second optical fiber having a second end portion are joined at a fusion splice. A miniature bend is formed in the region of the fusion splice. The device is particularly useful for routing optical fibers in the field. A method of forming such a miniature bend in a fusion splice region between two optical fibers is also provided.

Abstract: In one embodiment, holographic data storage medium includes a first thermoplastic substrate portion having a thickness less than approximately 2 millimeters and a second thermoplastic substrate portion having a thickness less than approximately 2 millimeters. A holographic recording material may be sandwiched between the first and second thermoplastic substrate portions. By making thermoplastic substrate portions sufficiently thin, edge wedge problems can be avoided.

Abstract: Optical circuits are disclosed having mechanical beam steering. The mechanical beam steering can mitigate thermal sensitivity of optical circuits, for example, arrayed waveguides. Also disclosed are methods for fabricating optical integrated circuits employing mechanical beam steering.

Abstract: Various embodiments of reinforced mirror microstructures for a surface micromachined optical system are disclosed. Multi-layered and structurally reinforced mirror microstructures are disclosed, including both two and three-layer microstructures. Adjacent structural layers in these multi-layered mirror microstructures may be structurally reinforced and interconnected by a plurality of vertically disposed columns, or by a plurality of at least generally laterally extending rails or ribs, or some combination thereof. Various embodiments of a single layered mirror microstructure with a structural reinforcement assembly that cantilevers from a lower surface thereof is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical filter comprising: a laminate (A) comprising: a first transparent support; and at least one of an antireflection layer, an antiglare layer, a soil-resistant layer, a hard coat layer and an antistatic layer; a transparent support (B); and at least one of a visible light absorption layer and an infrared shield layer, the infrared shield layer absorbing near infrared rays having a wavelength of 750 nm to 1200 nm, wherein the at least one of a visible light absorption layer and an infrared shield layer is provided on the first transparent support at the opposite side to that the at least one of an antireflection layer, an antiglare layer, a soil-resistant layer, a hard coat layer and an antistatic layer are provided, or on the transparent support (B).

Abstract: A beam folder increases optical length with polarizing beam splitters and reflectors that repolarize a beam by retarding it. An incident beam encounters the beam splitters multiple times, and are both passed and rejected by the same splitters. The splitters and repolarizing reflectors can be shaped to perform optical functions in a smaller volume. Valves and controls can vary the beam intensity and combine multiple beams. Applications include projection, imaging, collimating, mixing, and balancing.

Abstract: A number of fiber optic connectors are held by a connector clip that positions the fiber optic connectors so that the connectors can only be inserted into a corresponding number of receiving connectors in one way. In addition, the connector clip can only be assembled in one way to prevent the connectors from being improperly positioned within the connector clip.

Abstract: An electromechanical conformal grating device having a period &Lgr;, that includes: an elongated ribbon element including a light reflective surface; a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated ribbon element at both ends over a substrate; an intermediate support; and means for applying a force to the elongated ribbon element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states, where in the second operating state the elongated ribbon element mechanically conforms to the intermediate support forming a conformal grating having alternating raised and lowered portions, and wherein the length of the raised and lowered portions are substantially equal.

Abstract: A system for producing a white-light interference hologram includes a camera adapted for recording a first and a second bitmap image of a scene from separate vantage points, and the separation distance of the vantage points, a computing engine adapted to compute three-dimensional x, y, and z characteristics of an interference hologram topology for the scene from the bitmap image and separation data, wherein x and y are two dimensional locations of bits in a bitmap of the topology and z is a depth dimension for each x,y bit, and a printer adapted to print in color the x,y bitmap, and to create the depth dimension z at each x,y bit location, providing thereby a three-dimensional interference hologram topology for the scene. In a preferred embodiment the depth dimension is created by electrophoresis, using a medium having an electrophoretic gel layer, with the ink applied to the gel in a bit-mapped pattern being ionic in nature, and capable of being migrated in the gel layer by electrophoresis.

Abstract: In a projection optical system having at least two silica glass optical members, a birefringence value is measured at each of points in a plane normal to the optical axis with the center at an intersection of each optical member with the optical axis, a distribution of signed birefringence values in each optical member is obtained by assigning a positive sign to each birefringence value when a direction of the fast axis thereof is a radial direction to the intersection with the optical axis and assigning a negative sign to each birefringence value when the direction of the fast axis thereof is normal to the radial direction, and the optical members are combined with each other so as to satisfy such a placement condition that a signed birefringence characteristic value of the entire projection optical system calculated based on the distributions of signed birefringence values is between −0.5 and +0.5 nm/cm both inclusive.

Abstract: An improved optical system is provided for diffusing light uniformly over a wide angle, including, a diffractive element for diffracting light received by the system in multiple diffraction orders, and a diffusing element which diffuses the diffracted light. The diffractive element provides diffracted light having an angular distribution of intensities over the diffraction orders which is correlated to the power spectrum of the diffusing element such that the system produces a predetermined intensity distribution of diffused light. The diffraction period of the diffractive element is selected such that the angular separation between the zeroeth and first diffraction orders is approximately one-half the angular extent of the full-width-at-half-maximum of the power spectrum of the diffusing element. The strengths of the diffraction orders are selected such that the combination of diffused light from each diffractive order provides uniformity in the intensity of the diffused light from the system.

Abstract: A light-polarizing film is provided which possesses a light transmittance of not more than 0.3% wavelengths of from 430 nm to 500 nm inclusive when irradiated with a linearly polarized light with a vibration plane parallel to an absorption axis of said film, and a light transmittance of not less than 77% at wavelengths of from 430 nm to 500 nm inclusive when irradiated with a linearly polarized light with a vibration plane perpendicular to the absorption axis of said film. When a light-polarizing plate comprising the light polarizing film is applied to the liquid crystal panel for blue of a liquid crystal projector, the obtained liquid crystal projector displays images featuring bright and 15 natural color tones.

Abstract: Low reflective, flexible, transparent, laminates having a sheet of flexible plastic substrate, a conductive outer layer on one side of the sheet, and an anti-reflective stack of at least one pair of oxide layers on at least one of the sides of the sheet, adapted for use as touch panel membrane electrodes in screen interface displays. A preferred laminate includes a flexible, polyethylene terephthalate sheet substrate having on one side a outer conductive surface of indium tin oxide and on one or both sides an anti-reflective stack of oxide layers, e.g., a stack of a layer of silicon dioxide and a layer of indium tin oxide. Preferred laminates have at least 90% transmission and less than 2% reflection of visible light in the range of 460 to 700 nm and are especially useful as touch panel electrodes, e.g., on computer display screens.

Abstract: The invention provides a holographic optical device, including a light-transmissive substrate; a first holographic optical element carried by the substrate; at least one second holographic optical element carried by the substrate laterally of the first holographic optical element, and at least one third holographic optical element carried by the substrate laterally displaced from the first and second holographic optical elements; wherein the center of at least one of the first, second or third holographic optical elements is located outside a single, straight line.

Abstract: An optical isolator includes a first pigtail assembly, a first collimating lens aligned with the first pigtail assembly, an optical rotator assembly, an adjustable assembly aligned with the rotator assembly, and a second pigtail assembly having a ferrule and a second optical fiber with an end attached within the ferrule. The rotator assembly includes a first birefringent wedge, an optical rotator and a magnet. The adjustable assembly includes a second birefringent wedge, a second collimating lens, and a holder holding at least a portion of the second birefringent wedge and at least a portion of the second collimating lens therein. The magnet of the rotator assembly encloses the first birefringent wedge and the rotator. The rotator is positioned between the first and second birefringent wedges. The adjustable assembly is adjustable relative to the rotator assembly. This achieves precise positional relationships among the rotator and the first and second birefringent wedges.