Abstract: An optical device having a dioptric correction device comprises a reference image display unit which is placed in the optical path extending from an object image to the optical system. The reference image is used for dioptric correction. The left and right reference images are different and are displayed on the left and right reference image display units when dioptric correction is performed. The reference image display unit is placed at a predetermined position between the optical system and an image display unit. Since the reference image is positioned at the predetermined position, both of the image of the image display unit and the reference image may be seen clearly.

Abstract: A mono-fiber type optical fiber cord comprising: a coated optical fiber which is an optical fiber with a fiber coat therearound, a synthetic resin coat having a substantially rectangular sectional surface for further covering the coated optical fiber, and a reinforcing member within the coat for coated optical fiber, wherein the reinforcing member is located along one of the shorter sides of the coat in the substantially parallel direction with the shorter sides in such a manner as to be embedded along the longitudinally extending direction of the coated optical fiber. An optical cord ribbon is formed by mutually bonding the longer sides of the adjacent substantially rectangular sectional surfaces of a plurality of the mono-fiber type optical fiber cords, and thereafter by coating the external surface of the thus aligned optical fiber cords by a bundling coating method.

Abstract: A catoptric reduction projection optical system (8), exposure apparatus (EX) including same, and a method using same for forming in a second plane (WP) a reduced image of an object (R) in a first plane (RP). The projection optical system includes, in order along a folded optical path on in optical axis (AX), from the first plane to the second plane, a first mirror (M1) having a concavely shaped reflecting surface and a first vertex, a second mirror (M2) having a second vertex, a third mirror (M3) having a convexly shaped reflecting surface and a third vertex, a single aperture stop (AS), and a fourth mirror (M4) having a concavely shaped reflecting surface and a fourth vertex. The projection optical system also preferable satisfies a number of design conditions.

Abstract: An illumination optical apparatus (8) includes a light source (10) and light conducting system (L) that conducts a light beam (14) from the light source to an object (M) such as a mask having a pattern, to be irradiated. A light-attenuating member (18) or other light-intensity controlling member, such as filter, for controlling the intensity of the light beam is arranged in the optical path between the light source and light conducting system. Also disclosed is a method for manufacturing semiconductor devices using the abovementioned illumination optical apparatus.

Abstract: Electrochromic rearview mirrors having reduced apparent size bezels are disclosed. Visual characteristics of the bezel, such as lightness value, are controlled in order to reduce the apparent size of the bezel. The lightness value of the bezel is preferably matched to the lightness value of the electrochromic mirror. In addition, the color value of the bezel may also be controlled. The electrochromic rearview mirrors may be mounted in the interior or on the exterior of vehicles.

Abstract: An optical adapter 100 includes a pair of cylindrical ferrules 121, 122, each containing an optical fiber disposed along its central axis 101--101. The ferrules are aligned with their central axes being collinear. Moreover, the ferrules are captured within a plastic housing that comprises a plug member 110 and a jack member 140. These members interlock with each other to form an adapter that can be used, for example, for attenuating an optical signal or for interconnecting two ferrules having different diameters. Preferably, the ferrules are identical to each other. Each ferrule includes an optical fiber that is disposed in a bore, which extends along the central axis of the ferrule between its opposite ends, and each ferrule has an end face 126 that is angled at about 82 degrees with respect to the central axis.

Abstract: A fiber optical control system for use in an optical switch generally includes, in one embodiment, a fiber assembly (86), a signal separator (88), a sensor unit (90), a lens assembly (92), stationary mirror (94), targeting RED (96), moveable mirror assembly (98) with mounted alignment REDs (100), window (102) and a processor (104). The separator (88) separates the control signals from the communication signals so that the control signals are received by the sensor unit (90) and the communication signals are received by fiber (106). The control signals received by the sensor unit (90) provide target identification and alignment information for connecting target fibers. In particular, the targeting RED (96), or in alternative embodiments the alignment REDs, associated with a signal fiber can be pulsed or otherwise operated to convey target identification information, thereby avoiding the need for a long series of column and row signaling for targeting.

Abstract: An electro-optic rearview mirror system for a vehicle includes an interior mirror housing (10) containing an interior electro-optic mirror unit (18). At least one light sensor, and preferably a pair of light sensors (24, 26), is provided for sensing the ambient light level outside the vehicle. Control circuitry, which may be mounted on a PCB (36), is responsive to an output (34) from the at least one light sensor (24, 26) to establish a drive voltage for the electro-optic mirror unit (18).

Abstract: A process for manufacturing micromechanical devices. The process includes the step of covering the activation circuitry (201) and those parts of the device that come in contact with moving parts with a pad film (202). The pad film prevents frictional wear and sticking of the moving parts, and can prevent electrical shorts between different parts of the activation circuitry. Additionally, the pad film can prevent particulates from interfering with the operation of the device.

Abstract: A surface light source device, comprising a light source (2); a light conductor (1) which has a light incident face (11) on at least one side end surface thereof which confronts the light source (2), and a light emitting face (12) on one surface thereof which is substantially perpendicular to the light incident face (11); and a light angle varying sheet (3) which is disposed at a side of the light emitting face (12) of the light conductor (1), wherein at least one of the light emitting face (12) and a back surface (13) of the light conductor (1) comprises a minute structure having an average slant angle of 0.5 to 7.5 degrees. The light angle varying sheet (3) may comprise a prism sheet having a plurality of prisms (31) which are formed parallel to one another on at least one surface thereof.

Abstract: A first backlight light source is energized either at full or reduced rated power, until such time as the brightness which can be produced has reduced by a predetermined amount (e.g. half of the original level). A second or backup source is then switched on while the first is temporarily switched off. When the backup light source has degraded to the point where the brightness which can be produced by this light source has reduced by a second predetermined amount (which is the same as the first predetermined amount, e.g. 50%) the first light source is switched back on so that both are simultaneously energized. When this measure fails to maintain the required level of brightness, the power with which the light sources are energized is increased.

Abstract: An irradiance redistribution guide (IRG) for providing from a radiation source having a nonuniform irradiation distribution, a predetermined irradiance distribution over a predetermined target area spaced away from the IRG, includes a tubular reflective inner surface disposed between an entrance aperture and an exit aperture. The reflective inner surface has a varying cross-sectional radius. The profile of the cross-sectional radius is defined by a spline function that is uniquely determined by a plurality of knots. The IRG, when used in conjunction with a high-power solar concentrator, is advantageous in materials processing that requires high irradiance level that is uniformly distributed over an area spaced away from the exit aperture by a working distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a control knurl for the rotary adjustment of a potentiometer in an automotive vehicle which minimizes light loss of the light guide in a control knurl. The light guide of the control knurl reflects the light from inside onto the peripheral surface of the control knurl. A bright protective coating encompasses the light guide and reflects the beams of light which emit from the boundary surface of the light guide. Light loss is also avoided by not applying protective coating on mirror surfaces which redirect the light.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a lamp, and a holding member for rotatably holding the lamp about its optical axis as a rotational axis. An projector includes the illumination apparatus, a first optical system for separating white light from the illumination apparatus into light of red, green and blue, a first panel for modulating the light of red per each pixel, a second panel for modulating the light of green per each pixel, a third panel for modulating the light of blue per each pixel, a projection lens, and a second optical system for superimposing the modulated light of red, green and blue on a display surface, such as a screen, in cooperation with the projection lens.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical connector in which a length of an optical fiber 5 projects from a connection end surface (16) of a ferrule (1) is accurately set, a method of and a fixture for setting the projection length of the optical fiber. A recess surface (33) is formed in a ferrule receiving surface (32). A depth of the recess surface (33) is equal to a length an optical fiber (5) projects from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1). The ferrule (1) is held by ferrule holding members (35a) and (35b), so that the ferrule (1) is abutted against the ferrule receiving surface (32) by the urging force of compression springs (36). Through the ferrule (1), an optical fiber cored line (3) is projected from the connection end surface (16) of the ferrule (1) and abutted against the recess surface (33).

Abstract: A finder optical system has an objective optical system for forming an intermediate image of an object and an eyepiece optical system, and is disposed independent of a photographing optical system. The objective optical system includes a reflecting member. A lens unit situated on the object side of the intermediate image is used as a correcting lens and moved along the optical axis. The finder optical system is thus corrected for diopter and satisfies a condition:0.1<.vertline.1000.times..alpha..sub.F /f.sub.R.sup.2 .vertline.<7.0where .alpha.F is the maximum longitudinal magnification of the correcting lens and f.sub.R is the focal length of the eye-piece optical system.

Abstract: A portable battery powered signal light includes a battery housing and batteries, a generally cylindrical lens having threads and a lamp in the lens, a flasher positioned between the lamp and the battery housing including electrical contacts, a day-night sensor connected to the flasher to permit operation of the flasher only when it senses darkness and a locking ring having threads mating with the threads on the lens and an internal flange overlapping flange on the battery housing so that when threads on the locking ring are tightened on the threads of the lens, the battery housing, flasher and lens are secured together and electrical connections are made across the flasher, the day-night sensor and the lamp.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connecting accessory 10 for fluorescent amps, comprising two lampholders 16 constructed separately from one another and mutually spaced for holding the corresponding connecting ends of the fluorescent lamp 14. In this case, the lampholders 16 are each arranged in a holder receptacle 18. Moreover, the holder receptacles 18 each have an integrated device for the strain relief of electric connecting lines 22 leading to a ballast or coming therefrom.

Abstract: An all-reflective field-switching optical imaging system includes an optical beam coincident with an optical axis and forming a nominal pupil, a pupil-reimaging mirror array spatially separated from the optical axis and having an incident beam with a first pupil the same size as the nominal pupil and an output beam with a second pupil, and a beam diverter mirror array controllably movable between a first position where the beam diverter mirror array does not intercept the optical axis and does not divert the optical beam, and a second position where the beam diverter mirror array intercepts the optical axis and diverts the optical beam.

Abstract: A programmable signal light which can be used as a flashlight, an alarm light, a signal light, or a lantern. The light has a battery, a circuit board, a three-position switch, and a thumbwheel which can be set for any period up to ninety-nine hours. The light remains off until the predetermined number of hours has elapsed, then turns on.