Abstract: Apparatus for increasing color resolution and quality in digital imaging systems temporally modulates red, green and blue light, detects all three colors at each pixel, and band pass filters the detected light to extract values for red, green and blue at each pixel. A detector which preserves the modulation, such as a complementary metal oxide semiconductor detector is used. Alternatively, if an integrating detector array such as a charge coupled device (CCD) is used, the three illumination sources are switched on and off sequentially, and the detector array switches to different integrating circuits for each color. Measurement of the range provides full color, three-dimensional, image data.

Abstract: A beamsplitter prism for transmitting and reflecting spherical waves without magnification, which includes at least first and second surfaces arranged opposite each other; a semi-reflecting layer diagonally arranged from a lower portion of the first surface to an upper portion of the second surface. The first and second surfaces are adapted to have a spherical shape, with the first surface having a smaller radius than the second surface to form two concentric spheres. A spherical wave which strikes the first surface will pass through the semi-reflecting layer and exit through the second surface without having the beamsplitter prism introduce distortion to the wave. The second surface may be substantially orthogonal to the first surface, so that a spherical wave may reflect off the semi-reflecting layer and exit through a spherical surface. A third planar surface may be arranged on the prism to permit the passage of plane waves without distortion.

Abstract: An eyepiece, consisting of two lens groups, is lighter in weight and more compact than known previously, yet has aberrations that are favorably corrected despite the eyepiece having a large exit pupil diameter. This is accomplished by including a predetermined diffraction optical element (DOE) surface on one of the optical elements in order to minimize the number of lens elements that are required, while simultaneously ensuring the image is of high quality. Thus, a high quality image may be observed even while walking, riding in a vehicle, or the like. In order from the eye side, the first lens group has positive refractive power with its surface nearest the eye side being convex and its surface farthest from the eye side being concave. The first lens group may be formed of a single lens element or a pair of lens elements that are cemented together. Among the two lens groups, the eyepiece includes at least one negative lens element and at least two positive lens elements.

Abstract: A beamsplitter prism for transmitting and reflecting cylindrical waves without magnification, which includes at least first and second surfaces arranged opposite each other; a semi-reflecting layer diagonally arranged from a lower portion of the first surface to an upper portion of the second surface. The first and second surfaces are adapted to have a cylindrical shape, with the first surface having a smaller radius than the second surface to form two concentric cylinders. A cylindrical wave which strikes the first surface will pass through the semi-reflecting layer and exit through the second surface without having the beamsplitter prism introduce distortion to the wave. The second surface may be substantially orthogonal to the first surface, so that a cylindrical wave may reflect off the semi-reflecting layer and exit through a cylindrical surface. A third planar surface may be arranged on the prism to permit the passage of plane waves without distortion.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device with a first part, said first part adapted to move from a first position to a second position; a second part, said second part coupled to said first part; and a third part, said third part adapted to move between said first part and said second part to cause said second part to pivot at a constant distance from said first part.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation shutter device driven by electrostatic forces comprises a stationary membrane capable of allowing electromagnetic radiation transmission therethrough, and a first and second flexible membrane comprising an electrode element and at least one biasing element. The first flexible membrane has a fixed portion attached to the underside of the stationary membrane and a distal portion adjacent to the fixed portion and released from the underside of the stationary membrane. The second flexible membrane has a fixed portion attached to the topside of the stationary membrane and a distal portion adjacent to the fixed portion and released from the topside of the stationary membrane. In operation, a voltage differential is established between the electrode element of the first flexible membrane and the electrode element of the second flexible membrane thereby moving the first and second flexible membranes relative to the stationary membrane. In a closed state (i.e.

Abstract: A patterned opaque layer is applied between adjacent filters mounted on a common optical block surface in a wavelength division multiplexer and demultiplexer. The patterned opaque layer covers the optically transparent regions between adjacent filters mounted on the common surface of the optical block. The patterned opaque layer is also applied around the perimeter of the footprint of the array of filters mounted on the common surface of the optical block. The patterned opaque layer reduces cross-talk between the filters and reduces optical noise.

Abstract: A securing device, for securing a light interception frame made of a resilient material to an end face of a lens frame, includes engagement projections and engagement surfaces provided on the peripheral surface of the lens frame, engagement legs and engagement pieces provided on the light interception frame having a light interception plate portion; wherein the light interception plate portion has an opening through which light can pass. The positional relationship between the plurality of engagement projections and the plurality of engagement legs, and the positional relationship between the plurality of engagement surfaces and the plurality of engagement pieces are such that when the engagement pieces engage with the engagement surfaces in a free state of the light interception frame, no engagement occurs, and the engagement legs are engaged by the engagement projections by elastically deforming the light interception frame.

Abstract: In a lens assembly and housing therefor for use in conjunction with an optical apparatus, the lens assembly includes a lens frame of nonferrous material and defining a window having a lip therein along a periphery of the window, a lens disposed in the window and adjacent the lip, a pair of spaced magnets on the frame, and a grip formed on the frame. The housing includes first and second walls opposed to each other and in part defining a pocket, the first wall being nonferrous and the second wall being magnetically permeable, the pocket being adapted to receive the lens assembly with the grip of the frame extending beyond the pocket. The magnets interact with the magnetically permeable second wall of the pocket to releasably retain the lens assembly in the lens assembly housing.

Abstract: A multi-stripe laser diode chip is integrated with a beam combiner on a single optical bench, and is thus, applicable to placement in a single pigtailed module. Specifically, multiple beams emitted from the chip stripes are spatially merged using a birefringent material and then coupled into an optical fiber. The use of the birefringent material provides an efficient solution for generating the merged beam, which can be coupled into a single optical fiber.