Abstract: The following invention relates to an improved LCD Backlight, particularly to an improved arrangement of the optical scattering dots within the light guiding plate. The light guiding plate comprises a lower surface which is formed with a plurality of optical scattering dots, which scatter and reflect the light beams to convert the light beams into a uniform surface light source, characterised wherein the surface area of each optical dot decreases as a function of its distance from at least one of the three edges comprising the LED lights.

Abstract: The following invention relates to an improved LCD Backlight, particularly to an improved arrangement of the optical scattering dots within the light guiding plate. The light guiding plate comprises a lower surface which is formed with a plurality of optical scattering dots, which scatter and reflect the light beams to convert the light beams into a uniform surface light source, characterised wherein the surface area of each optical dot decreases as a function of its distance from at least one of the three edges comprising the LED lights.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for monitoring, remotely, information relating to the motion of at least one moving object. The apparatus comprises: means for illuminating a retro-reflective data carrier mounted on each moving object, in particular when the moving object is located at a predetermined monitoring position; means for detecting, in optical signals returned by the retro-reflective data carrier, data representing a timing trigger and data representing an identifier for the at least one moving object; timer means responsive to a timing trigger detected at the predetermined monitoring position to trigger a timer associated with a detected identifier; and an output to provide timing information associated with the detected identifier, and hence relating to the at least one moving object at the predetermined monitoring position. The timing information may be used to derive relative ordering, relative timing or speeds of moving objects, for example.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining gas velocity, which includes generating transmitted radiation having an expected transmission frequency, detecting backscattered radiation, and determining gas velocity in dependence upon any Doppler shift of the frequency of the backscattered radiation, determining a transmission frequency of the transmitted radiation; detecting any difference between the measured transmission frequency and the expected transmission frequency and generating a feedback signal therefrom, and determining gas velocity using said feedback signal.

Abstract: A camouflage panel arranged to be attachable to an outer area of a submarine is disclosed. The panel comprises a light emitter operable such that light is emitted from a surface of the panel. The intensity and colour of the emitted light being controllable in response to a control signal received from a sensor arranged to sense the intensity and colour of light in the region of the submarine. Apparatus comprising a number of such panels is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining gas velocity, which includes generating transmitted radiation having an expected transmission frequency, detecting backscattered radiation, and determining gas velocity in dependence upon any Doppler shift of the frequency of the backscattered radiation, determining a transmission frequency of the transmitted radiation; detecting any difference between the measured transmission frequency and the expected transmission frequency and generating a feedback signal therefrom, and determining gas velocity using said feedback signal.

Abstract: This invention concerns improvements relating to a deformable-mirror holder for holding a mirror in a desired position, to within accepted tolerances, even whilst the mirror is deforming or in a deformed state. More particularly but not exclusively, this invention relates to a holder for a bimorph mirror. A deformable mirror holder (31) is provided comprising a body with a receiving portion for receiving a deformable mirror (30), and wherein the receiving portion is defined by a passive flexible support structure (41) such that, in use, to the support structure provides a supporting surface to the mirror. This invention extends to a deformable mirror and a deformable mirror holder as described above.

Abstract: The invention resides in the innovative use of deposition techniques in deformable mirrors. The use of deposition techniques allows contact pads for electrodes to be located wherever convenient. When applied to bimorph mirrors the invention enables both electro-restrictive layers to become active, increasing the stroke of the deformable mirror whilst retaining temperature insensitivity. A controllably-deformable mirror according to the invention comprises a deposition layer; a first electro-restrictive plate; a mirror surface; and a plurality of electrodes comprising a set of electrodes defined as regions on a first surface of the first electro-restrictive plate, the set of electrodes comprising a first electrode and a second electrode; and a common electrode on a second surface of the first electro-restrictive plate.