Abstract: A conformal retro-modulator optical apparatus. The apparatus includes an array of multiple quantum well devices disposed in a thin array. A plastic support element is bonded to the thin array, the plastic support element having a thickness greater that of the thin array. The plastic support element is preferably plastic at elevated temperatures above room temperature, thereby allowing the plastic support element and the thin array of multiple well device disposed therein to conform to a predetermined shape, yet being rigid at room temperature.

Abstract: A conformal retro-modulator optical apparatus. The apparatus includes an array of multiple quantum well devices disposed in a thin array. A plastic support element is bonded to the thin array, the plastic support element having a thickness greater that of the thin array. The plastic support element is preferably plastic at elevated temperatures above room temperature, thereby allowing the plastic support element and the thin array of multiple well device disposed therein to conform to a predetermined shape, yet being rigid at room temperature.

Abstract: A conformal retro-modulator optical apparatus. The apparatus includes an array of multiple quantum well devices disposed in a thin array. A plastic support element is bonded to the thin array, the plastic support element having a thickness greater that of the thin array. The plastic support element is preferably plastic at elevated temperatures above room temperature, thereby allowing the plastic support element and the thin array of multiple well device disposed therein to conform to a predetermined shape, yet being rigid at room temperature.

Abstract: An inter vehicle communication system wherein information transfer between vehicles is provided by data sources, data sensors, and vehicle sensors on each vehicle connected to a central processing unit on each vehicle. The central processing unit receives information from other vehicles via the data sensors and calculates information weights for that data. Information weights may be based upon temporal or spatial displacement, or other factors. The central processing unit then combines that weighted data with data provided by onboard vehicle sensors to determine vehicle and situational status. The central processing unit will then provide control information to the vehicle or vehicle operator. The central processing unit also creates messages for transfer to other vehicles via the data sources contained in the vehicle. Preferably, the data sources are provided by adapting vehicle headlights, taillights, or other existing lights sources for optical data transfer.

Abstract: A conformal retro-modulator optical apparatus. The apparatus includes an array of multiple quantum well devices disposed in a thin array. A plastic support element is bonded to the thin array, the plastic support element having a thickness greater that of the thin array. The plastic support element is preferably plastic at elevated temperatures above room temperature, thereby allowing the plastic support element and the thin array of multiple well device disposed therein to conform to a predetermined shape, yet being rigid at room temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an optical fiber to an optoelectronic element. The optical fiber and optoelectronic element are attached to a base. The base is made from a first crystallographic orientation material, and a lens is made from a second crystallographic orientation material. The lens is aligned to the base using the crystallographic orientations, and the optical fiber and optoelectronic element are aligned to the base/lens assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an optical fiber to an optoelectronic element. The optical fiber and optoelectronic element are attached to a base. The base is made from a first crystallographic orientation material, and a lens is made from a second crystallographic orientation material. The lens is aligned to the base using the crystallographic orientations, and the optical fiber and optoelectronic element are aligned to the base/lens assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aligning an optical fiber to an optoelectronic element. The optical fiber and optoelectonic element are attached to a base. The base is made from a first crystallographic orientation material, and a lens is made from a second crystallographic orientation material. The lens is aligned to the base using the crystallographic orientations, and the optical fiber and optoelectronic element are aligned to the base/lens assembly.

Abstract: The angular and/or spectral bandwidth of a holographic lens assembly can be widened to accomodate highly diverging and/or wide spectral bandwidth illumination sources, respectively. Each lens in the lens assembly is comprised of a plurality of angularly customized holograms (an angularly customized hologram set). Each of the individual holograms in an angularly customized hologram set has an acceptance angle range that is centered on a discrete peak acceptance angle. The separation between the holograms' peak acceptance angles is chosen so that the acceptance angle ranges of the individual holograms overlap. The resulting cumulative acceptance angle range of each angularly customized hologram set provides a holographic lens assembly that has a wider angular bandwidth than prior holographic lenses.

Abstract: A focusable virtual image display system employing a focusable image source such as a cathode ray tube and imaging optics to provide a virtual image. The virtual image is viewable by a user and its effective range may be changed without changing the apparent field of view or resolution. By placing the focus point of the imaging optics at the design eye, the image source is moved backwards and forwards, thus effectively changing the range of the virtual image observed by the user without changing the apparent field of view or resolution. The present invention allows the user to adjust the focus position of the virtual image of the image source by moving it relative to the imaging optics, while maintaining the size and resolution of the image. If the user wants to move the image further away, when the image source is moved, the imaging optics moves the virtual image further away and magnifies the image such that the angular field of view stays the same.