Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive a lens adapter; a set of base optics positioned in the proximal end of the base; and adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base and optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Embodiments of a process including forming a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive any one of a plurality of lens adapters; positioning a set of base optics in the proximal end of the base; and positioning adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base such that they are optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A fixed focus microscope objective lens designed for high magnification viewing of homogenous specimens. The fixed focus microscope objective comprises a last surface 16 which serves as a specimen mount and enables the device to operate in focus without the need for focus adjustors in the microscope system. The user can observe specimens by simply placing a sample of the specimen on the fixed focus objective lens surface 16. There is no need for preparing a microscope slide, focusing, or positioning the specimen. By eliminating focus and stage adjustors the microscope becomes both simpler to operate and less expensive to manufacture. A fixed focus microscope objective lens can be used by novice microscopists to obtain high quality images at high magnification for nominal cost, and can convert a common video camera into a high quality video microscope.

Abstract: Automated systems and methods for characterizing light-emitting devices as a function of the electrical and temperature properties of the device are disclosed. The system includes a thermal stack assembly operatively connected to a temperature control system and that operably supports and controls the temperature of the light-emitting device. A power supply provides varying amounts of electrical power to the light-emitting device. A control computer controls the power supply and the temperature control system based on a user-defined electrical and temperature profiles. A light processor optically analyzes light from the light-emitting device as its electrical and temperature properties are varied. The control computer receives and processes electrical signals from the light processor and outputs one or more optical characterizations as a function of electrical and temperature properties of the light-emitting device.

Abstract: Embodiments of an apparatus comprising a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive a lens adapter; a set of base optics positioned in the proximal end of the base; and adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base and optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Embodiments of a process including forming a base including a proximal end, a distal end, and a receptacle in the distal end that is adapted to interchangeably receive any one of a plurality of lens adapters; positioning a set of base optics in the proximal end of the base; and positioning adjustable-focus optics positioned in the base such that they are optically coupled to the base optics and, when the lens adapter is present, to the lens adapter. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A fixed focus microscope objective lens designed for high magnification viewing of homogenous specimens. The fixed focus microscope objective comprises a last surface 16 which serves as a specimen mount and enables the device to operate in focus without the need for focus adjustors in the microscope system. The user can observe specimens by simply placing a sample of the specimen on the fixed focus objective lens surface 16. There is no need for preparing a microscope slide, focusing, or positioning the specimen. By eliminating focus and stage adjustors the microscope becomes both simpler to operate and less expensive to manufacture. A fixed focus microscope objective lens can be used by novice microscopists to obtain high quality images at high magnification for nominal cost, and can convert a common video camera into a high quality video microscope.

Abstract: Optical transceivers include a diffractive optical element (DOE) attached to a surface of a prism or other optical support. The DOE is configured to direct an input optical signal to a planar or curved reflective surface, or receive an output optical signal from the planar or curved reflective surface at angles greater than a critical angle in the prism. In some examples, the optical support includes one or more curved reflective surfaces and the DOE is a hologram. Such optical transceivers include a reflective surface that is rotatable with respect to the DOE, or with respect to a selected communication direction and the DOE for selection of a transmission or reception direction. The optical supports of such optical transceivers can be mounted to a window, and include a reflective region configured to total internally reflect optical signals. Selection of a communication direction is based on a rotation of the rotatable reflective surface.

Abstract: Optical transceivers include a diffractive optical element (DOE) attached to a surface of a prism or other optical support. The DOE is configured to direct an input optical signal to a curved reflective surface or receive an output optical signal from the curved reflective surface at angles greater than a critical angle. In some examples, the optical support includes one or more curved reflective surfaces and the DOE is a hologram. Such optical transceivers can be provided with optical mounts configured for attachment to a building window.

Abstract: Optical transceivers include a diffractive optical element (DOE) attached to a surface of a prism or other optical support. The DOE is configured to direct an input optical signal to a planar or curved reflective surface, or receive an output optical signal from the planar or curved reflective surface at angles greater than a critical angle in the prism. In some examples, the optical support includes one or more curved reflective surfaces and the DOE is a hologram. Such optical transceivers include a reflective surface that is rotatable with respect to the DOE, or with respect to a selected communication direction and the DOE for selection of a transmission or reception direction. The optical supports of such optical transceivers can be mounted to a window, and include a reflective region configured to total internally reflect optical signals. Selection of a communication direction is based on a rotation of the rotatable reflective surface.

Abstract: Optical transceivers include a diffractive optical element (DOE) attached to a surface of a prism or other optical support. The DOE is configured to direct an input optical signal to a curved reflective surface or receive an output optical signal from the curved reflective surface at angles greater than a critical angle. In some examples, the optical support includes one or more curved reflective surfaces and the DOE is a hologram. Such optical transceivers can be provided with optical mounts configured for attachment to a building window.