Abstract: A flat-top beam generating system may include a beamsplitting apparatus including one or more beamsplitters to split an input beam into three or more sub-beams that propagate along optical paths with different optical path lengths. The system may further include a diffractive optical element (DOE) to diffract the three or more sub-beams into a plurality of diffracted sub-beams. The system may further include one or more optical elements configured to collect the plurality of diffracted sub-beams to provide a flat-top beam.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for sample analysis using at least one array of spotlights to illuminate a microplate with excitation light for photoluminescence emission.

Abstract: System, including methods and apparatus, for sample analysis using at least one array of spotlights to illuminate a microplate with excitation light for photoluminescence emission.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods for detecting phase defects. The invention relies generally on the distortion of light as it passes through defects in phase shift masks to detect these defects. Light traveling through a defect, such as a bump in an etched area will travel at a different angle than light traveling through air. In order to enhance the signals generated from the defects, the invention in several embodiments provides a multiple element detector having at least four elements, arranged in a radially symmetric configuration. Individual elements of the detector are selected to form a differential signal based on the configuration of pattern lines in the area proximate to the defect. The resulting differential signal is used to generate an image signal and to identify phase defects.

Abstract: Provided are apparatus and methods for detecting phase defects. The invention relies generally on the distortion of light as it passes through defects in phase shift masks to detect these defects. Light traveling through a defect, such as a bump in an etched area will travel at a different angle than light traveling through air. In order to enhance the signals generated from the defects, the invention in several embodiments provides a multiple element detector having at least four elements, arranged in a radially symmetric configuration. Individual elements of the detector are selected to form a differential signal based on the configuration of pattern lines in the area proximate to the defect. The resulting differential signal is used to generate an image signal and to identify phase defects.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating annular mask lens for vision correction having diffraction-reducing edges are provided. The lens body having an annular mask that forms a "soft edge" by gradually decreasing the transmissivity radially from the center aperture to the annular mask area. The methods introduce varying levels of a coloring agent (e.g., dye) into certain portions of the lens.

Abstract: Annular mask lens for vision correction having diffraction-reducing edges. The lens body having an annular mask that forms a "soft edge" by gradually decreasing the transmissivity radially from the center aperture to the annular mask area.

Abstract: A diffractive, multifocal ophthalmic lens including an apodization zone with echelettes having a smoothly reduced step height to shift the energy balance from the near image to the distant image and thus reduce the glare perceived when viewing a discrete, distant light source.

Abstract: An annular mask lens for the treatment of optical aberrations such as but not limited to night myopia, spherical aberration, aniridia, keratoconus, corneal scarring, penetrating keratoplasty, and post refractive surgery complication. The lens has an annular mask having an aperture larger than conventional pinhole contact lens. The aperture having a "soft" inside edge and which mask has a gradually increasing transmissivity radially toward the outer edge of the mask.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser system that has an optical resonator, a laser medium included in the optical resonator, a pumping device for exciting the laser medium, and a device for tuning the laser action. The tuning device includes an optically aberrated lens element located in the optical resonator. The profile of the laser beam is determined by the focal length of the central rays and abberation parameter of the abberated lens element.