Abstract: A compact zoom lens system having four injection-molded singlet lens elements is described. In one embodiment, the compact zoom lens system includes a lens carrier and first and second lens elements coupled to the lens carrier. One surface of the first or second lens elements having a diffractive optical surface disposed thereon to correct chromatic aberrations of light passing therethrough. The lens carrier moves the first and second lens elements axially to change a focal length of the lens system. Third and fourth lens elements are fixed on either side of the first and second lens elements. The lens carrier includes an aperture stop placed proximate to the diffractive optical surface to correct chromatic aberrations over an entire range of focal lengths. The first lens element is made out of flint-like material while the other lens elements are made out of crown-like material. Moreover, the zoom lens system includes an anti-aliasing surface on one of the lens elements to control aliasing effects.

Abstract: Piano lenses and associated eyewear incorporating parabolic and hyperbolic arcs are provided which are particularly useful in safety and recreational applications.

Abstract: A compact zoom lens system having four injection-molded singlet lens elements is described. In one embodiment, the compact zoom lens system includes a lens carrier and first and second lens elements coupled to the lens carrier. One surface of the first or second lens elements having a diffractive optical surface disposed thereon to correct chromatic aberrations of light passing therethrough. The lens carrier moves the first and second lens elements axially to change a focal length of the lens system. Third and fourth lens elements are fixed on either side of the first and second lens elements. The lens carrier includes an aperture stop placed proximate to the diffractive optical surface to correct chromatic aberrations over an entire range of focal lengths. The first lens element is made out of flint-like material while the other lens elements are made out of crown-like material. Moreover, the zoom lens system includes an anti-aliasing surface on one of the lens elements to control aliasing effects.

Abstract: There is disclosed a compact lens system having four injection-molded singlet lens elements with one of the singlet lens elements having a diffractive optical surface to control axial chromatic aberrations and another of the singlet lens elements having a flint-like plastic material to control lateral chromatic aberration. The lens system includes interdigitated flange features which provides interdigitated alignment between the lens elements. A plurality of light suppression elements are used to suppress stray light paths from reaching a detector array of the lens system. Moreover, the lens system includes an anti-aliasing surface on one of the lens elements for controlling aliasing effects.

Abstract: A novel plano lens and eyewear incorporating such lens is presented wherein the piano lens comprises a front surface curvature which is created by rotating an aspheric shape about an axis which is offset from an axis of the aspheric shape. In a preferred embodiment, the aspheric shape is an ellipse or at least is an aspheric shape, a segment of which has an elliptical arc. This elliptical arc is rotated about an axis spaced (offset) some distance from a major or minor axis of the ellipse. In a more preferred embodiment, the ellipse is rotated about an axis spaced from and parallel to the major or minor axis of the ellipse, but in the same plane as the ellipse. The resulting surface of this preferred lens configuration will have a cross-section in a first axis which is a segment of an ellipse, and a cross-section in a second axis (perpendicular to the first axis) which is a segment of a circle.

Abstract: A novel plano lens and eyewear incorporating such lens is presented wherein the plano lens comprises a front surface curvature which is created by rotating an aspheric shape about an axis which is offset from an axis of the aspheric shape. In a preferred embodiment, the aspheric shape is an ellipse or at least is an aspheric shape, a segment of which has an elliptical arc. This elliptical arc is rotated about an axis spaced (offset) some distance from a major or minor axis of the ellipse. In a more preferred embodiment, the ellipse is rotated about an axis spaced from and parallel to the major or minor axis of the ellipse, but in the same plane as the ellipse. The resulting surface of this preferred lens configuration will have a cross-section in a first axis which is a segment of an ellipse, and a cross-section in a second axis (perpendicular to the first axis) which is a segment of a circle.