Abstract: Embodiments are described that simultaneously block glare arising from the reflection of polarized sunlight and can also allow a polarized liquid crystal display (LCD) to be clearly viewed. Embodiments may be useful for use as polarized sunglasses. Embodiments operate by using a unique property of a circular polarizer. One side of the circular polarizer substantially blocks the transmission of incident polarized light whereas the other side allows substantially complete transmission of incident polarized light. Using these opposite behaviors, polarizing sunglasses can be constructed in which the top portion uses a first side of the circular polarizer to block the polarized glare and the lower portion uses a second side of the circular polarizer, opposite from the first side, to view the LCD.

Abstract: Apparatus (1200, 1300) and accompanying methods to visualize and calculate, by direct visual measurement and interpolation, polarized light, in the form of sphere (observable polarization sphere—OPS) along with its associated spherical coordinate system consisting of latitudes and longitudes, which maps transformation of the state(s) of polarization (SOP) of an optical beam that propagates through either a single optical device (generally a “media”) or a series of optical devices (mediums), e.g., phase shifters (waveplates, compensators), attenuators (polarizers), and field rotators. The OPS can be used to calculate and display phase shifting of the polarization state of an optical beam as it propagates through each such polarizing media. The OPS describes the behavior of a rotated ideal linear polarizer on a propagating polarized optical beam, as well as polarized light in many regions of the electro-magnetic spectrum.

Abstract: We have invented a set of calculation and display methods for polarized light using a representation that we call the Hybrid Polarization Sphere (HPS). The HPS incorporates the Poincaré Sphere and its dual, the Observable Polarization Sphere (OPS). The HPS uses a four-pole spherical polar coordinate system to map the transformation of the state(s) of polarization (SOP) of a beam of light as the beam propagates through one or more polarizing elements (polarizer, waveplate, or rotator). A simple computing aid based on the HPS leads to methods for solving optical polarization problems directly by visual measurement and interpolation. These avoid both the linear algebra and trigonometry of the underlying mathematics and the external apparatus needed to use the Poincaré Sphere for computing phase shifts. Furthermore, simulating and animating these methods on an electronic graphical display produces helpful visual explanations of numerical solutions to polarization problems.

Abstract: Apparatus (1200, 1300) and accompanying methods to visualize and calculate, by direct visual measurement and interpolation, polarized light, in the form of sphere (observable polarization sphere—OPS) along with its associated spherical coordinate system consisting of latitudes and longitudes, which maps transformation of the state(s) of polarization (SOP) of an optical beam that propagates through either a single optical device (generally a “media”) or a series of optical devices (mediums), e.g., phase shifters (waveplates, compensators), attenuators (polarizers), and field rotators. The OPS can be used to calculate and display phase shifting of the polarization state of an optical beam as it propagates through each such polarizing media. The OPS describes the behavior of a rotated ideal linear polarizer on a propagating polarized optical beam, as well as polarized light in many regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Abstract: An aircraft wing, wing assembly and method of reducing drag are provided. The wing asembly includes a main wing portion (10) and a leading edge high lift portion (12). The high lift portion is movable between a retracted position in which it generally merges with the main wing portion and a deployed position forwardly thereof. At least a substantial part of an upper surface (22) of the high lift portion is air permeable or perforated and in flow communication with a suction passage (30) in it. In flight, suction may be applied to the suction passage to reduce the chordwise extent of the turbulent boundary layer over the upper or lower wing surface.

Abstract: An electro-optical system for determining the polarization state of optical pulses of nanosecond durations such as produced by lasers. This is achieved by using a six element optical polarizer assembly positioned in front of a six element optical detector assembly. The respective outputs of the six detectors are fed in predetermined arrangement to a plurality of operational amplifiers which are adapted to provide the sum/difference of the detector outputs for providing the Stokes parameters of an optical pulse incident thereto.