Abstract: An optical display device. The device includes a substrate having a source of light, the light from the source of light including a plurality of primary colors. The device also includes a modulation array comprising a plurality of modulation elements arranged to modulate light received from the source of light, each of the modulation elements comprising a portion of a liquid crystal layer. The device also includes a reflective color filter array having a plurality of color filters, each of the plurality of color filters arranged to correspond to a respective element of the modulation array, each of the plurality of color filters transmitting light having one of the primary colors and reflecting light of the remaining light having other of the primary colors back to the substrate, the reflective color filter array arranged relative to the substrate such that there are no layers which substantially absorb light of the primary colors between the substrate and the reflective color filter array.

Abstract: An optical device comprised of multiple substrates with complimentary functions. The substrates are joined by structures that are integrated into the substrate surfaces. The joining structures are alternatively used to provide a spacer between the optical surface and other system components.

Abstract: A polarization sensitive optical substrate comprises a planar surface and a first thin film applied to the planar surface. The first film has a thickness of &lgr;/4/h, where &lgr; is the wavelength of light incident upon the first film and n is the refractive index of the first film. A prismatic surface is optionally also thin film coated, and is in opposition to the planar surface.

Abstract: A method of machining a surface of a workpiece is accomplished by bringing a cutting tool into contact with the surface of the workpiece and for at least one cutting pass, i, causing relative movement between the cutting tool and the surface of the workpiece along a path in the surface of the workpiece. The path is in the nature of a mathematical function defined over a segment, C, of a coordinate system and characterized by a set of nonrandom, random or pseudorandom parameters selected from the group consisting of amplitude, phase and period or frequency.

Abstract: An optical display device. The device includes a substrate having a source of light, the light from the source of light including a plurality of primary colors. The device also includes a modulation array comprising a plurality of modulation elements arranged to modulate light received from the source of light, each of the modulation elements comprising a portion of a liquid crystal layer. The device also includes a reflective color filter array having a plurality of color filters, each of the plurality of color filters arranged to correspond to a respective element of the modulation array, each of the plurality of color filters transmitting light having one of the primary colors and reflecting light of the remaining light having other of the primary colors back to the substrate, the reflective color filter array arranged relative to the substrate such that there are no layers which substantially absorb light of the primary colors between the substrate and the reflective color filter array.

Abstract: A polarization sensitive optical substrate comprises a planar surface and a first thin film applied to the planar surface. The first film has a thickness of &lgr;/4/h, where &lgr; is the wavelength of light incident upon the first film and n is the refractive index of the first film. A prismatic surface is optionally also thin film coated, and is in opposition to the planar surface.

Abstract: A structural shape on the surface of an optical substrate is such that the brightness of diffuse light departing from the surface of the optical substrate at certain off axis angles is reduced, at the expense of a small reduction in peak brightness measured near the viewing axis. The net result is an overall increase in useful illumination. A cross section of a prism as the structural shape has a curved sidewall or facet. A material with a relatively high index of refraction combined with a prismatic structure having a modified prism geometry improves brightness.

Abstract: There is provided an optical structure. The optical structure includes a light source. The optical structure also includes an organic light management film having an index of refraction of less than 1.7 disposed above the light source, and a transparent inorganic film having an index of refraction of greater than 1.7 disposed adjacent the organic light management film. A optical device is also provided including the organic light management film and the transparent inorganic film. A method of forming the optical structure is also provided. The method includes depositing the transparent inorganic film under vacuum.

Abstract: The invention features a bulk light diffuser material. The bulk light diffuser material may be a sheet or film comprising about 95 to about 99.8 percent by weight of polycarbonate and about 0.2 to about 2.5 percent by weight of a particulate light diffusing component, based on the total weight of the polycarbonate and the light diffusing particles. The sheet material has a percent transmittance of at least 70% and a haze of at least 10% measured according to the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard D 1003.