Abstract: To improve the cooling efficiency and ensure uniform cooling of all portions of the inside back surface of the reflector, a deflector (108) has been developed. The air deflector (108) typically encircles the lamp (102) allowing air (110) to flow between the deflector (108) and the lamp (102). This air (110) cools the lamp (102). Air (112) passing between the deflector (108) and the reflector (100) is deflected outward to cool the inside surface of the reflector near the lamp (102). Because the deflector (108) is small and is located directly behind the lamp (102), it does not block any of the useful light generated by the lamp (102). The light striking the deflector (108) from the lamp (102), if not for the deflector (108), would have passed through the opening in the reflector (100) and would have been lost. The deflector (108) typically has a number of vanes around the perimeter of a cylindrical body portion.

Abstract: An optical system for projecting an image having x and y axes onto a image plane is provided. The system includes an SLM device spaced from the image plane, the SLM device having a plurality of pixels operable to project pixels of the image onto the image plane and positioned such that the individual pixels of the projected image are oriented at substantially 45 degrees relative to the x and y axes of the image. The system further includes an optic element disposed between the SLM device and the image plane and a linear displacement device operatively connected to and operable to selectively displace at least one of the SLM device and the optic element. A method for projecting an image onto a image plane is also provided.

Abstract: A three element prism system and method for splitting/combining three different colors of light arranged such that the size of a selected one of the color prism, such as for example, the red prism and, consequently the clear aperture, are increased without a corresponding increase in the size of the other prisms (e.g., the blue and green prisms). This is accomplished by adjusting the air gap A2 of the selected light path (e.g., red) so that the effective total selected light path T, which includes the selected light air gap A2 and the selected light glass path G2 is the same as the total path length T of both the other light paths (e.g., green and blue) comprised of air gap A1 plus glass path G1.

Abstract: Methods for measuring and automatically controlling the light distribution and overall brightness in electronic-based spatial light modulator projection display systems. One method takes a small fraction of the projected light from a partial turning mirror 407 in the projector's optics path and focuses this light on to a detector 420 for use in controlling the light distribution and brightness of the system. Another method uses an array of embedded light sensors 518-522 at chosen locations on the surface of a display screen 517 to control the light distribution and brightness parameters of the projection system. Both methods use a micro-controller, servomotors, and an adjustable power supply, controlled by the detector/sensor outputs, to maintain the desired light distribution and brightness in the projected image.

Abstract: To improve the cooling efficiency and ensure uniform cooling of all portions of the inside back surface of the reflector, a deflector (108) has been developed. Th air deflector (108) typically encircles the lamp (102) allowing air (110) to flow between the deflector (108) and the lamp (102). This air (110) cools the lamp (102). Air (112) passing between the deflector (108) and the reflector (100) is deflected outward to cool the inside surface of the reflector near the lamp (102). Because the deflector (108) is small and is located directly behind the lamp (102), it does not block any of the useful light generated by the lamp (102). The light striking the deflector (108) from the lamp (102), if not for the deflector (108), would have passed through the opening in the reflector (100) and would have been lost. The deflector (108) typically has a number of vanes around the perimeter of a cylindrical body portion.

Abstract: In an SLM-type display system, a solid state light source can be used to augment a lamp light source in a least two different ways. First, a solid state source can be used to augment deficiencies in a particular spectral region. Typically, lamps are deficient in red, and a red solid state source would be used. However, the same concept applies to augmenting any color region. Multiple solid state sources could be used to augment more than one region. Second, when the SLM system uses a color wheel, a solid state source can be used to eliminate “spoke loss”. Multiple solid state sources can be used for providing different colors during the spokes.

Abstract: In an SLM-type display system, a solid state light source can be used to augment a lamp light source in a least two different ways. First, a solid state source can be used to augment deficiencies in a particular spectral region. Typically, lamps are deficient in red, and a red solid state source would be used. However, the same concept applies to augmenting any color region. Multiple solid state sources could be used to augment more than one region. Second, when the SLM system uses a color wheel, a solid state source can be used to eliminate “spoke loss”. Multiple solid state sources can be used for providing different colors during the spokes.

Abstract: An optical system for illumination spatial light modulators. The optical system includes a tall color splitting prism (16) with substantially symmetrical face bonding areas, thereby eliminating the need for external holding plates. The face bonding areas (62) are outside the optically active area. The tall prism (16) allows for better control of stray light, including a heat sink (41) for absorbing stray or OFF state light, preventing overheating of the optical assembly. The tall prism (16) also allows adjustments to be made to any other optical components such as projection lenses and TIR prisms (14).

Abstract: A mount (10) for an integrated circuit, which permits the integrated circuit to be accurately positioned relative to other system components. The mount (10) rests on a base (200) that is part of some other system component and that has two mounting posts (210). The main body of the mount (10) is a frame (110) that holds the integrated circuit and has post apertures (120) that receive the mounting posts (210). The frame (110) has interior channels (170) that extend from the post aperture and that contain plunger/spring pairs (150, 160). A screw (181) pushed against a wedge-shaped end (152) of a plunger (150) causes the plunger (150) to push against a mounting post (210), causing the mount (10) to move relative to the base (200). The plunger/spring pairs (150, 160) provide translational and rotational adjustments. A tripod arrangement of set screws (181) provides adjustment of tilt and height. An inner frame (53) can be added to provide for electrical connections.

Abstract: An improved reticle (20) and method of using it to expose layers of wafers for large integrated circuits (10). The integrated circuit (10) is designed so that nonrepeating patterns are laid out in perimeter areas, distinct from the center area containing contiguous repeating patterns. The reticle (20) is patterned with multiple masks (21-23), with different masks representing the repeating and nonrepeating patterns. The mask (22) representing the repeating pattern may then be stepped and illuminated separately from any mask (21, 23) representing a nonrepeating pattern.

Abstract: An improved hinge (12) for a micro-mechanical device (10). The hinge is fabricated from alternating layers (12a, 12b) of different materials. A first material is selected on the basis of its amenability to fabrication processes and a second material is chosen for its strength, or some other desired characteristic, relative to the first material.

Abstract: A color wheel assembly (15, 15a, 15b) for use in a display system (10) that uses a beam of source illumination to generate images with a display device. The color wheel (15) is moveable in and out of the path of the source beam so as to provide varying levels of brightness or color saturation. The color wheel (15') may also have concentric rings (41, 43) for varying saturation or color balance.

Abstract: A phased array package using a cofired ceramic material system to integrate antenna elements and an hermetic multi-chip MMIC cavity into a single module to provide incorporation of microwave circuit geometries into a system which has been used in the prior art only for low frequency applications. The integration provides a package very similar to a conventional integrated circuit package with substantial cost reductions over the complicated microwave assemblies of the present art.

Abstract: A phased array package using a cofired ceramic material system to integrate antenna elements and an hermetic multi-chip MMIC cavity into a single module to provide incorporation of microwave circuit geometries into a system which has been used in the prior art only for low frequency applications. The integration provides a package very similar to a conventional integrated circuit package with substantial cost reductions over the complicated microwave assemblies of the present art.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for enhancing target detection, particularly in the millimeter wave frequency range, through the utilization of an imaging radiometer. The radiometer, which is a passive thermal receiver, detects the reflected and emitted thermal radiation of targets within a predetermined antenna/receiver beamwidth. By scanning the radiometer over a target area, a thermal image is created. At millimeter wave frequencies, the received emissions from the target area are highly dependent on the emissivity of the target of interest. Foliage will appear "hot" due to its high emissivity and metals will appear cold due to their low emissivities. A noise power illuminator is periodically actuated to illuminate the target of interest. When the illuminator is actuated, the role of emissivity is reversed, namely poorly emissive targets will generally be good reflectors which in the presence of an illuminator will appear "hot".

Abstract: An improved reticle (20) and method of using it to expose layers of wafers for large integrated circuits (10). The integrated circuit (10) is designed so that nonrepeating patterns are laid out in perimeter areas, distinct from the center area containing contiguous repeating patterns. The reticle (20) is patterned with multiple masks (21-23), with different masks representing the repeating and nonrepeating patterns. The mask (22) representing the repeating pattern may then be stepped and illuminated separately from any mask (21, 23) representing a nonrepeating pattern.