Abstract: A particle detection system uses a reflective optic comprising a curved surface to detect high angle scattered light generated by a particle in a liquid medium, when a laser beam is incident on the particle. When the particles transit the laser beam, light is scattered in all directions and is described by MIE scattering theory for particles about the size of the wavelength of light and larger or Rayleigh Scattering when the particles are smaller than the wavelength of light. By using the reflective optic, the scattered light can be detected over angles that are greater than normally obtainable.

Abstract: A particle detection system uses a reflective optic comprising a curved surface to detect high angle scattered light generated by a particle in a liquid medium, when a laser beam is incident on the particle. When the particles transit the laser beam, light is scattered in all directions and is described by MIE scattering theory for particles about the size of the wavelength of light and larger or Rayleigh Scattering when the particles are smaller than the wavelength of light. By using the reflective optic, the scattered light can be detected over angles that are greater than normally obtainable.

Abstract: A particle detection system uses a reflective optic comprising a curved surface to detect high angle scattered light generated by a particle in a liquid medium, when a laser beam is incident on the particle. When the particles transit the laser beam, light is scattered in all directions and is described by MIE scattering theory for particles about the size of the wavelength of light and larger or Rayleigh Scattering when the particles are smaller than the wavelength of light. By using the reflective optic, the scattered light can be detected over angles that are greater than normally obtainable.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compliant mechanism that can be used to make a variety of devices, such as tunable optical devices that are more reliable, more cost effective and/or exhibit better performance than prior art devices.

Abstract: A low power, paper white, direct-view display includes an array of hinged micromirrors that are deflected between two states, a first state in which the micromirror covers a portion of the background and a second state in which the micromirror uncovers the background. In one particular configuration, a stability mechanism is incorporated in the display so that the micromirrors switch between stable states and remain in those stable states unless and until an actuating force is applied to the micromirrors that is sufficient to overcome an actuation threshold. The mechanics of the hinge, stiction due to Van der Waals forces or a combination of both can be used to provide bistability. Bistability allows power to be removed from the display between updates but requires active actuation between both states. The drive electronics are similar to those used in multiplexed LCDs.

Abstract: A cost-effective broadband tunable Fabry-Perot interferometer uses entropic, rather than enthalpic, materials to provide the compliant support for the interferometer's movable mirror. Entropic materials exhibit an entropic plateau region over a wide frequency range with a Young's modulus much lower than enthalpic materials, linear elastic behavior over a wide deformation range, and, in certain geometries, energy and stress behavior that tend to stabilize the movable mirror during deformation. The compliant support can be configured in a variety of geometries including compression, tension, sheer and diaphragm and of a variety of materials including elastomers, aerogels or other long chained polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compliant mechanism that can be used to make a variety of devices, such as tunable optical devices that are more reliable, more cost effective and/or exhibit better performance than prior art devices.

Abstract: A process for implementing shading corrections in a video projector. The process selects a color to be shaded, and then sets a projector video level at a selected high video level. A target brightness map is then generated for each of a plurality of preselected shading correction application points at the selected high video level. The process sets the projector video level at a selected low video level, and generates a target brightness map for each of the plurality of shading correction application points at the low video level. Actual light levels are then measured at both the high and low video levels for each shading correction application point, and differences between the target and measured brightness values are minimized. The shading process of the present invention is automatically preformed during projector set-up, and thereby eliminates the inherent subjective and time consuming need for conventional manual shading processes.

Abstract: A color video projection system (10) in which images of three separate colors (22,24,26) are separately projected to converge on a common region of the screen (20) is provided with automatic convergence control to ensure that three images are precisely superimposed upon each other. A test pattern of a number of pattern units (36,38) of an intensity (42,44,48) that varies over each unit in a similar manner is imaged on a two dimensional matrix array of charged coupled devices (CCD) (32). The test pattern is projected in sequence by each of the three CRT projectors (50,54,58,14,16,18) of the system, and during the projection of the test pattern, the position of the centroid (40) of each unit of the test pattern is determined from the light intensity pattern received by the CCD matrix array, and stored (112). The centroid positions of each unit of a test pattern of two of the projectors are compared with positions of the centroids of each unit of the test pattern projected by a third one of projectors.