Abstract: A condenser for directing light from a UHP arc lamp or other generally cylindrical source onto a target such as a microdisplay in line with a front end of the lamp comprises a primary mirror to direct light from the source towards the back end of the condenser, and a secondary mirror at the back end of the condenser to direct the light from the primary mirror onto the target.

Abstract: A condenser for directing light from a UHP arc lamp or other generally cylindrical source onto a target such as a microdisplay in line with a front end of the lamp comprises a primary mirror to direct light from the source towards the back end of the condenser, and a secondary mirror at the back end of the condenser to direct the light from the primary mirror onto the target.

Abstract: The embodiments provide methods for use in designing and/or manufacturing optical systems. Some embodiments further provide for the optical systems generated utilizing the methods for use in designing and/or manufacturing. In some embodiments, a method simultaneously generates first and second sets of span points defining first and second surfaces, respectively, where sets of span points are interdependent. The method curve fits through the first and second sets of span points defining initial first and second spines, smoothes the curve fittings such that tangent vectors are perpendicular to normal vectors, and defines patches of the first and second surfaces relative to the first and second spines. Some embodiments simultaneously generate the first and second sets of span points by alternatively determining the points of the sets based on propagation of input wavefronts and associated output wavefronts relative to previously determined points.