Abstract: A liquid lens can include a cavity, a first liquid disposed within the cavity, and a second liquid disposed within the cavity. A focus of the liquid lens can be adjustable by adjusting a shape of a variable interface defined by the first liquid and the second liquid. Upon adjusting the focus of the liquid lens in a periodic oscillation with a peak-to-valley amplitude of 20 diopter and a frequency of 2 Hz, a root mean square (RMS) wavefront error (WFE) of the liquid lens measured at 1 ms intervals can remain at 100 nm or less throughout one complete cycle of the periodic oscillation.

Abstract: The light-emitting device includes a light source and a gradient index (GRIN) element. The GRIN element has a cylindrical refractive index profile in which the refractive index varies radially and is substantially constant axially. The GRIN element includes a first end surface opposite a second end surface and is characterized by a length-to-pitch ratio. The GRIN element is arranged with the first end surface adjacent the light source to receive light from the light source, and emits the light from the second end surface in a radiation pattern dependent on the length-to-pitch ratio. Since the radiation pattern depends on the length-to-pitch ratio of the GRIN element, LEDs with different radiation patterns can be made simply by using GRIN elements of appropriate lengths.

Abstract: A polaroid encoder system for detecting movement is disclosed. The system includes a movable polarizing code element. A detector module detects an amplitude based on how much illumination passes through one portion of the movable polarizing code element. A quadrant of the movable polarizing code element is determined based on how much illumination passes through another portion of the movable polarizing code element. The angular position of the movable polarizing code element can then be determined by using amplitude and the quadrant information.

Abstract: A compact and miniature optical navigation device integrates an illumination channel and an imaging channel into single piece. The present invention integrates the optical system, the mechanical system, and the electrical system into a small form factor device. The compact and miniature optical navigation device includes a photo-imaging element, a housing, and a first substrate. The photo-imaging element comprises an imaging channel and an illumination channel. The housing includes an aperture stop and an alignment element. The aperture stop and the housing are integrated into one piece and the alignment element is part of the housing. The first substrate includes a light source and a sensor. The light source and the sensor are located on the same surface of the first substrate. The light emitted from the light source passes through the illumination channel, reflected from the navigating surface and forms the image on the sensor.

Abstract: A light emitting diode, a reflector and a platform are employed within a light source. The light emitting diode emits light exclusively from its side surfaces. The reflector has a parabolic reflective surface that collimates any portion of the light reflecting from the parabolic reflective surface. The platform supports a centering of the light emitting layer(s) of the light emitting diode on a focus point of the parabolic reflective surface.

Abstract: The light-emitting device includes a light source and a gradient index (GRIN) element. The GRIN element has a cylindrical refractive index profile in which the refractive index varies radially and is substantially constant axially. The GRIN element includes a first end surface opposite a second end surface and is characterized by a length-to-pitch ratio. The GRIN element is arranged with the first end surface adjacent the light source to receive light from the light source, and emits the light from the second end surface in a radiation pattern dependent on the length-to-pitch ratio. Since the radiation pattern depends on the length-to-pitch ratio of the GRIN element, LEDs with different radiation patterns can be made simply by using GRIN elements of appropriate lengths.

Abstract: An optical source includes an optical emitter with an encapsulant covering the optical emitter. A diffractive element is integrated into the encapsulant, wherein the encapsulant passes an optical signal from the optical emitter to the diffractive element.

Abstract: A high resolution optical encoder with an angular collimated light beam. The optical encoder includes a source, a collimator, a reflective surface and a receiver. The light beam is collimated using a collimator and/or source at an angle to the plane of the reflective surface.

Abstract: A light emitting diode, a reflector and a platform are employed within a light source. The light emitting diode emits light exclusively from its side surfaces. The reflector has a parabolic reflective surface that collimates any portion of the light reflecting from the parabolic reflective surface. The platform supports a centering of the light emitting layer(s) of the light emitting diode on a focus point of the parabolic reflective surface.

Abstract: A light emitting diode (100) is disclosed comprising a p-n junction diode for emitting light; and a transparent casing encapsulating the p-n junction diode. The transparent casing having an inner portion in contact with the p-n junction diode, wherein the refractive index of the transparent casing is higher at the inner portion than an outer portion thereof. In one embodiment the transparent casing comprises at least a first and a second transparent layer, with the first transparent layer encapsulating the p-n junction diode, and the second transparent layer encapsulating the first transparent layer, wherein the refractive index of the first transparent layer is higher than the refractive index of the second transparent layer. In an alternative embodiment the transparent casing comprises at least one transparent layer, wherein the refractive index of the transparent layer is higher at an inner portion than an outer portion thereof.