Abstract: A lens includes mechanical dithering that displaces pixels adjacent to undithered pixels. The dithering, for example, precisely places pixels above, below, and on both sides of the undithered pixel. Image data is supplemented with interpolation and/or new data in additional pixel locations. The image data may be projected by a dithered lens.

Abstract: Pathlength matched optical devices (such as beam splitters) are produced by viewing optical paths through the optical devices and adjusting relative positions of optical components of the optical devices until the viewed optical paths are equivalent. The optical paths begin at markings at different locations on the optical device. The optical pathlengths are equivalent when both markings are in focus in a limited field of view camera or lens. In a beam splitting cube constructed of two prisms, markings located at precisely similar locations on different prisms are pathlength matched when coincident as viewed at a reference face of the cube. The prisms are abutted at their diagonals and are adjusted by sliding the prisms along the diagonals to the pathlength matched position. Optical adhesive between the prisms is cured after fixing the prisms at the pathlength matched position.

Abstract: A pathlength matched prism assembly is constructed from Polarizing Beam Splitter optical components having varying degrees of precision by arranging them in pathlength matched positions and fixing them to a baseplate or frame. Gaps between the optical components are sealed by the frame or adhesive sealant. Planar optical elements are inserted between the optical components and space between the components and elements is filled with an optical coupling fluid having an index of refraction that closely matches the index of refraction of both components and elements. An expansion compensation device is attached to the prism assembly to compensate of expansion and contraction of the optical coupling fluid. The prism assembly is best suited for use in HDTV and High Definition video projectors.

Abstract: Kernels are designed in different configurations based on design properties of an enclosure or other requirements. A prism assembly having various types of filters, waveplates, beam splitters (e.g., path length matched beam splitters) and/or other optical components are provided to selectively direct light beams to each of red, green, and blue microdisplays that manipulate the light and then combine the manipulated lights into an output image. The prism assembly includes an input face, an output face, and other faces on which the microdisplays are attached in a number of different configurations. Requirements and exact placement of optical components varies depending on which microdisplay is attached to which face. The components of the prism assembly may be arranged in path length matched positions.

Abstract: An optical element is disposed between cover glasses, and an optical coupling liquid is injected between the optical element and the cover glasses to form an optical package. An adhesive provides a liquid tight seal between the cover glasses. The optical element is a retarder, filter, polarizing film, or other optical element. Spacers are placed between the optical element and cover glasses to maintain space between the optical element and the cover glasses and assist in distribution of the optical coupling liquid. Applications include prism assemblies and other optical products. The invention may also be applied to joining optical components with liquid joints. For example, an optical switch includes a controllable retarder in a liquid filled joint.

Abstract: Pathlength matched optical devices (such as beam splitters) are produced by viewing optical paths through the optical devices and adjusting relative positions of optical components of the optical devices until the viewed optical paths are equivalent. The optical paths begin at markings at different locations on the optical device. The optical pathlengths are equivalent when both markings are in focus in a limited field of view camera or lens. In a beam splitting cube constructed of two prisms, markings located at precisely similar locations on different prisms are pathlength matched when coincident as viewed at a reference face of the cube. The prisms are abutted at their diagonals and are adjusted by sliding the prisms along the diagonals to the pathlength matched position. Optical adhesive between the prisms is cured after fixing the prisms at the pathlength matched position.

Abstract: Pathlength matched optical devices (such as beam splitters) are produced by viewing optical paths through the optical devices and adjusting relative positions of optical components of the optical devices until the viewed optical paths are equivalent. The optical paths begin at markings at different locations on the optical device. The optical pathlengths are equivalent when both markings are in focus in a limited field of view camera or lens. In a beam splitting cube constructed of two prisms, markings located at precisely similar locations on different prisms are pathlength matched when coincident as viewed at a reference face of the cube. The prisms are abutted at their diagonals and are adjusted by sliding the prisms along the diagonals to the pathlength matched position. Optical adhesive between the prisms is cured after fixing the prisms at the pathlength matched position.

Abstract: A device package has a bezel attached to a carrier. The bezel extends toward a surface of an optical component to which a device mounted in the carrier is attached. The bezel extends in a direction and to a distance that allows the bezel to act as a guide for a dislodging tool. The dislodging tool is guided to an interface where an adhesive attaches the device to the optical component. Preferably, the device is a microdisplay attached to a prism assembly. The bezel may also be used to attach the device package to the optical component with either an air gap or a liquid coupling the microdisplay (and/or an optical stack) and the optical component. An air bladder, air bubble, or tube device is included in the liquid coupling to accommodate expansion of the liquid.

Abstract: A device package has a bezel attached to a carrier. The bezel extends toward a surface of an optical component to which a device mounted in the carrier is attached. The bezel extends in a direction and to a distance that allows the bezel to act as a guide for a dislodging tool. The dislodging tool is guided to an interface where an adhesive attaches the device to the optical component. Preferably, the device is a microdisplay attached to a prism assembly. The bezel may also be used to attach the device package to the optical component with either an air gap or a liquid coupling the microdisplay (and/or an optical stack) and the optical component. An air bladder, air bubble, or tube device is included in the liquid coupling to accommodate expansion of the liquid.

Abstract: A frame is used to form a liquid tight seal between optical components such as beam splitters in a prism assembly suitable for use in a kernel. The frame covers channels and intersections of channels between the optical components. A sealant, such as an adhesive or gasket material is placed between the frame and the optical components to create the seal. Many different configurations of optical components may be held together in an assembly using the frame. In one embodiment, the optical components are pathlength matched beam splitters arranged in pathlength matched positions of a prism assembly suitable for use in a kernel. In one embodiment, the frame includes a central plate and a bottom portion, arms, and one or more interlocking mechanisms to hold the frame around the optical components.

Abstract: Kernels are designed in different configurations based on design properties of an enclosure or other requirements. A prism assembly having various types of filters, waveplates, beam splitters (e.g., path length matched beam splitters) and/or other optical components are provided to selectively direct light beams to each of red, green, and blue microdisplays that manipulate the light and then combine the manipulated lights into an output image. The prism assembly includes an input face, an output face, and other faces on which the microdisplays are attached in a number of different configurations. Requirements and exact placement of optical components varies depending on which microdisplay is attached to which face. The components of the prism assembly may be arranged in path length matched positions.

Abstract: An optical element is disposed between cover glasses, and an optical coupling liquid is injected between the optical element and the cover glasses to form an optical package. An adhesive provides a liquid tight seal between the cover glasses. The optical element is a retarder, filter, polarizing film, or other optical element. Spacers are placed between the optical element and cover glasses to maintain space between the optical element and the cover glasses and assist in distribution of the optical coupling liquid. Applications include prism assemblies and other optical products. The invention may also be applied to joining optical components with liquid joints. For example, an optical switch includes a controllable retarder in a liquid filled joint.

Abstract: A pathlength matched prism assembly is constructed from Polarizing Beam Splitter optical components having varying degrees of precision by arranging them in pathlength matched positions and fixing them to a baseplate or frame. Gaps between the optical components are sealed by the frame or adhesive sealant. Planar optical elements are inserted between the optical components and space between the components and elements is filled with an optical coupling fluid having an index of refraction that closely matches the index of refraction of both components and elements. An expansion compensation device is attached to the prism assembly to compensate of expansion and contraction of the optical coupling fluid. The prism assembly is best suited for use in HDTV and High Definition video projectors.