Abstract: For an optical dot projector having multiple light emitters, a relationship is determined between locations of the light emitters with respect to a substrate of the optical dot projector and corresponding first locations of dots projected by the dot projector onto an imaging plane. An optical grating approximating one or more optical characteristics of one or more optical elements of the optical dot projector is determined based on the relationship. Second locations of dots corresponding to a replacement of the one or more optical elements of the optical dot projector by the optical grating are determined, and modified locations of the light emitters with respect to the substrate are determined based on the second locations of dots. Optical dot projectors are constructed according to the determined modified locations.

Abstract: Light-emitting optoelectronic modules operable to generate an emission characterized by reduced speckle can include a coherent light source, a diffuser, and a Fresnel element. The coherent light source is operable to generate a coherent emission, characterized by a coherence length, incident on the diffuser. The diffuser is characterized by a divergence angle. The divergence angle is the angle between a first path-length from the diffuser to a Fresnel element and a second path-length from the diffuser to the Fresnel element, wherein their difference defines a path difference. In some instances, the path difference is substantially larger than the coherence length.

Abstract: For an optical dot projector having multiple light emitters, a relationship is determined between locations of the light emitters with respect to a substrate of the optical dot projector and corresponding first locations of dots projected by the dot projector onto an imaging plane. An optical grating approximating one or more optical characteristics of one or more optical elements of the optical dot projector is determined based on the relationship. Second locations of dots corresponding to a replacement of the one or more optical elements of the optical dot projector by the optical grating are determined, and modified locations of the light emitters with respect to the substrate are determined based on the second locations of dots. Optical dot projectors are constructed according to the determined modified locations.

Abstract: The current disclosure describes a system for dimming sunlight that interferes with an observer's vision. A position of an observer's eyes and a position of the sun relative to a transparent screen are determined, and, based on the position of the observer's eyes and the position of the sun, an area of the transparent screen where light emitted by the sun intersects the transparent screen before reaching the position of the observer's eyes is identified. The system causes the area of the transparent screen to be modified such that the light emitted by the sun is dimmed in the area of the transparent screen.

Abstract: An example system includes an optical element defining a first surface, and a substrate layer defining a second surface and a third surface opposite the second surface. The second surface of the substrate layer is adjacent the first surface the optical element. The system also includes a conductive trace disposed on the third surface of the substrate layer. The optical element is operable to emit light in a first direction through the substrate layer and the conductive trace. The conductive trace defines at least one of an aperiodic path or an irregular path.

Abstract: A microlens array diffuser operable to generate a substantially diffuse illumination includes an array of microlenses, wherein each microlens has a respective periodicity-influencing characteristic and a respective surface profile. The array of microlenses includes at least two microlenses having respective periodicity-influencing characteristics that differ from one another and having respective surface profiles that differ from one another. Each surface profile is configured to generate a substantially equal field of illumination. The microlens array diffuser can be integrated as part of an illuminator operable to generate substantially diffuse illumination.

Abstract: Light-emitting optoelectronic modules operable to generate an emission characterized by reduced speckle can include a coherent light source, a diffuser, and a Fresnel element. The coherent light source is operable to generate a coherent emission, characterized by a coherence length, incident on the diffuser. The diffuser is characterized by a divergence angle. The divergence angle is the angle between a first path-length from the diffuser to a Fresnel element and a second path-length from the diffuser to the Fresnel element, wherein their difference defines a path difference. In some instances, the path difference is substantially larger than the coherence length.

Abstract: A microlens array diffuser operable to generate a substantially diffuse illumination includes an array of microlenses, wherein each microlens has a respective periodicity-influencing characteristic and a respective surface profile. The array of microlenses includes at least two microlenses having respective periodicity-influencing characteristics that differ from one another and having respective surface profiles that differ from one another. Each surface profile is configured to generate a substantially equal field of illumination. The microlens array diffuser can be integrated as part of an illuminator operable to generate substantially diffuse illumination.

Abstract: Light emitting modules, such as flash modules, include features to help reduce the visual impact of interior components and shield them from view. The features also may enhance the outer appearance of the module or of an appliance incorporating the module.

Abstract: A composite optical element is provided. The composite optical element includes a plurality of optical elements, in which at least one of the optical elements is formed of an element modifying an optical path and the other optical elements are bonded to an incident surface and/or exit surface of the element modifying the optical path with a low refractive index material layer in between.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image generating apparatus (1) which comprises an illumination unit (20) having an intermediate face (21, S), as well as an image modulator (30) for generating an image (I). In addition a deflecting means (10) for deflecting a received light beam (L) of primary illumination light (L1) to said illumination unit (20) is provided in order to irradiate said intermediate face (21, S). Said deflecting means (10) is adapted to have—during the process of irradiating said intermediate face (21, S)—said light beam (L) subsequently in time irradiate different portions of said intermediate face (21, S) in order to thereby reduce the speckle effect.

Abstract: For displaying a color image by recombination of several single color images, parasitic noise like speckles due to scattering within the system, in particular when laser light is involved, with the invention a significant improvement with a low number of parts can be realized by use of a color wheel that comprises in radially divided zones refractive elements for redirecting light beams incoming at different impinging angles and redistributing elements, e.g. a hologram, that provide for a defined output beam in an optical axis. The sequence of the individual light processing zones on the color wheel are synchronized with respective laser sources. The invention combines the functionality of plural elements, reduces speckles and avoids losses.

Abstract: An optical device for backlighting a liquid crystal display. The optical device has an optical element. The optical element includes a material body and at least one recess. The recess is formed in the material body and is configured to determine the light distribution of light to be directed towards the liquid crystal display.

Abstract: An image generation unit with an illumination unit for generating a plurality of coherent sub-beams and for illuminating an image modulator, including a light source, and a projection lens for superimposing each of the coherent sub-beams onto a projection screen plane. An optical set-up introduces angles between each two of the sub-beams, which are chosen to produce uncorrelated speckle patterns in the projection screen plane, resulting in an interference speckle pattern. A phase modulator including a liquid crystal cell changes its directory profile in a lateral manner, thereby being able to change the phase of light of each sub-beam individually.

Abstract: A composite optical element is provided. The composite optical element includes a plurality of optical elements, in which at least one of the optical elements is formed of an element modifying an optical path and the other optical elements are bonded to an incident surface and/or exit surface of the element modifying the optical path with a low refractive index material layer in between.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an image generating apparatus (1) which comprises an illumination unit (20) having an intermediate face (21, S), as well as an image modulator (30) for generating an image (1). In addition a deflecting means (10) for deflecting a received light beam (L) of primary illumination light (L1) to said illumination unit (20) is provided in order to irradiate said intermediate face (21, S). Said deflecting means (10) is adapted to have—during the process of irradiating said intermediate face (21, S)—said light beam (L) subsequently in time irradiate different portions of said intermediate face (21, S) in order to thereby reduce the speckle effect.

Abstract: An optical device (1) for backlighting a liquid crystal display (50) is provided. The optical device (1) comprises an optical element (10). The optical element (10) includes a material body (10?) and at least one recess (12). The recess is formed in said material body (10) and configured in order to determine the light distribution of light to be directed towards the liquid crystal display (50).

Abstract: An image generation unit with an illumination unit for generating a plurality of coherent sub-beams and for illuminating an image modulator, including a light source, and a projection lens for superimposing each of the coherent sub-beams onto a projection screen plane. An optical set-up introduces angles between each two of the sub-beams, which are chosen to produce uncorrelated speckle patterns in the projection screen plane, resulting in an interference speckle pattern. A phase modulator including a liquid crystal cell changes its directory profile in a lateral manner, thereby being able to change the phase of light of each sub-beam individually.

Abstract: An image generation unit (10) is proposed comprising a first, a second, and a third light source unit (S1, S2, S3) which are adapted in order to generate an emit respective first, second, and third primary illumination light components (Lr1, Lg1, Lb1).

Abstract: For displaying a color image by recombination of several single color images, parasitic noise like speckles due to scattering within the system, in particular when laser light is involved, with the invention a significant improvement with a low number of parts can be realized by use of a color wheel that comprises in radially divided zones refractive elements for redirecting light beams incoming at different impinging angles and redistributing elements, e.g. a hologram, that provide for a defined output beam in an optical axis. The sequence of the individual light processing zones on the color wheel are synchronized with respective laser sources. The invention combines the functionality of plural elements, reduces speckles and avoids losses.