Abstract: An optical waveguide for light transmission and a method for creating a master and for generating an optical waveguide therefrom. The waveguide includes a first polymer layer having at least one optical element formed therein, the first polymer layer having an index of refraction of preferably 1.55 or greater, bonded to a second polymer layer, preferably polypropylene, having an index of refraction of preferably 1.50 or less. Since the refractive index of air is approximately 1.0, the first polymer layer is sandwiched between two layers of low refractive index material. The differences between the indices of refraction cause light projected into the polymer layer to be guided in the polymer layer by total internal reflection. Furthermore, once the optical element has been formed in the first polymer layer, it can be used as a master for generating embossments.

Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.

Abstract: A portable single lens microscope that provides structure between the eye and the microscope slide, preferably including a single lens having an aperture optimized to attain the best image resolution, preferably including a focus mechanism, preferably including a slide holding and moving mechanism, and preferably including a slide position locking mechanism, or any combination of these structures and mechanisms. Methods are disclosed for determining an optimum aperture size for a single lens microscope(and other uses) including a lens of any type, and methods are disclosed for designing a single lens microscope lens system that provides superior image quality. A single lens microscope according to the present invention can provide substantial and unexpected imaging benefits over previous single lens microscopes and compound microscopes.

Abstract: A portable single lens microscope that provides structure between the eye and the microscope slide, preferably including a single lens having an aperture optimized to attain the best image resolution, preferably including a focus mechanism, preferably including a slide holding and moving mechanism, and preferably including a slide position locking mechanism, or any combination of these structures and mechanisms. Methods are disclosed for determining an optimum aperture size for a single lens microscope(and other uses) including a lens of any type, and methods are disclosed for designing a single lens microscope lens system that provides superior image quality. A single lens microscope according to the present invention can provide substantial and unexpected imaging benefits over previous single lens microscopes and compound microscopes.

Abstract: A portable single lens microscope that provides structure between the eye and the microscope slide, preferably including a single lens having an aperture optimized to attain the best image resolution, preferably including a focus mechanism, preferably including a slide holding and moving mechanism, and preferably including a slide position locking mechanism, or any combination of these structures and mechanisms. Methods are disclosed for determining an optimum aperture size for a single lens microscope (and other uses) including a lens of any type, and methods are disclosed for designing a single lens microscope lens system that provides superior image quality. A single lens microscope according to the present invention can provide substantial and unexpected imaging benefits over previous single lens microscopes and compound microscopes.

Abstract: Microstructured taggant particles, their applications and methods of making the same are described. Precisely formed taggant particles can be formed, in the range of 500&mgr; and smaller, from either inert polymers or biodegradable materials bearing information indicia, such as through specific shape, size, color, reflectivity, refractive index, surface geometry, imprinting, optical effect or properties, and electromagnetic properties, to uniquely tag, identify or authenticate articles.

Abstract: An embossed optical waveguide for light transmission and a method for creating a master and for generating the embossed optical waveguide therefrom. In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a layer of liquid polymer is exposed to energy curing radiation through a mask consisting of clear and opaque areas. The opaque areas in the mask correspond to areas in the liquid polymer which will not be exposed to the curing radiation. During exposure, the areas in the liquid polymer which are exposed through the clear areas in the mask to the curing radiation become cured, or hardened. The areas which are not exposed to the curing radiation do not become cured and subsequently are washed away with a chemical rinse. The resulting structure is a cured layer of polymer having holes pierced through it. The holes pierced through the polymer layer correspond to optical elements formed in the polymer layer.

Abstract: A light control material is provided for displaying color images having microstructures either on its surface or within the material which reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light in accordance with their physical characteristics. In an exemplary embodiment, the microstructures are stepped structures which reflect a particular color and bandwidth of light in accordance with the height of the steps of the stepped structures. In alternative embodiment, the microstructures are ribbed structures or crystal like structures designed to reflect a selected color and bandwidth of light. In addition, methods of fabricating the material are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and compositions for authentication of articles and counterfeit deterrence using non-holographic micro-optics and microstructures having a surface relief greater than a few microns. Embodiments of the present invention disclose a range of distinctive optical effects obtained from micro-optic systems incorporating micro lenses, non-imaging collectors, prisms, wave guides, mirrors, gratings, structural interference filters, and photonic crystal microstructures.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for controlling the quantum state probability distribution of one quantum object of a pair of entangled quantum objects, which include providing a pair of entangled quantum objects, each of these objects having a uniform quantum state probability distribution, providing a system for controlling the quantum state probability distribution of the one quantum object by using the controlling system to choose the probability distribution of the observable quantum states of the other quantum object of the pair of entangled quantum objects, using the controlling system to choose the probability distribution of the quantum states of the other quantum object, choosing whether to observe the quantum state of the other quantum object, and subsequently observing the quantum state of the one quantum object of the pair of correlated quantum objects to determine if the prepared quantum state probability distribution of the one quantum object has been altered by an observation of the quantum

Abstract: A portable single lens microscope that provides structure between the eye and the microscope slide, preferably including a single lens having an aperture optimized to attain the best image resolution, preferably including a focus mechanism, preferably including a slide holding and moving mechanism, and preferably including a slide position locking mechanism, or any combination of these structures and mechanisms. Methods are disclosed for determining an optimum aperture size for a single lens microscope (and other uses) including a lens of any type, and methods are disclosed for designing a single lens microscope lens system that provides superior image quality. A single lens microscope according to the present invention can provide substantial and unexpected imaging benefits over previous single lens microscopes and compound microscopes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for controlling the quantum state probability distribution of one quantum object of a pair of correlated quantum objects, which include providing a pair of correlated quantum objects, each of said objects having a uniform quantum state probability distribution, providing a system for controlling the quantum state probability distribution of the one quantum object by using said controlling system to choose the probability distribution of the observable quantum states of the other quantum object of the pair of correlated quantum objects, using said controlling system to choose the probability distribution of the quantum states of the other quantum particle, choosing whether to observe the quantum state of the other quantum object, and subsequently observing the quantum state of the one quantum object of said pair of correlated quantum objects to determine if said prepared quantum state probability distribution of said one quantum object has been altered by an observation of

Abstract: A method of encrypting and decrypting images comprising the steps of creation of an encrypted image by alteration of the original image and decrypting the image by means of a decrypting optic.

Abstract: A light control material having a layer of emulsion, an inner optic, and a substrate. Image strips are formed in the emulsion. The inner optic provides illumination of the image strips as well as the light direction control needed to produce the perception of autostereoscopic depth, motion, or color change. The inner optic is comprised of a pattern of bright zones and dark zones. The inner optic has a constant period and the width of the bright zones is approximately equal to the width of the image strips. The field of view of the autostereoscopic or dynamic image may be altered by varying the widths of the bright zones and the image strips.

Abstract: A light control material for displaying black-and-white and color images by forming light traps in a layer of photopolymer at selected locations. The photopolymer layer constitutes a master from which embossments can be produced. An embossment which displays the image can be produced from the master by a soft embossing procedure. The light traps are formed in the master by reactively ion etching a layer of cured photopolymer at selected locations to create fields of tapered structures. An embossment generated from the master contains fields of tapered structures which correspond to those created in the master. The surface of the embossment which includes the fields of tapered structures is coated with a reflective material such as metal. Light which enters the fields is reflected within the fields of tapered structures until substantially all of the light has been absorbed. Light which does not enter the fields is reflected.

Abstract: A light control material generally comprising a transparent substrate for carrying a print or photographic image and a plurality of focusing elements which provide a field of view over which the brightness of the print or photographic image is enhanced. The field of view is controlled by the geometry of the focusing elements including radius, width, and degree of symmetry. By providing a field of view over which the brightness of the image is enhanced, the image may be viewed at angles which avoid the angles of specular reflection, which are usually seen as unwanted glare. Furthermore, selected portions of an image may be brightness enhanced more than others or selected portions may be brightness enhanced while others are not.

Abstract: A light control material for providing autostereoscopic and dynamic images. The light control material is comprised of a light direction control optic which contains a pattern of bright zones and dark zones which provide light direction control, and a light focusing optic which contains a plurality of gradient refractive index lenses which provide light focusing control. The bright zones and dark zones and the gradient refractive index lenses are preferably formed in a single polymer layer. Interleaved image elements may generally be located anywhere between the light control optic and an observer. The light direction control optic in conjunction with the light focusing optic and the interleaved image elements produce the perception autostereoscopic depth, motion, or color change.

Abstract: A light control material includes a two-layer optical system for producing autostereoscopic and dynamic images in thin-film materials. The first layer comprises focusing optics which have a plurality of focusing elements. These elements may consist of refractive optics, binary optics, or mixed optics. The second layer comprises light control optics having dark zones and bright zones for providing directional control of light through the focusing optics. The bright zones may be comprised of a light transmissive material, or the light control optics may include a reflective layer for reflecting light at the bright zones. The dark zones may be formed by using an opaque material, preferably pigmented ink, on a substrate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing and viewing stereoscopic images through the use of a color coded image whereby the desired depth or distance is based upon the color of the portion of the image being viewed. Therefore the parts of the image which are to appear distant are colored red whereas the parts of the image to appear in the foreground are colored blue with the middle ground or intermediate distances being colored green or yellow. The color coded image is viewed through a prism glass constructed so that blue light which passes through the prism is bent toward a sharper angle than red light. Because the apex of the prism before each eye points toward the nose or center of the glasses the eyes must then turn more inward to see a blue object than to see a red object even though they are in actuality in the same plane on the display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing and viewing stereoscopic images through the use of a color coded image whereby the desired depth or distance is based upon the color of the portion of the image being viewed. Therefore the parts of the image which are to appear distant are colored red whereas the parts of the image to appear in the foreground are colored blue with the middle ground or intermediate distances being colored green or yellow. The color coded image is viewed through a prism glass constructed so that blue light which passes through the prism is bent toward a sharper angle than red light. Because the apex of the prism before each eye points toward the nose or center of the glasses the eyes must then turn more inward to see a blue object than to see a red object even though they are in actuality in the same plane on the display.