Abstract: One embodiment of an image rotator includes an image reversion structure that rotates an image by a predetermined number of degrees, and securement structure adapted to removably secure the image reversion structure on a projector.

Abstract: A prism assembly is provided. The prism assembly comprises a first prism component having a triangular cross-section along an optical path, a second prism component having a first quadrilateral cross-section along the optical path, a third prism component having a second quadrilateral cross-section along the optical path, a first dichroic interface between the first and second prism components and along the third prism component and configured to reflect a first range of wavelengths of the light, and a second dichroic interface between the first and third prism components and along the second prism component and configured to reflect a second range of wavelengths of the light.

Abstract: An assembly including a first lens having a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being a first convex surface, a second lens having a third surface and a fourth surface, the third surface adhered to the second surface, a third lens having a fifth surface and a sixth surface, the fifth surface adhered to the fourth surface, and a beamsplitter having a seventh surface adhered to the sixth surface is provided.

Abstract: A method of testing a coating on a reflector having a first focal point includes placing a mirror at the first focal point of the reflector and angled to orient with an area on the coating. Electromagnetic (EM) radiation is directed to the mirror which then directs the EM radiation on the area. The EM radiation which is reflected from the coating is collected onto a sensor disposed at a second focal point. The intensity of the EM radiation collected on the sensor is detected.

Abstract: An optical relay includes a first lens, a lens module, and a second lens. The first lens is configured to receive modulated light from a first spatial light modulator. The first lens is configured to refract the modulated light into the lens module. The lens module is configured to collimate and focus the modulated light into the second lens. The second lens is configured to refract the modulated light onto a second spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A prism assembly is provided. The prism assembly comprises a first prism component having a triangular cross-section along an optical path, a second prism component having a first quadrilateral cross-section along the optical path, a third prism component having a second quadrilateral cross-section along the optical path, a fourth prism component having a pentagon cross-section along the optical path, a first dichroic interface between the first and second prism components and between the third and fourth prism components and configured to reflect a first range of wavelengths of the light, and a second dichroic interface between the first and third prism components and between the second and fourth prism components and configured to reflect a second range of wavelengths of the light.

Abstract: A modulator for a projection system includes a surface having a number of pixels defined thereon corresponding to pixels of the projection system. The pixel areas have shapes that counter a distortion of a lens of the projection system, such that distortion effects of the lens are reduced, and/or the side profile of the surface matches a field curvature of the lens of the projection system, such that field curvature effects of the lens are reduced.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for reducing reflections in optical systems. Two optical elements are spaced apart from each other with first surfaces facing each other to form a gap there between. Reflections from a light beam passing through the two optical elements are at a non-zero angle with respect to the light beam. A second surface of one of the optical elements is essentially perpendicular to the light beam.

Abstract: At least first and second narrowband beams of light, respectively of different wavelengths, are concurrently directed onto a modulator respectively at first and second angles of incidence.

Abstract: An image display device includes an image processing unit, a light source assembly, an optical modulator assembly, and a projection lens assembly. The image processing unit is configured to receive a video signal and generate image data and control signals. The light source assembly and optical modulator assembly are each controlled by the control signals such that the light source assembly generates illumination in a spatial distribution pattern that is coupled to optical modular assembly via a homogenizing device. The projection lens assembly is configured to project an image from the optical modulator assembly onto a viewing surface. The optical modular assembly is configured to maximize the amount of illumination coupled from the light source assembly, and includes at least one optical modulator surface configured to have a substantially 1:1 aspect ratio.

Abstract: An optical relay includes a first lens, a lens module, and a second lens. The first lens is configured to receive modulated light from a first spatial light modulator. The first lens is configured to refract the modulated light into the lens module. The lens module is configured to collimate and focus the modulated light into the second lens. The second lens is configured to refract the modulated light onto a second spatial light modulator.

Abstract: A compact imaging spectrometer with an immersive diffraction grating that compensates optical distortions. The imaging spectrometer comprises an entrance slit for transmitting light, means for receiving the light and directing the light, an immersion grating, and a detector array. The entrance slit, the means for receiving the light, the immersion grating, and the detector array are positioned wherein the entrance slit transmits light to the means for receiving the light and the means for receiving the light directs the light to the immersion grating and the immersion grating receives the light and directs the light to the means for receiving the light, and the means for receiving the light directs the light to the detector array.

Abstract: An optically retro-reflecting sphere includes an inner sphere and an outer concentric spherical shell, and can be coupled to a reflective surface. Light entering the optically retro-reflecting sphere from an incident direction is reflected by the sphere generally towards an exit direction, where the exit direction is parallel and opposite to the incident direction. The inner sphere and outer shell have different refractive indices, selected so that the reflected light is reflected with a non-uniform angular distribution about the exit direction.

Abstract: A method of reducing stray light contribution of a display system is described. Light rays are directed to at least one pixel of the display system and the light rays are modulated to form modulated light. In addition, the modulated light is directed to display optics, and the reflected light is directed away from the display optics.

Abstract: A method and apparatus emits light from multiple light sources and combines the etendue of the light sources such that the etendue is substantially uniformly distributed over an area.

Abstract: A projection assembly is provided herein. According to one exemplary embodiment, the projection assembly includes a modulator assembly, the modulator including at least one modulator panel, a projection lens assembly including a first projection lens sub-assembly in optical communication with the modulator assembly, the first projection lens sub-assembly being configured to form a virtual modulator, the virtual modulator corresponding to the output of the modulator assembly focused at a single plane.

Abstract: A projection system including an illumination source providing an illumination beam, a modulator configured to modulate the illumination beam based on an image signal to form an image beam, and a projection lens having an aberration profile and comprising a catadioptric lens. The image signal is adjusted based on the aberration profile of the projection lens. The catadioptric lens is configured to receive the image beam along a first optical axis and fold and direct the image beam along a second optical axis such that a fold angle between the first and second optical axes is within a desired range.

Abstract: Projection assemblies are provided herein for use in a display system. According to one exemplary embodiment, the projection assembly includes an illumination source and a plurality of co-planar modulator panels. A method of modulating light is also provided herein that includes generating multi-component light, splitting the multi-component light into a plurality of component beams, and modulating the component beams with a plurality of co-planar modulator panels to form a plurality of sub-images.

Abstract: A method of testing a coating on a reflector having a first focal point includes placing a mirror at the first focal point of the reflector and angled to orient with an area on the coating. Electromagnetic (EM) radiation is directed to the mirror which then directs the EM radiation on the area. The EM radiation which is reflected from the coating is collected onto a sensor disposed at a second focal point. The intensity of the EM radiation collected on the sensor is detected.

Abstract: A display system includes a display device and a data processing module. The display device is configured to display an image and has a processing profile associated therewith. The data processing module is remote from and operatively coupled to the display device and is configured to receive input image data for the image to be displayed and generate processed image data from the input image data based on the processing profile of the display device.