Abstract: Described embodiments provide for an optical communications assembly or other optical assembly in which the post-dispersion optical signals are controlled in dispersive and non-dispersive directions. In one embodiment, the assembly includes an optical signal collimator configured to emit an optical signal based on an input communication signal. In addition, the assembly includes a dispersive device that receives the optical signal and disperses multiple wavelength channels of the optical signal in a dispersive direction. The assembly further includes a first light-directing device configured to control the dispersion of the multiple wavelength channels in the non-dispersive direction. A second light-directing device is provided to control dispersion in the dispersive direction.

Abstract: An image display system includes a light source capable of generating an illumination light beam along an illumination path. The system also includes a modulator operable to receive at least a portion of the illumination light beam and to selectively communicate at least some of the illumination light beam received by the modulator along a projection light path. The system further includes at least one adjustable illumination aperture operable to selectively control an amount of the at least a portion of the illumination light beam received by the modulator based at least in part on image data.

Abstract: An imaging system 10 includes an image source providing an image having a resolution of X by Y pixels. The system also includes a digital mirror device 16 that includes an array of mirror elements. Each mirror element includes an edge that is not parallel to an edge of a neighboring mirror element. The array 16 includes fewer than X*Y mirror elements.

Abstract: A method to improve an extinction ratio of an optical device, the method includes positioning at least a majority of a plurality of micro-mirrors in an off-state position. A mirror assembly includes the plurality of micro-mirrors. The method also includes selectively positioning at least one of the plurality of micro-mirrors in an on-state position. In one particular embodiment, the at least one of the plurality of micro-mirrors positioned in the on-state position operates to improve an extinction ratio of an optical device.

Abstract: An image display system includes a light source capable of generating an illumination light beam along an illumination path. The system also includes a modulator operable to receive at least a portion of the illumination light beam and to selectively communicate at least some of the illumination light beam received by the modulator along a projection light path. The system further includes at least one adjustable illumination aperture operable to selectively control an amount of the at least a portion of the illumination light beam received by the modulator based at least in part on image data.

Abstract: An integrating rod (100) for combining light beams from two or more sources. A first light beam (104) enters the integrating rod 100 through a first entrance face (102) to a first reflecting face (110). The light is reflected by the first reflecting face (110) and travels along the major axis (114) of the integrating rod (100) to an exit face (116). A second light beam (108) from a second light source enters the integrating rod (100) through a second entrance face (106). The second light beam may be reflected by a second reflecting face (112) and travels along the major axis (114) to the exit face (116). The two light beams experience multiple reflections as they travel along the integrating rod and leave the integrating rod (100) through the exit face (116) as a single homogenous light beam.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for generating patterns to be used in a spatial light modulator having a plurality of pixels. The method includes generating an optical pattern to be placed upon the pixels of the spatial light modulator, applying the optical pattern to the pixels of the spatial light modulator, measuring the optical performance of the plurality of pixels having the optical pattern applied to it, comparing the measured optical performance to a target optical performance, and adjusting the optical pattern applied to the plurality of pixels to form another optical pattern that more closely achieves the target optical performance.

Abstract: A micromirror device having an array of mirrors 802 formed with a jagged leading 804 and trailing 806 edge. The jagged leading and trailing edges eliminate the features that cause the most diffraction-straight edges that are perpendicular to the incident illumination 808. The leading and trailing edges preferably are formed as a series of saw teeth having a 45° angle to the incident illumination 808. Angling the edges relative to the illumination axis greatly reduces the diffraction that would occur from edges perpendicular to the illumination axis. By reducing the diffraction, the jagged leading and trailing edges enable the use of orthogonal illumination which reduces the cost, size, and weight of the associated TIR prism. The number of saw teeth can vary, but the three-tooth pattern provides an optimum mixture of low diffraction and ease of production.

Abstract: A micromirror device having an array of mirrors 802 formed with a jagged leading 804 and trailing 806 edge. The jagged leading and trailing edges eliminate the features that cause the most diffraction-straight edges that are perpendicular to the incident illumination 808. The leading and trailing edges preferably are formed as a series of saw teeth having a 45° angle to the incident illumination 808. Angling the edges relative to the illumination axis greatly reduces the diffraction that would occur from edges perpendicular to the illumination axis. By reducing the diffraction, the jagged leading and trailing edges enable the use of orthogonal illumination which reduces the cost, size, and weight of the associated TIR prism. The number of saw teeth can vary, but the three-tooth pattern provides an optimum mixture of low diffraction and ease of production.

Abstract: An integrating rod (100) for combining light beams from two or more sources. A first light beam (104) enters the integrating rod 100 through a first entrance face (102) to a first reflecting face (110). The light is reflected by the first reflecting face (110) and travels along the major axis (114) of the integrating rod (100) to an exit face (116). A second light beam (108) from a second light source enters the integrating rod (100) through a second entrance face (106). The second light beam may be reflected by a second reflecting face (112) and travels along the major axis (114) to the exit face (116). The two light beams experience multiple reflections as they travel along the integrating rod and leave the integrating rod (100) through the exit face (116) as a single homogenous light beam.

Abstract: A pulse driven two lamp (40, 50) single light valve (62) imaging display system (10). The first lamp (40) is used to generate red light, and the second lamp (50) is used to generate blue and green light. A beam splitter (46) combines the white light of the two light sources, and directs the light to a color wheel (26). The first red lamp (40) is driven at a peak power being 3X the average power rating of the lamp for ⅓ of a video frame. The second blue-green lamp (50) is pulse driven at a peak power being 150% its average power rating for ⅔ of a video frame. The present invention achieves improved color balance and increased intensity, and is a simple and cost effective architecture.