Abstract: A novel method for quantitatively assessing an imaging device in terms of the classical encircled energy test is disclosed in a contemporaneously filed Application. The present invention complements this capability, and discloses a method which can specify, precisely and uniquely, those discrete portions of an imaging device which pass the encircled energy test, and those discrete portions of the imaging device which fail the encircled energy test. Advantages of the present invention include a capability to direct efficient correction procedures towards those discrete portions of the imaging device which fail the encircled energy test, without compromising discrete portions of the imaging device which pass the encircled energy test.

Abstract: The Foucault knife-edge test has been traditionally employed for testing a monolithic imaging device, for example, a mirror, to ascertain its characteristics, for example, whether or not it is a source of optical aberrations. The present invention, in contrast to the traditional Foucault employment, discloses a Foucault testing of a segmented optic, thereby significantly extending the utility of the Foucault test.

Abstract: A novel method for quantitatively assessing an imaging device in terms of the classical encircled energy test. The method of the present invention provides this capability by a novel adaptation of the Foucault knife-edge test. In this way, the inherent advantages of the traditional qualitative Foucault knife-edge test are preserved. At the same time, the novel method provides a quick and efficient pass/fail test for quantitatively ascertaining exactly what percentage of energy may be sharply imaged by an imaging device.

Abstract: The historical Foucault knife-edge test enables one to passively ascertain an optical imaging device's characteristics, for example, whether or not it is a source of optical aberrations. The historical Foucault knife-edge test corresponds to an open loop control system, since a control action, which is that quantity responsible for producing the imaging device characteristic, or open loop output, is independent of that output. The present invention, in sharp contrast to the historical Foucault knife-edge test, discloses a method for closing the Foucault open loop, so that the control action is somehow dependent on the output. In this way, accordingly, dynamic steps can be taken to compensate for, or remove the optical aberrations.

Abstract: The historical Foucault knife-edge test enables one to qualitatively ascertain an optical imaging device's characteristics, for example, whether or not it is a source of optical aberrations. The novel method of the present invention, in sharp contrast, complements the historical Foucault knife-edge test, by expanding the test so as to develop a quantitative interpretation of the imaging device's characteristics. In particular, the novel method is suitable for determining a wavefront aberration over an entire surface of the imaging device.

Abstract: The historical Foucault knife-edge test enables one to qualitatively ascertain an optical imaging device's characteristics, for example, whether or not it is a source of optical aberrations. The novel method of the present invention, in sharp contrast, complements the historical Foucault knife-edge test, by expanding the test so as to develop a quantitative interpretation of the imaging device's characteristics.

Abstract: A luminaire is provided which includes a reflector, a light source and a multilayer interference mirror. The light source is selected to emit monochromatic light. The multilayer interference mirror is disposed in a path of light emitted from the light source and is designed for angularly selecting a portion of the light arriving from a multiplicity of directions for passage into a control range.

Abstract: A luminaire useful in illuminating a task area and having particular application for roadway lighting includes a monochromatic light source which is preferably a low pressure sodium lamp which can be an elongated tubular light source disposed within a housing defined by a reflector having a configured reflection surface to principally control light distribution along the length of the roadway with the lamp being at least partially surrounded and in a specific embodiment totally surrounded by a cylindrical tube acting as a substrate for a multilayer interference mirror to principally control light distribution across or transverse to the roadway. This combination of elements, in particular cooperation with their specific configurations, provides a predetermined light pattern on a task surface such as the example roadway.

Abstract: A compact light condensing illumination system for the concentration of light at an area provides a light source capable of having a relatively shallow reflector with a relatively small aperture directing collimated light toward a planar reflector of rectangular configuration having a mirrored surface configured with relatively short grooves extending at an angle to the direction of the collimated light to uniformly reflect the light toward a planar grooved mirror disposed substantially at a right angle to the first mirrored surface and of relatively large surface to reflect the light in substantially parallel rays to a Fresnel lens of relatively low power for condensing of the light rays to concentrate the light at a preselected distance from the Fresnel lens.

Abstract: A luminaire having an aperture provides first and second zonal illumination areas. A reflector is disposed about a light source for reflecting a first portion of light emitted from the light source through a first zone of the aperture. A deviator is disposed within the reflector for permitting passage of the first portion of light and for directing a second portion of light emitted from the light source through a second zone of the aperture.

Abstract: A lighting panel used to control locally unidirectional light is constructed from a plurality of light modifying elements that substantially control the distribution of light within a control range. Each element is disposed in the panel to receive the unidirectional light and has a surface configuration for critically reflecting the received light and for refracting the initially reflected light upon leaving the elements into the control range.

Abstract: A lighting panel used to control locally unidirectional light is constructed from a plurality of light modifying elements that substantially control the distribution of light within a control range. Each element is disposed in the panel to receive the unidirectional light and has a surface means for critically reflecting the received light and for refracting the initially reflected light upon leaving the elements into the control range.

Abstract: A luminaire having an aperture provides first and second zonal illumination areas. A reflector is disposed about a light source for reflecting a first portion of light emitted from the light source through a first zone of the aperture. A deviator is disposed within the reflector for permitting passage of the first portion of light and for directing a second portion of light emitted from the light source through a second zone of the aperture.