Abstract: Illumination systems, devices, and methods for cultivating biomasses. A bioreactor system is operable for growing photosynthetic organisms. The bioreactor system includes a bioreactor and an illumination system. The illumination system includes one more optical waveguides configured to light at least some of a plurality of photosynthetic organisms retained in the bioreactor. In some embodiments, the one or more optical waveguides include a plurality of structures configured to direct light energy from a solar energy collector, and a plurality of artificial light sources, along the interior of the waveguide. In some embodiments, the one more optical waveguides include a plurality of light-diffusing structures configured to guide at least a portion of the light from the solar energy collector and a plurality of artificial light sources directed along the interior of the waveguide, to the exterior of the waveguide.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing light to an eye for exciting a photosensitizer includes an addressable LED array so that the size and shape of the LED light used for aiming or therapy is selectable so as to match the size and shape of targeted tissue. The LED array has a configuration that provides increased LED density, increased current spreading with minimal light blocking and a simplified addressing connection sheme.

Abstract: A miniature display system uses a reflective micro-display that reflects light perpendicular to the surface of the display to generate an image. Light from an off-axis light source is polarized and reflected by a prism to provide on-axis illumination light for the display. The prism uses total internal reflection and/or a polarizer as a beam splitting surface so as to increase the brightness of the image generated by the display. The optical system provides a virtual image with a large field of view so that the small display system can be used in portable, hand-held or head mounted systems to display a large amount of information to the user.

Abstract: A miniature microscope is extremely small, fitting in a palm of a user's hand while providing powerful magnification and enhanced brightness so that the details of an object which cannot be resolved by an unaided eye can be easily seen. The microscope includes a housing have a holder for supporting an object to be viewed. At least one light source is position in the housing off-axis with respect to the object to be viewed. A first prism includes a first prism surface for reflecting light from the light source to a beam splitter surface wherein the beam splitter surface reflects light from the first prism surface to the object to be viewed. The beam splitter surface also passes light reflected from the object therethrough to a second prism. The second prism is positioned with respect to the first prism to provide refraction correction.

Abstract: A miniature display system uses a reflective micro-display that reflects light perpendicular to the surface of the display to generate an image. Light from an off-axis light source is polarized and reflected by a prism to provide on-axis illumination light for the display. The prism uses total internal reflection and/or a polarizer as a beam splitting surface so as to increase the brightness of the image generated by the display. The optical system provides a virtual image with a large field of view so that the small display system can be used in portable, hand-held or head mounted systems to display a large amount of information to the user.