Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for communicating multimedia information. Exemplary embodiments provide a Video-to-Optical apparatus (“V2O”) that can be used over either a private or a public optical network and transfers multimedia information in SONET/SDH frame format. The V2O uses SONET/SDH frames to transmit high-resolution stereoscopic images and other multimedia information through an optical network with high efficiency, high accuracy and low latency. The V2O interfaces with a visualization graphics-server on one side and the optical network on the other. The V2O apparatus can be placed in an optical network that offers an end-to-end OC 3 or higher rate circuit. A plurality of multimedia visualization centers can be coupled to the optical network.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for routing and aligning beams and optical elements in an optical device include a multiplexing device and/or a demultiplexing device, which includes an optical alignment element (OAE). The OAE can be configured to substantially compensate for the cumulative alignment errors in the beam path. The OAE allows the optical elements in a device, other than the OAE, to be placed and fixed in place without substantially compensating for optical alignment errors. The OAE is inserted into the beam path and adjusted. This greatly increases the ease in the manufacturing of optical devices, especially for devices with numerous optical elements, and lowers the cost of manufacturing. The multiplexing and/or demultiplexing device can reside within a standard small form factor, such as a GBIC. The devices fold the paths of the traversing beams with a geometry which allows a small package.

Abstract: A single fiber passive optical network (PON) wavelength division multiplex (WDM) overlay includes a central office, a fiber optic network, and a plurality of optical network termination (ONT) units. The central office has a baseline optical link that receives a baseline communication signal and converts the baseline communication signal into a downstream baseline optical signal within a first optical bandwidth, and has an additional optical link that receives a second type of communication signal and converts the second type of communication signal into a second downstream optical signal within a second optical bandwidth. The downstream baseline optical signal generated by the baseline optical link is combined with the second optical signal generated by the additional optical link to generate a broadband optical signal. The fiber optic network is coupled to the central office and receives the broadband optical signal on at least one optic fiber.

Abstract: A method and the corresponding apparatus for multi-plexing data flows from a number of transmission units. In the method signals are sent from the transmission units and the signals are detected at inputs of a switching unit. Signals, which are detected at a point of time when no other signal is forwarded to an output from the switching unit, are forwarded to said output, whereas signals which are detected at a point of time when another signal is forwarded to said output, are blocked.

Abstract: A minimum frequency generator of a transceiver system is presented. In a transmitter presented with K bits of parallel data, if a flip condition is determined and selected ones of the K bits are flipped, then the flip condition is signaled in a separately transmitted clock signal. The flip condition can be that all K bits are one or zero. Additionally, the clock signal can indicated whether bits are flipped or not by adjusting the duty cycle of the clock signal.

Abstract: An optical retimer is provided that retimes an optical data signal entirely in the optical domain, thus eliminating the need for optical-to-electrical and electrical-to-optical converters, which are needed to perform retiming in the electrical domain. Eliminating these conversion steps also eliminates, or at least decreases, the potential for errors in the retimed optical signal, such as jitter. The optical retimer samples the optical data signal during a clock cycle that has been determined by clock recovery, allows the sampled signal to traverse an optical pathway for the remainder of the cycle, out-couples a fraction of the sampled optical signal each time the signal traverses the optical pathway, and amplifies the signal traversing the pathway to maintain the signal at the power level it had when it was sampled. By the end of the clock cycle, the out-coupled signal corresponds to a retimed version of the original signal, synchronized to the recovered clock signal.

Abstract: An optical module for use in detecting a plurality of different wavelengths by making use of the multiple wavelength selectivity of an etalon. The optical module includes a semiconductor laser, a lens for converting a beam emitted from the semiconductor laser into a substantially parallel beam, a beam splitter for splitting the converted beam into a reflected beam and a transmitted beam, and a light-receiving element disposed such that one of the split beams is incident thereupon through an etalon, wherein a center of the reflected beam from the etalon occurring as the beam is incident upon the etalon is arranged to return to a region other than a beam-emitting portion of the semiconductor laser.

Abstract: An optical communication module according to an aspect of this invention includes: a module casing; a conversion element housed in the module casing, and performing at least one of conversion from an electric signal to an optical signal and conversion from an optical signal to an electric signal; a signal processing circuit element performing signal processing, which is housed in the module casing and connected to the conversion element; and a heat conduction member, which contacts the module casing and the signal processing circuit element when a temperature of the atmosphere in the module casing is above the operational temperature range of the signal processing circuit element, but which parts from the signal processing element when a temperature of the atmosphere in the module casing is below the operational temperature range.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical communication devices, light emission devices and optical communication methods. Aspects of the present invention provide methods and devices enable provision of modulated output optical signals without providing modulation of total photon populations of cavities of associated lasers. Such avoids or minimizes bandwidth restrictions associated with conventional methods or devices which modulate total photon populations within cavities of lasers. One aspect of the invention includes an optical communication method including providing a data signal comprising data to be communicated and emitting light using a laser. The method further includes modulating the laser across a lasing mode transition responsive to the data signal. The emitting further includes emitting the light during a plurality of lasing modes of the laser to communicate the data responsive to the modulating.

Abstract: A transmitter for optical communication systems includes a source of optical radiation, a source of complex non-information signals, and a modulator unit in communication with the source of optical radiation. The modulator unit is also in communication with the source of complex non-information signals. The modulator has an input adapted to receive information-bearing signals.

Abstract: An improved optical frequency stabilization unit utilizes the frequency-dependent phase retardation of a birefringent element as a frequency reference. A light frequency stabilization unit includes a birefringent element having a longitudinal axis, the optic axis of the birefringent element is oriented to retard the phase of polarized light propagating through the element parallel to the longitudinal axis. The phase is retarded by an amount that is proportional to the frequency of the polarized light. A polarizer transmits a portion of the phase-retarded light. The magnitude of the transmitted portion is determined by the phase retardation amount. A first optical detector is disposed to detect the transmitted portion of light and to generate a first signal in response to the transmitted portion detected.

Abstract: A method and system for automatically setting output power levels of optical transmitters in an optical communications arrangement. The optical communications arrangement includes at least a first and a second node, wherein the transmitter of the first node is optically coupled to a receiver in the second node, and the transmitter in the second node is optically coupled to a receiver in the first node. Respective sequences of power-level messages are transmitted from the transmitters to the receivers. Each power-level message indicates an output power level used by the transmitter to transmit the message, and each power-level message in a sequence is transmitted at an increasing power level.

Abstract: An optical signal is transmitted and received from an optical wave guide, the optical signal including an in-phase (I) component, a quadrature (Q) component and a carrier signal, and converted to an electrical signal. The electrical signal is phase-filtered to compensate for dispersion and phase locked.

Abstract: Endoscopes and other viewing devices that control the light that contacts a sample and/or that is detected emanating from a sample. The viewing devices are particularly well suited for in vivo imaging, although other uses are also included. The viewing devices, and methods related thereto, comprise a spatial light modulator in the illumination and/or detection light path so that light transmitted to the target via a bundle of light guides or optical system is transmitted substantially only into the cores of the light guide bundle and not into the cladding surrounding the light guides, filler between the light guides in the bundle, or undesired light guides. Also, methods and apparatus for mapping the pixels of the spatial light modulator to the cores of the light guides in the bundle (preferably at least 3 pixels (e.g., at least 3 mirrors for a digital micromirror device) for each core), as well as for mapping the light guides of one light guide bundle to another.

Abstract: A color filter substrate 10 includes color filters 12,which are formed in at least a display region 51 and each of which is composed of colored portions 12R, 12G, and 12B, and a light shielding layer 12X on a substrate main body 11, and the light shielding layer 12X is formed on the approximately entire surface of a color filter non-forming region, in addition to the display region 51. Further, the colored portions 12R-12B are formed by an inkjet method, and the color filter substrate 10 further includes a resin member 12Y for partitioning pixels for forming the respective colored portions 12R-12B as well as the resin member 12Y is formed on the approximately entire surface of the color filter non-forming region, in addition along the peripheries of the respective colored portions 12R-12B.

Abstract: A display overlay includes a contrast media layer and a photoconductive layer disposed between two electrodes. Light from an emissive display strikes the photoconductive layer and lowers the impedance of the photoconductive layer at the point at which the light is incident. Voltage applied to the electrodes creates an electric field that addresses the contrast media layer in locations of reduced impedance.

Abstract: An optical switch that includes optical paths organized into a set of M input optical paths and a set of N output optical paths. The optical switch additionally includes a faceted mirror corresponding to each of the M input optical paths and including N facets and a faceted mirror corresponding to each of the N output optical paths and including M facets. Finally, the optical switch includes a moving mechanism coupled to each faceted mirror to step the faceted mirror to selectively align one of the facets of the faceted mirror with the one of the optical paths with which the faceted mirror is associated. The facets of each of the faceted mirrors corresponding to one of the sets of optical paths, i.e., the set of input optical paths or the set of output optical paths, are preferably angled to reflect light towards a different one of the faceted mirrors corresponding to the other of the sets of optical paths, i.e., the set of output optical paths or the set of input optical paths, respectively.

Abstract: The amplitude of an input laser beam is modulated by a two-dimensional array of Michelson interferometers comprised of a phase spatial light modulator, a mirror and a 50/50 light beamsplitter. The array of Michelson interferometers is calibrated by adjusting the path length of one of the interferometer arms. The calibration is maintained with the aid of feedback. The amplitude-modulated beam is then directed successively through a field imaging telescope, a polarization beamsplitter, and a quarter-wave plate before impinging a second phase spatial light modulator. The second spatial light modulator is adjusted to apply the desired phase profile. The beam, which at this point has the desired amplitude and phase profiles, is then again directed through the quarter-wave plate and subsequently reflected off of the polarization beamsplitter, out of the apparatus, and into free space.

Abstract: A micro-mirror strip assembly having a plurality of two-dimensional micro-mirror structures with improved deflection and other characteristics is presented. In the micro-mirror structures, electrodes for electrostatic deflection are disposed on conical or quasi-conical entities that are machined, attached or molded into a substrate. The electrodes are quartered approximately parallel to or offset by 45 degrees from rotational axes to form quadrants. Torsion sensors are provided along the axes of rotation to control deflection of the quadrant deflection electrodes.

Abstract: A lossless optical link in an optical transmission system comprises an optical fiber that is configured to produce Raman gain and provide for Raman distributed gain, via one or more pump sources, along the fiber so that, as an end result, the gain experienced by one or more propagating signals in the fiber link is made fairly uniform along the link or at least a portion of the optical link, such as not vary, for example, no more than five dB along the length of the optical fiber. The several embodiments disclosed provide for different optical pump/component architectures to achieve this end result.

Abstract: An optical transmitting apparatus having a first optical amplifier by which quality of an output optical signal after amplified is changed according to an amplification gain, a second optical amplifier by which quality of an output optical signal after amplified is changed according to an input level of an output optical signal from the first optical amplifier, and a controlling means for performing an adaptive control on an amplification gain of the first optical amplifier so that quality of an output optical signal from the second optical amplifier becomes maximum, thereby optimizing signal quality in the optical transmitting apparatus in a hybrid optical amplifier structure.

Abstract: A system and method for depolarizing optical amplifier pump sources. A pump assembly provides a pump assembly output having a polarization state that is normally depolarized. A depolarizing device receives the pump assembly output and provides an output that is depolarized irrespective of the polarization of the pump assembly output.

Abstract: The specification describes rare earth doped fiber amplifier devices for operation in the extended L-band, i.e. at wavelengths from 1565 nm to above 1610 nm. High efficiency and flat gain spectra are obtained using a high silica based fiber codoped with Er, Al, Ge, and P and an NA of at least 0.15.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for monitoring individual wavelength division multiplexed data channel signals of a multiple data channel optical signal which is being amplified by a gain-clamped optical amplifier, the method comprising the steps of modulating each wavelength division multiplexed data channel signal with an associated lower frequency identification signal before the optical signal is amplified, the frequency of each identification signal being chosen such that it uniquely identifies the associated data channel signal and such that at least a portion of each identification signal is transferred onto a gain-clamping signal of the amplifier, and monitoring each identification signal as a component of the gain-clamping signal. There is also provided a gain-clamped optical amplifier for amplifying a multiple data channel optical signal.

Abstract: A solar control film which includes an adhesive layer for adhering the solar control film to a substrate, a metallized layer and a scratch resistant layer containing dispersed carbon black particles wherein the metallized layer is between the adhesive layer for adhering to a substrate and the scratch resistant layer. The solar control film can be prepared by a process which involves mixing a composition comprised of carbon black in particulate form dispersed in a nitrocellulose resin with a polymer forming material to form a coating composition and applying the coating composition to a component of a solar control film whereby the coating composition forms a scratch resistant layer containing dispersed carbon black particles.

Abstract: An ultra-broadband ultraviolet (UV) catadioptric imaging microscope system with wide-range zoom capability. The microscope system, which comprises a catadioptric lens group and a zooming tube lens group, has high optical resolution in the deep UV wavelengths, continuously adjustable magnification, and a high numerical aperture. The system integrates microscope modules such as objectives, tube lenses and zoom optics to reduce the number of components, and to simplify the system manufacturing process. The preferred embodiment offers excellent image quality across a very broad deep ultraviolet spectral range, combined with an all-refractive zooming tube lens. The zooming tube lens is modified to compensate for higher-order chromatic aberrations that would normally limit performance.

Abstract: In an imaging lens made of three lens sheets, the second and third lenses from the object side are shaped substantially similar to each other, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost while improving resolution. The first lens L1 is a biconcave lens having a surface with a stronger curvature directed onto the object side. Each of the second lens L2 and third lens L3 is a biconvex lens having a surface with a stronger curvature directed onto the imaging surface side, while the second lens L2 and third lens L3 have the same form. As the second lens L2 and third lens L3 have the same form, the cost of manufacturing the imaging lens can be reduced, though being constituted by three sheets of lenses.

Abstract: This invention discloses an optical system for enhancing the image from a microscope's high power objective lens that permits the simultaneous viewing of an object at both high and low magnifications through a single high power objective lens. This is accomplished by the mounting of high and low power lens train tubes on a microscope body and by directing a light source through a microscope's high power objective lens, then through beam splitters and then through said high and low power lens train tubes.

Abstract: The apparatus serves for the improvement of the optical qualities of optical microscopes. The microscopes comprise an illuminating unit (1), a condenser lens (3), a primary microscope objective (5) with an optical axis (X), and an ocular or a camera. The apparatus is insertable between the primary microscope objective (5) and the ocular or camera, and comprises a rotatable image visualizing plate (6) and a secondary objective (7). The secondary objective (7) is positioned on said optical axis (X) when the apparatus is inserted in the microscope and it has the same orientation as the primary microscope objective. The apparatus comprises also a tertiary microscope objective (16) that is arranged between the image visualizing plate (6) and the secondary objective (7). The tertiary microscope objective (16) is arranged on the same optical axis (X) as the secondary objective (7) and is inversely orientated with respect to the secondary objective (7).

Abstract: A confocal microscope with separate illumination and detection directions is disclosed. The detection direction in the object is inclined relative to the illumination direction at a predetermined angle which is selected such that the overlapping area of the illumination volume and detection volume is reduced compared to a conventional confocal microscope. A beam splitter or a reflector is provided in the beam path between the objective and an image plane of the microscope for coupling in the illumination light and/or for coupling out the detection light and/or in that the illumination light is coupled into the microscope and/or the detection light is coupled out of the microscope via one or more light-conducting fibers.

Abstract: Generation of variable differential group delay An apparatus for generating variable DGD is particularly for use in a PMD compensator. The apparatus has first, second and third birefringent elements arranged in order between the input and output of the compensator and having first, second and third differential group delays (DGDs) in the ratio 1:2:1. The orientation of the PSPs of the signal in each element relatively to the principal axes of the element is controlled, such that a change in orientation between the first and second elements is equal and opposite to a change in orientation between the second and third elements. This arrangement provides symmetrical relative rotations of the signal PSPs and principal axes about the central birefringent element. In combination with the 1:2:1 ratio, it can be shown that compensation of any first order PMD can be achieved without the compensator introducing additional second order PMD.

Abstract: A passive optical element is transferred into a substrate already having features with a vertical dimension thereon. The features may be another passive optical element, an active optical element, a dichroic layer, a dielectric layer, alignment features, metal portions. A protective layer is provided over the feature during the transfer of the optical element. One or more of these processes may be performed on a wafer level.

Abstract: An optical wavelength selection apparatus containing a surface-relief transmission diffraction grating, a collimating lens for collimating a beam incident to the diffraction grating, and a focusing lens for focusing the beams diffracted by the diffraction grating. The diffraction grating, after having been subjected to a test condition of 85 degrees centigrade and a relative humidity of 85 percent for at least 500 hours, has diffraction efficiency performance within 6 percent of that achieved before being subjected to these test conditions.

Abstract: A lens optical system is provided with a cemented lens element formed by cementing two constituent lens elements made of different optical materials together, with a diffractive optical surface formed at the cementing interface between the two constituent lens elements. The two constituent lens elements have at their respective interfaces with air a radius of curvature different from the radius of curvature that they have at the cementing interface.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optical device in which a first light source for outputting a first wavelength light is apart from a second light source for outputting a second wavelength light by a predetermined distance. An information recording medium is irradiated with the first and second wavelength lights transmitted through a holographic optical element having first and second diffraction areas. The first and second diffraction areas are provided with grating arrangements in which grating axis directions are parallel to each other and grating pitches are different from each other. The first and second wavelength lights reflected by the information recording medium are transmitted through the holographic optical element and diffracted by the first and second diffraction areas.

Abstract: Reflective diffraction grating. A focused ion beam (FIB) micromilling apparatus is used to store color images in a durable medium by milling away portions of the surface of the medium to produce a reflective diffraction grating with blazed pits. The images are retrieved by exposing the surface of the grating to polychromatic light from a particular incident bearing and observing the light reflected by the surface from specified reception bearing.

Abstract: A surface-relief transmission diffraction grating which, after having been subjected to a test condition of 85 degrees centigrade and a relative humidity of 85 percent for at least 500 hours, has diffraction efficiency performance within 6 percent of that achieved before being subjected to these test conditions.

Abstract: An optical system has an optical functional surface including a common region used for conducting information recording and/or reproducing for both of a first optical information recording medium and a second optical information recording medium. The common region comprises a refractive surface of an imaginary basic aspherical surface and a optical path difference providing structure in which plural ring-shapes zones are separated around the center of an optical axis and neighboring ring-shaped zones are displaced to each other in a direction of an optical axis so as to cause an optical path difference obtained by multiplying a predetermined wavelength &lgr;s (&lgr;1<&lgr;s<&lgr;2) with almost an integer. The refractive surface of the imaginary basic aspherical surface is structured such that a spherical aberration becomes under on the first information recording medium and a spherical aberration becomes over on the second information recording medium.

Abstract: An antireflection film having a hard coat layer prepared on one side of a transparent substrate directly or through other layers, and further an antireflection layer laminated on a surface of the hard coat layer, wherein the antireflection layer is formed by a dry cured film obtained from a solution comprising a siloxane oligomer (A) obtained by condensation polymerization after partial hydrolysis of a hydrolyzable alkoxy silane that contains a tetra alkoxy silane represented by a general formula (1): Si(OR)4 (where R represents methyl group or ethyl group) as a principal component and a compound (B) having a fluoro alkyl structure and a polysiloxane structure, is excellent scratch-proof property, stain resistance, and cured in a short period of time at comparatively low temperature.

Abstract: A kaleidoscope includes a stationary portion and a movable portion. The stationary portion includes a tubular body inside which a prism is arranged. The tubular body has opposite ends to which an eyepiece and a lens device are respectively attached. The movable portion includes a support rod having a first section rotatably mounted to the stationary portion and a second section to which a transparent container is rotatably attached. The container defines an interior space divided into a number of isolated compartments by partition plates fixed inside the container for receiving and containing small objects of different sizes, shapes and colors and liquids.

Abstract: Two lenses are used for forming a collimator parallel pair, in which the distance between the two lenses is substantially made coincident with the maximum distance allowing beam waists to be formed at equal distances from the two lenses respectively.

Abstract: An acoustic lens having two or more regions, each region having a different acoustic index of refraction. The lens may have a simple, non-compound, surface in which both regions form different sections of the same convex or concave curve with the same functional dependence. The transition between the two regions may be gradual or abrupt. The attenuation and other characteristics of the lens may be tailored to provide apodisation and to filter out unwanted frequencies.

Abstract: A liquid immersion type microscope objective lens includes, in sequence from an object side, a first lens group containing meniscus lenses with their concave surfaces toward an object and having positive refractive power, a second lens group having the positive refractive power, and a third lens group having negative refractive power, wherein a distance from an object surface to a first lens surface of said first lens group is larger than a focal length f of a whole objective lens system, and a radius of curvature r1 of the first lens surface in relation to the focal length f satisfies a relation such as 4<|r1/f|<7.

Abstract: A zoom lens system includes a positive first lens group and a negative second lens group which move in an optical axis direction upon zooming. The positive first lens group includes a positive first lens element having a convex surface on the object side, a negative second lens element, and a positive third lens element. The negative second lens group includes a positive meniscus lens fourth lens element having the concave surface facing toward the object, and a negative meniscus fifth lens element having the concave surface facing toward the object.

Abstract: A flange portion is provided to at least a part of the periphery at the center position in the direction of the optical axis of a lens. The lens is held with clamping members and a lens holding metallic part, with the flange portion pressed by the clamping members. The portion where the flange portion is provided, suffers no compressive strain and tensile strain due to the bending of the lens, and is a part of the periphery of a neutral plane, which is the farthest plane from the optical surface of the lens. Therefore, the influence of the clamping force on the flange portion acting on other portions of the lens is reduced to the utmost, and the deformation of the optical surface due to the force acting on the flange portion is reduced to a minimum. As a result, the deterioration of the optical properties of the lens can be suppressed to the utmost.

Abstract: The present disclosure addresses the problem of attaching and adjusting 3D stereoscopic enabling devices by providing a means and apparatus to attach and align the SEDs in a simple straightforward manner. Several mounting options are available that fall into two main categories including spring-clip and screw-clip mounting systems. Any of the major stereoscopic enabling devices including but not limited to VRex Micropol, lenticular array, microlens array, parallax barrier, holographic array may be mounted to a flat panel display (using various display technologies including LCD, plasma, OLED, etc.) or notebook computer display using one of these two mounting system types. Once initial mounting of the stereoscopic enabling device has been achieved, a means for proper alignment for optimal 3D stereoscopic viewing is provided using an appropriate test image depending on the stereoscopic enabling device that is used.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein are directed to motion transformers as well as their integration and/or assembly, for use in directing optical beams and positioning of small optical elements for creating a variety of tunable optical components. More particularly, the systems and methods can be applied to a free-space optical cross-connect switching apparatus with piezoelectric actuation.

Abstract: A novel mirror comprising a handle portion unitary with a mirror-head portion including reflective or mirror surfaces on opposing surfaces of the mirror-head portion is disclosed. The mirror includes an anti-fog material coated onto the mirror surfaces to prevent the formation of condensation on the mirror surfaces. The mirror may include an indicator to inform an operator that the mirror has been used and should be disposed of appropriately. The mirror is disposable, can be prepackaged and/or presterilized to provide better results and a predictably cleaner instrument, and can be designed to prevent use of the mirror on more than a single subject.

Abstract: A reading optical system that forms the image of the original document on a one-dimensional imaging element, such system comprising multiple reflective surfaces only, wherein at least one of such surfaces is a free-form surface that has a symmetrical surface relative to the main scanning direction and no symmetrical surface relative to the sub scanning direction. Where the light beam that passes through the center of the original document and the center of the aperture is deemed the axial main light beam, the path of the axial main light beam that strikes the first reflective surface extends along the Z-axis, the length of the one-dimensional imaging element extends along the Y-axis, and the X-axis extends perpendicular to the Y-axis and the Z-axis, each reflective surface is arranged such that it is tilted relative to the Y-axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multi-mirror-system for an illumination system, especially for lithography with wavelengths ≦193 nm comprising am imaging system, wherein said imaging system comprises at least a first mirror and a second mirror, an object plane, an image plane, wherein the imaging system forms an image of the object, an arc-shaped field in said image plane, whereby the radial direction of in the middle the arc-shaped field defines a scanning direction. The multi-mirror-system is characterized in that at least said first mirror and said second mirror of said imaging system are arranged in the optical path of the imaging system in such a position and having such a shape, that the edge sharpness of the arc-shaped field in the image plane is smaller than 5 mm, preferably 2 mm, most preferably 1 mm in scanning direction.