Abstract: An LCD device includes a reflective area in each pixel. A reflection film having a convex-concave surface is provided in the reflective area, film in cross section configuration is formed. Each pixel includes a pixel electrode and a common electrode for applying a lateral electric field on a LC layer. The inclination angle of the reflection film has an inclination angle distribution, wherein the angle component in an area corresponding to the electrodes has a lower angle distribution than the angle components in an area corresponding to a gap between adjacent two of the electrodes.

Abstract: A system for displaying images is disclosed. A display panel comprises a first substrate and a second substrate with a liquid crystal layer interposed therebetween. A sealant is interposed between the first substrate and a second substrate for sealing the liquid crystal layer. A dielectric layer is overlying the first substrate. Metal lines are overlying the dielectric layer under and/or near the sealant. A planarization layer covers and contacts the dielectric layer and the metal lines to form a first interface between the metal lines and the planarization layer and a second interface between the dielectric layer and the planarization layer. Bridge lines without contacting the planarization layer are disposed under and/or near the sealant, instead of at least a portion of the metal lines contacting the planarization layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for rubbing an alignment layer on a substrate is disclosed. The apparatus includes a platform to support the substrate; a conveyance unit incorporating the platform to convey the substrate in a predetermined direction; a rubbing roller located above the platform for rubbing the alignment layer on the substrate; a combing unit located at one side of the rubbing roller for contacting with the rubbing roller; and at least one vacuum suction unit located at one side of the platform to suck and remove the particles released from the rubbing. The combing unit serves to smoothen a rubbing cloth on the rubbing roller, with a result of low static electricity accumulation on the substrate and of a better alignment effect on the alignment layer.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an optical film is provided. The method includes the following steps. A substrate is provided first and a surface of the substrate is aligned or an alignment layer is formed on the substrate. Next, a defined pattern layer is formed on the aligned surface of the substrate or on a surface of the alignment layer at a first temperature. A first liquid crystal layer is then coated on the aligned surface of the substrate or the surface of the alignment layer to cover the defined pattern layer. Then, a first curing step is performed at a second temperature to enable the defined pattern layer and the first liquid crystal layer to form the optical film. A portion of the optical film having the defined pattern layer is characterized by a different liquid crystal alignment property from the other portion of the optical film.

Abstract: The present invention has been made to form an oxide film having high adhesiveness to a substrate to thereby prevent oxidation of a wiring material or the like, and also provide a liquid crystal display device provided with wiring, an electrode or a terminal electrode having high conductivity, and a manufacturing method therefor. Consequently, the present invention, a liquid crystal display device comprising gate wiring or a gate electrode formed on a substrate on a TFT side of the TFT liquid crystal display device, wherein the wiring or the electrode has a structure of being held between two different insulation layers or insulators, and the structure is comprised of a first layer mainly consisting of copper and a second layer consisting of an oxide covering an outer circumferential part of the first layer, further, the second layer has compositional formula of CuXMnYSiZO (0<X<Y, 0<Z<Y).

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device includes a pair of substrates which face each other with a liquid crystal layer therebetween, a plurality of gate signal lines and a plurality of drain signal lines, and a plurality of pixel regions which are formed on one substrate. A planar counter electrode which is formed on each pixel region, and a pixel electrode having a plurality of slits is formed in overlapping relation with the counter electrode. A first contact hole is provided for connecting the pixel electrode and a source electrode, and a connection line is provided for connecting the counter electrode of one pixel region and the counter electrode of an adjacent next pixel region. The counter electrode has a notch in the position of the first contact hole.

Abstract: A display panel includes an array substrate, an opposite substrate facing the array substrate, and a liquid crystal layer interposed between the array and opposite substrates. The array substrate includes a gate wiring, a data wiring, a pixel section, a sensor wiring section, a sensor electrode section and a sensor pad section. The gate wiring is formed in a first direction. The data wiring is formed in a second direction crossing the first direction. The pixel section is electrically connected to the gate and data wirings. The sensor wiring section is spaced apart from the gate and data wirings. The sensor electrode section is electrically connected to the sensor wiring section. The sensor pad section applies a test voltage to the sensor wiring section in order to inspect a display panel defect. Therefore, a short defect, which is generated between the array substrate and the opposite substrate, may be easily inspected.

Abstract: A contact that takes a structure to laminate a protective conductive film over a metal film has a high hardness of the protective conductive film; therefore, a damage of contact surface made by contacting with an electrode of an inspection apparatus can be prevented in an inspection before boding FPC. However, the protective conductive film has higher resistivity compared to the metal film; therefore, contact resistivity with FPC gets higher, and power consumption gets bigger in the condition of using the display device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for fabricating a liquid crystal display using liquid crystal dropping and a method of fabricating a liquid crystal display using the same. The present invention includes a liquid crystal forming line dropping liquid crystals on the first substrate, a sealant forming line forming the sealant on the second substrate, and a bonding and hardening line bonding the two substrates to each other and hardening the sealant, printing a sealant, bonding the substrates each other, and hardening the sealant and an inspection process line of cutting the bonded substrates into panel units and grinding and inspecting the unit panels.

Abstract: Sunglasses includes a frame portion having opposing inner and outer faces, opposed first and second sides, a nose bridge formed between the opposed first and second sides, and a lens opening between the nose bridge and each of the first and second sides. A lens-defining member, made of a flexible, thin, sun-protective, light-transmitting material, has an outer face applied to the inner face of the frame portion and an opposing inner face, and a side in juxtaposition to each of the first and second sides of the frame portion. Fasteners affix the lens-defining member to the frame portion, and first and second temples extend rearwardly of the frame portion at the first and second sides of the frame portion, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is an interchangeable decorative article for selective placement within an eyeglass frame temple arm by forming one or more transverse apertures within one or both of the temple arms for receiving and fixing the decorative article in a selectively replaceable manner. The aperture and decorative article form a detachable mechanical bond through a flexi-pin assembly comprising opposing spring-loaded spherical bullets that reciprocate and withdraw into the decorative article during insertion into and extraction from the temple arm aperture. The spring exerts a bias urging the bullets outward but are refused egress by a retaining lip. The bullets remain in that position when in the static condition and the spherical properties of the bullets allow for retraction upon contacting the walls of the temple arm aperture as the user pushes the decorative article therein.

Abstract: A nose pad assembly applicable to all types of eyeglasses is provided, which includes an eyeglasses mainframe, and a nose pad structure. The eyeglasses mainframe includes in its center a nose rack with a trough sleeve on either end for accommodating the nose pad structure. The trough sleeve includes a hook-wall, a center groove, a peripheral groove, and an upholding opening with a smaller opening on the side facing outwards than on the side contacting the nose rack. The center groove joins the peripheral groove at the delimiting edge. The nose pad structure includes a nose pad mainframe flanked on each side with an insertion base, which connects an insertion piece. Each insertion piece includes an insertion wedge and an insertion pillar with a protruding rim for firmly secured inside the trough sleeve against the delimiting edge.

Abstract: A contact lens (4) comprises a solid component capable of imparting shape and structure to said lens, and a liquid component, at least partially contained in the solid component, capable of favouring the compatibility between said lens and the eye of a user of said lens, wherein the liquid component comprises a solution capable of being used as a lachrymal substitute.

Abstract: A safety lens has a protection panel and a dioptric component. The protection panel is transparent, flat and non-dioptric. The dioptric component is formed on the protection panel to provide a dioptric effect for a myopic or presbyopic wearer to allow the wearer to see through the dioptric component clearly. Therefore, the myopic or presbyopic wearer can see a workpiece through the dioptric component to perform detailed operations or through the protection panel to relax eyes when performing normal operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a spectacle lens device comprising at least one electrically adaptive area, wherein optical properties of the spectacle lens device can be controlled in an electric manner. The spectacle lens device is configured in such a manner that the optical properties of a predetermined or predeterminable control area can be controlled in an electrical manner which is essentially independent from the optical properties in a surrounding area. The invention also relates to the control area and to the surrounding area, respectively, about a partial area of the electrically adaptive area. The control area and the surrounding area do not a common area. The invention further relates to a pair of spectacles comprising a spectacle lens device, to the use of the inventive spectacle lens device and also to a method for operating an electrically adaptive area.

Abstract: A method of determining the external three dimensional external contour of a curved object in one step, which produces and processes a single composite en-face OCT image (a C-scan), which involves generating and processing a set of two dimensional image contours of the object in different image planes using a plurality of optical path lengths in an OCT system with all such contours present in the composite en-face OCT image. The multiple path lengths are generated using a multiple delay element in bulk or in fiber inserted in the path from the source to the OCT system or in one of the OCT arms. The image planes have a known spatial relationship with each other. The three dimensional external contour of the curved object is computed from the two dimensional contours in the composite en-face OCT image and the known spatial relationship between the image planes.

Abstract: A method and system providing multiple ophthalmic and retinal blood measurements is outlined. By extracting multiple digitized wavelength images and quantitative data within a relatively short time period the method allows for compensation of a patients eye or head movement, generation of ophthalmic clinical records, and determination of data relating to blood measurements, such as oxygen saturation and hemoglobin, in addition to ocular and other disease determinations. The method provides for multiple analysis and measurements within a single sitting of the patient, with a single simple instrument and without adaptations to the instrument during a patients eye examination. Beneficially the approach allows for low cost, compact, and even portable implementations offering such analysis and determination outside the current ophthalmic centers providing eased access and earlier diagnosis opportunities.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing night vision are disclosed. At least one visual mark is presented to a test person having an open pupil from a distance of several meters. The visual mark is configured as a light point, and a visual impression of the test person is determined by means of the visual mark. The apparatus comprises means for opening a pupil of a test person, in particular a darkened room. An examination position for the test person and a presentation apparatus for visual marks arranged at a distance of several meters from the examination position are also provided. The presentation apparatus comprises at least one point-shaped light source. A light beam thereof is directed towards the examination position. Means are provided for determining a visual impression of the test person with the help of the visual marks.

Abstract: A light source apparatus includes a light source unit that supplies light having a first wavelength, a wavelength conversion element that converts the light having the first wavelength into the light having a second wavelength different from the first wavelength, and a wavelength separator that separates the first-wavelength light from the second-wavelength light. The wavelength separator directs the second-wavelength light from the wavelength conversion element in the exit direction and the first-wavelength light from the wavelength conversion element in a direction other than the exit direction.

Abstract: A light source device includes: a light source unit which supplies light; a support unit which supports the light source unit; a covering unit which covers the light source unit; a wiring unit which connects a current supply section for supplying current to the light source unit and the light source unit; and a blade disposed at a position shifted toward the support unit from the wiring unit and penetrating through the covering unit.

Abstract: An image display system includes an image output device for outputting image information, an image display device for displaying an image corresponding to the image information, and a transmission section that connects the image output device and the image display device to each other in a manner capable of transmission of information, wherein the image output device includes an output device-side display section that displays an image corresponding to the image information, an output device-side control section that controls the output device-side display section, and an operation section that allows input of an output device-side adjustment information for adjusting a display condition of an image displayed by the output device-side display section, and outputs the output device-side adjusting information to the output device-side control section, the output device-side control section having an output device-side display adjustment section that makes a display condition of an image displayed by the output

Abstract: A device manufacturing method includes bringing pressure within a vacuum chamber of a lithographic projection apparatus to a temperature stabilizing pressure range; keeping the pressure within the vacuum chamber within the temperature stabilizing pressure range for a period of time so as to stabilize the temperature in the vacuum chamber; decreasing the pressure within the vacuum chamber to a production pressure range; generating a beam of radiation with a radiation system; patterning the beam of radiation; and projecting the patterned beam of radiation through the vacuum chamber onto a target portion of a layer of radiation-sensitive material on a substrate.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus which has a projection optical system configured to project light from a reticle to a substrate to expose the substrate to light, with a first gap between a final surface of the projection optical system and the substrate being filled with liquid. A substrate stage is configured to hold the substrate and to be moved to position the substrate, a plate has a surface substantially flush with a surface of the substrate held by the substrate stage and configured to be moved independently of the substrate stage, a supply nozzle is configured to supply the liquid, the liquid being supplied to the first gap via the supply nozzle during exposure of the substrate to light, and a recovery nozzle is configured to recover the liquid, the liquid being recovered from the first gap via the recovery nozzle during exposure of the substrate to light.

Abstract: A method of optimizing adjustable settings of adjustable elements of a projection system in a lithographic apparatus is disclosed that includes determining an object spectrum for a pattern and an illumination arrangement, determining a symmetry of the object spectrum, constructing a merit function for a wavefront in a pupil plane of the projection system with the settings of the adjustable elements as variables with reference to the symmetry, and optimizing the merit function.

Abstract: A stage apparatus includes a stage, a repulsive force generating unit including a first magnet provided on the stage and a second magnet provided to face the first magnet at an end of the moving stroke of the stage, a driving unit which drives the stage within the moving stroke of the stage, and a brake unit which includes an eddy current generating member arranged so as to suppress the movement of the first magnet.

Abstract: A positioning apparatus including a movable member having a plurality of magnets, and a plurality of coils arranged in X- and Y-axial directions, for displacing the movable member in the X- and Y-axial directions, and in a rotational direction around the Z-axis.

Abstract: In an immersion lithography apparatus or device manufacturing method, the position of focus of the projected image is changed during imaging to increase focus latitude. In an embodiment, the focus may be varied using the liquid supply system of the immersion lithographic apparatus.

Abstract: A projection optics for microlithography, which images an object field in an object plane into an image field in an image plane, where the projection optics include at least one curved mirror and including at least one refractive subunit, as well as related systems, components, methods and products prepared by such methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: An optical system of a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus (10) contains a module (50; 150), which can be fitted in the optical system and removed from it as a unit. The module contains a cavity (42; 142) which can be completely filled with a liquid (34; 134) and hermetically sealed, and a concavely curved optical surface (S) which bounds the cavity at the top during operation of the projection exposure apparatus (10). This makes it possible to fill the module outside the optical system, The module can be tilted there so that no air bubble, which prevents complete filling, can form below the concavely curved optical surface.

Abstract: A laser system is provided which selectively excites Raman active vibrations in molecules. In another aspect of the present invention, the system includes a laser, pulse shaper and detection device. A further aspect of the present invention employs a femtosecond laser and binary pulse shaping (BPS). Still another aspect of the present invention uses a laser beam pulse, a pulse shaper and remote sensing.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for performing real-time quadrature projection based FDOCT are disclosed. According to one method, a plurality of interferogram signals is phase shifted. A Fourier transform is applied to each of the plurality of interferogram signals. Depth dependence of the plurality of transformed interferogram signals is then removed. A real quadrature component and an imaginary quadrature component for each of the plurality of transformed interferogram signals are subsequently calculated. The real quadrature components of the transformed interferogram signals are combined to obtain a derived real component and the imaginary quadrature components of the transformed interferogram signals are combined to obtain a derived imaginary component. A full-range depth profile of the object is constructed by adding the derived real component to the product of the derived imaginary component and a scaling factor.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes at least one light emitting unit that emits a light, a first light receiving unit that receives specular reflection light from an illumination object when the light is incident on the illumination object with an incidence angle and specularly reflected with a reflection angle, and a second light receiving unit that receives diffuse reflection light from the illumination object when the incident light is diffusely reflected at the illumination object. The sum of the incident angle and the reflection angle is 25 degrees or less.

Abstract: Fiber optic cable systems and methods incorporating a luminescent compound-containing layer to identify cracks. Exemplary embodiments include a fiber optic cable apparatus including a core for receiving laser light emitted from a VCSEL for the detection of faults in the fiber optic cable, a cladding disposed around the core, the cladding having an index of retraction differential with the core thereby allowing containment of light within the core by total internal reflection within the core, a buffer disposed around the cladding, the buffer capable of receiving LED emitted light for the detection of faults in the fiber optic cable, a braiding layer disposed around the buffer and configured to allow LED light to transmit from the buffer, and a jacket disposed around the braiding layer, the jacket having optical properties to receive LED light transmitted down the buffer in response to VCSEL light having been unsuccessfully transmitted down the core.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining an alignment of the wheels of a vehicle are provided. The method includes determining values of wheel alignment parameters of a first wheel using images of a first optical target associated with the first wheel wherein the images are received by a first imager having a first field of view, and determining values of wheel alignment parameters of the first wheel using images of the first optical target received by a second imager having a second field of view when the first optical target is outside the first field of view.

Abstract: A spectrometer comprising a collimating element for receiving input light and collimating the same, a dispersive optical element for receiving light from the collimating element and dispersing the same and a focusing element for receiving light from the dispersive optical element and focusing the same on a detector assembly wherein, where the wavelength dispersion of the dispersed light extends in the x-y direction, the collimating element and the focusing element are formed so as to maintain the desired optical parameters in the x-y plane while having a reduced size in the z direction.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the stimulation and collection of fluorescent signals, said apparatus comprising: i) a frequency modulated optical source which emits excitation light of a wavelength which will stimulate a target fluorophore to emit a fluorescent signal when illuminated by said excitation light: ii) a first optical filter interposed between said optical source and said target fluorophore, iii) a second optical filter interposed between said fluorophore and a photo-detector positioned to receive said emitted fluorescent signal, and iv) a data processor which calculates and records the phase delay between said excitation light and said fluorescent signal wherein the beam path of at least one of the excitation light and the fluorescent signal is transmitted substantially through free space.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for increasing the sensitivity in the detection of optical coherence tomography and low coherence interferometry (“LCI”) signals by detecting a parallel set of spectral bands, each band being a unique combination of optical frequencies. The LCI broad bandwidth source is split into N spectral bands. The N spectral bands are individually detected and processed to provide an increase in the signal-to-noise ratio by a factor of N. Each spectral band is detected by a separate photo detector and amplified. For each spectral band the signal is band pass filtered around the signal band by analog electronics and digitized, or, alternatively, the signal may be digitized and band pass filtered in software. As a consequence, the shot noise contribution to the signal is reduced by a factor equal to the number of spectral bands. The signal remains the same. The reduction of the shot noise increases the dynamic range and sensitivity of the system.

Abstract: A particle monitor system capable of accurately detecting the number of or the size of particles flowing through an exhaust pipe. In a bypass line through which a chamber is communicated with a dry pump, there is disposed the particle monitor system that includes a laser oscillator for irradiating laser light, a photo multiplier tube having a focal point thereof located at a location where the center axis of the bypass line crosses the laser light, and a particle converging member formed by a circular disk-like member and formed with a through hole facing the focal point FP. A gap is defined between the bypass line and an outer periphery of the particle converging member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for determining anisotropies affecting the polarization properties of light in microscopically small objects using optical microscopy. In particular, the invention relates to an apparatus comprising an optical path extending between a light source and an optical sensor, wherein the object, or specimen, is placed in this optical path. The optical path also includes an element for polarization analysis and at least one element adjustable by a controller, the at least one adjustable element causing a rotation of the polarization properties of light passing through said element, wherein the rotation is controllable with respect to its angle. A controller module of the apparatus applies at least three different rotation angles and acquires an image of the object for each of the at least three different rotation angles using the optical sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for wafer level calibration of imaging sensors and for imaging sensors that have been calibrated at the wafer level. The quantum efficiency spectrum measurement is calculated for calibration pixels (or other region of interest) using spatially separated monochromatic light having a spectral range. The results of the quantum efficiency spectrum measurement are stored, for example in anti-fuse memory cells on the imaging sensor. An imaging system, such as a camera, utilizes an imaging device with the calibrated imaging sensor.

Abstract: Methods of selecting crystalline quartz material for use in an optical apparatuses are disclosed. In some embodiments, the methods can enable a relatively fast, simple and/or reliable selection of samples with respect to their lifetime properties under laser irradiation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of preparing a silica layer on a surface, the method comprising contacting the surface with a first alkoxysilane and a first base, such that a first siloxane layer is formed on the surface; and contacting the first siloxane layer with a combination of a binding alkoxysilane, a growth limiting alkoxysilane and a second base, such that a second siloxane layer forms on top of the first siloxane layer, wherein the silica layer is prepared at a temperature of less than 100° C., and wherein the growth limiting alkoxysilane limits the thickness of the silica layer to less than 100 nm, thereby preparing the silica layer.

Abstract: An interferometer for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy includes a fixed assembly including a housing, a beam splitter, and a mirror fixedly positioned relative to each other. A movable assembly includes a housing, a mirror, and a motor coil, fixedly positioned relative to each other. A first flat spring has an opening for providing an unobstructed optical path of radiation therethrough. A first end of the first flat spring is secured to the fixed assembly and a second end of the first flat spring is secured to the movable assembly for providing movement of the movable assembly relative to the fixed assembly via the first flat spring. An optical relationship between the beam splitter, the mirror of the fixed assembly, and the mirror of the movable assembly is maintained independent of a distance between the movable assembly and the fixed assembly.

Abstract: A two-beam interferometer for Fourier Transform spectroscopy has a double pivot scanning mechanism. The interferometer has two rigid pendulums that are each rotatable to swing around an associated one of distinct axes of rotation. A linkage links the two rigid pendulums to each other and constrains their rotation relative to each other. The interferometer has bearings, which may be flexure bearings, for rotatably mounting the two pendulums to swing around an associated one of the distinct axes of rotation and a first and a second bearing linking the linkage to an associated one of the pendulums. The two rigid pendulums, the linkage and the bearings can be a monolithic structure.

Abstract: An optical test stand using a first glass substrate compatible with the glass substrate of a disk for a hard disk drive. A first method uses an optical test stand to perform both intensity-based and phase-based interferometry to create improved estimates of the flying height of a slider off of rotating disk surface, and the flying height estimate as a product of that process. Optical test stand may further include a first light source only in the blue spectrum and/or a light source actuator for positioning the first light source.

Abstract: An optical test stand using a blue light source to perform both intensity-based and phase-based interferometry creating improved estimates of the flying height of a slider off of rotating disk surface, and the flying height estimate as a product of that process. A first method using an optical test stand to perform both intensity-based and phase-based interferometry to create improved estimates of the flying height of a slider off of rotating disk surface, and the flying height estimate as a product of that process. Optical test stand may further include a test disk with a glass substrate compatible with disk in a hard disk drive and/or a light source actuator for positioning the first light source.

Abstract: A laser Doppler velocimeter is formed using erbium-doped fiber as the lasing medium. The fiber is diode-pumped. By properly modulating the lasing in the fiber, pulses of radiation may be generated. A telescope acts as the transmission device to focus the radiation at a specified point, and may also act as the receiving system for reflected radiation. The portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift caused by aerosols or objects at the focal point of the telescope.

Abstract: Methods for measuring expansion of a test sample. One method includes establishing a diffraction slit between two blades, with the position of at least one of the blades being dependent upon the length of a test sample of material. As the temperature of the sample changes, the width of the slit changes. Light is projected through the slit onto a target and an diffraction pattern is measured. Changes in the light diffraction pattern correspond to the thermal expansion of the sample. Another method includes establishing a diffraction slit between two blades, with the position of at least one of the blades being dependent upon a length along a test sample of material. As a load is applied to the test sample, the width of the slit changes. Changes in the light diffraction pattern correspond to Young's Modulus for the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring web planarity includes a horizontal reference surface and a light source for projecting a light pattern onto the reference surface at an angle. A web is supported above the reference surface. An imaging device detects (1) positions on the reference plane of interception of discrete regions of the projected light pattern and (2) respective positions on the web of interception of the same discrete regions of the projected light pattern. The imaging device determines the vertical offset of the respective positions on the web as a function of differences in the detected positions on the reference plane and the respective detected positions on the web. A measure of non-planarity of the web is calculated based upon a comparison of a plurality of such vertical offsets from a plurality of detected positions of the web.

Abstract: A three-dimensional shape measuring device for measuring a three-dimensional shape of a measurement object using a light section method includes: a slit beam generator for generating a slit beam of a fan-like shape; a light projecting optical system for projecting the slit beam toward the measurement object; and an imaging section including a light receiving plane for forming light reflected on the measurement object including the slit beam, wherein the light projecting optical system includes an extended optical path for extending a slit length of the slit beam near the imaging section to a predetermined length.