Abstract: The present invention discloses an array of micromirrors with non-fixed underlying structures which can be oriented to have principal rotational axis with no structural and mechanical interference and with no electrical conflict. The micromirror array in the present invention can reproduce various surfaces including spherical, aspherical (e.g. parabolic, hyperbolic, elliptical, etc.), anamorphic, other than rotational symmetric profiles. With the newly introduced non-fixed underlying structure, the present invention makes possible for a micromirror array to generate a desired optical surface profile by simple motion controls and to improve structural stability, simplicity, flexibility, and efficiency in motion and motion control.

Abstract: The present invention provides an all optical cross connect switch utilizing two-axis MEMS mirrors for cross connecting optical fibers in a first set of optical fibers to optical fibers in a second set of optical fibers. The optical fibers in the first and second sets of optical fibers are precisely positioned in a first fiber-microlens positioning array to define a first set of parallel collimated cross-connect communication beam paths, with each collimated cross-connect communication beam path connecting an optical fiber in the first set of optical fibers with a MEMS mirror in a first MEMS mirror array. Alignment beams are added to and aligned co-axially with each of the first and second sets of parallel collimated cross-connect communication beams.

Abstract: A wavelength selective switch for suppressing degradation of pass band characteristics when the temperature rises. The wavelength selective switch includes a spectroscopic element for separating input light and providing angular dispersion depending on wavelengths, a collective lens for gathering light output from the spectroscopic element, and a movable reflection block which includes a plurality of mirrors arranged in the direction of angular dispersion made by the spectroscopic element, changes the angles of the mirrors in a direction differing from the direction of angular dispersion, and reflects the light coming from the collective lens. The collective lens is fixed at one end with respect to the direction of angular dispersion, expands with heat in a direction in which it is not fixed when the temperature rises, and outputs the light in a direction opposite to the direction in which the angle of light output from the spectroscopic element changes.

Abstract: An optical deflection apparatus including a light source; an optical deflector including first and second oscillators and first and second torsion springs, the first torsion spring connecting the first and second oscillators, the second torsion spring being connected to the second oscillator, and the first and second torsion springs sharing a common torsion axis; and a driver that applies a driving force to the optical deflector; and a driving controller that supplies a driving signal to the driver. The driving controller sets a reference frequency on the basis of a resonant frequency of the optical deflector, calculates a target time at which one of the first and second oscillators makes a predetermined deflection angle on the basis of the reference frequency, and supplies such a driving signal that the one of the first and second oscillators passes through a point corresponding to the predetermined deflection angle at the target time.

Abstract: A micromechanical device includes a micromechanical functional structure, which can be deflected about a main axis from a rest position, a movable electrode, which is mounted to the micromechanical functional structure, and a fixed electrode, which can be tilted about a tilting axis with respect to the movable electrode in the rest position, wherein the tilting axis is parallel to the main axis or is identical with the main axis.

Abstract: An illumination system including a coherent light source and a speckle-reducing module is provided. The coherent light source is adopted for providing a light beam. The speckle-reducing module is disposed at an optical path of the light beam. The speckle-reducing module includes a rotator, a carrier and an optical path adjusting member. The rotator is adopted for rotating on a reference plane about a spindle axis passing through the rotator. The spindle axis is substantially perpendicular to the reference plane. The carrier is disposed at the rotator. The optical path adjusting member is disposed at the carrier and at the optical path of the light beam. The optical path adjusting member has an incident surface inclined at an angle with respect to the reference plane.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, an optical modulation device includes a Mach-Zehnder modulator and a controller. The Mach-Zehnder modulator is supplied a drive signal and a bias voltage. The Mach-Zehnder modulator modulates inputted light on the bases of the drive signal and the bias voltage. The drive signal selectively is superimposes a predetermined frequency signal. The bias voltage selectively is superimposes the predetermined frequency signal. The controller selects a superimposing target which is the drive signal or the bias voltage so as to change modulation formats.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device is presented which comprises a metallized semiconductor. The metallized semiconductor can be used for conductor applications because of its low resistivity, and for transistor applications because of its semiconductor properties. In addition, the metallized semiconductor can be tuned to have optical properties which allow it to be useful for optical MEMS devices.

Abstract: A controllable optical lens comprises a chamber housing first and second fluids, the interface between the fluids defining a lens surface. An electrode arrangement controls the shape of the lens surface and is also for sensing the shape of the lens surface. The electrode arrangement comprising a plurality of electrode segments at different angular orientations about an optical axis of the lens. Surface characteristics are sensed at a plurality of angular orientations from the plurality of electrode segments, and in this way the local shape characteristics of the lens at different angular positions around the lens can be determined. In this way, asymmetry can be detected.

Abstract: Electrically dimmable windows for aircraft are powered by energy harvesting devices on-board the aircraft. The harvested energy is stored and used to control the opacity of the windows based on individual window opacity settings selected either by passengers or a cabin attendant. Each window has an associated control circuit that controls the electrical power applied to the window based on the selected opacity setting. The control circuit includes a low energy usage processor that remains in a sleep mode until a change in the opacity setting is detected. Each control circuit may include a radio transceiver that receives control signals from a transmitter operated by the cabin attendant in order to simultaneously remotely control the opacity settings of multiple windows.

Abstract: Eyewear exhibiting a variable light transmittance functionality is achieved by including a smart lens incorporating an electrochromic (EC) polymer, switchable between a first state and a second state in response to a voltage selectively applied thereto. The smart eyewear includes the smart lens, a voltage source, and a support. The EC polymer transmits more light in the first state than in the second state, because changing the state of the EC polymer varies the light transmittance of the smart lens. The voltage source is configured to provide the voltage required to switch the EC polymer between the first state and the second state, while the support member is configured to support the smart lens and enable a user to wear the smart eyewear. Embodiments can include sensors and controllers to automate the switching, as well as energy harvesting elements to increase battery life.

Abstract: Briefly, in accordance with one or more embodiments, a thermally controlled optical filter comprises a frame coupled to an etalon where the frame includes a resistive thermal device disposed on the frame to obtain thermal measurements of the etalon during operation. The frame may be generally L-shaped or generally square-shaped. The frame may include a fillet that is generally planar, generally beveled or trapezoidal, or generally circular in shape. A heater may be additionally disposed on the frame. The etalon and frame subassembly may be bonded to a micro hot plate that is capable of heating the etalon to an operational temperature.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator supported on a device substrate includes a plurality of light modulation elements to modulate a light emitted from a light source. The spatial light modulator and the device substrate further comprises a cyclic structure on a surface of the spatial light modulator and/or the device substrate for preventing a reflection of the incident light from the cyclic structure. In an exemplary embodiment the cyclic structure includes cyclic structural elements having a distance between two cyclic elements shorter than the wavelength of an incident light for preventing a reflection of the incident light from the cyclic structure.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device includes a reflective element that includes at least one stop member. The device also includes an electrode and an aperture that extends at least partially through the electrode. The aperture has a boundary. The device has an electrically nonconductive surface within the aperture or on a portion of the boundary of the aperture. A support structure separates the reflective element from the electrode. The reflective element can be moved between a first position and a second position. The stop member is spaced from the electrically nonconductive surface when the reflective element is in the first position. A portion of the stop member is in contact with the electrically nonconductive surface when the reflective element is in the second position. The reflective element and the electrode are electrically isolated from each other when the reflective element is in the second position.

Abstract: A micro oscillating device includes a frame, an oscillating part including a first drive electrode for application of a reference electric potential, and a connecting part for connecting the frame and the oscillating part to each other, where the connecting part defines an axis of an oscillating motion of the oscillating part. A second drive electrode is fixed to the frame to cooperate with the first drive electrode for generation of a driving force for the oscillating movement. The first drive electrode includes a first end extension and a second end extension separated from each other and extending in a direction crossing the axis. The second drive electrode is within a separation distance between the first and the second end extensions.

Abstract: An optical modulator comprising a spacing-controllable etalon having at least one sprung micro-mirror suspended above a substrate. At least one electrically insulating stop is provided between the micro-mirror and the substrate to avoid short-circuit when the micro-mirror is drawn towards the substrate by an applied voltage. An optical detector detects the time of arrival of a first laser pulse. A control circuit predicts from this an arrival time of the next incident laser pulse and, responsive to a control signal, either retains the micro-mirror in its pulled-down state held against the insulating stops or releases the micro-mirror at a time predicted to maximise or minimise the light transmitted through the modulator. After a time interval calculated to permit a predetermined number of mechanical oscillations, the micro-mirror is pulled back down onto the stops.

Abstract: An optically addressed, photoconductive spatial light modulator (SLM) operates in a transmissive mode and is capable of modulating a wide spectrum of visible light. There is no pixel structure or native pixel resolution in the SLM. The SLM has no photodiodes and does not rectify. A light projection system (100) in which one or more SLMs (128, 130, 132) are placed includes a write (image definition) UV light path (102) and a read (illumination) visible light path (104) to form a color image projection display. The write UV light propagates from an image display pattern source (120) and either sequentially or continuously writes image patterns on the photoconductive SLMs. The read visible light propagates through the SLM and is modulated by an electro-optical material, the optical properties of which change in response to the image structure carried by the write light. The result is a high efficiency display system that delivers high resolution color images through a projection lens (190) onto a display screen.

Abstract: Disclosed in an electrophoretic display device having a charged ink layer. In this disclosed device, the ink layer is disposed on the active region (an image display region) and the peripheral region located around the active region, and an electric field is applied to a portion of the electrophoretic ink film corresponding to the peripheral region. Therefore, the peripheral region does not look stained.

Abstract: Provided is a method of driving an organic transistor formed on a substrate, wherein the substrate is sealed by a sealing material, and a bias voltage for compensating for threshold voltage of the organic transistor is supplied to the organic transistor at least at the time of an operation of the organic transistor.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis display device having a plurality of pixels that is arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern. The electrophoresis display device according to an aspect of the invention includes: a first electrode that is formed in each of the pixels; a second electrode that is formed opposite to the first electrode; an electrophoresis element that is sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode and has electrophoresis particles that are charged electrically; and an insulation layer that is formed at a region between each two of the first electrodes that are arrayed adjacent to each other.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling propagation of incident electromagnetic radiation is described, comprising a composite material having electromagnetically reactive cells of small dimension relative to a wavelength of the incident electromagnetic radiation. At least one of a capacitive and inductive property of at least one of the electromagnetically reactive cells is temporally controllable to allow temporal control of an associated effective refractive index encountered by the incident electromagnetic radiation while propagating through the composite material.

Abstract: An optical scanning device provides a radiation source 2,200), a collimator lens (4,40), an objective (7,90) for converting a beam (5,30?) to a scanning spot at the position of an information layer (101) of a record carrier (1,100). The device also includes an electrowetting cell (6). The electrowetting cell (6) acts such that a beam (5,30?) enters the objective (7,90) at a predetermined height of an entrance pupil of the objective (7,90) independent of the position of the objective (7,90) and that the beam (5,30?) forms a predetermined angle at the entrance pupil of the objective (7,90) with the optical axis (8). In this way the rim intensity may be kept constant over the entrance pupil of the objective (7,90).

Abstract: Provided is a transmissive active grating device that transmits light or diffracts light according to an applied voltage. The transmissive active grating device includes: an electro optical material layer which transmits light; a first electrode formed on a bottom surface of the electro optical material layer; and an array of a plurality of second electrodes arranged on a top surface of the electro optical material layer in parallel with each other.

Abstract: In a method of phase adjustment for the demodulator 1 of the present invention, the phase adjustment is performed by driving any one of the heaters on the two waveguides 10 and 11 in the Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) 6 and on the two waveguides 14 and 15 in the MZI 7. In case that an initial phase difference between the MZIs 6 and 7 smaller than a required phase difference as ?/2 therebetween, the heaters C and D are driven, that are formed on the first waveguide 10 in the MZI 6, and the heaters G and H are driven, that are formed on the second waveguide 15 in the MZI 7. In case that the initial phase difference is larger than the required phase difference (?/2) therebetween, the heaters A and B formed on the second waveguide 11 in the MZI 6, and the heaters E and F formed on the first waveguide 14 in the MZI 7 are driven.

Abstract: A new pixel in semiconductor technology comprises a photo-sensitive detection region (1) for converting an electromagnetic wave field into an electric signal of flowing charges, a separated demodulation region (2) with at least two output nodes (D10, D20) and means (IG10, DG10, IG20, DG20) for sampling the charge-current signal at at least two different time intervals within a modulation period. A contact node (K2) links the detection region (1) to the demodulation region (2). A drift field accomplishes the transfer of the electric signal of flowing charges from the detection region to the contact node. The electric signal of flowing charges is then transferred from the contact node (K2) during each of the two time intervals to the two output nodes allocated to the respective time interval. The separation of the demodulation and the detection regions provides a pixel capable of demodulating electromagnetic wave field at high speed and with high sensitivity.

Abstract: An optical amplifier including: a first amplifying unit amplifying an input light by utilizing a first excitation light and thereby outputting a first amplified light; a second amplifying unit amplifying the first amplified light by utilizing a second excitation light and thereby outputting a second amplified light; and a control unit detecting a first absorption rate of the first excitation light and a second absorption rate of the second excitation light, and controlling a level of the first excitation light and a level of second excitation light based on the first absorption rate and the second absorption rate. The first absorption rate corresponds to a ratio of the first excitation light absorbed in the first amplifying unit, and the second absorption rate corresponds to a ratio of the second excitation light absorbed in the second amplifying unit.

Abstract: An optical direct amplifier lowers the power consumption with a simple structure at a low cost. This amplifier includes an optical amplification medium (e.g., optical fiber) that carries out an optical amplification function in response to optical excitation by an exciting light source (e.g., semiconductor laser); a temperature controller for controlling the temperature of the amplification medium; a heat radiating member for radiating the heat generated by the light source; and a heat transmission regulator (e.g., Peltier module) for allowing the heat to flow into the amplification medium from the light source and for preventing the heat from flowing into the light source from the amplification medium. The amplification medium is heated by application of the heat generated by the light source by way of the heat radiating member and the heat transmission regulator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for controlling a gain of an optical amplifier, and the apparatus comprises a target gain calculating unit for calculating, as a target gain for an optical amplifier, a value obtained by increasing or decreasing a gain (output) of signal light as the number of wavelengths of wavelength-multiplexed signal light decreases, and a control signal outputting unit for outputting a control signal to the optical amplifier so as to amplify the wavelength-multiplexed signal light with the target gain calculated by the target gain calculating unit. This promptly suppresses a fluctuation of signal light level, particularly, a fluctuation of output light power of an optical amplifier stemming from a variation of the number of wavelengths of wavelength-multiplexed signal light.

Abstract: A control apparatus comprises a light monitoring unit for dividing a signal wavelength band into at least a band in which output light power of an optical amplifier tends to decrease at an decrease in the number of signal wavelengths and a band including a gain deviation band, and for monitoring inputted light power for the individual divided bands, a calculation unit for obtaining the number of signal wavelengths in the individual divided bands based on a monitor result, and a target gain correction unit for correcting a target gain based on a result of the calculation. This suppresses a transient variation of signal light level due to SHB or SRS at a high speed with a simple configuration without deteriorating noise characteristic, thus enabling optical amplifiers to be further disposed in a multi-stage fashion, which can lengthen the transmission distance of a transmission system including an optical add/drop unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical module which is capable of amplifying light to be amplified to high power and which has a structure for effectively reducing influences of damage to other optical parts, and heat generation. The optical module includes a fiber unit constituted by an optical coupler, an amplification optical fiber, and an absorption optical fiber. Each of the amplification optical fiber and the absorption optical fiber has a core, a first cladding, a second cladding, and a third cladding. Further, each of the fibers allows the light to be amplified to propagate in a single mode in each of the cores, and allows pumping light to propagate in a multimode in the core, the first cladding, and the second cladding. The core of the amplification optical fiber is doped with an amplification dopant for amplifying the light to be amplified. The second cladding of the absorption optical fiber is doped with an absorption dopant for absorbing the pumping light.

Abstract: A semiconductor optical amplification module that can suppress ringing without increasing power consumption or circuit size or inhibiting high-speed operation. A semiconductor optical amplifier outputs an optical signal inputted according to driving current outputted from a drive circuit. A diode is connected in parallel with the semiconductor optical amplifier. As a result, it becomes possible to suppress ringing without connecting a large resistor to the drive circuit.

Abstract: An operation microscope includes a microscope body having an illumination optical system which illuminates a subject, a lens barrel, and a main observation optical system which observes the subject, a microscope unit for an assistant attached to the microscope body, and a guide rail which is disposed in the lens barrel of the microscope body, and extends in a circumferential direction about a center of an optical axis of an objective lens of the microscope body. The microscope unit for an assistant is disposed in the guide rail to be movable between a usage position and a non-usage position in a circumferential direction of the lens barrel.

Abstract: A confocal imaging microscope, especially for the cellular imaging of the skin at selected locations, is ergonomic in use, compact, and positionable at the locations thereby providing for patient comfort during imaging. An imaging head (28) is gimble mounted on a multi-axis compound arm (34) to allow for precise placement of a confocal objective (116) extending from the head at selected locations against the skin of the patient while providing for patient comfort. The arm (34) attaches the head to an upright station (10) which may be movable along the floor on which the station is disposed. The station (10) has a platform (16) on which a keyboard (24) and a display (22) for monitoring the images is supported. The station (10) also supports a personal computer (PC) (26) for processing signals providing the images on the display and controlling the microscope. The head (28) contains an integrated assembly of the optical and mechanical components of the microscope.

Abstract: A confocal microscope system capable of observing a bright field image and a fluorescent image together with a confocal image can be achieved with a simple configuration.

Abstract: An illuminating module (100) has a light source which has at least one white-light LED. In addition to the white-light LED, an LED for red light and an LED for green light are provided. The illuminating module (100) has an output (112) and includes a light-mixing unit (101) which mixes the light of the white-light LED with the light of the respective LEDs for red light and green light in order to make available white illuminating light at the output (112) of the illuminating module for illuminating light.

Abstract: A suitable clear image is obtained in observation of a specimen exhibiting dynamic motion, for example, during in vivo observation. The invention provides an observation system including an optical apparatus including an objective unit that is positioned close to a specimen; and a stabilizer adhered to the specimen, at least around an observation region of the optical apparatus, to restrain motion of the specimen, wherein a heat-transfer preventing member for preventing transfer of heat between the stabilizer and the specimen is provided on the stabilizer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the relative location and attitude between two objects by means of positional tags and positional tag interrogation sensors are disclosed. Specific embodiments are addressed to positioning of microscope slides, assembly of mechanical components, and locating construction tools relative to a work piece.

Abstract: An observation device has an ocular lens and an objective lens and is adapted to observe through the ocular lens an intermediate image of an object formed by the objective lens. The observation device further includes a display section provided either on a light path connecting the ocular lens and the objective lens or on a light path branched off from the light path and displaying an image, and a light path switching section provided on the light path connecting the ocular lens and the objective lens and switching the light to be guided from the ocular lens to the objective lens and the image displayed on the display section to be guided to the ocular lens or the objective lens, thereby providing a small-sized observation device and binoculars having a display function.

Abstract: A relay set (4, 4?) for the optical system of a rigid endoscope, the optical system including an objective (1) at the distal end, an ocular (5) at the proximal end and between them a relay lens system consisting of several relay sets (2, 3, 4), the relay set (4, 4?) consisting of two half sets (4.1, 4.2) having the same lens units (11.1, 12.1, 13.1; 11.2, 12.2 13.2) arranged symmetrically with respect to the center (10) of the set (4, 4?), each half set (4.1, 4.2) consisting of two positive power lens units (11.1, 13.1; 11.2, 13.2) at the ends and one negative power lens unit (12.1; 12.2) in the middle, is characterized in that each half set is of Triplet design.

Abstract: A portable screen assembly includes: a casing having an opening extending in a longitudinal direction on the upper surface thereof, and formed by a pair of separable case members that extend in the longitudinal direction; a spring-biased roll rotatably mounted in the casing; a screen wound around the spring-biased roll in a storage position and extended from the opening in use; a top bar fixed to one end of the screen which is used as a cover body to close the opening in the storage position; and an extendable column having one end erectably pivoted from a center part of a side face of the casing to hold the screen in a stretched state.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image display apparatus displays element images each composed of a set of parallax component images. An exit pupil array is located opposite the display surface. Exit pupils of the array correspond to the respective element images. The horizontal pitch of the exit pupils or an integral multiple of the horizontal pitch is set equal or slightly smaller than an integral multiple of the horizontal pitch of pixels. The parallax component images are oriented in different directions via the exit pupil. Principal beams from the parallax component images via the exit pupils are emitted substantially parallel to one another. The element image contains substantially the same parallax image component in two pixel areas in which two adjacent parallax image components are otherwise displayed. The same parallax image component is oriented in different directions via the corresponding exit pupil.

Abstract: A stereoscopic displaying apparatus includes: an image generating section having a right eye image generating region on which a right eye image light is generated and a left eye image generating region on which a left eye image light is generated; a polarizing plate that emits the right eye image light and the left eye image light generated by the image generating section in the same polarizing direction; and a polarization axis control plate on which the right eye image light and the left eye image light from the polarizing plate are incident, and from which the right eye image light and the left eye image light are emitted as linear polarized lights of which polarization axes are orthogonalized to each other or circularly polarized lights of which polarization axes are rotated in the directions opposite to each other.

Abstract: A polarized light transmission screen and a stereoscopic image displaying apparatus capable to display a clear stereoscopic image with few little cross talks over a wide wavelength range. In a polarized light transmission screen 30, a 90-degree rotation regions 32b include in piles a plurality of retarders of which the directions of the optical axes differ with one another, and when the linearly polarized light having a polarization axis of a specific direction is made to be transmitted, they rotates the polarization axis by 90 degrees in total by each of the plurality of retarders rotating the polarization axis less than 90 degrees in steps. A 0-degree rotation regions 32a include in piles a plurality of retarders of which the directions of the optical axes differ with one another, and when the linearly polarized light having a polarization axis of a specific direction is made to be transmitted, the polarization axes of incidence and emission are the same direction.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stereoscopic displaying apparatus is provided.

Abstract: An antireflection laminate includes a support; a layer having hardcoat property; an overcoat layer; and a low refractive index layer, wherein at least one layer of the layer having hardcoat property and the overcoat layer comprises a metal oxide particle, and the antireflection laminate has a surface haze value of 0 to 12%, an internal haze value of 0 to 60%, and a Sm value of 40 to 200 ?m.

Abstract: [Problems to be Solved] To provide a multilayered phase difference plate that obtains a higher incident light polarization conversion efficiency than that of a related-art multilayered phase difference plate. [Means to Solve the Problems] There is provided a multilayered phase difference plate 1 that serves as a half-wavelength phase difference plate in the range of 400 nm to 700 nm by bonding together a first phase difference plate 10 and a second phase difference plate 20 in a manner that optical axes 11 and 12 intersect each other. The multilayered phase difference plate 1 obtains a higher incident light polarization conversion efficiency than that of a related-art multilayered phase difference plate, since the respective plate thicknesses of the first and second phase difference plates 10 and 20 are within the range such that the phase difference deviation amounts are offset by each other.

Abstract: An antireflection film includes, in a following order, a transparent substrate film; a medium refractive index layer; a high refractive index layer; and a low refractive index layer, wherein the medium refractive index layer is (A) a medium refractive index layer having a refractive index of 1.60 to 1.64 at a wavelength of 550 nm and a thickness of 55.0 to 65.0 nm, the high refractive index layer is (B) a high refractive index layer having a refractive index of 1.70 to 1.74 at a wavelength of 550 nm and a thickness of 105.0 to 115.0 nm, and the low refractive index layer is (C) a low refractive index layer having a refractive index of 1.32 to 1.37 at a wavelength of 550 nm and a thickness of 85.0 to 95.0 nm.

Abstract: An optical polarizer includes a supporting member and a polarizing film supported by the supporting member. The polarizing film includes at least one layer of a carbon nanotube film, and the carbon nanotubes in a given carbon nanotube film are aligned in the same direction therein. A method for fabricating the optical polarizer includes the steps of: (a) providing a supporting member; (b) providing at least one layer of a carbon nanotube film, the carbon nanotubes in a given carbon nanotube film aligned along the same direction; and (c) adhering a given carbon nanotube film to the supporting member to form the optical polarizer.

Abstract: A circular polarizer comprising a single linear polarizer producing a linear state of polarization and at least one phase retardation film layered with the single linear polarizer. In a first embodiment, the at least one phase retardation film includes at least one uniaxial A-plate phase retardation film and at least one uniaxial C-plate phase retardation film. In a second embodiment of the invention, the circular polarizer includes a linear polarizer and at least one biaxial phase retardation film layered with the linear polarizer. In another example of the circular polarize of the second embodiment, at least one uniaxial A-plate phase retardation film and/or at least one uniaxial C-plate phase retardation film is also layer with the linear polarize and the biaxial phase retardation film.

Abstract: A method for controlling positive birefringence in an optical compensation film (positive C-plate) having high positive birefringence throughout the wavelength range 400 nm<?<800 nm is provided. The method includes selecting polymers with optically anisotropic subunits (OASUs) that exhibit the buttressing effect, wherein the OASUs may be disks, mesogens or aromatic rings substituted with birefringence enhancing substituents. The method further includes processing the polymer by solution casting to yield a polymer film with high birefringence without the need for stretching, photopolymerization, or other processes. These optical compensation films may be used in LCDs, particularly IPS-LCDs.