Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid crystal alignment agent capable of preventing a decrease in voltage holding ratio (VHR), a liquid crystal display containing such a liquid crystal alignment agent, and a method for manufacturing such a liquid crystal display. Aspects of the present invention include a liquid crystal alignment agent containing at least one polymer selected from a polyamic acid and an imide polymer thereof and at least one difunctional monomer having an anthracene or phenanthrene structure, a liquid crystal display including an alignment film formed on at least one of an active substrate and a counter substrate using the above liquid crystal alignment agent, and a method for manufacturing a liquid crystal display including the steps of forming an active substrate and forming a counter substrate, at least one of which includes forming an alignment film on the active substrate or the counter substrate using the above liquid crystal alignment agent.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display (LCD) device and a method of manufacturing the same are proposed. A first transparent conducting layer is disposed on a first via for forming a testing point. A second transparent conducting layer is disposed on a second via and a third via. The first transparent conducting layer is connected to the second transparent conducting layer. By means of the method of manufacturing, the first transparent conducting layer and the second transparent conducting layer are still connected to each other after a process of edge exposure. It ensures that the testing point could be connected to a first metallic wiring layer and a second metallic wiring layer, preventing the testing point from malfunctioning.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, liquid crystal optical element includes: first board; second board; liquid crystal layer; first electrodes; second electrodes; third electrodes; and fourth electrode. The liquid crystal optical element generates refractive index distribution functioning as a lens. The first electrodes are at positions corresponding to end portions of the lens and on the liquid crystal layer side of the first board. The second electrodes are at positions corresponding to discontinuity points of the lens and on the liquid crystal layer side of the first board. The third electrodes are at positions corresponding to lens surfaces of the lens and on the liquid crystal layer side of the first board. The fourth electrode is provided to the whole surface on the liquid crystal layer side of the second board and includes first cutout portions formed at parts opposing the third electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device of liquid crystal photo-alignment. The method comprises: providing a liquid crystal layer, liquid crystal layer doped with reactive monomer; under influence of an electric field, using radiation light to irradiate on liquid crystal layer to trigger polymerization of monomers to achieve the photo-alignment of liquid crystal layer; wherein polymerization of monomers comprising a first stage and a second stage following the first stage, the radiation light having a first illumination in the first stage and having a second illumination in the second stage, and the first illumination being less than the second illumination.

Abstract: A liquid crystal prism element includes: a first prism array; a second prism array arranged so as to face the first prism array; and a liquid crystal layer provided between the first and second prism arrays. The first prism array is composed of a plurality of first prisms that have ridge lines extending in a Y axis direction and are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in an X axis direction The second prism array is composed of second prisms that have ridge lines extending in the Y axis direction and are arranged so as to be spaced apart from each other at predetermined intervals in the X axis direction. Each first prism has an inclined surface facing a center side of the liquid crystal layer. Each second prism has an inclined surface facing the center side of the liquid crystal layer.

Abstract: Eyewear is provided that can comprise a frame, a lens, and at least one retention component that can secure the lens relative to the frame. The frame can be configured to support at least one lens in a field of view of a wearer. The retention component can be supported by the frame and/or the lens and can be movable or fixed relative to the frame and/or the lens. In some embodiments, the retention component can slidably engage an engagement portion of the frame and/or the lens for preventing the lens from separating from the frame in response to a ballistic event. In some embodiments, the eyewear can comprise a faceplate and a pair of straps that attach to the frame of the eyewear in a manner that evenly distributes compressive stresses across the surface of the faceplate.

Abstract: A fundus examination device aiding in gaze fixation and image focusing includes a light projecting device for projecting an examination light to illuminate an examinee's fundus; an illuminating system for transmitting the examination light to the examinee's eye and receiving a fundus image; an imaging system for showing the fundus image; and a focusing and gaze-fixation device located in the illuminating system and including a focus mask formed in a focusing zone, on which the examinee's eye focuses. The focus mask includes a split image screen surrounded by a light-penetrable structure, and gaze fixation devices for forming gaze-fixation images at examinee's eye focusing positions within the focusing zone, such that the split image screen and the gaze-fixation images are located at different focal positions corresponding to the examinee's eye curvature. Therefore, when a split image focusing is completed, the gaze-fixation images are also located at clearly recognizable focal positions.

Abstract: A device for stereoscopic examination of an eye, in particular a slit-lamp microscope, comprises, according to a first aspect of the invention, a lens for generating two images of the eye, wherein the device comprises at least one image sensor for electronic recording of the two images. According to a second aspect of the invention, the device for examination of an eye, in particular the slit-lamp microscope, comprises a lens for generating one image, wherein it comprises an image sensor for electronic recording of one image, and a viewing unit with an image-reproducing unit for presenting the image, and an eyepiece for viewing the image.

Abstract: Provided is an optical coherence tomography apparatus for obtaining a tomographic image from an interference light between a reference light and a measurement light having passed through an object. The OCT apparatus includes: a detection unit for detecting the presence/absence of an anterior eye imaging attachment member of the optical coherence tomography apparatus; a storage unit for storing information about the presence/absence of the anterior eye imaging attachment member obtained by the detection unit when the object is imaged; and a control unit for restricting capturing of the tomographic image when the object is imaged again based on the information about the presence of the anterior eye imaging attachment member stored in the storage unit and when the detachment of the anterior eye imaging attachment member is detected by the detection unit.

Abstract: An ophthalmic imaging apparatus divides a frame image obtained by capturing a moving image into a plurality of regions grouping pixels, and acquires photometric values corresponding the plurality of the regions. Further, the ophthalmic imaging apparatus determines acknowledgement or dis-acknowledgement of capturing a still image based on temporal variation of the acquired photometric values or distribution of the acquired photometric values on a fundus image. The ophthalmic imaging apparatus inhibits to execute a still image capturing of the fundus if the dis-acknowledgement of capturing is determined.

Abstract: A corneal endothelial cell photographing apparatus includes: a main unit that includes an illumination optical system, an imaging optical system, and a fixation optical system; a setting unit configured to preliminarily set illumination positions and an illumination order of the plurality of fixation lamps; a controller configured to obtain an endothelial image at a first fixation position, control the fixation optical system corresponding to a determination result for propriety of the endothelial image obtained at the first fixation position to light a fixation lamp corresponding to a second fixation position preliminarily set by the setting unit, and control the illumination optical system and the imaging optical system to obtain an endothelial image at the second fixation position; a monitor configured to display the endothelial image; and an operating unit configured to input a signal for operating at least the controller.

Abstract: A cornea shape measurement apparatus includes: a first projecting optical system configured to project a first target on the cornea; a first imaging optical system configured to capture a reflection image of the first target projected on the cornea; a second projecting optical system configured to project a second target different from the first target on the cornea to measure a corneal shape; a second imaging optical system configured to capture a reflection image of the second target projected on the cornea; and a calculation controller configured to adjust the amount of projection light of the second projecting optical system based on the reflection image of the first target, the reflection image having been acquired by the first imaging optical system, and measuring the corneal shape of an examinee's eye based on the reflection image of the second target, the reflection image having been captured by the imaging optical system.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of measuring a property of an eye of a subject using an apparatus which is: arranged to provide a bleaching light, a background light ostensibly invisible to rods (e.g. substantially red, and/or having or being a wavelength greater than 580 nm) and a target light ostensibly visible to rods (e.g. substantially green, and/or having or being a wavelength less than 580 nm and greater than 400 nm, e.g.

Abstract: A solution for the individual automatic rough positioning of ophthalmological equipment with respect to a to ensure the diagnostic or therapeutic treatment of the patient. The assembly includes a positioning aid and a control unit for the automatic alignment of the axis of vision of the eye with the optical axis of the ophthalmological equipment. The positioning aid includes a chin rest and a forehead support which have corresponding controllable actuating devices. The assembly has an additional measuring device for recording the geometry of the face of the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for improving the assessment of disruption or abnormalities to retinal layers are presented. The disruptions are detected by analyzing at least one segmented boundary of optical coherence tomography data. Several different types of analysis can be used alone or in combination to make an assessment of the level of disruption to the particular boundary or layer defined by the boundary. The results can be presented as an end face image and quantified to report an amount of disruption. In one embodiment, a method for determining the disruption to the photoreceptor outer segment is described.

Abstract: A light filtering structure and an optical engine system are provided. The light filtering structure includes a shaft center block and a first arc filter. The shaft center block is connected with an actuator to be swung back and forth by the actuator. The first arc filter is connected with the shaft center block and has an arc which corresponds with a central angle less than 360 degrees. The optical engine system includes a light source assembly, the light filtering structure and an actuator. The light source assembly produces a light beam and is disposed opposite to the light filtering structure. The actuator is connected with the shaft center block of the light filtering structure to drive the light filtering structure to swing back and forth.

Abstract: An illumination device includes a laser light source, and a polarization control device configured to control a polarization state of laser light emitted thereon from the laser light source, and to output light having at least two different polarization states.

Abstract: An optical system is configured to introduce light modulated by a reflective light modulator to a projection lens configured to project the light onto a target plane. The optical system includes a polarization beam splitter configured to introduce each of first colored light as p-polarized light and second colored light as s-polarized light to a corresponding one of reflective optical modulators that are different from each other, and to synthesize light fluxes modulated by the reflective optical modulators with each other, a beam splitter arranged between the polarization beam splitter and the projection lens and configured to split the first colored light in accordance with a polarization direction of the first colored light and to transmit or reflect the second colored light irrespective of a polarization direction of the second colored light, and a half-wave plate arranged between the polarization beam splitter and the beam splitter.

Abstract: Provided is a polarizing element having excellent optical properties and high light resistance to intense light. This polarizing element is provided with a transparent substrate, an absorbing layer disposed on the transparent substrate and constituting grid-shaped convexities arrayed at a pitch smaller than the wavelengths in the optical bandwidth used, a dielectric layer formed on the absorbing layer, and a reflective layer formed on the dielectric layer. Because the absorbing layer, which interferes with and absorbs light, is in contact with the transparent substrate, heat dissipation can be improved and heat resistance of the polarizing plate can be improved.

Abstract: A light source device and a projection type display apparatus include: an excitation light source; and a fluorescence light-emitting plate including a fluorescence light-emitting section arranged opposite to the excitation light source and a reflection section containing titanium oxide located on the opposite side of the excitation light source as viewed from the side of the fluorescence light-emitting section and arranged such as to be joined to the fluorescence light-emitting section. Then, excitation light from the excitation light source is projected onto the fluorescence light-emitting section so that fluorescence emission light is emitted from the fluorescence light-emitting section and reflected fluorescence light is emitted from the reflection section.

Abstract: Even when coherent light (specific light), such as laser light, is used as a light source, providing a first dichroic film having a seamless, single-film configuration as a film in a cross dichroic prism prevents a fringe pattern resulting from a highly interfering component contained in light combined in the cross dichroic prism from being produced, whereby the amount of image degradation can be reduced.

Abstract: A portable image projection device has a housing with first and second members pivotable between device folded and unfolded positions. First lens optics mounted within the first member are configured for projecting light modulated by a spatial light modulator along an optical axis through a first aperture with a first throw ratio with the device in the folded position. A second lens optics element movably mounted within the first member is configured for selective movement between positions of non-intersection and intersection with the optical axis. The second lens optics element is configured for cooperating with at least part of the first lens optics for projecting the light modulated by the spatial light modulator along the optical axis through a second aperture with a second throw ratio less than the first throw ratio with the device in the unfolded position.

Abstract: A scanning-type image display devices includes: a light source; a scanning unit that scans light beams emitted from light source to display an image on a projection plane; and a control unit that controls the emission time of the light beam from the light source for each pixel of the image, and that also controls the emission time for each pixel depending on the scanning angle of the scanning unit.

Abstract: A projector having a reflection device includes a projector body and a reflection device. The projector body has a first surface and a second surface. A projection lens is disposed on the first surface. A reflection device is disposed beside the projection lens for reflecting a projected image of a mobile device connected to the projector body. Due to the reflection device, the projected image of the projector is reflected and projected, thereby allowing the path of image projection to change and go in another direction and enlarging the projected image with the reflecting mirror.

Abstract: This multimedia player and projector includes a projector and a support on the top of it, and a cover could be lift and turn backward to open, which is assembled on one side of the top of the projector. There is a plug inside the cover which could provide electrical connection between projector and mobile device. Support is for disposing a mobile device which is assembled by a plate which is connected to projector by an axle, and a latch which is assembled on the rare of the plate which could set the angle between the latch and projector from 0 to 90 degrees.

Abstract: At least a first reticle is stored in a housing of a stocker. A first gas is delivered to the housing. At least one reticle pod having an additional reticle is delivered into a enclosure within the housing of the stocker. A second gas different from the first gas is delivered to the enclosure. The reticle pod is automatically retrieved from the enclosure. The delivery and retrieval of the reticle pod and delivery of the first gas and the second gas are automatically controlled.

Abstract: An immersion liquid confinement apparatus confines an immersion liquid in an immersion area that includes a gap between a projection system and an object of exposure in an immersion lithography system. The apparatus also recovers the immersion liquid from the immersion area. The apparatus includes an aperture through which a patterned image is projected, an outlet, a first chamber into which the immersion liquid is recovered through the outlet, and a second chamber into which the immersion liquid is recovered through a porous member from the first chamber. The porous member has a first surface contacting the first chamber and a second surface contacting the second chamber. A vertical position of a first portion of the first surface is different from a vertical position of a second portion of the first surface.

Abstract: A system for making flexible circuit films includes an inelastic conveyor, a web handling apparatus configured to pass a flexible substrate around the inelastic conveyor, an image acquisition apparatus configured to measure positions of a first set of alignment marks on the flexible substrate at a first conveyor location, an exposure apparatus configured to patternwise expose a photosensitive material on the flexible substrate at a second conveyor location, and an image processor configured to receive the measured positions of the first set of alignment marks, and to compare the measured positions with reference positions of the first set of alignment marks. The exposure apparatus is configured to patternwise expose the photosensitive material based on the comparison between the measured positions and the reference positions.

Abstract: An imager apparatus useful for a digital architecture lithographic printing system includes a first imager bank having at least one imager configured to produce a first output beam; and a second imager bank having at least one imager configured to produce a second output beam, the second imager bank being located at a first angle with respect to the first imager bank, the first output beam and the second output beam being separated by a second angle which is less than the first angle.

Abstract: A process for use in configuring a projection optics lithography system comprising providing a determination of pupil amplitude and phase optimization for the projection optics, for use in configuring the projection optics in accordance with the determination.

Abstract: A system and method is provided which predicts problematic areas for lithography in a circuit design, and more specifically, which uses modeling data from a modeling tool to accurately predict problematic lithographic areas. The method includes identifying surface heights of plurality of tiles of a modeled wafer, and mathematically mimicking a lithographic tool to determine best planes of focus for exposure for the plurality of tiles.

Abstract: System and method for enhancing optical lithography methodology for hole patterning in semiconductor fabrication are described. In one embodiment, a photolithography system comprises an illumination system for conditioning light from a light source, the illumination system producing a three-pore illumination pattern; a reticle comprising at least a portion of a pattern to be imaged onto a substrate, wherein the three-pore illumination pattern produced by the illumination system is projected through the reticle; and a projection lens disposed between the reticle and the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a highly controllable device for exposure from the back side and an exposure method, and also provides a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device using the same. The present invention involves exposure with the use of the back side exposure device of which a reflecting means is disposed on the front side of a substrate, apart from a photosensitive thin film surface by a distance X (X=0.1 ?m to 1000 ?m), and formation of a photosensitive thin film pattern in a self alignment manner, with good controllability, at a position a distance Y away from the end of a pattern. The invention fabricates a TFT using that method.

Abstract: An exposure method comprises a calculation step of calculating a correction amount of a correction unit which corrects a change in imaging characteristics of a projection optical system based on at least one of parameters including a numerical aperture and effective light source of an illumination optical system, a numerical aperture of the projection optical system, and a size and pitch of a pattern, and an amount of change in environment condition in the projection optical system; and a correction step of making the correction unit operate in accordance with the correction amount calculated in the calculation step.

Abstract: An extreme ultraviolet exposure apparatus includes a radiation system configured to supply a beam of extreme ultraviolet radiation; a support configured to support a patterning device, the patterning device configured to pattern the beam of extreme ultraviolet radiation according to a desired pattern; a substrate table having an area configured to support a substrate; a projection system configured to project the patterned beam of extreme ultraviolet radiation onto a target portion of the substrate, the projection system comprising a reflective optical system; wherein at least a part of the apparatus that during use of the apparatus is exposed to the beam of extreme ultraviolet radiation is coated with a coating, the coating comprising a metal oxide, or a photocatalyst, or a semiconductor, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A laser rangefinder includes a scanning laser emitter emitting a narrow laser beam, a controller in communication with the scanning laser emitter and configured to control the scanning laser emitter to emit the laser beam to scan a preset range in a preset manner, a laser detector positioned adjacent to the scanning laser emitter and configured to capture an image of a spot formed by the laser beam reflected off an object; and a processor in communication with the controller and the laser detector. The processor is configured to obtain an angle that the laser beam is tilted and process the image to obtain position coordinates of the spot in the image. The processor is further configured to calculate a distance from the laser rangefinder to the object based upon the angle and the position coordinates of the spot.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for ranging and communication in free space comprises a rangefinder comprising a device for transmitting an optical signal to a target and a device for receiving the signals backscattered by the target. A system for optical communication in free space comprises a device for transmitting an optical signal to a remote optical receiving device. The transmitting device of the rangefinder and transmitting device of the communication system is a transmitting device common to the rangefinder and communication system and transmitting pulses of peak power greater than 50 W and shape factor less than 0.01 or a modulated continuous signal of peak power less than 10 W and shape factor equal to approximately 0.5 and the apparatus comprises a supervisor controlling the common transmitting device according to two modes, the pulse mode to perform the ranging function, or the modulated continuous mode to perform the optical communication function.

Abstract: Satellite data is used to determine water depth by accounting for the changing turbidity of the water over time and without requiring calibration using SONAR measurements. Radiance values at multiple wavelengths sensed at both a first time and a second time are stored in a database. Modeled reflectance values are calculated for a defined surface area on the water based on an assumed depth, assumed water constituents and assumed bottom cover. A plurality of differences between the modeled reflectance values and the reflectances sensed at the two times are calculated. A bathymetry application module minimizes the sum of the differences between the modeled and sensed subsurface reflectances by varying the assumed depth, bottom cover and water constituents. The differences are weighted based on wavelength before being summed. The depth that results in the minimized sum of the differences is the estimated depth, which is displayed on a graphical user interface.

Abstract: According to the present invention there is provided a strain sensor apparatus comprising, two or more strain sensors each of which is capable of measuring strain and each of which is configured such that it can be arranged to cooperate with a structure to be monitored so that strain in the structure can be detected by a strain sensor, and one or more position references which is/are arranged in a predetermined position relative to the two or more strain sensors and wherein the one or more position references are each configured such that they are suitable for cooperating with a measuring means; one or more measuring means which is configured to cooperate with the one or more position references so that the angular orientation of the one or more position references can be determined. There is further provided a corresponding method for sensing strain in a structure.

Abstract: A physiological monitoring system may use photoacoustic sensing to determine one or more physiological parameters of a subject. The photoacoustic system may use two light sources (e.g., a high power pulsed laser diode and a continuous wave laser diode) to generate acoustic pressure signals in a subject. One or more light sources (e.g., the high powered pulsed laser diode) may provide a high signal-to-noise ratio. The high signal-to-noise ratio signals may provide high sensitivity for physiological measurements (e.g., cardiac output and temperature measurements). The photoacoustic system may use high powered light sources in combination with other light sources to improve physiological measurements.

Abstract: A multi-analyte sensor system based on hollow core photonic bandgap fiber and Raman anti-Stokes spectroscopy. The system includes: i) an inlet to introduce an analyte sample into an analyzer chamber which analyzer includes; ii) a measurement system to derive the anti-Stokes spectral peaks and/or spectra of the sample; iii) a set of reference calibrants corresponding to the analytes of which the sample is primarily comprised; iv) a second inlet to introduce said calibrants into the analyzer chamber; v) a second measurement system to derive the anti-Stokes spectral peaks and/or spectra of the calibrants vi) an outlet through which the sample and calibrants are expelled from the analyzer chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the illumination of a sample are disclosed. An imaging illumination light source is directed to pass through an absorbing/transmitting structure in order to illuminate the sample and any containing vessel. A diffuser may aid in properly dispersing the light from the imaging illumination source. A light sensitive detector such as a camera records an image therefrom. The beam from a light scattering source is directed through the sample and any containing vessel, and upon exiting the sample/vessel, impinges upon the absorbing/transmitting structure selected to absorb at the wavelength of the light scattering source. Scattered light from the sample is collected by a photo detector. Methods of use for the novel lighting system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A light guide plate holder includes a base, a partitioning plate, and two clamping blocks. The base includes a bottom wall and two side walls extending from opposite ends of the bottom wall, the bottom wall and the two side walls cooperatively forming a receiving space. The partitioning plate is positioned on the bottom wall in the receiving space, the partitioning plate partitioning the receiving space into two sub-spaces. The clamping blocks are detachably received in the respective sub-spaces, and each of the clamping blocks is configured for cooperating with the partitioning plate to clamp a light guide plate therebetween. A light guide plate testing system using the light guide plate holder is also provided. The testing system is used for testing microstructures on a light incident surface of a light guide plate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for measuring the anatomical shape of the leg comprising a support frame (10) and an angle measuring instrument (20) connected to said support frame (10). The device according to the present invention is characterized in that said angle measuring instrument (20) comprises at least one goniometer (22a, 22b) and at least one rod (21) hinged to said goniometer (22a, 22b), and in that it also comprises light spot projecting means (23a, 23b) connected to said angle measuring instrument (20).

Abstract: A testing device, a detection system, and an automatic detection method thereof are disclosed. The detection system is used for testing an optical capturing module and includes a controlling module and the testing device. The controlling module is electrically connected to the optical capturing module. The testing device includes a base, a fixing unit, a testing unit and a track. The fixing unit is disposed on the base and used for mounting the optical capturing module. The testing unit is used for the optical capturing module to capture a sensing signal. The track is disposed on the base for the testing unit to move along the track. When the testing unit is moving, the optical capturing module is use for capturing a sensing signal curve according to the continuous movement of the test element and the control module determines whether the sensing signal curve is exceed a predetermined value.

Abstract: To increase the speed of inspection, an inspection apparatus may conduct an inspection by irradiating a wafer surface with a thin light beam and acquiring an image of an irradiated region with a photodetector. However, it is not easy to have the photodetector properly form the image of the irradiated region. This problem is not solved by prior art technologies. The present invention includes an image formation optical system having an optical fiber bundle, and additionally includes a mechanism for rotating the light condensing side of the optical fiber bundle. The present invention enables the photodetector to properly form the image of light scattered from the irradiated region.

Abstract: The invention provides an optical surface defect inspection apparatus and an optical surface defect inspection method that reduces an influence from a dead zone of a sensor array and that reduces the influence from reduction of a detected light amount in a case of extending over light receiving elements, thereby enabling a defect inspection with high sensitivity. According to the invention, a subject is irradiated with an inspection light, an image is formed on the sensor array including the light receiving elements separated by the dead zone insensitive to light scattered by a surface of the subject and arranged in a plurality of lines, outputs from two adjacent light receiving elements are added, and a defect on the surface of the subject is inspected for based on the result of the addition.

Abstract: When the intensity of scattering light from a defect on a sample becomes very low according to the diameter of the defect, the dark noise from a sensor device itself accounts which a large proportion of the detected signal outputted from the sensor and thus it is difficult to detect minute defects. Furthermore, since a laser light source is pulsed into oscillation, pulse components from the laser light source are superimposed on the detected signal outputted from the sensor, and therefore it is difficult to detect defects with high accuracy.

Abstract: A field concentrating surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) platform includes a signal amplifying material and a pattern of apertures extending through the signal amplifying material. The pattern of apertures includes a central aperture, and a plurality of radiation capturing apertures positioned around the central aperture. Each of the radiation capturing apertures has a diameter that is larger than a diameter of the central aperture. The platform further includes a substrate that supports the signal amplifying material and a channel that extends through the substrate. The channel is at least partially aligned with the central aperture that extends through the signal amplifying material.

Abstract: Provided herein are Raman active particles and methods for their preparation and use. The particles can include a SERS-active material that is at least partially encased within a spherical porous hollow casing.