Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises: a coded lens array including a plurality of lenses arranged in a coded pattern and with opaque material blocking array elements that do not contain lenses; and a light-sensitive semiconductor sensor coupled to the coded lens array and positioned at a specified distance behind the coded lens array, the light-sensitive sensor configured to sense light transmitted through the lenses in the coded lens array.

Abstract: A system for analyzing smoke has a plurality of units, wherein each unit includes an optical emitter for alternately directing horizontally and vertically polarized light along a beam path, and into a smoke cloud, to generate scattered light. A horizontally polarized detector and a vertically polarized detector are positioned at different locations, but at a same distance and scattering angle relative to the beam path. Each unit has a different wavelength. A computer receives signals from the detectors of all units, in response to each emitter, for analysis of the smoke.

Abstract: An optical device includes a first optical component and a second optical component that are adjacent to each other in a direction of an optical axis. The optical device further includes a holding member that is formed with a resin material absorbing laser beams and that holds the first optical component via an elastic property of the resin material. The second optical component is formed with a resin material that allows the laser beams to pass and that is compatible with the resin material forming the holding member, and is fixed to the holding member by laser welding.

Abstract: An optical sensor has a glass base having a concave portion, and a glass lid is bonded to the base and overlies the concave portion to form an hermetically sealed cavity portion. A photoelectric conversion element is accommodated in the cavity portion. Internal wirings are each connected at one end to the photoelectric conversion element and extend through notches formed in a peripheral edge of the base. The other ends of the internal wirings are connected inside the notches to external wirings that extend along an outside surface of the base and terminate in external terminals.

Abstract: A confocal optical detector including a light source generating a first optical beam along an axis; an optoelectronic sensor; an optical focusing device, which receives and focuses the first optical beam; and a hole, which receives the first optical beam and is arranged between the optoelectronic sensor and the optical focusing device. The optoelectronic sensor is arranged between the light source and the hole. In addition, the optoelectronic sensor and the optical focusing device are aligned along the axis.

Abstract: The sensor comprises a detector (103) and a primary objective (105) arranged in front of the detector to form on said detector images of stars present in the field of view of the sensor. Between the objective (105) and the detector (103) is arranged a field stop (107) positioned substantially in the focal plane (P) of the objective (105). Between the field stop (107) and the detector (103) is arranged a relay optics (111) for conveying an image from the focal plane of the objective to the detector.

Abstract: An imaging system according to the present invention includes: a light source unit which emits illuminating light to illuminate an object; an illuminating-light transmitting unit which transmits the illuminating light; a timing adjustment unit which, being placed between the illuminating-light transmitting unit and the object, varies timing with which rays contained in the illuminating light which has passed through the illuminating-light transmitting unit reach a surface of the object; a reflected-light incidence unit upon which reflected light coming from the surface of the object is incident; a light detection unit which temporally breaks down the reflected light incident upon the reflected-light incidence unit, converts the reflected light into an electrical signal, and outputs the electrical signal in sequence; and a signal processing unit which converts the electrical signal outputted in sequence by the light detection unit into pixel information about an optical image on the surface of the object.

Abstract: An optical control device is provided in a scanning optical device that applies light emitted from a light source to an observation target as spot light, and detects return light from the observation target while scanning the spot light, and includes an irradiation section that applies white light and special light to the observation target, an irradiation time control section that performs a control process so that an irradiation time of the special light is longer than an irradiation time of the white light, and a light detection section that detects first return light from the observation target when the white light for which the irradiation time is controlled has been applied to the observation target, and detects second return light from the observation target when the special light for which the irradiation time is controlled has been applied to the observation target.

Abstract: An optical sensor includes a light receiving element (for example a photodiode) and an angle limiting filter that limits the incidence angle of incidence light with respect to the light receiving area of the light receiving element. When a wavelength of the incidence light is denoted by ?, a height of the angle limiting filter is denoted by R, and a width of an opening of the angle limiting filter is denoted by d, “d2/?R?2” is satisfied.

Abstract: Apparatuses capable of and techniques for detecting the visible light spectrum are provided.

Abstract: An optical sensor device has a sensor unit which includes a light emitter (24), a light receiver (26), and a lens plate (12) that is used for coupling a pencil of rays, radiated by the light emitter (24), into and out of the pane and directing it onto the light receiver (26). The lens plate (12) includes a combined Fresnel structure (16a, 16b) having a Fresnel lens structure (18a, 18b) and a Fresnel reflector structure (20a, 20b) on a first surface (12a) facing the light emitter (24) and the light receiver (26), and a Fresnel reflector structure (22a, 22b) on an opposite, second surface (12b) facing the pane. This configuration is especially suitable for use as a rain sensor. Without the light emitter the sensor device is suitable to be used as a light sensor.

Abstract: A device for sensing light comprises a light sensor, one or more intermediate mirrors, a micromirror array including a plurality of independently positionable micromirrors, wherein a first micromirror in the micromirror array is positionable in a first position such that light reflected by the first micromirror while in the first position is reflected toward a first region on one of the one or more intermediate mirrors, wherein the light reflected toward the first region on one of the one or more intermediate mirrors is further reflected to the light sensor, and a lens configured to direct light toward the micromirror array.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image sensor. The image sensor comprises a plurality of pixels. Each pixel comprises an optical element and at least a dummy metal segment disposed above the optical element, wherein the dummy metal segment is not directly above the optical element. The image sensor includes a dummy metal segment with a size different from a size of another dummy metal segment included in the image sensor.

Abstract: The instant disclosure relates to a proximity sensor having an electro-less plated optical shielding structure. The sensor includes a substrate panel having an emitter region and a receiver region; an emitter unit disposed on the emitter region and configured to emit electromagnetic signals at a particular wavelength; a receiver unit disposed on the receiver region and configured to respond to electromagnetic signals emitted by the emitter unit; a transparent molding unit disposed on the emitter region and the receiver region of the substrate panel; and an optical shielding layer selectively disposed on the external surfaces of the substrate panel and the transparent molding unit. The shielding layer has corresponding sensor ports for the emitter and the receiver units arranged toward a designated detection region. The electro-less plated optical shielding layer is highly configurable through proper masking and small in thickness, enabling further miniaturization of the sensor unit.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element includes first and second diffractive optical parts to generate diffracted lights two-dimensionally with respect to incident light. The diffracted lights generated by inputting the incident light to the first diffractive optical part are input to the second diffractive optical part in order to generate the diffracted lights from the second diffractive optical part, wherein ?1??2 and k1?k2 stand or, ?1??2 and k1?k2 stand among ?1 and ?2 denote diffraction angles of the first and second diffractive optical parts, and k1 and k2 denote numbers of light spots of the diffracted lights generated by the first and second diffractive optical parts.

Abstract: This invention relates to a luminaire comprising an OLED device, where a light detecting function of the OLED device is employed for transmitting light setting commands to the luminaire from a remote position by means of a control light signal, which carries command information. The control light signal has a header portion, which can be recognized by the luminaire and makes it ready to receive a command, and a following control command portion.

Abstract: A color image sensor has a plurality of pixels. On the pixels zero-order diffractive color filters (DCFs) (1) are arranged. Different zero-order DCFs (1), e.g., DCFs (1) transmitting red, green and blue light, respectively, are allocated to the pixels of the color image sensor. The use of DCFs (1) for color imaging devices brings better defined band-pass or notch filters than the presently used lacquers. The DCFs (1) are more stable with respect to time, temperature and any environmental aggression. The manufacture of the DCF pattern is simpler and cheaper than that of a conventional dye-filter pattern, since the different types of DCFs can be manufactured simultaneously.

Abstract: A bidirectional optical scanner assisting in mammography is revealed. The optical scanner that calculates functional images obtained by diffuse optical tomography, used in combination with a mammography machine can reduce the number of mammograms taken and the dose exposure. The bidirectional optical scanner includes a first compression plate, a first optical detection module, a second optical detection module and a second compression plate. The same test position of the tested breast can be detected twice in different directions by the first and the second optical detection modules. No matter where the tumor is located, the tumor can be detected. Besides structural images provided by the mammography machine, functional tomographic images of the breast are obtained by the bidirectional optical scanner. Thus diagnostic accuracy in the detection of breast cancer is improved.

Abstract: A light signal transmitter and a light receiver for an optical sensor may be used for an industrial automation system. The light signal transmitter has a semiconductor-based light source for generating light. The semiconductor-based light source is disposed in an installation space between outer layers of a multi-layer circuit board. The light emission direction of the semiconductor-based light source is oriented substantially parallel to the layers of the printed circuit board. A deflection unit deflects the light emitted by the semiconductor-based light source in a direction substantially perpendicular to the layers of the printed circuit board. In the case of the light receiver, a light sensor is provided in place of the light source. Such optical sensors can be designed in a particularly flat and installation-friendly manner.

Abstract: A device, methods and system for improving the contrast ratio of an image of an optical code captured by an image capture device. A command implemented by the image capture device of the form “shift and add” causes the image capture device to generate a modified row of pixel data having improved contrast from a plurality of pixel rows in the image capture device.

Abstract: An optical die, which is intended to be placed in front of an optical sensor of a semiconductor component, has an optically useful zone having an optical axis and exhibiting a variable refractive index. Specifically the refractive index of the die is variable in an annular peripheral zone lying between a radius Ru enveloping the useful zone and a smaller radius Ro. The index varies as a function of radial distance from a lower value near the smaller radius Ro to a higher value near the radius Ru. The function of the variable refractive index lies between a maximum and minimum profile.

Abstract: An arrangement utilizes diffractive, reflective and/or refractive optical elements combined to intensify and homogenize electromagnetic energy, such as natural sunlight in the terrestrial environment, for purposes such as irradiating a target area with concentrated homogenized energy. A heat activated safety mechanism is also described.

Abstract: A displacement detecting device includes a non-contact sensor having a light source, an objective lens focusing output light from the light source onto a measurement surface, and a light receiving element detecting displacement information based on a focal length of the objective lens by using reflected light from the measurement surface; a control unit adjusting the focal length based on the displacement information; a displacement-amount measuring unit having a linear scale attached to the objective lens with a link member therebetween and measuring an amount of displacement of the linear scale when the focal length is adjusted. A light adjustment member is disposed between the light source and the objective lens or between the objective lens and the light receiving element and has an aperture section transmitting the output and/or reflected light therethrough and a light blocking section that blocks a specific light component of the output and/or reflected light.

Abstract: Methods and systems for a light source assembly for coupling to a photonically enabled complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) chip are disclosed. The light source assembly may comprise a laser, a microlens, a turning mirror, and an optical bench, and may generate an optical signal utilizing the laser, focus the optical signal utilizing the microlens, and reflect the optical signal at an angle defined by the turning mirror. The reflected optical signal may be transmitted out of the assembly to grating couplers in the photonically enabled CMOS chip. The assembly may comprise a non-reciprocal polarization rotator, comprising a latching faraday rotator. The assembly may comprise a reciprocal polarization rotator, which may comprise a half-wave plate comprising birefringent materials operably coupled to the optical bench. The turning mirror may be integrated in the optical bench and may reflect the optical signal to transmit through a lid operably coupled to the optical bench.

Abstract: Printed products, printing methods and methods for authenticating a printed product are provided. In one aspect, the printed product has a receiver member and an image formed thereon by an electrophotographic printing process using toner particles, said image having at least one portion being at least partially formed by bi-fluorescent toner particles. Methods for printing and authenticating the same are provided.

Abstract: A microflow analytical system includes a laminate pump assembly connectable with one or more sources of fluid, one or more pneumatic control pumps, a mixer, and a sensor. The laminate pump assembly is adapted to deliver predetermined volumes of the fluid(s) through a plurality of flow paths which are formed within layers of the assembly. Each flow path can include an inlet valve, a pump valve, and an outlet valve each of which are controllable by the pneumatic control pumps. A series of manifolds can be formed within the layers of the pump assembly to provide for simultaneous activation of selected flow paths. Delivered fluid volumes can be mixed in the mixer which, in some embodiments, may be integral with the laminate pump assembly. The sensor can measure one or more characteristics of the mixed fluids to determine one or more properties of the fluids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for a selection of a wavelength including a wavelength source for providing a plurality of wavelengths, a wavelength selector for allowing a selection of a desired wavelength from the wavelength source, and a wavelength detector to detect a selected wavelength for subsequent use.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a light-emitting component, a light-detecting component, a lock-in amplifier, a frequency generator that is operatively linked to the lock-in amplifier and the light-emitting component, a speaker capable of emitting an audio signal wherein the output audio signal varies depending on the detected fluorescence in the sample, and a visible output of relative fluorescent intensity where the visible output varies depending on the detected fluorescence in the sample. The apparatus may also include a laser that is operatively coupled to the lock-in amplifier through a control switch, and focusing lens or an additional type of filter such as an interference filter, a short-pass filter, a notch filter, a long-pass filter or an infrared filter. The apparatus may be used to identify and/or to remove fluorescent or non-fluorescent material from a sample. Associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An electronic device can include different components providing different functionality. Some electronic devices can include a proximity sensor for determining when a user's face is near the device. The sensor can include an emitter and a detector that are separated by a foam block to limit cross-talk between the emitter and detector. A sheet can be placed over the foam block to define openings for each of the emitter and detector. Some electronic devices can also include a camera. A glass cover secured to the device enclosure can protect the camera. To improve an adhesive bond between the glass cover and a metal enclosure, an ink layer can be placed between an adhesive and the glass. In addition, the camera or another component may need to be grounded to ensure proper operation. During assembly, however, the position of the camera can shift due to closing an enclosure. A grounding assembly that maintains contact with the camera in its initial and final positions can be provided.

Abstract: An optical backplane is provided that has at least first and second side walls that are generally parallel to one another and at least one optical relay element disposed on at least one of the parallel side walls. An optical signal is coupled into the optical backplane through an entrance facet of the backplane. The optical signal is maintained within the optical backplane by internal reflection at the parallel side walls of the backplane. The optical relay element receives the optical signal reflected off of one of the side walls and reflects and refocuses the optical signal to guide the optical signal and prevent it from diverging as it propagates through the backplane from the entrance facet to the exit facet.

Abstract: An optical engine including an illumination system, a beam splitting element, a second dichroic unit, and a light valve is provided. The illumination system provides a visible beam and an invisible beam. The beam splitting element is disposed in transmission paths of the visible and invisible beams. After the visible and invisible beams leave the beam splitting element, the optical axes of the visible and invisible beams are separated from each other. The second dichroic unit is disposed in the transmission paths of the visible and invisible beams from the beam splitting element. The visible beam passes through the second dichroic unit, and the invisible beam is reflected by the second dichroic unit. The light valve is disposed in the transmission path of the visible beam from the second dichroic unit and converts the visible beam into an image beam. The image beam passes through the second dichroic unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulse splitting device (5) adapted to receive irradiation pulses (10) with a central wavelength (1) from a pulsed irradiation source (2) and output a plurality of sub-pulses (11,12, 15,17) for each incoming irradiation pulse. The received irradiation pulses and the pulse splitter (5) interacts so that a first and a second sub-pulse (11,12) are temporally separated by a first optical path length (OP1) in a first region and a second optical path length (OP2) in a second region, respectively. The first optical path length (OP1) times the group velocity dispersion (GVD1) with respect to wavelength in the first material, is balanced with the second optical path length (OP2) times the group velocity dispersion (GVD2) with respect to wavelength in the second material, so that the dispersion broadening of the first and the second sub-pulses (11,12) is substantially equal. This facilitates improved subsequent dispersion compensation by both sub-pulses.

Abstract: A sensing system senses whether or not a lock's bolt (140), e.g. deadbolt, is aligned with a hole (150) which the bolt is to engage in the locked state. In electronic locks, the bolt is not driven into the hole until the sensing system indicates that the bolt is aligned with the hole. Another sensing system senses the position of the bolt and/or a dead-latch bar (1310). This sensing system is spaced from the bolt's end engaging the hole in order not to interfere with the alignment sensing. The two sensing systems are used to determine whether the lock is locked or unlocked. A magnet system provides alignment assistance to align the bolt with the hole before the bolt is driven into the hole. Position encoding for lock and non-lock devices, and other features and embodiments are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides imaging apparatus and methods useful for obtaining a high resolution image of a sample at rapid scan rates. A rectangular detector array having a horizontal dimension that is longer than the vertical dimension can be used along with imaging optics positioned to direct a rectangular image of a portion of a sample to the rectangular detector array. A scanning device can be configured to scan the sample in a scan-axis dimension, wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array and the shorter of the two rectangular dimensions for the image are in the scan-axis dimension, and wherein the vertical dimension for the rectangular detector array is short enough to achieve confocality in a single axis.

Abstract: A photovoltaic device operable to convert light to electricity, comprising a substrate, a plurality of structures essentially perpendicular to the substrate, one or more recesses between the structures, each recess having a planar mirror on a bottom wall thereof and each recess filled with a transparent material. The structures have p-n or p-i-n junctions for converting light into electricity. The planar mirrors function as an electrode and can reflect light incident thereon back to the structures to be converted into electricity.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to receive incident energy within a chamber defining a first part of an interaction volume that attenuates the incident energy as a function of path length to provide attenuated energy. Additional activity may include simultaneously transforming the attenuated energy characterized by a substantially exponential intensity function into resultant energy characterized by a substantially polynomial intensity function. The transformation may be accomplished using an interacted energy transformation element that defines a second part of the interaction volume, the transformation element operating to intercept the attenuated energy along a plurality of path lengths. Other activity may include transmitting the resultant energy to a receiver. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: Provided is a financial device, which comprises a transferring device, a light emitting sensor, and a light receiving sensor. The transferring device comprises a first guider and a second guider, which are spaced apart from each other to form a transfer path of a medium, and a frame on which the first and second guiders are installed. The light emitting sensor and the light receiving sensor sense the medium transferred along the transfer path of the medium. The light emitting sensor and the light receiving sensor do not overlap the transfer path of the medium in a direction vertical from the transfer path of the medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical module, comprising a semiconductor element having a surface that is sensitive to electromagnetic radiation and an objective for projecting electromagnetic radiation onto the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element (image sensor or camera chip, in particular CCD or CMOS). The objective preferably comprises at least one lens and one lens retainer. In the optical module, an optical element having two sub-areas is arranged either in the space between the objective and the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element or between individual lenses of the objective in the entire cross-section of the beam path. All electromagnetic radiation that reaches the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element passes through the optical element. A first distance range (e.g. near range) is imaged in a first area of the sensitive surface of the semiconductor element in a focused manner by a first sub-area of the optical element, and a second distance range (e.g.

Abstract: A device and system that allows an inverted microscope with a movable x-y stage to also function as a time-resolved plate reader. The device, which is sized to fit into the condenser holder of an inverted microscope, not only provides plate-reading function at very low cost compared to that of purchasing a plate reader, but it also allows the correlation of plate reader measurements with images of a specimen. The device and system is also able to measure other parameters associated with cell metabolism, such as pH changes.

Abstract: According to the invention, an integrated hyperspectral imager includes a planar photonic substrate. A plurality of imaging pixel photonic circuits is disposed in a M×N array on the planar photonic substrate. Each imaging pixel photonic circuit includes an input coupler configured to receive a broadband input electromagnetic radiation. A waveguide is optically coupled to the input coupler. A plurality of wavelength filters is optically coupled to the waveguide. Each wavelength filter has a wavelength filter input and a wavelength filter output. Each detector has a detector input optically coupled respectively to each of the wavelength filter outputs. Each detector has a respective detector output. The integrated hyperspectral imager is configured to provide electrical signals that are representative of a hyperspectral image of the received broadband input electromagnetic radiation. A method for recording an image based on a received electromagnetic radiation is also described.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes; a first solid-state light source, a second solid-state light source, a first arrangement member provided with a first arrangement surface, a second arrangement member provided with a second arrangement surface, an optical unit configured to reduce a dispersion angle of a light beam. The first solid-state light source emits a light beam having a first directivity. The second solid-state light source emits a light beam having a second directivity greater than the first directivity. A distance from the second arrangement surface to the second light-entering surface is longer than a distance from the first arrangement surface to the first light-entering surface.

Abstract: A cable alarm system is provided that includes: a lock; a temper proof fiber optic cable coupled to the lock and operative to conduct a light signal; an LED and a light signal detector coupled to the fiber optic cable and operative to detect light from the LED; a battery; a GPS system and a wireless transceiver. On detection of light signal interruption, the cable alarm system sends a wireless message containing GPS information.

Abstract: A light source is gated ON and OFF in response to a pulsed signal. Photo emissions from the light source are coupled to a material under test. Resonant fluorescent emissions from the material are coupled to a photodiode. Current from the photodiode is coupled into an amplifier system comprising a first and second amplifier stages. The first amplifier stage is gated to a low gain when the light source is turned ON and the gain is increased when the light source goes from ON to OFF. The second amplifier stage has digitally programmable offset and gain settings in response to control signals. The output of the second amplifier stage is digitized by an analog to digital converter. A controller generates the pulse control signal and the control signals.

Abstract: A method for 3D imaging of cells in an optical tomography system includes moving a biological object relatively to a microscope objective to present varying angles of view. The biological object is illuminated with radiation having a spectral bandwidth limited to wavelengths between 150 nm and 390 nm. Radiation transmitted through the biological object and the microscope objective is sensed with a camera from a plurality of differing view angles. A plurality of pseudoprojections of the biological object from the sensed radiation is formed and the plurality of pseudoprojections is reconstructed to form a 3D image of the cell.

Abstract: A light trapping optical cover employing an optically transparent layer with a plurality of light deflecting elements. The transparent layer is configured for an unimpeded light passage through its body and has a broad light input surface and an opposing broad light output surface. The light deflecting elements deflect light incident into the transparent layer at a sufficiently high bend angle with respect to a surface normal and direct the deflected light toward a light harvesting device adjacent to the light output surface. The deflected light is retained by means of at least TIR in the system formed by the optical cover and the light harvesting device which allows for longer light propagation paths through the photoabsorptive layer of the device and for an improved light absorption. The optical cover may further employ a focusing array of light collectors being pairwise associated with the respective light deflecting elements.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides an optical module including: an optical hybrid including a metal optical waveguide; a photo detector configured to receive light; and a platform including an optical hybrid supporting section for supporting the optical hybrid, a photo detector supporting section for supporting the photo detector, and an inclined surface configured to change a propagation direction of light emitted from the optical hybrid, and configured to combine the optical hybrid and the photo detector.

Abstract: An optical module that effectively observes a rapidly moving event or object is provided. The optical module includes first and second mirrors, and an optical signals detector, which are installed in a body thereof. The first mirror has a wide field of view and detects the event or object over a wide observing region. The second mirror observes the event or object detected by the first mirror at a high resolution. The focal length of the second mirror is greater than that of the first mirror. The optical signal detector detects an optical signal in light transmitted from the first mirror or the second mirror. The body forms apertures which correspond to the first and second mirrors, respectively and provides an optical path from the first and second mirrors to the optical signal detector. Therefore, the optical module can observe the event or object detected by the first mirror at a high resolution.

Abstract: An image sensor includes an optical sensor region, a stack of dielectric and metal layers, and an embedded layer. The optical sensor is disposed within a semiconductor substrate. The stack of dielectric and metal layers are disposed on the front side of the semiconductor substrate above the optical sensor region. The embedded focusing layer is disposed on the backside of the semiconductor substrate in a Backside Illuminated (BSI) image sensor, supported by a support grid, or a support grid composed of the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A 3-D sensor for controlling a control process comprising a light source that includes at least one illumination source, a reception matrix for receiving a complete image of light reflected from areas from a spatial section, an evaluation device for determining the distance between the areas and the reception matrix, and a supervisory device for recognizing an object, in which the light source illuminates a partial region of the spatial section which has at least one interspace.

Abstract: A medical treatment system, such as peritoneal dialysis system, may include control and other features to enhance patient comfort and ease of use. For example, a peritoneal dialysis system may include patient line state detector for detecting whether a patient line is primed before it is to be connected to the patient. The patient line state detector can also the ability to detect whether a patient line has been properly mounted for priming. Both patient line presence/absence and fill state can be determined using an optical system, e.g., one that employs a single optical sensor.