Abstract: An apparatus may include a waveguide. The waveguide may include a distal end surface which may be substantially normal to a centerline of a distal end portion of the waveguide. The apparatus may further include a cover which may be coupled to a portion of the waveguide. The cover may include a portion distal to the distal end surface of the waveguide, and the portion of the cover may be made of a material which may be configured to be removed when exposed to electromagnetic radiation emitted from a portion of the distal end surface of the waveguide.

Abstract: A silicon photonics array waveguide grating (AWG), and methods of their manufacture, including a plurality of silicon photonics array waveguides running from at least one of an input and output slab waveguide region, wherein first sections of each of the plurality of array waveguides have a first core geometry; and second sections of each of the plurality of array waveguides have a second core geometry. The first and second core geometries may comprise different waveguide core widths, and/or different core structures. AWG temperature stability is provided by the techniques of the present invention.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a daylighting apparatus comprising an internally reflective tube configured to direct daylight from a first end of the tube to a second end of the tube opposite the first end. A diffuser can be positioned at the second end of the tube. The diffuser can comprise a first optical structure configured such that, when the daylighting apparatus is installed with the first end positioned outside a room and the second end positioned to provide light to the room, a reflected portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one upper region (e.g., a ceiling or upper wall surface) of the room and a transmitted portion of the daylight is directed towards at least one lower region (e.g., a floor surface) of the room.

Abstract: An optical waveguide comprising a core and a clad characterized in that a desired part is heated and transited to machining strain release state, the part transited to the machining strain release state is curved with a specified bending radius and transited to machining strain state. That part of the optical waveguide is heated to a temperature within a range between the bending point and softening point and transited to machining strain state. The optical waveguide is an optical fiber having the outer diameter not shorter than 50 ?m. The optical waveguide has the outer diameter not shorter than ten times of the mode field diameter of the optical waveguide. The optical waveguide has a bending radius of 5.0 mm or less and difference equivalent of refractive index &Dgr;1 between the core and clad falls within a range of 0.8-3.5%.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microstructured fibre, includes: providing a preform having a plurality of elongate holes; mating at least one, but not all, of the holes with a connector to connect the hole(s) to an external pressure-controller; drawing the preform into the fibre whilst controlling gas pressure in the hole(s) connected to the pressure-controller.

Abstract: A composite structure for storing thermal energy. In one embodiment, an apparatus for storing thermal energy includes: a thermal storage material and a three-dimensional structure. The three-dimensional structure includes: a plurality of first truss elements defined by a plurality of first self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a first direction; a plurality of second truss elements defined by a plurality of second self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a second direction; and a plurality of third truss elements defined by a plurality of third self-propagating polymer waveguides and extending along a third direction. The first, second, and third truss elements interpenetrate each other at a plurality of nodes to form a continuous material. The first, second, and third truss elements define an open space. The thermal storage material occupies at least a portion of the open space, and the three-dimensional structure is self-supporting.

Abstract: A component for coupling light bi-directionally between optical waveguides and optoelectronic devices is described. This component can be inexpensively manufactured and fits within the existing form-factor of fiber optic transceivers or transmitters, and has features for efficiently coupling laser light to a waveguide and light from the same waveguide to a detector. The described components can be formed as an array to operate within system that operation over parallel optical fibers. Applicability for these components is for optical time domain reflectometry, bi-directional optical communications, remote fiber sensing, and optical range finders.

Abstract: An optical fiber having excellent strength that can be manufactured at low cost, as well as a method for making such optical fiber, is provided. An optical fiber 1 is a silica-based optical fiber comprising a core 11, an optical cladding 12 surrounding the core 11, and a jacketing region 13 surrounding the optical cladding 12 and having a uniform composition throughout from the internal circumference to the outer circumference. A compressive strained layer having a residual compressive stress is provided at the outermost circumference of the jacketing region 13.

Abstract: Methods for making a photonic guiding system for directing coherent light are disclosed. The methods include forming a channel in a host layer using at least one process of sawing, laser ablation, laser direct write of a photoresist, photo-structuring, and etching. A layer of highly reflective material is applied to substantially cover an interior of the channel. A cover having a layer of highly reflective material is coupled over the channel to form a large core hollow waveguide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical waveguide manufacturing method, which excels in mass productivity of a planar optical waveguide. In an aggregating step, plural members (20), which have a rod (21) or pipe (22) shape respectively, are arranged and bundled so as to constitute a substantially similar figure to at least a part of a desired waveguide pattern on a cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the members (20). The plural members (20) bundled in the aggregating step are, after being softened by heating, elongated in a longitudinal direction thereof in an elongating step, whereby an elongated body is formed. The elongated body formed in the elongating step is cut along a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongated body in a cutting step. By these steps, a planar optical waveguide, on which a waveguide pattern based on a micro-structure is formed, is manufactured.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light guide for a backlight module in a liquid crystal display module is provided. The method includes the following steps: providing a foil; and pressing the foil at a first temperature above a glass transition temperature of a material of the foil to form a thickness profile of the light guide.

Abstract: Optical waveguide and manufacturing of an optical waveguide comprising embossing at least one groove into a first substrate by rolling, applying at least a second substrate into the groove and covering at least the groove with a third substrate such that the groove constitutes an optical waveguide for optical signal transmission.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a planar optical waveguide device of which a core includes a plurality of alternatively arranged fin portions and valley portions to form a grating structure, in which the core widths of the valley portions vary along the longitudinal direction, the method including: a high refractive index material layer forming step of forming a high refractive index material layer; a photoresist layer forming step of forming a photoresist layer on the high refractive index material layer; a first exposure step of forming shaded portions on the photoresist layer using a phase-shifting photomask; a second exposure step of forming shaded portions on the photoresist layer using a binary photomask; a development step of developing the photoresist layer; and an etching step of etching the high refractive index material layer using the photoresist pattern resulted from the development step.

Abstract: A multimode fiber including a core and a cladding. The core has a radius (R1) of 24-26 ?m, the refractive index profile thereof is a parabola, and the maximum relative refractive index difference (?1) is 0.9-1.1%. The cladding surrounds the core and includes from inside to outside an inner cladding, a middle cladding, and an outer cladding; a radius (R2) of the inner cladding is 1.04-1.6 times that of the core, and a relative refractive index difference (?2) thereof is ?0.01-0.01%; the middle cladding is a graded refractive index cladding whose radius (R3) is 1.06-1.8 times that of the core, and a relative refractive index difference thereof is decreased from ?2 to ?4; and a radius (R4) of the outer cladding is 2.38-2.63 times that of the core, and a relative refractive index difference (?4) thereof is between ?0.20 and ?0.40%.

Abstract: According to a method of manufacturing a light guide of this invention, a shaping member is provided that covers a molding frame. In a releasing step, when the shaping member is lifted up in a direction apart from the molding frame, the light guide is lifted and pulled out from an aperture of the molding frame accordingly. As a result, there is no need to pull out the light guide by conventionally providing a pressing plug on a bottom of the molding frame and pressing the plug in a direction. In addition, there is no need to perform a grinding process to the light guide.

Abstract: An annular side fire optical device for laterally redirecting electromagnetic radiation comprises a tapered section of silica, a conical section of silica adjoining the tapered section and an annular beveled end surface. The tapered section of silica has a diameter that increases with distance along a longitudinal axis in a direction toward a transmitting end. The conical section of silica comprises a wall of silica surrounding a conical bore. The conical bore has a diameter that increases with distance along the longitudinal axis in a direction toward the transmitting end. The annular beveled end surface is formed in the wall of silica at the transmitting end and is angled relative the longitudinal axis such that electromagnetic radiation propagating along the longitudinal axis through the conical section is reflected by the beveled end surface at an angle that is transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing plastic components, in particular optical lenses or optical light-guides, wherein plastic melt is injected via a sprue (3, 4, 6, 8) into a cavity (1) of a moulding tool shaping the component and additional plastic melt is after-pressed into the cavity (1) for the purpose of compensating a volume contraction of the injected plastic melt due to cooling. The process is characterised in that the plastic melt located in the sprue (3, 4, 6, 8) is kept flowable by means of energy introduced in the region of the sprue until such time as the molten core of the plastic component has solidified in the course of the after-pressing of plastic melt for the purpose of compensating the volume contraction due to cooling (holding-pressure). The invention further relates to an apparatus for implementing the process.

Abstract: A light guide key plate includes a light guide plate (1). The light guide plate (1) has a plate body (11) with a plurality of keyholes (12). The plate body (11) is formed with flow passages (13) at one side thereof for communicating with the adjacent keyholes (12). The plate body (11) is also formed with overflow grooves (14) at one side thereof with the flow passages (13), and the overflow grooves (14) are extend inwardly from the edge of the plate body (11) and are communicated with the keyholes (12).

Abstract: An optical finger navigation device. Embodiments of the optical finger navigation device include a light guide film (LGF) including a finger interface surface, a light source in optical communication with the LGF to provide light from the light source to the finger interface surface, a sensor, and a navigation engine. At least a portion of the LGF exhibits total internal reflection (TIR). The sensor detects light from the LGF in response to contact between a finger and the finger interface surface which modifies reflection of light out of the LGF to the sensor. The light detected by the sensor is changed over at least a portion of the sensor in response to the contact between the finger and the finger interface surface. The navigation engine is configured to generate lateral movement information indicative of lateral movement of the finger relative to the sensor, in response to the detected light.

Abstract: A resin composition for an optical material, which is excellent in heat resistance and transparency and is soluble in an aqueous alkali solution, a resin film for an optical material made of the resin composition, and an optical waveguide using the same are provided. The resin composition for an optical material includes: (A) an alkali-soluble (meth)acrylate polymer containing a maleimide skeleton in a main chain; (B) a polymerizable compound; and (C) a polymerization initiator. The resin film for an optical material is made of the resin composition for an optical material. The optical waveguide has a core part and/or a clad layer formed using the resin composition for an optical material or the resin film for an optical material.

Abstract: A method of making a light-guiding module includes the steps of applying a layer of light guide material containing methyl methacrylate oligomers on a reflector, and polymerizing the methyl methacrylate oligomers of the light guide material at a temperature ranging from 60 to 65° C. for 2.5 to 3 hours to form a light guide plate containing polymethylmethacrylate and integrally combining the reflector. Since there is no any gap between the light guide plate and the reflector, the light-guiding module reduces light loss, and improves the luminous efficiency of the backlight unit in which the light-guiding module is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fiberglass spool comprising a self-supporting roll (12) having layers of windings (20) located one above the other of an optical fiber (13) for transmitting data that may be unwound from the interior of the roll outwards, wherein the windings (20) are fixed to one another by means of an adhesive bonding agent. In order to realize a sufficiently stable, self-supporting roll (12) that may be reliably unwound from the inside outwards without loops being pulled out of the roll (12), the roll (12) is structured as a cross-winding and a hydrocarbon-based, salt water-resistant, chemically inert impregnating material that may be liquefied by heating is used as the bonding agent.

Abstract: Illumination devices and methods of making same are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display device includes a light modulating array and a light guide configured to receive light into at least one edge of the light guide. The light guide can be characterized by a first refractive index. The display device can also include a light turning layer disposed such that the light guide is at least partially between the turning layer and the array. The turning layer can comprise an inorganic material characterized by a second refractive index that is substantially the same as the first refractive index.

Abstract: An optical fiber 200 with a high thermal resistance fiber Bragg grating (FBG) 130. Compared to existing FBG's, the invention provides greatly enhanced thermal stability, being stable up to 1200° C. The grating reflectivity and resonant wavelength are maintained for extended duration at high temperatures. The FBG is thus suitable in high temperature sensors. The high thermal resistance of the FBG is obtained in a method of pre-annealing the optical fiber 105 at high temperature prior to inscribing the FBG. The high thermal resistance is optionally enhanced in a post-FBG creation step of heat treating the optical fiber 105 and FBG.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide includes the steps of: A) forming a liquid-state resin mass by adding dropwise a liquid-state resin on an under-cladding layer; B) forming a liquid-state resin layer to cover cores by pressing a mold on the liquid-state resin mass and applying the liquid-state resin to be expanded on the under-cladding layer; and C) curing the liquid-state resin layer and then releasing the mold, wherein the liquid-state resin added dropwise has a viscosity of 500 to 2,000 mPa·s and the rate at which the liquid-state resin is applied to be expanded is 10 to 50 mm/s.

Abstract: An optical waveguide and method of making are disclosed. The method of making includes forming a layer on a substrate of a substantially optically transparent material. The layer includes an inner area and an outer area. A sufficient number of voids can be created in the inner area to form a first index of refraction. A plurality of the voids have a dimension that is less than a wavelength of the light beam. A sufficient number of voids can be created in the outer area to form a second index of refraction less than the first index.

Abstract: Methods and systems for marring fiber optic substrates may include rollers with abrasive surfaces that press lengths of the substrates against elongated supports, which may be tapered, during relative lengthwise movement between the rollers and supports; abrasive sheets that are vibrated against the substrates; abrasive flap wheels that are rotated to cause flexible abrasive flaps on the wheels to strike the substrates; rotating blades that cut a transverse marring pattern in the substrates; hammers having abrasive surfaces that are oscillated to strike the substrates; and water jet abrasive slurries that are directed at the substrates.

Abstract: An optical waveguide has a refractive index variation that is structured to provide the fiber, over a wavelength operating range, with an effective area supporting multiple Stokes shifts and with a negative dispersion value at a target wavelength within the wavelength operating range. The refractive index variation is further structured to provide the fiber with a finite LP01 cutoff at a wavelength longer than the target wavelength, whereby the LP01 cutoff wavelength provides a disparity, for a selected bending diameter, between macrobending losses at the target wavelength and macrobending losses at wavelengths longer than the target wavelength, whereby Raman scattering is frustrated at wavelengths longer than the target wavelength.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer is between the first and second transparent layers. The light diffusion layer, the first and second transparent layers are integrally formed. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin and a plurality of diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. Both the first and second transparent layers define a plurality of spherical protrusions on an outer surface thereof distalmost from the light diffusion layer respectively. A method for making the optical plate is also provided. In addition, a direct type backlight module using the optical plate is also provided.

Abstract: A first polymerizable composition is poured into a pipe (30), then is polymerized to be a first layer (13). Next, a second polymerizable composition is poured into the pipe (30) and polymerized to be a second layer (14). These pouring and polymerizing processes are repeated to form an optical medium (10) including n-layers of polymer. Each layer is formed by polymerizing the polymerizable composition comprising same kinds of plural polymerizable contents as those in other polymerizable compositions for other layers. The layer at the inner side is formed from the polymerizable composition including larger ratio of a polymerizable content which has higher refractive index than that of at least another polymerizable content in the same polymerizable composition, compared with the polymerizable composition for forming the adjacent layer at the outer side. A difference of refractive indices between adjacent two polymer layers is at least 5×10?5 but less than 5×10?3.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical element used at a second air pressure different from a first air pressure comprises: a measuring step of measuring a surface shape of the optical member at the first air pressure; a calculating step of calculating a deformation amount of the optical member that occurs owing to an air pressure difference between the first air pressure and the second air pressure; and a processing step of processing the optical member at the first air pressure so as to make the surface shape of the optical member match a target shape at the second air pressure, based on the surface shape measured in the measuring step and the deformation amount calculated in the calculating step.

Abstract: An optical fiber includes: a core (1) having an outer diameter (D1) of greater than or equal to 8.2 ?m and less than or equal to 10.2 ?m; a first cladding (2) surrounding the core (1) and having an outer diameter (D2) of greater than or equal to 30 ?m and less than or equal to 45 ?m; a second cladding (3) surrounding the first cladding (2) and having a thickness (T) of greater than or equal to 7.4 ?m; and a support layer (4) surrounding the second cladding (3). The relative refractive index difference which is the ratio of the difference between the refractive index of the support layer (4) and that of the second cladding (3) to the refractive index of the support layer (4) is greater than or equal to 0.5%.

Abstract: A relatively thin printed LED backlight device with an integral diffuser may be integrated into an interior trim component using a molding process, such as injection molding, compression molding and reaction injection molding. The display portion may be placed behind a textile surface or molded grille or may form a portion of the outer surface of the trim component to provide light to low light areas of the vehicle. Electronic circuitry and components may be printed on to the substrate of the device as part of an in-line continuous process at the molding station to allow low inventory and customization of each backlight device.

Abstract: A reference microplate is described herein which can be used to help calibrate and troubleshoot an optical interrogation system. In one embodiment, the reference microplate has a frame with an array of wells each of which contains an optical biosensor and each optical biosensor is at least partially coated with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy). In another embodiment, the reference microplate in addition to having its optical biosensors at least partially covered with a substance (e.g., elastomer, optical epoxy) also has a controllable heating device attached thereto which is used to heat the optical biosensors.

Abstract: A method of forming a waveguide including a core region, a cladding region, and an index contrast region situated therebetween includes depositing a polymerizable composite on a substrate to form a layer, patterning the layer to define an exposed area and an unexposed area of the layer, irradiating the exposed area of the layer, and volatilizing the uncured monomer to form the waveguide, wherein the polymerizable composite includes a polymer binder and sufficient quantities of an uncured monomer to diffuse into the exposed area of the layer and form the index contrast region. The resulting waveguide includes an index contrast region which has a lower index of refraction than that of the core and cladding regions.

Abstract: An optical waveguide device which is free from interference with an optical path between a light emitting element and an optical waveguide thereof, and to provide a method of manufacturing the optical waveguide device. A light emitting element (5) is provided on an upper surface of a first under-cladding layer (21), and a second under-cladding layer (22) is provided on the upper surface of the first under-cladding layer (21), covering the light emitting element (5). A core 3 which receives light emitted from the light emitting element (5) through the second under-cladding layer (22) is provided on an upper surface of the second under-cladding layer (22). The core (3) is located in a position such that the light emitted from the light emitting element (5) is incident on the core (3).

Abstract: A light guide member capable of guiding light received from at least a first light source and second light source, wherein the first light source is spaced a distance D3 from the second light source. The light guide member may include a first side including a plurality of first grooves extending along a first direction and a plurality of second grooves extending along the first direction, wherein the first grooves may have a first pitch and the second grooves have a second pitch, the first pitch being different from the second pitch.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a light source are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a light guide including light extracting features and at least one light source placed near an end of the light guide. Light from the light source gets deflected by the light extracting features and emanates in a predetermined pattern along a surface of the light guide. The light guide has different thicknesses in different parts.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure and a method for manufacturing the multi-layer structure are provided. The multi-layer structure includes: a waveguide including one or more light coupling regions having a refractive index gradient; at least one organic material based active optical element disposed above the waveguide; wherein the one or more light coupling regions is configured to change characteristics of light propagating in the waveguide; wherein at least one of the one or more light coupling regions is configured to enhance light coupling between the waveguide and the active optical element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacture a body from a thermoplastic plastic with a three-dimensionally structured surface, wherein molding is performed directly from a master made of glass coated with metal oxide, without deposition of further coatings on a surface of the master. The invention also relates to bodies manufactured with this method from a thermoplastic featuring a three-dimensionally structured surface, as well as to planar optical structures likewise manufactured with this method for generating evanescent-field measuring platforms and to a use thereof.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing an optical fiber probe in which an optical fiber is formed as an optical fiber probe by etching a tip section and sharpening a core region of the optical fiber, the optical fiber is a polarization maintaining optical fiber including the core region, a stress-applying region, and a clad region. The optical fiber probe is formed by mechanical-grinding of the edge of the optical fiber into a sharpened shape so that the core region is located at the tip of a sharpened portion, and by dipping the formed edge of the optical fiber in an etchant for further sharpening the core region. Accordingly, a new optical fiber probe both with high transmission efficiency and with a large polarization degree is obtained.

Abstract: Disclosed in a multichannel optical waveguide device characterized by comprising: a structure including a cladding and having a light-incident end surface, a light-outgoing end surface, and a plurality of flat reflection surfaces located parallel with each other; and L-shaped cores embedded in the cladding, the L-shaped cores being three-dimensionally arranged parallel with each other in m rows and n columns (where m and n are 2 or more), each L-shaped core having end faces which are exposed respectively to the light-incident end surface and the light-outgoing end surface, m number of the L-shaped cores in each column guiding light from the light-incident end surface to the light-outgoing end surface by changing direction of light on n number of the flat reflection surfaces, wherein an interval between the two adjacent cores on the light-incoming end surface is different from an interval between the two adjacent cores on the light-outgoing end surface, the two adjacent cores on the light-incoming end surface

Abstract: An optical waveguide device (10) comprises a planar substrate with a lower cladding layer (14), a core layer (16) and an upper cladding layer (18), a groove (20) in the substrate that extends at least into the core layer (16), and a waveguiding channel (22) in the core layer (16), wherein at least a part of the waveguiding channel (22), which may contain a Bragg grating, is sufficiently proximate to the groove (20) in the plane of the substrate for an evanescent field of light propagating in the waveguiding channel (22) to extend laterally into the groove (20). Material contained in the groove modifies the properties of the waveguiding channel, so that a sample of material can be analysed or an active material can be used to modulate the propagating light. The groove (20) can be made before the waveguide (22). The groove (20) can be made by cutting into the substrate with a saw and the waveguide (22) can be made by direct writing in the core layer (16) with an ultraviolet beam.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a polymer optical circuit is provided. The method includes structuring a mold with a main mold and an auxiliary mold. The main mold has a first concavity corresponding to a first portion of the waveguide core, a second concavity corresponding to an end portion of the waveguide core with a specific shape, an injection hole for injecting a resin into the concavities, and a suction hole for suctioning-out the resin. The auxiliary mold has a shape corresponding to the specific shape of the end portion of the waveguide core. The method also includes firmly sticking a clad base film to a surface of the mold where the concavities are formed; filling the concavities with resin by injecting the resin via the injection hole and suctioning the resin via the suction hole; and forming the waveguide core by curing the resin.

Abstract: An optical waveguide comprising: a waveguide core through which light propagates; a cladding that surrounds the waveguide core and has a refractive index that is less than the refractive index of the waveguide core; a metal layer that is formed on a surface of at least one end of the optical waveguide in a longitudinal direction, the surface being inclined so as not to be perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; and a channel that is formed at a portion of an outer surface of the cladding, the outer surface forming an acute angle with the inclined surface, and the channel being positioned such that light entering the optical waveguide adjacent the channel is reflected by the inclined surface into the waveguide core.

Abstract: A planar waveguide circuit includes a silica-based planar optical waveguide circuit having a lower cladding, a core and an upper cladding. At least one input waveguide and one output waveguide are each coupled to the optical waveguide circuit. At least one tapered waveguide section is located in the waveguide circuit, which has an upper cladding segment that tapers down to at least the core to define a tapered recess. A filler material having a negative thermo-optic coefficient fills the tapered recess so that the optical waveguide circuit has an optical characteristic with a reduced temperature dependence.

Abstract: A multiple-layer fiber-optic sensor is described with dual Bragg gratings in layers of different materials, so that the known temperature and strain response properties of each material may be utilized to simultaneously correct the sensor output for temperature and strain effects.

Abstract: A waveguide retroreflector consists of an end cap with curved output surface attached to a waveguide such as optical fiber. The radius of curvature of the output surface of the end cap matches the length of the end cap so as to retro-reflect a substantial portion of radiation exiting the waveguide, back into the waveguide. A method of fabricating the waveguide retroreflector includes steps of splicing an end cap to a waveguide, heating the free flat surface of the end cap, so that surface tension changes the shape of the end cap to a convex shape due to surface tension, monitoring amount of light reflected off the surface being heated, and stopping applying the heat when the amount of the reflected light approaches a maximum value.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide includes forming a core layer on a first clad layer, forming a second clad layer on the core layer, forming a first groove including at least one inclined surface in the second clad layer and the core layer to be in substantially parallel to and near one end of the second clad layer and one end of the core layer, the at least one inclined surface of the first groove having such an angle that the core layer is exposed when viewed above the second clad layer, forming a second groove including at least one inclined surface in the second clad layer on a inner side of the first groove, forming a separation groove in the clad layers and the core layer in a direction intersecting the first groove, and forming a plurality of cores intersecting the first groove.

Abstract: There is provided a very thin light guide plate for a surface light source device and a method of manufacturing it without the use of high-precision molding machine. A surface light source device using this light guide plate generates outgoing light having high uniformity. According to the manufacturing method, a light guide plate free from a weld line or warp can be manufactured with good transferring characteristics. The light guide plate is thick on an incident surface 1 side and thin on a lower surface 4 side. At the central portion of an incident surface 1 in a longitudinal direction, a projecting portion obtained by cutting an overhang portion 7 at a position a distance D apart from the incident surface 1 is formed. The cut surface of the projecting portion is not made specular and is kept rough. In molding of the light guide plate, a molten material is supplied from the position of a gate mark 9.