Utilizing Plasma, Electric, Electromagnetic, Particle, Or Wave Energy Patents (Class 264/1.27)
  • Patent number: 8641935
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing light guide plate includes a coater containing UV curable glue, a first pressing roller and a second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller are located nearby each other and space a predetermined distance from each other. The coater distributes UV curable glue on the surface of the first pressing roller or the second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller cooperatively press the distributed UV curable glue. At least one of the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller includes a transparent shell and a UV lamp in the transparent shell. The UV lamp emits UV light to the other pressing roller. The UV lamp solidifies the UV curable glue pressed between the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chia-Ling Hsu
  • Publication number: 20140027935
    Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a system for abrasion of optical fibers. The system includes an adjustment member, a platform disposed on the adjustment member, and a focus block disposed on the platform. A laser is disposed above, and is in optical alignment with, the focus block. The laser abrades an optical fiber positioned on the focus block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: ThermoTek, Inc.
    Inventors: Tony Quisenberry, Todd Davis Taber, Thomas Clayton Anderson
  • Publication number: 20130343703
    Abstract: A method including the steps of providing a light-diffusing optical fiber (12a) having a glass core (20), a cladding (40) surrounding the core (20), and a plurality of nano-sized structures in the form of voids (32) situated within said core (20) or at a core-cladding boundary; cleaving the light-diffusing fiber (12a), thereby forming a cleaved end face (66); and applying energy to one or more of 1) the cleaved end face (66) and 2) the light-diffusing fiber (12b) along a portion of the length thereof adjacent the cleaved end face (66), the amount of energy being sufficient to collapse and seal the voids (32) exposed at the cleaved end face (66), leaving a sealed cleaved end face (68). A lens may then be attached to the sealed cleaved end face (68), or the sealed cleaved end face (68) may be softened sufficiently to induce formation of a lensing surface such as a convex lensing surface (60) on the sealed end face (68).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Michael Lucien Genier
  • Patent number: 8597727
    Abstract: A photoalignment material includes an alignment polymer, a photoalignment additive including a compound represented by the following Chemical Formula 1 and an organic solvent. In Chemical Formula 1, R1 represents a cyclic compound. A and B independently represent a single bond or —(CnH2n)—. “n” represents an integer in a range of 1 to 12. Each —CH2— of A and/or B may be replaced with R3 represents an alkyl group having 1 to 12 carbon atoms, and each —CH2— of A and/or B may be replaced with —O—. R4 represents In Chemical Formula 1, each hydrogen atom excluding hydrogen atoms of R4 may be replaced with chlorine (Cl) or fluorine (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun-Woo Lee, Fusayuki Takeshita, Baek-Kyun Jeon, Tae-Sung Jung, Hoi-Lim Kim, Jeong-Hye Choi, Sung-Yi Kim
  • Publication number: 20130315553
    Abstract: An apparatus produces an optical fiber by applying light to a photocurable composition and thereby curing the composition. The apparatus includes a nozzle for discharging the photocurable composition; a light irradiator for applying light to the fibrous photocurable composition discharged from the nozzle; and a controller that controls a light irradiation intensity at the nozzle orifice to 0.2 mW/cm2 or less. The nozzle is preferably a double-tube nozzle having an outer tube; and an inner tube arranged inside the outer tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: DAICEL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaki Takebe, Tomoaki Mahiko, Yoshinori Funaki, Shinji Syuto, Hitomi Omae
  • Patent number: 8591777
    Abstract: A method of creating optical fiber to exhibit predetermined length-dependent characteristics (e.g., chromatic dispersion, polarization mode dispersion, cutoff wavelength, birefringence) includes the steps of: characterizing the fiber's selected characteristic(s) as a function of length; and performing a “treatment” which modifies the refractive index over the given length to adjust the defined parameter to fall within a defined tolerance window. These steps may be repeated one or more times until the measure of the parameter falls with the defined tolerance limits. The treatment process may include, for example, a low energy actinic radiation exposure, anneal, mechanical strain, DC voltage, plasma application, etc. Indeed, if the treatment process is repeated, a different technique may be used to adjust the refractive index (“different” processes include, for example, modifying the strength/time of a UV exposure, temperatures for annealing, etc.).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: OFS Fitel, LLC
    Inventors: David J. DiGiovanni, Jeffrey W. Nicholson, Paul S. Westbrook, Man F. Yan
  • Publication number: 20130307169
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing micro-optical element includes the following steps: (a) providing a mold core defining a plurality of replicated structures in a side surface of the mold core; (b) providing a transparent base board facing the side surface of the mold core defining the plurality of replicated structures; (c) distributing liquid replication material on the transparent base board corresponding to the plurality of the replicated structures via a droplet distribution tool; (d) molding the liquid replication material distributed on the transparent base board by the mold core; (e) solidifying the liquid replication material; (f) removing the mold core; and (g) cutting the transparent base board to form a plurality of micro-optical elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Inventor: Feng CHENG
  • Publication number: 20130264729
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a mold assembly of multi-functional light guide plate, which firstly forming a first photoresist layer with a light scattering pattern and forming a second photoresist layer with a light scattering pattern. After the processes of forming a conductive layer, electroforming a conductive mold, and separating a male mold from the conductive mold, a first male mold has a pattern corresponding to the light guiding pattern and a second male mold also has a pattern corresponding to the light scattering pattern. Besides, the present invention also provides a method for manufacturing a multi-functional light guide plate by using two of the mold assembly of the present invention. Because the produced multi-functional light guide plate has the advantages of high transmittancy, the multiple optical sheets in conventional display device can be replaced by the multi-functional light guide plate of the present invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Inventors: Tzu-Chu Huang, Shih-Yun Huang, Ching-Cheng Hsu, Chun-Yu Fang
  • Publication number: 20130259421
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide device, the method includes: inserting an inclined surface of a mold which is inclined relative to a surface of a substrate including an optical waveguide member into a through hole in which the optical waveguide member is exposed from one surface side of the substrate; locating an optical component above an opening of the through hole on the other surface side of the substrate; injecting an underfill material into between the optical component and the other surface and into the through hole; and curing the underfill material to form a mirror surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITED
    Inventors: Takatoyo YAMAKAMI, Takashi KUBOTA, Kuniko ISHIKAWA, Hidehiko KIRA
  • Publication number: 20130250425
    Abstract: A transparent anti-reflective structured film (10) comprising a structured film substrate (12) having a structured face (14), with anti-reflective structures, for example, in the form of prismatic riblets (16) defining a structured surface. The structured face is anti-reflective to light, with at least a substantial portion of the structured surface comprising a glass-like surface. At least the anti-reflective structures comprise a cross-linked silicone elastomeric material and the glass-like surface comprises an Si02 stoichiometry. A solar light energy absorbing device is disclosed, comprising the transparent anti-reflective structured film disposed so as to be between a source of light energy and a light energy receiving face of a light absorber, when light energy is being absorbed by the light absorber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Applicant: 3 M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Todd G. Pett, Timothy J. Hebrink, Robin E. Wright, Moses M. David, Donald J. McClure, Mark A. Strobel
  • Publication number: 20130214439
    Abstract: A method of creating a region of index change in a photopolymer includes providing a photopolymer having a photosensitivity to light of a particular wavelength and creating a region of index change in the photopolymer by applying direct write lithography to expose the photopolymer of the region to light that includes the particular wavelength.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Applicant: The Regents of the University of Colorado
    Inventor: The Regents of the University of Colorado
  • Patent number: 8512500
    Abstract: In a method of manufacturing an optical waveguide using a flat die having a groove therein, the method includes: (a) forming a first cladding sheet on a base substrate; (b) placing the first cladding sheet and the base substrate on the flat die such that the first cladding sheet faces the groove of the flat die; (c) filling the groove with a liquid resin and then curing the liquid resin, thereby forming a mirror support on the first cladding sheet; (d) removing the flat die from the first cladding sheet; (e) forming a metal reflection film on the mirror support; (f) forming a core sheet on the first cladding sheet such that the core sheet covers the mirror support that is formed with the metal reflection film; (g) forming a second cladding sheet on the core sheet; and (h) removing the base substrate from the first cladding sheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Shinko Electric Industries Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazunao Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8506873
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a fiber composite component, comprising the steps: introduction of a first body (12), consisting of fibers and a matrix material, into a mold (10), said first body (12) having a continuous first body edge (18); the first body (12) is irradiated with microwaves (28) to produce a fiber-composite component. According to the invention, the first body (12) is introduced into the mold (10) in such a way that at least parts of the first body edge (18) are brought into contact with the mold (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Rainer Graeber, Maksim Podkorytov, Matthias Meyer, Lars Herbeck
  • Publication number: 20130200539
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing light guide plate includes a coater, a first pressing roller, a second pressing roller, and two UV lamps. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller are positioned nearby each other and space a predetermined distance from each other. The coater distributes UV curable glue through a molding channel between the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller cooperatively press the distributed UV curable glue. Each of the first and the second pressing roller includes a hollow transparent main body and a molding core sleeving the main body. The molding core is made of resin containing fluorine. The two UV lamps are respectively received in the two main bodies and emit UV light to solidify the UV curable glue pressed between the first and the second pressing roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIA-LING HSU
  • Publication number: 20130187301
    Abstract: There is provided a method of making an optical polymer waveguide having an arbitrary refractive index profile, the method including: a) providing a first input optical beam having a first beam intensity profile and a second input optical beam having a second beam intensity profile; b) combining the first and second input optical beams to form an output optical beam having an output beam intensity profile; and c) forming the optical waveguide on a substrate by: exposing the optical materials of the waveguide to the output optical beam; and curing the optical materials using said output optical beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Xyratex Technology Limited
    Inventor: Richard C.A. PITWON
  • Publication number: 20130188468
    Abstract: A recordable information consists of a flat polycarbonate disk having two main faces and a light sensitive film covering one main face and on which information may be recorded. The film is multi-layered with at least two elementary superposed layer respectively containing one element A and one element B, one of the layers containing an element chosen in the Group IIIa, while the other layer contains an element chosen in Groups Va or VIa; or one of layers contains an element from Groups IIa or IIb while the other layer contains an element from Group VI. The thickness of each layer is nearly identical and the overall thickness of the light-sensitive film being at least equal to 35 nm. A burning process for safely and durably recording information on such a medium is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Inventor: Lucien Diego Laude
  • Publication number: 20130147071
    Abstract: A method for writing a Bragg grating in a glass optical waveguide is provided. Ultrafast optical pulses are generated, preferably in the femtosecond range and having a writing wavelength in the range of 300 nm to 700 nm and an intensity sufficient to induce a change of refractive index in the waveguide through densification. The optical pulses are diffracted using a phase mask, to generate an interference pattern having a pitch providing a fundamental Bragg resonance corresponding to the target wavelength to be reflected by the grating. The interference pattern is impinged on a region of the waveguide, which is heated to a temperature above a threshold and for a predetermined heating period. Advantageously, the heating step allows the reduction of photoinduced losses which would otherwise be present in the waveguiding properties of the waveguide. Optionally, gratings may be written through the polymer jacket of an optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: UNIVERSITE LAVAL
    Inventors: Real Vallee, Martin Bernier
  • Publication number: 20130100647
    Abstract: A light directing film includes a back major surface having light reflection regions and light transmission regions and being planar, and a front major surface opposing the back surface. The front surface is planar and a plurality of lenses is disposed between the front surface and the back surface. At least selected light transmission regions are registered with selected lens elements. A method for forming the light directing film and illuminated signs utilizing the light directing films are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES COMPANY
    Inventors: Audrey A. Sherman, Kevin R. Schaffer, David Scott Thompson, William Ward Merrill, Michael A. Meis
  • Publication number: 20130087937
    Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for forming a fiber optic cable is disclosed. A first pattern of a phase mark is formed at a first location in the fiber optic cable. A relational parameter between the fiber optic cable and the phase mask is changed and a second pattern of the phase mask is formed at a second location in the fiber optic cable. The second pattern is related to the first pattern via the change in the relational parameter between the fiber optic cable and the phase mask. A controller can be used to control the relational parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel S. Homa, Brooks A. Childers
  • Patent number: 8398899
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide includes: step A of forming a first resin layer 23 by allowing a first liquid-state resin to flow to be extended in a manner so as to bury and enclose cores 22; step B of forming a second resin layer 25 by allowing a second liquid-state resin having a viscosity higher than that of the first liquid-state resin to flow to be extended on the first resin layer 23, after or while the first resin layer 23 is heated; and step C of forming an over-cladding layer 26 by curing the first resin layer 23 and the second resin layer 25.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Ryusuke Naitou
  • Publication number: 20130050831
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide plate and a manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method of the light guide plate mainly first forms a light guide plate body, and then forms a plurality of light-guide scattering portions in an interior of the light guide plate body, and the light-guide scattering portions are arranged according to a specified manner. The light-guide scattering portions can reduce chromatic aberration of the light guide plate, prevent dot mura and increase light emitting efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: SHENZHEN CHINA STAR OPTOELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chechang Hu, Jianfa Huang
  • Publication number: 20130043607
    Abstract: An apparatus for correcting any warping of a light guide plate includes a retaining device and a heating device. The retaining device includes a top pressing plate, a bottom supporting plate and an oil hydraulic cylinder on the top pressing plate. The oil hydraulic cylinder applies a pressing force on the top pressing plate, and the top pressing plate and the bottom supporting plate cooperatively sandwich and retain a light guide plate. The heating device has a coil of wire for surrounding the light guide plate. The coil of wire is configured for heating the light guide plate, the pressure and the heat thereby correcting the warp of the light guide plate. A method for correcting a warp of a light guide plate is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tai-Cherng Yu, Da-Wei Lin
  • Publication number: 20130043606
    Abstract: A method and system for generating an optical fiber is provided. The method includes creating a green fiber consisting primarily of a ceramic material and sintering the green fiber with a laser by moving the green fiber through a beam of the laser to increase the density of the fiber after sintering. The system for creating a continuous optical fiber includes an extruder, a processing chamber and a laser. The extruder is configured to extrude a ceramic slurry as a green fiber. The processing chamber is configured to receive and process the green fiber. And, the laser is configured to direct a laser spot on the green fiber exiting the processing chamber to sinter the green fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Government of the United States, as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventors: Jonathan Goldstein, Geoff Fair, Heedong Lee, Hyun Jun Kim
  • Publication number: 20130032958
    Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing light guide plate includes a coater containing UV curable glue, a first pressing roller and a second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller are located nearby each other and space a predetermined distance from each other. The coater distributes UV curable glue on the surface of the first pressing roller or the second pressing roller. The first pressing roller and the second pressing roller cooperatively press the distributed UV curable glue. At least one of the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller includes a transparent shell and a UV lamp in the transparent shell. The UV lamp emits UV light to the other pressing roller. The UV lamp solidifies the UV curable glue pressed between the first pressing roller and the second pressing roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHIA-LING HSU
  • Publication number: 20130028275
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical fiber grating that includes first and second gratings that configure an optical resonator, the method including: forming the first grating by radiating ultraviolet light to an optical fiber so that a irradiation intensity Z satisfies the following Equation 1: Z?(??S/x+0.04556 Y2+1.2225 Y)/(0.05625 Y2+1.6125 Y) . . . Equation 1, where, Z represents an irradiation intensity (mJ/mm2) of the ultraviolet light, ??S represents the maximum shift amount of a reflection center wavelength of the first grating that is allowed as long as reflection wavelengths of the first grating and second grating overlap each other, x represents a shift amount of the reflection center wavelength per temperature change of 1° C. (nm/° C.) in the first grating, and Y represents an intensity (W) of the wave-guided light.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: FUJIKURA LTD.
    Inventor: FUJIKURA LTD.
  • Patent number: 8323537
    Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an all-in-one type light guide plate. The method includes: fabricating a master including a plurality of inverse-prism shape structures; forming an elastic mold by applying an elastomer on the master; and fabricating the all-in-one type light guide plate, on which a plurality of inverse-prism shape structures are integrally formed, by applying a light transmissive material on the elastic mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hong-seok Lee, Hwan-Young Choi, Jun-bo Yoon, Joo-hyung Lee
  • Patent number: 8315499
    Abstract: A method for creating or forming a functionally graded 3D ordered open-cellular microstructure, and a functionally graded 3D ordered open-cellular microstructure. In one embodiment, the functionally-graded three-dimensional ordered open-cellular microstructure includes a first three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides having a first three-dimensional pattern; a second three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides having a second three-dimensional pattern differing from the first three-dimensional pattern; and an interface connected with the first three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides and the second three-dimensional interconnected pattern of polymer waveguides. Here, the term “functionally graded” refers to a spatial variation in the physical microstructure—and thus the properties—through the thickness of the material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Alan J. Jacobsen, Gregory L. Olson
  • Publication number: 20120263422
    Abstract: A method for processing ferrules for fiber optic connectors is disclosed herein. The method involves ablating a distal end face of the ferrule with the plurality of laser beam pulses to remove a distal layer of the ferrule without removing an optical fiber secured within the ferrule. By removing the distal layer from the ferrule, the optical fiber is caused to protrude distally outwardly from the distal end of the ferrule by a desired amount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: ADC Telecommunications, Inc.
    Inventor: Yu Lu
  • Publication number: 20120258296
    Abstract: An optical film formed of a cellulose acylate and having a first region and a second region that differ from each other in the birefringence, wherein the angle between the slow axis of the first region and the slow axis of the second region is at least 45 degrees can be produced at a low cost and used for 3D stereoscopic image display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: FUJIFILM CORPORATION
    Inventor: Shigeaki Nimura
  • Patent number: 8257991
    Abstract: A sensor for force is formed from an elastomeric cylinder having a region with apertures. The apertures have passageways formed between them, and an optical fiber is introduced into these passageways, where the optical fiber has a grating for measurement of tension positioned in the passageways between apertures. Optionally, a temperature measurement sensor is placed in or around the elastomer for temperature correction, and if required, a copper film may be deposited in the elastomer for reduced sensitivity to spot temperature variations in the elastomer near the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Intelligent Fiber Optic Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong-Lae Park, Behzad Moslehi, Richard James Black, Mark R. Cutkosky, Kelvin K. Chau
  • Patent number: 8257639
    Abstract: A process for making a stimuli responsive liquid crystal-polymer composite fiber comprising mixing a liquid crystal, a polymer, and a solvent; processing the mixture in the presence of an electric potential across a collection distance; phase separating a polymer and said liquid crystal; and encapsulating said liquid crystal within said polymer. The fiber generally comprises a liquid crystal core and a polymer shell wherein the liquid crystal is responsive to chemical changes, thermal and mechanical effects, as well as electrical and magnetic fields. A liquid crystal containing fiber can be utilized as optical fibers, in textiles, and in optoelectronic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kent State University
    Inventors: Ebru A. Buyuktanir, Margaret W. Frey, John L. West
  • Publication number: 20120210797
    Abstract: Ultra-miniature surface-mountable optical pressure sensor is constructed on an optical fiber. The sensor design utilizes an angled fiber tip which steers the optical axis of the optic fiber by 90°. The optical cavity is formed on the sidewall of the optic fiber. The optical cavity may be covered with a polymer-metal composite diaphragm to operate as a pressure transducer. Alternatively, a polymer-filled cavity may be constructed which does not need a reflective diaphragm. The sensor exhibits a sufficient linearity over the broad pressure range with a high sensitivity. The sensitivity of the sensor may be tuned by controlling the thickness of the diaphragm. Methods of batch production of uniform device-to-device optical pressure sensors of co-axial and cross-axial configurations are presented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND
    Inventors: Miao YU, Hyungdae BAE, Xuming ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8249408
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include composite articles having specific optical properties. In one embodiment of this invention, a composite comprises high and low refractive index light transmitting material and surface relief features. In further embodiments, the composite comprises volumetric dispersed phase domains that may be asymmetric in shape. In one embodiment of this invention, the composite is an optical film providing light collimating features along two orthogonal planes perpendicular to the surface of the film. In another embodiment, the composite has improved optical, thermal, mechanical, or environmental properties. In further embodiments of this invention, the composite is manufactured by optically coupling or extruding two or more light transmitting materials, and forming inverted light collimating surface relief features or light collimating surface relief features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Fusion Optix, Inc.
    Inventor: Zane Coleman
  • Patent number: 8241839
    Abstract: A fabrication method of a brightness enhancement film (BEF) including the following steps is provided. A light transmissive substrate is provided and has a first surface and a second surface opposite to the first surface. Then, a plurality of first rod-shaped lenses are formed on the first surface. The rod-shaped lenses extend along a first direction and are arranged along a second direction. After that, a plurality of second stripe-shaped prisms are formed on the second surface. The stripe-shaped prisms extend along the second direction and are arranged along the first direction. Next, an electromagnetic wave beam is made to pass through the rod-shaped lenses, the light transmissive substrate and the stripe-shaped prisms in sequence. A first portion of each of the stripe-shaped prisms exposes and leaves a second portion of each of the stripe-shaped prisms unexposed. Then, the second portions of the stripe-shaped prisms are removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Coretronic Corporation
    Inventors: Tun-Chien Teng, Chih-Jen Tsang, Jyh-Ming Chen
  • Patent number: 8241535
    Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing a planar optical waveguide and a micro-lens using a transcribed resin formed by the optical nano-imprint technique. The method includes a step for forming a resin contained with ultraviolet curable materials on the substrate. The mold is pressed against the resin. This step forms a patterned resin that reflects the pattern formed in the mold. After hardening the resin by irradiating the ultraviolet rays, the resin is cooled down as the mold is pressed against the resin from the temperature T1, where the mold is pressed, to T2 below T1. After cooling down the temperature of the resin, the mold is detached to complete the resin with the pattern transcribed from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Masaki Yanagisawa
  • Patent number: 8231813
    Abstract: A touch panel optical waveguide production method that ensures improved productivity while suppressing occurrence of voids. For formation of an over-cladding layer, a coating layer (4a) of an uncured or half-cured photopolymerizable resin composition as an over-cladding layer material is formed over a surface of an under-cladding layer (2) formed with cores (3). In turn, a molding die (6) composed of a light-transmissive material is pressed against the coating layer (4a) with a predetermined die surface of the molding die (6) being properly positioned with respect to the coating layer (4a), and then the coating layer (4a) is exposed to light through the molding die (6). After the exposure, the molding die is removed. Thus, the over-cladding layer is formed, in which the cores (3) are buried.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nitto Denko Corporation
    Inventor: Yusuke Shimizu
  • Publication number: 20120175794
    Abstract: A plurality of regions for a plurality of optical waveguides are defined on a substrate. Then, optical waveguide under-cladding layers are formed on the respective regions, and dummy under-cladding layers are formed between adjacent ones of the optical waveguide under-cladding layers in a spaced relationship to the optical waveguide under-cladding layers. After cores are formed on the optical waveguide under-cladding layers and the dummy under-cladding layers, an over-cladding layer formation photosensitive resin is applied on the resulting substrate. Subsequently, portions of the resulting photosensitive resin layer for the respective optical waveguides are selectively exposed, and the exposed portions are defined as over-cladding layers. Thus, the optical waveguides are produced as each including the optical waveguide under-cladding layer, the core and the over-cladding layer, and separated from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Mayu Takase, Kazunori Mune
  • Publication number: 20120175795
    Abstract: A hydrogen-resistant optical fiber particularly well-suitable for downhole applications comprises a relatively thick pure silica core and a depressed-index cladding layer. Interposed between the depressed-index cladding layer and the core is a relatively thin germanium-doped interface. By maintaining a proper relationship between the pure silica core diameter and the thickness of the germanium-doped interface, a majority (preferably, more than 65%) of the propagating signal can be confined within the pure silica core and, therefore, be protected from hydrogen-induced attenuation problems associated with the presence of germanium (as is common in downhole fiber applications). The hydrogen-resistant fiber of the present invention can be formed to include one or more Bragg gratings within the germanium-doped interface, useful for sensing applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: BAKER HUGHES INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Daniel Scott Homa, Brooks Childers
  • Patent number: 8195021
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a biopolymer optical waveguide includes providing a biopolymer, unwinding the biopolymer progressively to extract individual biopolymer fibers, and putting the unwound fibers under tension. The tensioned fibers are then cast in a different polymer to form a biopolymer optical waveguide that guides light due to the difference in indices of refraction between the biopolymer and the different polymer. The optical fibers may be used in biomedical applications and can be inserted in the body as transmissive media. Printing techniques may be used to manufacture the biopolymer optical waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Tufts University/Trustees of Tufts College
    Inventors: David L. Kaplan, Fiorenzo Omenetto, Brian Lawrence, Mark Cronin-Golomb
  • Publication number: 20120134012
    Abstract: A periodically poled optical waveguide comprising a nonlinear optical crystalline material is provided having poled optical domains slanted with respect to direction of propagation of light within the waveguide. Light reflected from slanted poled optical domains does not couple efficiently back into the optical waveguide, which facilitates reduction of backreflection towards a semiconductor laser source coupled to the waveguide. Reduction of backreflections facilitates stable operation of the semiconductor laser source. A method of manufacturing of a periodically poled optical waveguide with slanted poled domains is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Applicant: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Nicolas GUERIN, Boris Kharlamov, Robert Duval, Karl Kissa
  • Publication number: 20120134632
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical waveguide, includes forming a first cladding layer on a substrate, forming a core layer on the first cladding layer, forming a groove portion including a light path conversion inclined surface by processing the core layer in a thickness direction, and forming a second cladding layer in which a light path conversion hole is arranged on the light path conversion inclined surface on the first cladding layer and the core layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 31, 2012
    Inventors: Takanori YAMAMOTO, Hideki YONEKURA, Kenji YANAGISAWA, Kazunao YAMAMOTO
  • Publication number: 20120051686
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical printed circuit board, comprising: plural polymer waveguide sections from independent waveguides, each of the sections being doped with an amplifying dopant; an optical pump source to pump the plural polymer waveguide sections, wherein the plural waveguide sections are arranged close or adjacent to one another such that a the optical pump source is able to pump plural of the optical waveguide sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 1, 2012
    Applicant: XYRATEX TECHNOLOGY LIMITED
    Inventor: Richard C.A. Pitwon
  • Patent number: 8101099
    Abstract: A voltage is applied on an interdigitated electrode provided on one main face of a single-domain ferroelectric single crystal substrate to form a periodic domain inversion structure, the interdigitated electrode is removed and the one main face of the substrate is machined to remove the surface region of the substrate to form a machined surface. The optical waveguide is then formed in the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventor: Takashi Yoshino
  • Patent number: 8078017
    Abstract: An optical interface module and a method for manufacturing an optical interface module. One method includes forming a lower clad layer on a first surface of a substrate, forming a core layer on the lower clad layer and forming two grooves in part of the core layer to form a first core part between the two grooves having one end and another end. Also included is forming an upper clad layer on the core layer and in the grooves, mounting a light-emitting element on the first surface and mounting a light-receiving element on the first surface of the substrate. A second core part is optically coupled to the light-emitting element and the first core part, and a third core part is optically coupled to the light-receiving element and the other end of the first core part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Ibiden Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroaki Kodama, Kensaku Nakashima
  • Patent number: 8075809
    Abstract: In a method for the production of optical bands with several optical fibers, the surface of the optic fibers in said bands is treated such as to increase the optical damping in sections of the optic fibers. The generated damping may be reliably adjusted, whereby during (or after) the processing of the surfaces a measuring light is introduced into the fiber optic and the light output at the other end of the band is measured by means of a sensor such as a CCD camera. Possible production errors can thus be compensated for during the production process, for example, by an increased process time for the optic fiber. Optical sensor bands can be produced by the above method for application in the bumpers of motor vehicles as recognition sensors for the impact of a pedestrian. Other applications in which the bending of a sensor band is to be determined by optical means are also envisaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Martin Franke, Tobias Happel, Andre Matthias Kwiatek
  • Publication number: 20110298144
    Abstract: An optical waveguide production method, employs a light-transmissive mold having higher dimensional accuracy for formation of an over-cladding layer. The mold for the formation of the over-cladding layer is unitarily produced by molding a light-transmissive resin with the use of a mold component having the same shape as the over-cladding layer. A recess formed in the mold by removing the mold component in the production of the mold serves as a cavity for the formation of the over-cladding layer. For the formation of the over-cladding layer, a photosensitive resin for the over-cladding layer is injected into the cavity of the mold, and exposed through the mold to be cured while a core formed in a predetermined pattern on a surface of an under-cladding layer is immersed in the photosensitive resin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Ryusuke Naito
  • Patent number: 8048344
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for smoothing a surface of an optical element with a laser. Firstly, an optical element having a rough surface is provided. Next, the rough surface of the optical element is illuminated with a laser. The rough surface absorbs laser energy and melts into a liquid. The liquid is stretched and planarized by the surface tension of the rough surface and then solidifies into a smooth surface. The present invention can smooth the surface of an optical element and promote the resonant or waveguide performance of the optical element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: National Taiwan University
    Inventors: Ching-Fuh Lin, Shih-Che Hung, Shu-Chia Shiu
  • Publication number: 20110260346
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light guide plate containing a plurality of light-guiding micro structures comprises the steps of: preparing a mold that has a concave hole formed by a plurality of light-guiding micro structures; pouring a mixture of ultraviolet curable resins and glass microbeads into the mold; attaching a carrier onto the mixture; using a rolling tool to roll the surface of the carrier, such that the mold is filled up with the mixture uniformly, while the air among the mold, the carrier and the mixture is discharged; and finally projecting the ultraviolet light onto the ultraviolet curable resin, such that the ultraviolet curable resin can be cured at the carrier and removed from the mold, so as to form a light guide plate having a plurality of light-guiding micro structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: CHIH-HO HSU, Jian-Li Chang
  • Publication number: 20110235973
    Abstract: A product and process for fabricating an optical element from a capillary ferrule includes fusing the optical element onto an optical fiber. The optical element starts with a capillary ferrule that is sculpted on one end to form an optical property such as a flat window, ball lens, angled endface or other sculpted shape. The ferrule is fused onto an optical fiber that has been inserted into the ID of the capillary ferrule. As a result, the ferrule serves as a mechanical aligner for the optical element to fiber fusion process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: Polymicro Technologies
    Inventor: Robert B. Acuna
  • Publication number: 20110222818
    Abstract: Disclosed is inexpensive optical waveguide for an optical connector which is accurately positioned across the width of cores when inserted in and fixed in an optical waveguide fixing through hole of a ferrule to provide low optical coupling loss when connected, an optical connector using the same, and a method of manufacturing the same. An optical waveguide for an optical connector includes cores, an under cladding layer, and an over cladding layer. The strip-shaped optical waveguide has a longitudinal end portion configured to be fixed in a predetermined through hole provided in a ferrule of an optical connector. The cores are formed on the under cladding layer by a photolithographic method. The over cladding layer is formed with respect to the positions of the cores or positioning alignment marks by a photolithographic method. The over cladding layer covers the cores, and the under cladding layer including crosswise end surfaces thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazunori Mune, Junichi Fujisawa, Yuichi Tsujita