Abstract: A fibre optic sensor for detecting or measuring the concentration of an analyte in a medium, the sensor having a sensing region (1) for insertion into the medium during use, which sensing region comprises a cell containing an indicator for the analyte, wherein the cell comprises a central portion (CE) arranged longitudinally within the fibre and one or more crossing portions (CR1, CR2, CR3) which intersect the central portion.

Abstract: A periodic structure is to be successively formed over an extensive area with a uniaxial laser beam. Such method includes irradiating a uniaxial laser beam near an ablation threshold to a surface of a material; and executing an overlapped scanning on the irradiated region, so as to cause an ablation by interference between an incident beam and a surface scattered wave along the material surface; increasing the scattered wave; causing an interference at an interval equal to a wavelength of the laser beam, to thereby cause spontaneous formation of a periodic structure. The periodic structure can be made to have a different ripple spacing by changing an incident angle of the laser beam to the material surface. When the laser incident beam has an angle, the ripple spacing can be changed by changing a scanning direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for making an ophthalmic device. In particular, the present invention provides a method for production of a contact lens by means of stereolithography. A preferred stereolithography technique is based on polymerization and solidification of a contact lens forming liquid material by actinic irradiation one layer at a time. In addition, the present invention provides systems and methods for making a contact lens for a specific patient based on the prescription.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a micro-retarder and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The system for manufacturing a micro-retarder includes a carrying device, a heating device and a movement control device. The carrying device is used for carrying a polymolecule film. The polymolecule film is selected from a polymolecule film having an arrangement direction. The heating device is used for providing a heating source. The energy formed in the central area of the heating source is smaller than that in the peripheral area of the heating source. The movement control device is used for controlling the heating source and the polymolecule film to relatively move along a first direction, so that the adjusted heating source heats at least one partial area of the polymolecule film along the first direction and resumes the partial area of the polymolecule film to be non-directional.

Abstract: A method of making an illuminator out of a light guide using a laser to cut a pattern of U shaped notches or grooves in at least one side of the light guide. The laser may be moved at a substantially constant or variable speed during continuous or intermittent pulsing of the laser to cut a plurality of notches or grooves of a desired depth, width, spacing, relative position, diameter and/or surface finish in the light guide.

Abstract: An optical diffusion structure includes an optical diffusion structure comprising a plurality of convex portions and a plurality of concave portions. Each convex portion is adjacent to a plurality of concave portions and each concave portion is adjacent to a plurality of convex portions. The convex portions, the concave portions and each junction of the convex and concave portions have a curvature different from 0. The optical diffusion structure further includes a diffusion plate having a first surface, wherein the optical diffusion structure is formed on the first surface, and the convex portions are arranged in a two dimensional array along a first direction and a second direction, and the concave portions are arranged in a two dimensional array along a third direction and a fourth direction.

Abstract: A system for determining the shape of a cornea of an eye illuminates at least one of the interior surface, the posterior surface, and the interior region of the eye with infrared light of a wavelength that can generate fluorescent light from the portion of the cornea illuminated. The generated fluorescent light is then detected. A step of illuminating can comprise focusing the infrared light in a plurality of different planes substantially perpendicular to the optical axis of the eye. From the detected light it is possible to create a map of at least a portion of the interior surface, at least a portion of the posterior surface, and/or portion of the interior region of the cornea. Clarity of vision can be determined by generating autofluorescence from proteins in the pigment epithelial cells of the retina.

Abstract: A method for removing and modifying a protrusion by using a short pulse laser is provided for modifying a color filter. In a color filter modifying method, a transparent substrate (2) is scanned with a beam in a parallel direction, while irradiating a protrusion (8) generated on the color filters (3-1, 3-2, 3-3) formed on a transparent substrate (2) with a beam collected by a high NA condensing lens (18), and a protrusion (8) is removed or modified.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a headlamp lens (2) for a vehicle headlamp, in particular for a motor-vehicle headlamp (1), wherein the headlamp lens (2) comprises a transparent body (3) with an optically effective surface (5), which is in particular substantially planar and can be turned towards a light source (10), and an optically effective surface (4), which is in particular convex and can be turned away from the light source (10), wherein the gradient of a light-dark boundary (25) projected by the headlamp lens (2) or a further headlamp lens is measured, and wherein a light diffusing structure (35) is produced in the transparent body (3) in accordance with the measured gradient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scleral lens which includes channels on its posterior bearing surface that improve the flow of tears between the bearing surface of the device and the underlying scleral eyes tissue into the space between the optic of the lens and cornea. The channels are disposed on the inside surface of the lens and extend generally radially from the inside of the haptic and the outside rim of the lens. Various configurations are possible for the channels, as described in more detail below. Additionally, the channels can have a serpentine or arcuate configuration to allow for the appropriate amount of fluid flow between the space under the lens and the scleral surface of the eye. In another embodiment, microchannels can be formed in the lens to increase the oxygen permeability of the lens. The microchannels can have many configurations that reduce the volume of the lens material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a nanopatterned biopolymer optical device includes providing a biopolymer, processing the biopolymer to yield a biopolymer matrix solution, providing a substrate with a nanopatterned surface, casting the biopolymer matrix solution on the nanopatterned surface of the substrate, and drying the biopolymer matrix solution to form a solidified biopolymer film on the substrate, where the solidified biopolymer film is formed with a surface having a nanopattern thereon. In another embodiment, the method also includes annealing the solidified biopolymer film. A nanopatterned biopolymer optical device includes a solidified biopolymer film with a surface having a nanopattern is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an imaging component is provided comprising placing a focusing device in between a laser generator and a scintillator element; generating a laser using the laser generator; focusing the laser using the focusing device such that a focal spot of the laser is coincident with a portion of the isotropic portion; using the laser to alter the optical properties at the focal spot such that anisotropy is generated in the isotropic portion; and moving the focal spot relative to the scintillator element such that a three-dimensional pattern with altered optical properties is generated. The three-dimensional pattern controls the spread of photons within the scintillator element.

Abstract: The invention provides a light guide panel that improves luminance and reduces uneven luminance and color aberration. The light guide panel of the invention may be formed by irradiating laser light from a laser light source to the surface of an acrylic resin plate made of polymethylmethacrylate whose weight-average molecular weight is 10,000 to 100,000 or of a copolymer of 90 to 99.9% by weight of methyl methacrylate and 0.1 to 10% by weight of acrylic ester and whose weight-average molecular weight is 1,000 to 100,000 to form a light scattering pattern including a large number of concave portions each of which also includes a large number of micro-concavities and convexities therein.

Abstract: An optical waveguide having a light path deflecting capability, including a core layer defining a light path, two cladding layers holding the core layer therebetween and covering the core layer, and a light path deflection structure formed selectively in a predetermined region of the core layer having a light path deflection cavities arranged at predetermined intervals in a matrix array in a phantom plane inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to an optical axis of the core layer by applying a laser beam a plurality of times to the core layer through either of the cladding layers without damaging the cladding layers. A method for manufacturing an optical waveguide having a light path deflecting capability including applying a laser beam a plurality of times to the core layer through either of the cladding layers without damaging the cladding layers and without damaging an outer surface of the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A photorefractive composition that is photorefractive upon irradiation by a near infrared (NIR) laser. The photorefractive composition comprises a sensitizer and a polymer comprising a repeating unit including at least a moiety selected from the group consisting of the formulae (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic), as defined herein. The photorefractive composition can be used in optical devices.

Abstract: An information signal area on an information signal recording surface is provided as pits on a mirror in accordance with modulated information data, and is covered with a metal alloy reflective film. Sections that do not include pits corresponding to the information data are provided in the information signal area, and portions of the metal alloy reflective film on the sections are formed as perforated marks corresponding to the information data. In this case, the reproduction signal amplification level of a prepit signal and the reproduction signal amplitude level of a perforated mark signal can be obtained as substantially equal values by adjusting the depth and width of pits and/or adjusting the width and length of perforated marks. Hence, waveform distortion due to a waveform equalization circuit and variations in binary signals due to displacement of the slice level are reduced so that signals can be stably and reliably detected with the same reading apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for processing the whole of a glass substrate surface so as to give a surface excellent in flatness and surface roughness. The present invention provides a method of processing a glass substrate surface using a processing technique selected from the group consisting of ion-beam etching, gas cluster ion-beam etching, plasma etching, and nano-ablation, wherein a frame element satisfying the following (1) and (2) is arranged along the periphery of the glass substrate before the glass substrate surface is processed: (1) the difference between the height of the frame element and the height of the glass substrate surface is 1 mm or smaller; and (2) the frame element has a width which is not smaller than one-half the beam diameter or laser light diameter to be used in the processing technique.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical element, a method for the production thereof, and the usage thereof as an isolator or polarizer. An inventive optical element for a frequency window of the electromagnetic spectrum comprises a first component which has the function of a quarter wavelength plate, and a second component joined thereto which has a circular dichroism. When the first component is exposed to a linearly polarized wave, the optical element can be used as an optical isolator. When, however, the second component is exposed to the linearly polarized wave, the optical element can be used as an optical polarizer. An inventive optical element which is used as an optical isolator can be deployed in laser systems to reduce or suppress the feedback of the laser. In addition, windows can be thus produced which in a specific frequency window are transparent in only one direction. Unidirectional thermal insulation is thereby produced for the infared wavelength region.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disc includes the steps of performing laser exposure of an inorganic resist master on which a photosensitive layer is formed using an inorganic material, which protrudes in an exposed region, and a surface coat layer is formed on the surface of the photosensitive layer in order to control the shape of protrusion, transferring the shape of protrusion formed by the laser exposure on the inorganic resist master to produce a stamper on which a portion corresponding to the shape of protrusion is a depression, forming a resin substrate using the stamper so that a portion corresponding to the shape of protrusion is a protrusion, and forming a predetermined layer structure on the resin substrate to produce an optical disc.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for smoothing an optical surface of an optical component for EUVL. Specifically, the present invention provides a method for smoothing an optical surface of an optical component for EUVL made of a silica glass material containing TiO2 and comprising SiO2 as a main component with a laser having an oscillation wavelength, to which the optical component for EUVL has an absorption coefficient of 0.01 ?m?1 or more, at a fluence of 0.3 to 1.5 J/cm2 in an atmosphere having a water vapor partial pressure of 3.6 mmHg or less.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a color filter, which includes forming a light-shielding portion and a pixel portion on a substrate, and reforming the pixel portion to be ink-philic by using a laser ablation. In the method of manufacturing the color filter, the laser ablation is used to prevent ink particles from being agglomerated in the pixel portion, uniformly filling with the ink, and selectively performing surface reformation of the pixel portion. The color filter manufactured by using the method has desirable pixels without color mixing.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical film cutting method, which includes: a laser beam generation step of performing a waveform shaping of a laser beam to generate a laser beam having a rectangular waveform, and a cutting step of irradiating an optical film with the laser beam obtained by the laser beam generation step and having a rectangular waveform to thereby cut the optical film; as well as to an optical film that is cut by the cutting method and having a size of a raised part generated on a cutting surface thereof of 30 ?m or less.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a shaped polymer device comprises forming a planar polymer layer over a substrate which has a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the polymer layer; and shaping the polymer layer using a laser ablation process. This method uses a substrate with low thermal expansion to limit the expansion of the attached polymer layer when it is being shaped by a laser ablation process. In addition there is provided a lens structure for an *autostereoscopic display device comprising a substantially planar glass substrate and a polymer layer defining a lenticular arrangement provided over the glass substrate.

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.

Abstract: A light guide plate includes a light input surface, a light output surface adjoining the light input surface, and a reflecting surface opposite the light output surface. One of the light output surface and the reflecting surface defines a plurality of scattering microstructures. Each scattering microstructure includes a spherical protrusion having a substantially spherical surface, and a substantially ring-shaped groove defined around a periphery of the spherical protrusion. At least half of the spherical surface is as smooth as a mirror. A method for manufacturing the light guide plate and a backlight module using the light guide plate are also provided.

Abstract: Methods for creating apertures in a layer on a back side of a substrate that includes a microlens array on a front side thereof include curving the substrate into a cylindrical surface segment that defines an axis, so that the microlens array on the front side of the substrate faces the axis. A pulsed laser beam is scanned from the axis circumferentially along the cylindrical surface segment, to pass through the microlens array on the front side of the substrate and into the layer on the back side of the substrate to create the apertures, while simultaneously translating the substrate and/or the scanned pulsed laser beam axially relative to one another. Related apparatus and microlens array products are also disclosed.

Abstract: A contact lens of novel structure that can be produced with enhanced production efficiency and that has an enhanced water retainability on the lens surface so as to realize a superior wear feeling. At least one of convex lens anterior surface (12) and concave lens posterior surface (14) is provided with treated face (26, 28) having a periodic structure of minute projections and depressions of a size producing no tactile and visual effects during wear.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices having periodic refractive index modulation structures and fabrication methods for the devices using a laser means. By focusing a pulsed laser beam into a transparent material substrate, a path of laser modified volumes can be formed with modified refractive index compared with the unprocessed material. By selecting appropriate laser parameters and relative scan speed, the laser modified path defines an optical waveguide. Separation distance of the individual modified volumes define a periodic modification pattern along the waveguide path, so that the waveguide structures also exhibit grating responses, for example, as spectral filters, Bragg reflectors, grating couplers, grating sensors, or other devices.

Abstract: A system and method for modifying a characteristic of a contact lens is presented. A beam of ultra-short pulses is generated. The beam of ultra-short pulses is delivered to a desired location at the contact lens. A characteristic of the contact lens is modified at the desired location using the beam of ultra-short pulses.

Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, hydrogel polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating predetermined regions of an optical, polymeric material with a laser to form refractive structures. To facilitate the formation of the refractive structures the optical, hydrogel polymeric material comprises a photosensitizer. The presence of the photosensitizer permits one to set a scan rate to a value that is at least fifty times greater than a scan rate without the photosensitizer in the material, yet provides similar refractive structures in terms of the observed change in refractive index. Alternatively, the photosensitizer in the polymeric material permits one to set an average laser power to a value that is at least two times less than an average laser power without the photosensitizer in the material, yet provide similar refractive structures.

Abstract: Light-diffracting microstructures are produced by the superimposition of at least two relief structures, wherein the first relief structure is produced mechanically while at least one second relief structure is a photomechanically generated diffraction structure.

Abstract: A system for manufacturing a micro-retarder and a method for manufacturing the same are provided. The system for manufacturing a micro-retarder includes a carrying device, a heating device and a movement control device. The carrying device is used for carrying a polymolecule film. The polymolecule film is selected from a polymolecule film having an arrangement direction. The heating device is used for providing a heating source. The energy formed in the central area of the heating source is smaller than that in the peripheral area of the heating source. The movement control device is used for controlling the heating source and the polymolecule film to relatively move along a first direction, so that the adjusted heating source heats at least one partial area of the polymolecule film along the first direction and resumes the partial area of the polymolecule film to be non-directional.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a synthetic resin lens, comprising: adjusting a degree of change in transmittance of a lens member made of synthetic resin for a blue violet laser beam with accumulated application of the blue violet laser beam, by applying to the lens member an electromagnetic wave shorter in wavelength than the blue violet laser beam.

Abstract: An optical waveguide assembly and method of forming the same is described. The optical waveguide assembly includes a waveguide, an amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating communicative with the waveguide, and an integrated amorphous silicon waveguide grating laser which communicatively outputs a laser output responsive to the amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating. The method includes providing a waveguide, providing an amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating communicative with the waveguide, and providing an integrated amorphous silicon waveguide grating laser which communicatively outputs a laser output responsive to the amorphous silicon arrayed waveguide grating.

Abstract: A solid state, compression method for fabricating lenses, lens blanks, and lens components from materials ground into fine powders having mechanical properties the make them capable of being formed into cohesive monolithic masses that are low in scattering. The fine powders may be admixtures of host matrix materials and others which, when combined, provide preferred optical properties such as index and dispersion. Parts possessing transmission from within the range from the ultraviolet to the infrared are possible. The method is particularly suited to low temperature formation of aspheric lenses transmissive in the near and far IR.

Abstract: A technique is described for reducing group delay ripple in a fiber dispersion compensation grating. The grating is mounted into a trimming setup that includes a trimming device and a scanning assembly for causing a region of the grating to be scanned along its length by the trimming device output. The grating is sensitive to the trimming device output, such that exposure to the trimming device output causes a change in the effective refractive index of the scanned region, the amount of change varying as a function of scanning velocity. A region of the grating to be trimmed is selected, and a scanning velocity profile is programmed into the scanning assembly that is calculated to modify the effective refractive index of the selected grating region along its length so as to smooth out group delay ripple in the selected grating region.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods and apparatus for modifying a silicone contact lens via laser ablation and a resulting modified lens. In some embodiments a lens is ablated in a hydrated state. A lens may also be ablated in an environment of decreased oxygen content.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides methods for custom fabrication of IOLs. In some embodiments, such methods call for measuring one or more aberrations of a patient's eye, and determining the profile of at least one surface of an IOL that would ameliorate, and control those aberrations. The surface profile can then be imparted to a surface of a starting lens (or a lens blank) via ablation, e.g., by utilizing an excimer laser beam. In some other embodiments, the measured aberrations can be utilized to determine the profile of at least one surface of a wafer mold. A wafer mold having that surface profile can then be fabricated, e.g., by ablating a slab or an existing wafer of appropriate material, and the mold can be used to fabricate an IOL suitable for implantation in the patient's eye.

Abstract: A method for modifying the refractive index of an optical, polymeric material. The method comprises irradiating select regions of the optical, polymeric material with a focused, visible or near-IR laser having a pulse energy from 0.05 nJ to 1000 nJ. The irradiation results in the formation of refractive optical structures, characterized by a change in refractive index, exhibit little or no scattering loss, and exhibit no significant differences in the Raman spectrum with respect to the non-irradiated optical, polymeric material. The method can be used to modify the refractive index of an intraocular lens following the surgical implantation of the intraocular lens in a human eye.

Abstract: The present invention may provide a structure capable of obtaining a higher difference in refractive indices between that of a transparent material and that of a cavity, than in the past, and a manufacturing method thereof, and the present invention provides a structure having a transparent material and an internal cavity which is formed by irradiating said transparent material with a pulse laser beam having a pulse width of 10×10?12 seconds or less, and wherein refractive index of said transparent material at d line is nd?1.

Abstract: A contact lens having a mark on at least one of an anterior face and a posterior face thereof, wherein the improvement including: the mark being defined by a concave annular section having inside and outside peripheral borders of circular shape, and a center projection situated in a center of the concave annular section; an outside diameter dimension of the concave annular section is held within a range of 0.1-0.5 mm; a widthwise center section of the concave annular section in radial cross section is a flat section having smaller depth change and greater radius of curvature than widthwise side sections; and at least the flat section of the mark has a rough surface The method of manufacturing the contact lens is also disclosed.

Abstract: A mirror pane comprising a substrate of plastic having a front side and a rear side, each having a metal coating, and a surface heating apparatus with at least one resistance heating strip and electric connection contacts, wherein the metal coating placed on the front side of the substrate serves as a reflective mirror surface, and the at least one resistance heating strip possessing the electrical connection contacts is located within recesses in the rear side of the recesses reproducing a negative image of the at least one resistance heating strip and being furnished with connection contacts.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing an optical component having at least one photo-oriented polymeric layer is provided. The apparatus includes a single source of laser radiation, beam splitting means for splitting the laser radiation into a first beam of linearly polarized light having a first plane of polarization (P) and a second beam of linearly polarized light having a second plane of polarization (S), first directing means for directing the first beam of linearly polarized light onto a first area or areas of at least one photo-orientatable polymeric layer to cause a first molecular orientation in said first area or areas of the layer and second directing means for directing the second beam of linearly polarized light onto said photo-orientatable polymeric layer to cause a second molecular orientation in a second area or areas of the layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lens barrel array, a lens array and a method of making the same. The lens barrel array is realized all together in collective operation, and intended to be separated later on to be used as lens barrels of individual module. The lens array including plates, each of which has a hollow portion, attached together and lenses mounted in the hollow portions respectively. The lens array is intended to be separated later on to be used as lens barrels of individual module. The method includes the steps of providing a plurality of plates with hollow portions thereon, installing lenses into the hollow portions respectively, and attaching the plates together to form lens barrel array with a plurality of lens, each of which includes the hollow portion and the lenses, intended to be separated later on to be used as lens barrels of individual module.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lens assembly and a method for manufacturing the same. The method includes delineating and processing a surface of a lens substrate to form a plurality of lens units; bonding a plurality of such lens substrates having different properties to each other as one integrated body; and dicing the integrated body into a lens unit, thereby producing a plurality of lens assemblies.

Abstract: A method for producing a substrate assembly for a plasma display panel includes the steps of providing a laser beam absorbing substance on a projection in the surface of a dielectric layer covering electrodes on a substrate, the laser beam absorbing substance absorbing a laser beam more easily than a material of the dielectric layer; and irradiating the laser beam absorbing substance with the laser beam to fuse and flatten the projection by heat generated in the laser beam absorbing substance by the irradiation.

Abstract: A contact lithography apparatus and a method use one or both of spacers and a mesa to facilitate pattern transfer. The apparatus and the method include one or both of a spacer that provides a spaced apart orientation of lithographic elements, such as a patterning tool and a substrate, when in mutual contact with the spacer and a mesa between the patterning tool and the substrate. The mesa supports a contact surface of one or both of the mold and the substrate. One or both of the spacers and the mesa may be non-uniform. One or more of the patterning tool, the substrate and the spacer is deformable, such that deformation thereof facilitates the pattern transfer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a substrate for a liquid crystal display device includes: disposing a transparent substrate on a stage of a laser apparatus; irradiating a laser beam having a predetermined power onto the transparent substrate to form a light shielding region in the transparent substrate surrounding first to third light transmitting regions; and forming a color filter layer including red, green and blue sub-color filters respectively in the first to third light transmitting regions, wherein boundaries of the red, green and blue sub-color filters correspond to the light shielding region.

Abstract: A feedback control system for controlling a laser source. The feedback control system includes a laser source outputting laser energy and an optical sensor detecting the laser energy. The optical sensor outputs a measured signal in response to a measured amount of the laser energy. The system further includes an optical device receiving the laser energy and directing the laser energy to a predetermined location. The optical device reflects a first portion of the laser energy toward the optical sensor. A controller receives the measured signal from the optical sensor and calculates the amount of the first portion of the laser energy. The controller then adjusts the laser source to correct for the losses associated with the first portion of the laser energy reflecting from the optical device to obtain a predetermined amount of laser energy at the predetermined location.

Abstract: A method is provided for manufacturing a high-precision mold whereby a feature matching a desired feature design is carved into a hard mold material (41) using, for example, a diamond grinding wheel and/or a diamond turning point. Inherent imprecision and errors (49) introduced by the use of the grinding wheel/turning point are measured to determine deviations from the desired feature design. An ultrafast shortpulse laser is then activated to desirably ablate the deviations, thereby correcting the errors and conforming the feature to the desired shape. Furthermore, a thin film (1602) may be formed over the feature either prior to or after the laser ablation process, where the error measurement and laser ablation processes detects and ablates errors on the surface of the thin film, respectively. Additionally, the laser ablation process may be applied directly to, for example, an optical lens (1400) formed from an imprecise mold to remove any errors and imperfections thereon.