Abstract: A plastic optical component includes a base member made of a first plastic, and a covering member disposed over a surface of the plastic member. The covering member is made of a second plastic. The water absorption of the first plastic is lower than the water absorption of the second plastic.

Abstract: A plastic optical element includes a member and covering portions formed on a first surface and a second surface of the member. A projecting portion made of a material out of which the member is made and a material out of which the covering portions are made is formed on a part of a side surface of the member, and the covering portion of the first surface and the covering portion of the second surface are connected to each other through the projecting portion.

Abstract: Method for manufacturing an image pickup lens unit. In the second molding step, by performing additional molding with respect to a first holder member 20 in which a lens 10 has been inserted, the separation of the lens 10 can be prevented and, at the same time, a second holder member 30 welded to the first holder member 20 can be molded. Therefore, molding of the second holder member 30 and the process of joining the second holder member with the first holder member 20 can be performed together. Additionally, when the lens 10 is fixed from the side of a third molding portion 63 of a second mold 52, the lens 10 and the third molding portion 63 are brought in contact by an elastic biasing force, thereby reducing breakage or deformation of the lens 10.

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.).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a structure with luminous and visual effects, a light transmissive sheet thereof, and a method for making the same. The light transmissive sheet includes a first layer, a light transmissive intermediate layer and a second layer. The material of the first layer, the light transmissive intermediate layer and the second layer is polyurethane resin. The light transmissive intermediate layer is disposed on the first layer, and the second layer is disposed on the light transmissive intermediate layer. At least one pattern is formed on the first layer or the second layer, and the pattern penetrates the first layer or the second layer. When light irradiates the light transmissive sheet, the pattern is shown, so the light transmissive sheet has luminous and visual effects.

Abstract: A laminated diffraction optical element includes a substrate, and a resin layer provided on the substrate and including an optically effective portion and an optically non-effective outer portion adjacent to the optically effective portion. The optically non-effective outer portion in the resin layer has a continuous shape such that a layer thickness decreases when extending toward an outer periphery of the substrate. An angle formed between a straight line connecting both ends of the continuous shape and a tangent to a surface of the substrate at a point opposite to an end closer to the surface of the substrate is within a range of 20 to 60 degrees.

Abstract: The present invention provides a substrate for an optical semiconductor apparatus for mounting optical semiconductor devices, the substrate includes first leads to be electrically connected to first electrodes of the optical semiconductor devices and second leads to be electrically connected to second electrodes of the optical semiconductor devices, wherein the first leads and the second leads are arranged each in parallel, a molded body of a thermosetting resin composition is molded in a penetrating gap between the first leads and the second leads, a reflector of the thermosetting resin composition is molded at a periphery of respective regions on which the optical semiconductor devices are to be mounted, and the resin molded body and the reflector are integrally molded with the first leads and the second leads by injection molding.

Abstract: A method of directly molding a fiber optic ferrule on an end of a fiber optic cable is disclosed. The method preferably includes stripping a cable jacket and/or a buffer layer from optical fibers of the fiber optic cable and trimming the optical fibers with a laser thereby creating trimmed ends on the optical fibers. The optical fibers and preferably a pin assembly are held near the end of the fiber optic cable by an optical fiber and pin locator. The optical fiber and pin locator can statically or dynamically hold and position the optical fibers and pin assembly. After the optical fibers and/or the pin assembly are positioned, a fixture is attached to the trimmed ends of the optical fibers and/or the pin assembly thereby preserving their relative position to each other. After the fixture is attached, the optical fiber and pin locator is removed, and the end of the fiber optic cable with the attached fixture is placed into a mold cavity.

Abstract: A solid-state linear lamp comprises a co-extruded component, the co-extruded component comprising an elongate lens and a layer of photoluminescent material. The elongate lens is for shaping light emitted from the lamp and comprises an elongate interior cavity. The layer of a photoluminescent material is located on an interior wall of the elongate interior cavity. The lamp further comprises an array of solid-state light emitters configured to emit light into the elongate interior cavity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a concentrator for focusing solar radiation, having surface structuring in the form of one or more Fresnel lenses on the lower side, and to the production thereof from polymeric materials by means of a specific extrusion process. The inventive concentrator can be employed in plants utilizable for photovoltaic or solar heating purposes, and has the required durability and performance in demanding climatic zones. The inventive concentrator enables particularly economic production and efficient concentration of solar radiation onto objects such as solar cells or absorber units, irrespective of the geometry thereof. The inventive concentrator has high longevity and—combined with this—high optical performance when employed in extreme and demanding climatic zones.

Abstract: A polymer opal material comprises a three dimensionally periodic arrangement of core particles in a matrix material and exhibits structural colour via Bragg reflection. IN a process for manufacturing such a material, a sandwich structure is provided, of a precursor composite material held between first and second sandwiching layers. A relative shear strain of at least 10% is imposed on the precursor composite material by curling the sandwich structure around a roller. The shear strain is cycled, in order to promote the formation of the three dimensional periodic arrangement.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improvement for applying a layered structure onto a convex surface of a lens. After thermoforming the layered structure, a curvature direction of the layered structure is inverted. The structure is then applied on the lens surface by continuously pushing the structure against the lens surface, starting from a contact point between a convex surface of the structure and the convex surface of the lens. The curvature direction of the layered structure is then inverted again, so that it recovers the curvature direction that resulted from thermoforming. Stresses within the layered structure are then reduced, and the structure can be assembled with the lens without defects.

Abstract: By provision of an A layer consisting of a resin having a positive intrinsic birefringence value; a B layer consisting of a resin containing a styrene polymer and having a negative intrinsic birefringence value; and a C layer consisting of a resin containing a polymer having an alicyclic structure, in this order; a phase difference film wherein, when the C layer is removed, retardation Re at an incident angle of 0° and retardation R40 at an incident angle of 40° satisfy a relationship of 0.92?R40/Re?1.08 is realized.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for implementing enhanced optics fabrication for making a concave focusing optical lens with a selected material of a crystal or an amorphous material and a support member. A cut-out is formed in the support member with a depth based upon the final, desired curvature of the concave focusing optical lens. The cut-out is partially filled with an epoxy and the selected crystal or amorphous material is placed on top thereby creating a quasi-vacuum seal. A vacuum pump is connected to the support member, providing a set vacuum level until the epoxy has hardened and the selected crystal or amorphous material has achieved its final curvature. Vacuum pressure is substantially uniformly applied to the crystal, providing substantially uniform stresses on the surface of the final concave focusing optical lens.

Abstract: Techniques described herein generally relate to optical devices and methods of manufacturing optical devices. An example optical device includes a first substrate having a first optical element, a second substrate coupled to the first substrate, and cured resin. The first substrate has a first optical element. The second substrate has at least one supporting structure and a second optical element supported by the at least one supporting structure. The at least one supporting structure has at least one receptor. The cured resin is arranged in the at least one receptor of the at least one supporting structure effective to position the second optical element relative to the first optical element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an optical moulded body (2), in particular a lens element (2), comprising producing a pre-moulding (4) in a moulding tool by injection moulding of a first plastics material and producing at least one covering layer (6.1, 6.2) on the pre-moulding (4) by injection moulding of a second plastics material, wherein the temperature of the moulding tool for producing the pre-moulding (4) is from 30% to 60% lower than the temperature of the moulding tool for producing the at least one covering layer (6.1, 6.2).

Abstract: Disclosed are processes of method for making an optical sensor. The processes comprises the steps as follow: provide a carrier; mount an infrared ambient light detector, a proximity sensor and an infrared light emitter on the carrier; place a polymer layer on the carrier for fully coving the infrared ambient light detector, the proximity sensor and the infrared light emitter; provide a metal mold and press the polymer layer by metal mold for forming a first lens covering the infrared ambient light detector and the proximity sensor, a second lens coving the infrared light emitter, and a fixing concave positioned between the first and second lenses; insert and fix a light blocking element in the fixing concave for contributing to the minimization of crosstalk between the infrared ambient light detector and the infrared light emitter.

Abstract: An optical mechanism for a camera having a camera aperture includes an indexing stage movable between at least two distinct positions. At least a first fixed diameter apodized aperture is mounted on the stage and configured to be aligned with the camera aperture in one of the distinct positions of the indexing stage, and wherein the first fixed diameter apodized aperture is not aligned with the camera aperture in the other of the distinct positions of the indexing stage. The stage can include multiple fixed diameter apodized apertures of distinct effective diameters each of which can be selectively aligned with the camera aperture. The mechanism includes an actuator for moving the stage between each of said distinct positions. Methods for mass producing the fixed diameter apodized aperture are disclosed using dye diffusion into optical elements via various methods, and various casting and molding formation techniques.

Abstract: A molded contact lens comprising a stiffer optic zone relative to the peripheral zone of the contact lens provides an optical element for correcting astigmatism without the need for or substantially minimizing the need for the correction of rotational misalignment. The higher elastic modulus optic zone vaults over the cornea thereby allowing a tear lens to form. The tear lens follows or assumes the shape of the back surface of the contact lens. The combination of the tear lens and the optical zone provide an optical element for correction of refractive error.

Abstract: Provided is a method of manufacturing an optical element having a structure, which is represented by a one-dimensional lattice, with high yield with the use of a sol-gel material. A titanium based sol-gel material is applied onto a substrate (1), and then is subjected to vacuum drying to form a titania sol layer (2) corresponding to a dried sol-gel film. Onto the titania sol layer (2), a line-and-space structure is transferred by embossing using a mold (3), and then the mold (3) is separated. Thus, a titania sol layer (4) having the structure is formed. Next, heating is performed to accelerate the dehydration condensation reaction of the sol-gel material to cure the sol-gel material, and thus a titanium oxide structure portion (5) having the line-and-space structure is formed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus used for forming a lens and spacer combination, and imager module employing the spacer and lens combination. The apparatus includes a mold having a base, spacer section, and mold feature. The method includes using the mold with a blank to create a spacer that includes an integral lens. The spacer and lens combination and imager modules can be formed on a wafer level.

Abstract: The lens array assembly includes a lens array support made of a first molded plastic material exhibiting a volumetric shrinkage upon cooling, the lens array support having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures; and an array of lenses made of second molded plastic material exhibiting a volumetric shrinkage upon cooling, each lens corresponding to one of the apertures of the lens array support and having an actual position in the lens array support that is within a maximum tolerance of 0.20 mm compared to each lens design position.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing a panel and resulting panels include a plurality of microholes arranged in a pattern and filled with light transmissive polymeric material. The light transmissive polymeric material occludes the microholes and is set, or cured, by exposure to an energy source using at least two discrete exposure periods separated by an idle or rest period.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical component that is provided with an optical element, and an optical element holding component that holds an outer circumferential portion of the optical element includes: placing the optical element on an interior side of a metal die that molds the optical element holding component, and in which an incident side protective component that protects an optical surface on an incident side of the optical element is placed against this optical surface on the incident side, and placing an emission side protective component that protects an optical surface on an emission side of the optical element against this optical surface on the emission side; and filling the interior of the metal die with a molten metal material so that the optical element holding component which is formed from an amorphous alloy is injection molded integrally with the optical element.

Abstract: Since a second molding surface 103a is separated from the second mold 42 before a first molding surface 102a is completely separated from the first mold 41, in a state difficult to take the unbalanced force, the separating force is applied at the same time on the first and the second molding surfaces 102a and 103a of the substrate 101, it is possible to prevent damage to the substrate 101 at the time of mold release even if the substrate 101 is comparatively thin. Since the mold release is performed with unseparated portions remaining on each of the first and the second molding surfaces 102a and 103a, it is unnecessary to separately provide a step of protecting a first and a second optical surfaces 11d and 12d on the opposite side during the mold release, whereby a precise wafer lens 100 can be produced simply and efficiently.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to flexible thin films for use in electro-active optical systems. Embodiments of the invention include thin films having diffractive structures on at least one surface of the film, and methods of making such films. Embodiments of the invention also include lens blanks that comprise such thin films. Embodiments of the invention also include methods of making lens blanks that comprise such thin films.

Abstract: An optical device includes: at least two protrusions on a first substrate; a sealing material filled between the two protrusions; a second substrate attached so as to face and touch the first substrate through the sealing material; and a liquid crystal material injected between the first substrate and second substrate.

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.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical element which includes an electrochromic apodized aperture having variable light transmittance through a clear aperture area in response to an applied electrical current is disclosed. The apodized aperture includes a body including an area defining the clear aperture area wherein a fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area, and includes at least one fill passage extending from the fluid containment area to at least one fill port outside of the clear aperture area; an electrochromic fluid within the fluid containment area substantially overlapping the clear aperture area and having variable light transmittance in response to an applied electrical current; a cover attached with the electrochromic fluid between the cover and body; electrical contacts electrically coupled to the electrochromic fluid for supplying electrical current thereto; and at least one passage seal in each said fill passage positioned outside of the clear aperture area.

Abstract: The invention features methods for the manufacture of electrical components such as ultrasound transducers. In particular, the inventions provides methods of patterning electrodes, e.g., in the connection of an ultrasound transducer to an electrical circuit; methods of depositing metal on surfaces; and methods of making integrated matching layer for an ultrasound transducer. The invention also features ultrasound transducers produced by the methods described herein.

Abstract: A headlight lens is provided for a vehicle headlight. The headlight lens includes a lens body and a lens edge. The lens body has an operative surface that extends beyond the lens edge.

Abstract: A consolidated multilayered GRIN optical material includes a multilayered composite GRIN sheet that includes a plurality of consolidated coextruded multilayered polymer films. Each of the multilayered polymer films includes a plurality of at least two alternating layers (A) and (B). Layer (A) includes a first blend of polymer components and layer (B) includes a second blend of polymer components. The multilayered composite GRIN sheet has an external optical transmission of at least 80% at a wavelength of 633 nm measured using UV-VIS spectroscopy and is free of intralayer polymer domains at least 1 micron size scale in any dimension.

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: A method of producing a plastic polarized lens with excellent processability and the like by injecting a mixture of a specified isocyanate compound and a specified active hydrogen compound into a lens-forming mold wherein a polarized film containing a thermoplastic polyester is fixed, followed by polymerization and curing.

Abstract: A multi-layered lens having a substrate with opposing first and second surfaces. The substrate is formed of a plurality of discreet polymer layers. A cavity is formed into the first surface and is defined by a non-planar cavity surface that acts as a lens surface. The cavity extends into and exposes each of the plurality of polymer layers. The compositions of the polymer layers can vary to provide optimized focal properties. Alignment marks in the form of cavities or protrusions can be formed at the first surface or the second surface, so that multiple lenses can be stacked together in an aligned manner to form a stacked lens assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a sheet including a substrate made of at least one polymer material, comprising the following consecutive steps: a) compregnating at least one area of the substrate such as to form at least one area made transparent; b) providing the substrate with at least two security elements, respectively on the front and back of the substrate, said at least two security elements each being at least partially stacked on said at least one area made transparent and being placed in a marked manner in relation to one another.

Abstract: A mirror comprises a doubly curved surface and is formed by pressing or casting. Additionally, a casing comprises a mirror including a doubly curved surface and formed by pressing or casting. An infrared device includes an infrared sensor or an infrared source and a mirror having a doubly curved surface formed by pressing or casting.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a color filter structure includes: providing a base layer; forming a first colored layer on the base layer; patterning the first colored layer to form a pair of first colored patterns, a first opening between the first colored patterns, and a second opening adjacent to the first colored patterns; forming a first dielectric layer on the first colored patterns and the base layer exposed by the first and second openings; forming a second colored layer on the first colored patterns and the first dielectric layer; patterning the second colored layer to form a second colored pattern in the first opening; forming a second dielectric layer on the first dielectric layer and the second colored pattern; forming a third colored layer on the second dielectric layer; and patterning the third colored layer to form a third colored pattern in the second opening.

Abstract: A step of forming a layered body including a resin layer (a) containing a resin A having positive intrinsic birefringence and a resin layer (b) containing a resin B having negative intrinsic birefringence, the resin layer (b) being provided on one side of the resin layer (a); a first stretching step of stretching the layered body in one direction at a temperature T1; and a second stretching step of, after the first stretching step, stretching the layered body in another direction that is approximately orthogonal to the previous stretching direction at a temperature T2 which is lower than the temperature T1 to obtain a phase difference plate are performed.

Abstract: Light directing film (100) is disclosed. The light directing film includes a structured major surface (110) that includes a plurality of microstructures (150) extending along a first direction (142) and a plurality of elevated portions (160) disposed on the plurality of microstructures. The number density of the elevated portions across the light directing film is D. Each elevated portion includes a leading edge (162) and a trailing edge (164) along the first direction. The light directing film can be divided into a plurality of same size and shape grid cells that form a continuous two-dimensional grid. The area of each grid cell is approximately 1/D. Each of at least 70% of the grid cells includes a single leading edge (162) of an elevated portion (160).

Abstract: A light bar apparatus is disclosed. The light bar apparatus is attached to a vehicle and comprises a plurality of LED lights capable of illuminating in patterns signaled by the vehicle. The light bar is made at least in part of thermosetting polymer material such that the curing of the thermosetting polymer results in a protective layer for the LED lights by shielding the LED lights from excessive vibration from a vehicle in motion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a liquid crystal light valve comprising: a first substrate where a first polymer layer is formed thereon; a second substrate where a second polymer layer is formed thereon, the first polymer layer is opposite to the second polymer; and a liquid crystal material layer filled in between the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer, wherein the first polymer layer and the second polymer layer have a roughened surface, and the roughened surface is disposed between the first polymer layer and the liquid crystal material layer, or between the second polymer layer and the liquid crystal material layer.

Abstract: The high sag thick lens is for use in an illumination apparatus, such as a solid state light source. The lens is made of a first lens part having an optical active surface and a series of elongated baffles, the baffles having a top portion, the top portions defining a line that follows the curvature of the optical active surface to create a second lens part of uniform thickness. A second lens part is fused to the first lens part to create the lens. The second lens part has an optical active surface and a series of elongated baffles, the baffles having a thickness comparable to the thickness of the corresponding optical active surfaces. The first and the second baffles are intertwined along the entire length of their lateral surfaces.

Abstract: An optical recording medium is equipped with a light transmitting layer to have visual effects. Patterns with different visual effects can be printed on the upper and low surfaces of the light transmitting layer. Alternatively, visual effects can be presented by directing light out of an upper light grating from a low printing layer. The optical recording medium can not only record information but also present visual effects.

Abstract: A plastic article comprises a first plastic substrate and a second plastic substrate formed on the first plastic substrate. The refractive index of the first plastic substrate different then the refractive index of the second plastic substrate. The first plastic substrate comprises a first surface abutting the second plastic substrate. The first surface presented with a first pattern. The first pattern comprises a plurality of first convexes. A method for manufacturing the plastic articles is also provided.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a retardation film includes: a first step of forming, on the same metal master, a main region having several kinds of groove regions having different extending directions of grooves, and a sub region having one kind of groove region having a predetermined extending direction of grooves or several kinds of groove regions having different extending directions of grooves; and a second step of collectively transferring reverse patterns of the main and sub regions on the metal master to a base, and then forming, on a surface of the base, a layer including an alignable material to be aligned in correspondence to irregularity of the surface of the base, thereby forming a patterned retardation region in a site having a reverse pattern of the main region, and forming an alignment mark region in a site having a reverse pattern of the sub region.

Abstract: A method of making an optical member including high refractive index layers and low refractive index layers, which are each relatively thin as compared with an optical length, and disposed alternately in the lateral direction with respect to an optical axis. Each width of the high refractive index layers and the low refractive index layers is equal to or smaller than the wavelength order of incident light.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens containing a Fresnel microstructured surface inside the lens. The Fresnel lens is injection molded with a mold insert having a heat conductivity lower than the thermoplastic material used to form the Fresnel lens. A second thermoplastic material is overmolded to the Fresnel lens to cover and protect the microstructured surface. The mold insert is made from Nickel or thermoplastic. The resulting lens includes two layers having different refractive indices. The Fresnel lens is made from polycarbonate while the overmold is made from PMMA or TPU.

Abstract: A lamp includes a single emitter structure having a substrate with 25 or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged thereon and a power rating of 80 Watts or more, a total internal reflection (TIR) lens with a plurality of refractive surface regions disposed on the step-shaped upper surface of the optical body, and a holder having a plurality of tabs disposed along an inside rim of the holder and configured for radial compression fit with a flange of the lens, and three or more support members configured for centering the optical body member with respect to the single emitter structure. A low weight ratio of hardener over base resin below 6 is used, for example, between 1.5:1 to 2.5:1.

Abstract: A method of making a polymeric laminated wafer comprising different film materials that are softenable and formable at different softening temperatures corresponding with the film materials.