Abstract: Retardation expressibility of a transparent polymer film can be easily controlled by heat treatment of the film at a temperature T (unit, ° C.) satisfying a condition of the following formula (1): Tc?T<Tm0??Formula (1) wherein Tc represents the crystallization temperature (unit, ° C.) of the film before the heat treatment; and Tm0 represents the melting point (unit, ° C.) of the film before the heat treatment.

Abstract: A manufacturing apparatus for an optical waveguide structure including a clad structure having grooves in a curved surface thereof and a clad film attached to the curved surface includes a clad film shape retaining portion that has a curved surface along which the clad film is held. a position checking portion that checks the position of the clad film on the clad film shape retaining portion, and a first position adjusting portion that adjusts the position of the clad film shape retaining portion so that the clad film on the clad film shape retaining portion is disposed at a reference position while checking the position of the clad film with the position checking portion.

Abstract: Transparent structures, electrochromic devices, and methods for making such structures/devices are provided. A transparent structure may include a transparent substrate having a plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, at least one substance configured to block near-infrared or infrared radiation and partially cover at least substantial portions of the substrate and the plurality of micro- or nano-scale structures, and at least one photocatalyst configured to at least partially cover an outermost surface of the transparent structure.

Abstract: An optical stack (400) having a plurality of alternating polymeric layers (401, 402) is described. The alternating layers may be alternating birefringent (syndiotactic polystyrene, sPS) and isotropic (CoPENa) layers, or alternating positively and negatively birefringent layers. Birefringent layers are made using polymers which form optically symmetrical crystallites upon stretching of the polymer. The optical stack has a large refractive index difference in the x-direction (the stretching direction) and small refractive index differences in the y- and z-directions (the non-stretching directions). The optical stack can be made using standard film tentering methods and may be a multilayer reflective polarizer.

Abstract: Molecular filters are disclosed herein. An example of the molecular filter includes a rolled substrate having an interior surface and opposed ends that are substantially orthogonal to the interior surface. The rolled substrate defines a layer and a fluid flow path extending from one of the opposed ends to another of the opposed ends. A template is positioned on the interior surface of the rolled substrate. The template includes a matrix, and molecule template locations formed in the matrix.

Abstract: A method for injection moulding of plastic-material lenticular bodies for lights; of motor vehicles and similar, the method comprising the steps of coupling a punch half-mould with a first matrix half-mould so as to define, on the surface of the punch half-mould, a first closed cavity that copies in reverse the shape of the first plastic-material sheet; filling said first cavity with a first plastic polymer in a liquid state, injecting the first plastic polymer in the first cavity from an injection point located at said first segment of the peripheral edge of the first plastic-material sheet; and finally separating, after the first plastic polymer has solidified to form the first plastic-material sheet, the punch half-mould (15) from the first; matrix half-mould maintaining the first plastic-material sheet still on the surface of the punch half-mould.

Abstract: A light guiding device and in particular to a light guiding device that can be used for illumination, backlighting, signage or display purposes is described. The light guiding device comprises a transparent base substrate, upon a first surface of which are mounted light sources, and a guide substrate arranged so as to encapsulate the light sources upon the first surface. In this way the guide substrate provides a means for guiding light produced by the one or more light sources over the first surface. The incorporation of scattering structures along with appropriate choice of the refractive indices of the various layers provides a highly flexible light guiding device that is typically less than 1 mm thick. The described light guiding device provides particular application as a seven segment display.

Abstract: In a diffraction optical element having a structure in which a base and an optical adjustment layer adhere to each other, defects such as cracks and peeling occur in the optical adjustment layer, when the adhesive strength between the base and the optical adjustment layer is degraded. In a diffraction optical element 100 of the present invention, a plurality of anchor grooves 3 are formed in a planar second region 6 of a base 1. Further, a depth of an anchor groove of the plurality of anchor grooves 3, which is positioned on an outermost side, is designed so as to be smaller than a depth of another anchor groove of the plurality of anchor grooves 3, which is positioned on an innermost side. An optical adjustment layer 9 adheres so as to cover a first region 5 in which a diffraction grating 2 is formed and the second region 6 in which the anchor grooves 3 are formed of the base 1.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention relates to a method of manufacturing a polarizing eyeglass lens comprising forming an orientation layer on a substrate, sliding a rubbing member across the orientation layer in a state of contact with the orientation layer to form curved rubbing traces on a surface of the orientation layer, forming a polarizing layer by depositing and orienting a dichroic dye on the orientation layer, and subjecting the polarizing layer to a treatment of immobilizing the dichroic dye in the polarizing layer.

Abstract: A method for producing a transparent polymer film, comprising heat-treating a polymer film containing a polymer and a plasticizer having a number-average molecular weight of from 500 to 10000 and having a repetitive unit, at a temperature T (unit, ° C.) satisfying the following formula (1): Tc?T<Tm0??(1) wherein Tc means the crystallization temperature of the polymer film and Tm0 means the melting point of the polymer film.

Abstract: Integrated multiple optical elements may be formed by bonding substrates containing such optical elements together or by providing optical elements on either side of the wafer substrate. The wafer is subsequently diced to obtain the individual units themselves. The optical elements may be formed lithographically, directly, or using a lithographically generated master to emboss the elements. Alignment features facilitate the efficient production of such integrated multiple optical elements, as well as post creation processing thereof on the wafer level.

Abstract: This technology relates generally to a method of making an optical device. The method involves providing a glass carrier having a first surface, forming an optic structure in an at least partially transmissive layer, wherein the at least partially transmissive layer is adjacent the first surface of the glass carrier, and curing the at least partially transmissive layer using a thermal ramp up to a cure temperature at or within about 10° C. of an operating temperature of the optical device. This technology also relates to the resulting optical device and a system including an array of optical devices described herein and an array of photovoltaic cells configured with respect to the array of optical devices to convert light energy passing through the array of optical devices into electricity.

Abstract: An eye covering such as a contact lens may comprise one or more structures to pump tear liquid under the covering such that the covering can remain in the eye and correct vision for an extended amount of time. In many embodiments, the covering comprises a material having fenestrations to draw tear liquid under the covering and an outer portion shaped to contact the conjunctiva over the sclera, such that when the eye closes pressure of one or more eyelids urges tear liquid through one or more fenestrations and under the outer portion shaped to contact the conjunctiva. When the eye blinks, the pressure of the one or more eyelids can urge the covering toward the cornea such that tear liquid can pass through the fenestrations.

Abstract: A method for bonding a plastic member onto a metal housing is provided. A metal housing having an inner surface and an outer surface is prepared. A hollow-carved area is provided on the metal housing. The inner surface of the metal housing is subjected to physical process, thereby forming a bonding area. An adhesive layer is formed on the bonding area. A plastic mold member is formed on the adhesive layer by performing a first plastic injection molding. An optical plastic member is molded on the hollow-carved area by performing a second plastic injection molding.

Abstract: A low cost, high performance, low profile flexible reinforcement member that can be used for both optical and copper communications cable. The reinforcement members made according to the preferred process are more rigid than known reinforcement members, but are less rigid than glass pultruded rods. Communications cables utilizing these members are lightweight and exhibit an improved combination of strength and flexibility compared to traditional communications cables. Further, these communication cables may then be installed into underground ducts using more economical and faster installation techniques.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens includes molding the lens (1) between a first mold portion (6A) and a second mold portion (6B) with the the first entry surface (4A) formed by making in the lens a molded cavity by means of a stud (6C) secured to the second mold portion (6B), and that the light guide (4) is temporarily secured to the stud (6C) prior to molding. The second entry surface (4B) is formed by making in the lens a molded cavity by means of a mold insert (7) temporarily secured to the light guide (4) prior to molding, the first mold portion (6A) being placed above said insert (7).

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.

Abstract: A method for fabricating lenticulars includes applying a rubbing layer on a lenticular structure. The rubbing layer is baked on the lenticular structure before installation of the lenticular structure on a plate. After baking, the lenticular structure is applied to the plate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a lens includes: providing a metal sheet and a stamping mold; forming a light shield of a predetermined shape and size from the metal sheet using the stamping mold; providing an injection mold, the injection mold defining a mold cavity, the mold cavity defining a molding surface that corresponds to the light shield in shape and size; placing the light shield in the mold cavity, wherein the light shield is pasted to the molding surface; and forming a lens with the light shield using the injection mold.

Abstract: A method for fabrication of an optically transparent and electrically conductive structural material, that includes electrospinning a nanofibrillar mat of a polymer, casting a conductive material nanowire network onto the electrospun mat, embedding the electrospun mat containing the conductive material nanowire network into a mold with bulk monomer, and polymerizing the bulk monomer with the embedded electrospun mat containing the conductive material nanowire network to create an optically transparent and electrically conductive polymer.

Abstract: A first substrate and a second substrate are provided. An alignment process is performed on a surface of the first substrate and a surface of the second substrate respectively. A liquid crystal mixture is prepared, where the liquid crystal mixture includes a liquid crystal molecule and a liquid crystal monomer having a functional group of diacrylates, and the liquid crystal monomer having the functional group of diacrylates occupies 0.01-2 wt % of the liquid crystal mixture. The first substrate and the second substrate are assembled, and the liquid crystal mixture is filled therebetween. A polymerization curing process is performed such that the liquid crystal monomer having the functional group of diacrylates is polymerized to respectively form a liquid crystal polymer film on the aligned surfaces of the first and second substrates. The method enhances anchoring energy and reduces problems of V-T shift, surface gliding, and residual image.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for correcting micro-defects on a Fresnel lens surface are described. In one aspect, a measured amount of fluid coating material is applied to the grooved side of a Fresnel lens body, such that in addition to a thin layer of fluid coating material adhering to the surfaces of lens facets and the draft facets of the Fresnel lens body, some of the liquid coating material pools at the bottom corners of the grooves and forms a curved meniscus thereat. The pooled liquid coating material fills out the micro-defects existing in the bottom corners of the grooves. The surface profile of the liquid coating material traces closely to the designed profile of the Fresnel lens body. When the liquid coating material solidifies, the resulting solid coating serves to reduce the undesirable optical effects of the micro-defects in the bottom corners of the Fresnel lens body.

Abstract: A screen member diffuses a bundle of rays of light projected from a laser scanner such that the bundle of rays of light is guided to a viewing range. The screen member includes a plurality of optical elements. A surface of each optical element forms a curved surface that diffuses the bundle of rays of light, which enters the curved surface. The optical elements are arranged in a lattice pattern at each corresponding pitch that is set to adjust a peak-to-peak interval of diffracted rays, which are formed in the viewing range by diffraction of the bundles of rays diffused by the plurality of optical elements, to a value that is equal to or smaller than a diameter of a pupil of the viewer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing structured optical materials. It also relates to a device for producing structured optical materials, and to use of the method. In order to create a novel, continuous method for the production of structured optical materials, which is more economical than the known production method, it is proposed within the scope of the invention that optical material be applied to a carrier, a carrier or protective film be laminated onto the optical material, the resulting laminate be exposed to light and thereby structured, and subsequently a delamination of at least one of the films be performed.

Abstract: A microchip 1 in which a resinous film can be inhibited from sagging into a channel. The microchip 1 comprises: a resinous substrate 2 having a channel groove formed therein; and a resinous film bonded to a surface of the substrate on which the channel groove has been formed. A micro-channel 3 including channels 3A and channels 3B is formed by the channel groove and the resinous film 10. The total length of the channels 3B, which is parallel to the X direction for the resinous substrate 2, is larger than the total length of the channels 3A, which is parallel to the Y direction for the resinous substrate 2. The resinous substrate 2 has been bonded to the resinous film so that the sides parallel to the channels 3B are parallel to the TD direction of the resinous film and that the sides parallel to the channels 3A are parallel to the MD direction of the resinous film.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lens array includes the steps of feeding a first curable resin between a first array mold and a plate member and curing the first resin; separating the plate member from the first array mold; feeding a second curable resin between the first array mold and a second array mold while leaving the cured first resin on the first array mold, and curing the second resin; and removing the first array mold and the second array mold.

Abstract: A plurality of substantially conical or pyramidal elements are formed inside a sheet-like binder. The binder has smooth surfaces. The elements and the binder cooperate to refract light incident on a brightness enhancement sheet from a surface on a diffusion sheet side to the other surface in a direction normal to the brightness enhancement sheet. Thus, the front brightness is enhanced. The elements are distributed along one of the surfaces of the brightness enhancement sheet with vertices pointing in one direction toward one of the surfaces. The elements are formed by trapping gas bubbles in the binder and differ in refractive index from the binder.

Abstract: A device comprises at least one optics member (O) comprising at least one transparent portion (t) and at least one blocking portion (b). The at least one transparent portion (t) is made of one or more materials substantially transparent for light of at least a specific spectral range, referred to as transparent materials, and the at least one blocking portion (b) is made of one or more materials substantially non-transparent for light of the specific spectral range, referred to as non-transparent materials. The transparent portion (t) comprises at least one passive optical component (L). The at least one passive optical component (L) comprises a transparent element (6) having two opposing approximately flat surfaces substantially perpendicular to a vertical direction in a distance approximately equal to a thickness of the at least one blocking portion (b) measured along the vertical direction, and, attached to the transparent element (6), at least one optical structure (5).

Abstract: A light emitting unit may include a housing having a bottom portion parallel to an xz plane and an opened top opposite to the bottom portion, a light emitting chip on the bottom portion and generating light, and a lens which overlaps the opened top of the housing. The lens may have a convex structure with respect to the xz plane when viewed from a cross section parallel to an xy plane and a concave structure with respect to the xz plane when viewed from a cross section parallel to a yz plane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for fabricating a flat panel display device is disclosed. A thin film is patterned in a patterning process using a soft mold without using a photo process. A thin film layer and a resist are sequentially formed on a substrate. A designated resist pattern is formed by applying pressure to the resist using a soft mold. The resist has a dipole moment ? value equal to or higher than 2 (D), or has a solubility parameter value lower than 6 (cal/cm3)1/2 or higher than 11 (cal/cm3)1/2.

Abstract: There is provided a method of manufacturing a lens, including applying a second lens material to a first lens member made of a first lens material; aligning and fixing a light shielding member to the second lens material; and further applying the second lens material to the first lens member and performing curing thereon to complete a second lens member.

Abstract: A patterned scintillator panel including an extruded scintillator layer comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material, wherein the scintillator layer comprises a pattern. Also disclosed is a method of making a patterned scintillator panel including forming a scintillator layer by melt extrusion, the scintillator layer comprising thermoplastic particles comprising a thermoplastic polyolefin and a scintillator material; and patterning the scintillator layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel method for preparing materials whose properties can be manipulated after fabrication. In this process, a base material is created in a manner that provides spaces or voids which can then be filled with a modifying composition. The method is particularly useful in the manufacture of light adjustable optical elements such as intraocular lenses.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a manufacturing method of a condensing lens for a high concentration photovoltaic (HCPV) module. A buffer layer made of silicone is added between a glass and the condensing lens for adhering the glass to the condensing lens. Because the buffer layer can be formed on the glass before adhering to the condensing lens, a higher temperature for increasing adhesion between the glass and the buffer layer can be applied. It also allows the follow-up processes to have sufficient treatment time, thereby increasing the flexibility of processing schedule.

Abstract: A motheye mold fabrication method of at least one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) preparing an Al base in which an Al content is less than 99.99 mass %; (b) partially anodizing the Al base to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of very small recessed portions; (c) after step (b), allowing the porous alumina layer to be in contact with an etchant which contains an anodic inhibitor, thereby enlarging the plurality of very small recessed portions of the porous alumina layer; and (d) after step (c), further anodizing the Al base to grow the plurality of very small recessed portions.

Abstract: Provided are a filter having a metamaterial structure and a method of manufacturing the filter. The filter includes a first dielectric layer, a first fishnet pattern having one or more first holes partially exposing the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer covering the first fishnet pattern and the first dielectric layer, a plurality of reverse patterns having the same shape as those of the first holes, and disposed on the second dielectric layer over the first holes, and a third dielectric layer covering the reverse patterns and the second dielectric layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a lens unit and a method of manufacturing the same. The lens unit includes a lens part including a curved region having a predetermined curvature; and a support part including a hole, in which the lens part is installed, and attached to the lens part at a lateral side of the hole. The lens part having the curvature and the support part of the lens unit are formed in separate processes such that the hole is formed in the support part having the strength, and the lens part is formed by filling the hole with the lens part, so that the movement of resin caused by shrinkage of the lens part when the lens part is cured is inhibited, and the support part and the lens part does not form the layered structure, thereby allowing the lens unit to be formed with a thin thickness.

Abstract: The gauge lens with anti-fog includes a substantially planar transparent lens substrate having an outer surface and an inner surface and a thin film possessing anti-fog properties adjacent and substantially covering the inner surface of the lens substrate to provide a low angle of contact for water and moisture. The anti-fog film is bonded to the lens substrate during the molding process that produces the lens substrate shape. The anti-fog film comprises a hydrophilic material or is coated with a hydrophilic coating. In addition to the anti-fog film, in another embodiment, the outer surface of the lens substrate has a hard coat film adjacent and substantially covering the outer surface of said lens. The materials for the lens substrate, anti-fog film, and hard coat film are selected based on the application, performance, and stability of the gauge lens in the environment that it is operated.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element includes stacked first and second diffraction gratings made of different materials. The materials of the first and second diffraction gratings are glass. The first and second diffraction gratings have grating surfaces contacted to each other. The materials satisfy a predetermined condition when Tg2 and At2 are a transformation point temperature and a yield point temperature of the material of the first diffraction grating, and Tg3 and At3 are a transformation point temperature and a yield point temperature of the material of the second diffraction grating.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of a resin molded article, includes a primary molding step of molding a primary compact having an optical element and a protruding portion by using a light transmissive molding material, and a secondary molding step of molding a secondary compact that supports the primary compact by using a molding material different from the molding material and integrating the primary compact with the secondary compact. The protruding portion is molded to protrude on the secondary compact side, and at the primary molding step, the molding material of the primary compact is supplied into a molding space for the optical element and it is thereby supplied into a cavity of a molding die for the primary compact.

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: A micro-lens array with reduced or no empty space between individual micro-lenses and a method for forming same. The micro-lens array is formed by patterning a first set of micro-lens material in a checkerboard pattern on a substrate. The first set of micro-lens material is reflowed and cured into first micro-lenses impervious to subsequent reflows. Then, a second set of micro-lens material is patterned in spaces among the first micro-lenses, reflowed and cured into second micro-lenses. The reflows and cures can be conducted under different conditions, and the micro-lenses may be differently sized. The conditions of the reflows can be chosen to ensure that the focal lengths of micro-lenses are optimized for maximum sensor signal.

Abstract: A motheye mold fabrication method of at least one embodiment of the present invention includes the steps of: (a) preparing an Al base in which an Al content is less than 99.99 mass %; (b) partially anodizing the Al base to form a porous alumina layer which has a plurality of very small recessed portions; (c) after step (b), allowing the porous alumina layer to be in contact with an etchant which contains an anodic inhibitor, thereby enlarging the plurality of very small recessed portions of the porous alumina layer; and (d) after step (c), further anodizing the Al base to grow the plurality of very small recessed portions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simplified optical position sensing assembly, which includes a unitized optical assembly formed as a single component and a unitized optical circuit. The unitized optical assembly is attached or mounted to the unitized optical circuit. The unitized optical assembly may include a body and a single-element lens. The single-element lens can be injection-molded within a first cavity of the body so as to form a single component. An illumination window may be received within a second cavity extending from the back to the front of the body. The unitized optical circuit can include an energy source and a sensor directly connected thereto. The present invention also relates to an optical position sensing system incorporating such a simplified optical position sensing assembly and methods for manufacturing a unitized optical assembly.

Abstract: Manufacturing spherical Fresnel lens includes providing a first optical element with a regular hexagonal first Fresnel micro-lens in the center of the first optical element and six regular hexagonal second Fresnel micro-lens arrayed around the first Fresnel micro-lens. One edge of the second Fresnel micro-lens is connected to one edge of the first Fresnel micro-lens. The first optical element is stressed to yield a spherical cap configuration of the first optical element, and a second optical element is provided matched to the first optical element, and including a plurality of Fresnel micro-lens. The second optical element is bent into a curve shaped configuration having a curvature as the bent first optical element, and a number of bent second optical elements are assembled around the bent first optical element in sequence to form a hemispherical-shaped configuration.

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.

Abstract: An optical system has a first relief-type diffraction grating fiducial, or alignment mark, on a transparent surface of a first optical wafer or plate, the grating arranged to deflect light away from an optical path and appear black. The first wafer may have lenses. The first fiducial is aligned to another fiducial on a second wafer having further optical devices as part of system assembly; or the fiducials are aligned to alignment marks or fiducials on an underlying photosensor. Once the optical devices are aligned and the wafers bonded, they are diced to provide aligned optical structures for a completed camera system. Alternatively, an optical wafer is made by aligning a second relief-type diffraction grating fiducial on a first master to a first relief-type diffraction grating fiducial on an optical wafer preform, pressing the first master into a blob to form optical shapes and adhere the blob to the optical wafer preform.

Abstract: An optical sheet having both a light condensing function and a light diffusing function in a single sheet is to be provided. When a transparent support (18) on which a curable resin coat layer (38) is formed is wound around a zigzag-faced roller (32) on which the reversed pattern of convex-concave patterns is formed to transfer the reversed pattern of the zigzag-faced roller (32) to the resin coat layer (38), gas is blown from a gas jet nozzle (50), immediately before winding the transparent support (18) around the zigzag-faced roller (32), into a gap between the resin coat layer (38) and the surface of the zigzag-faced roller.

Abstract: Integrated multiple optical elements may be formed by bonding substrates containing such optical elements together or by providing optical elements on either side of the wafer substrate. The wafer is subsequently diced to obtain the individual units themselves. The optical elements may be formed lithographically, directly, or using a lithographically generated master to emboss the elements. Alignment features facilitate the efficient production of such integrated multiple optical elements, as well as post creation processing thereof on the wafer level.

Abstract: Disclosed is an imaging lens unit that prevents the detachment of a cover from a holder. The imaging lens unit (200) is provided with a combination lens (6) and an external covering that is formed from at least the holder (2) and the cover (4) and covers the combination lens (6) from the outside, wherein the holder (2) and the cover (4) are connected by means of fitting members (70) that are integrally formed from a resin material and have, on both ends, a first fitting (78) that fits with a section of the holder (2) and a second fitting (80) that fits with a section of the cover (4).