Abstract: The invention relates to an ophthalmic device including an electrically controllable amplitude variation cell, in particular an electrochromic transmission variation cell. More particularly, the cell (3) comprises a main convex surface on the front. This arrangement makes it possible for the cell to process a lateral luminous flux (RP), unlike cells in the prior art (1AA).

Abstract: A unitary optic member for directing light from a plurality of LED light sources on a board beneath the optic member which has a plurality of lens portions surrounded by and interconnected by a non-lens portion. The optic member being formed by a plurality of layers with layer-to-layer interface bonding between adjacent layers and comprising an asymmetric light-receiving inner-surface defining a pair of cavities, a portion of the inner surface which defines one of the cavities is at least partially formed by an innermost layer of the plurality of layers, at least a portion of another of the plurality of layers extending inwardly between the pair of cavities and being bonded to the innermost layer.

Abstract: A device for forming a glass includes a housing member, a support member, and an intake member. The housing member includes a first part, at least one suction hole, and a plurality of sidewalls. The first part is substantially parallel to a surface defined by first and second directions. The suction hole is defined in the first part. The sidewalls extend from the first part. The support member is disposed on the first part. The support member includes a first surface configured to support the glass, a second surface overlapping and facing the first surface in a thickness direction, and a plurality of side surfaces configured to connect the first surface to the second surface. Each of first and second side surfaces of the side surfaces face each other and have a curved shape. The intake member is configured to perform an intake operation through the suction hole.

Abstract: An image sensor is provided. The image sensor may include a photodiode formed in a substrate; a light refraction pattern formed on the photodiode; a color filter covering the light refraction pattern; and a micro-lens formed on the color filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mold (2) for manufacturing an ophthalmic lens or an ophthalmic lens blank called a puck (3), equipped with an insert (1), said mold comprising a first portion (2A) intended to mold the front face of the ophthalmic lens or puck, a second portion (2B) intended to mold the back face of the ophthalmic lens or puck and at least one third portion (2C) intended to mold a peripheral lateral face of the ophthalmic lens or puck. According to the invention, said mold (2) comprises at least one recess (2B1, 2B2, 2B3, 2B4) for positioning the insert (1), before and during the molding.

Abstract: A method of forming a shaped glass article includes placing a glass sheet on a mold such that a first glass area of the glass sheet corresponds to a first mold surface area of the mold and a second glass area of the glass sheet corresponds to a second mold surface area of the mold. The first glass area and the second glass area are heated such that the viscosity of the second glass area is 8 poise or more lower than the viscosity of the first glass area. A force is applied to the glass sheet to conform the glass sheet to the mold surface. During the heating of the second glass area, the first mold surface area is locally cooled to induce a thermal gradient on the mold.

Abstract: An inkjet recording method including applying an undercoat solution onto a transparent recording medium, semi-curing the undercoat solution, discharging an ink composition onto the semi-cured undercoat solution, and carrying out overall curing of the semi-cured undercoat solution and the ink composition by exposure under an low oxygen atmosphere after the image formation, the undercoat solution comprising two or more types of polymers and/or oligomers from among polymers and oligomers having a structure selected from the group consisting of a polyester structure, a polyurethane structure, and a chlorinated polyolefin structure, the ink composition comprising at least 95 parts of a polyfunctional ethylenically unsaturated compound relative to 100 parts of the total content of ethylenically unsaturated compound, and at least 5 parts of a polyalkylene glycol diacrylate, and exposure in the overall curing being carried out from both the image formation face and the reverse face of the recording medium.

Abstract: A method of determining conditioning pulse parameters for an optical element includes directing a pump pulse to impinge on the optical element and directing a probe pulse to impinge on the optical element. The method also includes determining a first time associated with an onset of electronic excitation leading to formation of an absorbing region of the optical element and determining a second time associated with expansion of the absorbing region of the optical element. The method further includes defining a turn-off time for a conditioning pulse between the first time and the second time. According to embodiments of the present invention, pulse shaping of the conditioning pulse enables laser conditioning of optical elements to achieve improvements in their laser induced damage threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a mid-IR graded microstructure to the end of an As2S3 optical fiber are presented herein. The method and apparatus transfer a microstructure from a negative imprint on a nickel shim to an As2S3 fiber tip with minimal shape distortion and minimal damage-threshold impact resulting in large gains in anti-reflective properties.

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: Optical qualities of a production lot of base material used in the fabrication of semi-finished lenses may be accurately determined by employing chipper plate samples produced from the base material in accordance with aspects of the present invention. In various implementations of the present invention, the chipper plates samples may be fabricated by subjecting base material to an extended cycle time and temperature profile using a mold having cavities of different thicknesses. The resulting chipper plates provide an improved indication of the color of semi-finished lenses molded from the production lot as well as an improved indication of resin stabilizer defects that may be utilized during a pelletizing process to control and enhance the quality of a production lot. Furthermore, the chipper plates may be provided by suppliers as samples of a production lot to enable customers to base purchasing decisions on a reliable and accurate measure of optical properties.

Abstract: A method of in-mold coating utilizing an injection molding machine oriented to a horizontal parting line. At the beginning of the cycle the mold opens and a charge of liquid coating solution is deposited onto the lower mold insert. A ophthalmic wafer is deposited on the coating to spread it across the insert surface. The mold is closed and a pre-cure phase elapses before the thermoplastic resin is injected into the mold cavity above the wafer. The process provides coated and functionally enhanced lenses upon ejection from the molding machine.

Abstract: A method and coating used to prepare a photochromically-enabled bifocal ophthalmic lens. The method and equipment includes injection molding a single vision lens, for example, from polycarbonate. The clamp opens vertically and the top insert is exchanged for a bifocal mold having a base curve similar to the single vision lens. The thermoset coating includes compounds from several acrylate classes, and is applied to the single vision lens. The coating may include a photochromic dye. The coating is also formulated to receive a photochromic solution through an imbibition process.

Abstract: A method used to prepare a photochromically-enabled bifocal ophthalmic lens. A lens substrate is injection molded and then a coating is applied to the substrate to form a bifocal surface. The coating is a high adhesive strength acrylate-based coating that contains a small quantity of a polycarbonate-based TPU. The thermoset coating produces an intermediate imbibable bifocal surface. A photochromic solution is subsequently imbibed by contact with the bifocal surface. The TPU acts as an adhesion enhancer so that the coating to substrate integrity is maintained following the imbibing step.

Abstract: A photochromic coating exhibiting improved performance and photochromic lenses made using the coating. The coating has excellent photochromic darkening and fatigue properties. The coating formulation is made from a monomer blend having at least two different types of monomers. A metal salt catalyst is used along with an initiator. An antioxidant is used in combination with a hindered amine light stabilizer. The coating is suitable for use in an in-mold coating process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for mass production manufacturing of micro-mirrored balls for solar energy and related applications such as optical switches, etc. For these applications it is imperative to provide accurate specular reflection from the mirror. The mass production process utilizes laminate sheets containing reflective material, assembly rollers, and extrusion and die rollers. The micro-mirrored balls are in the size range of 4 microns (4×10?6 m) to 1 mm (10?3 m), and in one form are transparent in at least one hemisphere with a reflecting mid-plane mirror. In other forms the micro-balls vary in geometry from cylinders to oblate ellipsoids to disks. The term “elements” is used to encompass all these shapes, which have one thing in common—a flat specularly reflecting mirrored surface. These elements can track the light source, and aim and focus the reflected light.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention provide multiple-layer composite lenses comprising two or more materials and methods for making the same. A multi-layer composite lens of the present invention can use multiple surfaces to form optical elements that can contribute to a total desired add power. The multiple contributing elements can be aligned so as to be in optical communication to form multiple stable vision zones to enhance optical performance and vision experience of the wearer. Distributing the total desired add power across multiple appropriately aligned optical elements that are in optical communication with one another can reduce the total distortion of the lens, minimize the number of optical discontinuities introduced and reduce the visibility of any introduced optical discontinuity. A surface of the multiple-layer composite lens can comprise a combined progressive structure and substantially constant optical power structure or a cropped progressive structure.

Abstract: A bifocal plastic lens having a bench lens and a small lens with different refractive powers. The small lens not protruding above a surface of the bench lens, a boundary between the constituent lenses being difficult to see. The small lens may be provided on a preparatory lens member including the small lens. Alternatively, the preparatory lens member has a concave portion for a small lens molding surface. A resin having a higher refractive index than a resin constituting other portions of the lens is adhered to a surface provided with the small lens or the concave portion to be the small lens molding surface in the preparatory lens member, and is cured and integrated.

Abstract: A method and coating used to prepare a photochromically-enabled bifocal ophthalmic lens. The coating is a high adhesive strength acrylate-based coating that contains a small quantity of a polycarbonate-based TPU. The coating is applied to produce an intermediate imbibable bifocal surface. A photochromic solution is subsequently imbibed by contact with the bifocal surface.

Abstract: A liquid lens includes a segmented electrode that allows the simultaneous application of different potentials across the lens's meniscus to obtain a predetermined aberration correction condition and to adjust focal length as necessary to conform to the topography of the object being scanned. The lens also includes a gas plenum interfacing with one of the liquids of the lens to allow for volume changes in the lens cell due to temperature variations. This combination of features produces a liquid-lens cell capable of maintaining substantially constant transverse magnification and diffraction-limited image quality over a useful range of focal length. As such, the lens is particularly suitable for incorporation in an array of micro-objectives used in a scanning microscope.

Abstract: The lens of the present invention relates to multifocal spectacle lenses, including bifocal and trifocal lenses, with improved cosmetic appearance, optical performance and wide visual field. The lens comprises a plurality of axially layered and bonded lens sections of continuous curvature at least one of which has a changing refractive index incorporating a refractive index blend area oriented transverse to a meridian of the lens. The blend eliminates visibility of the joining area of adjacent portions of generally constant refractive index and the abrupt magnification shift and image jump typical of segmented multifocal lenses. The areas of generally constant refractive index provide the refractive powers for corresponding discrete vision portions of the lens. The other layer(s) of the lens incorporates a constant or similarly changing refractive index.

Abstract: Described are contact lenses having photochromic materials within the central or pupillary area of the lens and methods for manufacturing such lenses. In one method, a photochromic amount of at least one photochromic material is added to the pupillary region of a casting mold containing a polymerizable monomer that can be at least partially cured before and/or after the addition. Another method involves providing an amount of polymerizable photochromic monomer for the pupillary region and an amount of polymerizable non-photochromic monomer for the remainder of the contact lens in a casting mold. The photochromic and non-photochromic monomers can differ by their degree of polymerization, viscosity and/or density.

Abstract: An improved method is disclosed, for forming a wafer into a complex, curved shape, for use in an optical part. The method includes a step of moving the wafer into contact with a molding surface having a predetermined non-cylindrical, aspheric curved shape, to form the wafer into a corresponding shape. The step of moving is sufficient, by itself, to form the wafer into the desired non-cylindrical, aspheric curved shape, without the need for additional forming steps.

Abstract: An optical wavefront correction plate incorporates a unique, three-dimensional spatial retardation distribution utilizing the index of refraction change of resin mixture in its cured state. The optical wave plate comprises a pair of transparent plates, containing a layer of a monomers and polymerization initiators, such as resin mixture. This resin mixture exhibits a variable index of refraction as a function of the extent of its curing. Curing of the resin mixture may be made by exposure to light, such as ultraviolet light, and may be varied across and through the surface of the resin mixture to create a particular and unique three-dimensional wavefront retardation profile. The optical wave plate provides improved performance in large area mirrors, lenses, telescopes, microscopes, and ophthalmic diagnostic systems.

Abstract: A flat or curved photochromic laminate structure and a plastic photochromic lens blank can be produced in a simple and efficient manner from relatively low-cost polymeric sheet materials. These laminates can be used to provide goggles, face shields, windows, window coverings, skylights, and optical lenses having efficient, uniform and high quality photochromic properties. The use of a polyesterurethane as the binder for the photochromic material has been found to improve the performance of the photochromic material. There may be a desire to have a protective exterior layer (e.g., an abrasion resistant layer) in combination with the lens system, but that may be provided in various methods. In the case of using the laminate in a goggle application, the laminate may be hard coated on one or both outer surfaces with an abrasion resistant coating, antireflective coating, and/or an anti-fog hard coating.

Abstract: A process for manufacture of a photochromic polymeric article comprising: providing a fluid polymerisable composition; subjecting the fluid polymerisable composition to a first curing step to provide a solid article of intermediate hardness; contacting the solid article of intermediate hardness with a photochromic substance; and subjecting the solid article of intermediate hardness to a further curing step to increase the hardness and provide a polymeric article imbibed with the photochromic substance.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for obtaining an ophthalmic lens comprising a surface utility microstructure, in in particular antiglare. The method for obtaining an ophthalmic lens comprising a surface utility microstructure consists in a step for transferring the microstructure into the lens surface from a mould whereof the internal surface bears the microstructure and has a sight correcting geometric design, the microstructure being initially determined by an interferential process. The invention is useful for making ophthalmic lenses.

Abstract: An optical material, particularly a plastic lens for spectacles, which absorbs almost all UV rays of up to around 400 nm or so and is not too yellow, is obtained by dipping a poly(thio)urethane material or a diethylene glycol bisallylcarbonate polymer material in a solution containing: (1) a dibenzoylmethane compound of a general formula (1): wherein R and R′ each represent a linear or branched alkyl or alkoxyl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms; and n and n′ are the same or different integers, each falling between 0 and 3, or (2) a benzotriazole compound of a general formula (2): wherein R″ represents a hydrogen atom, a chlorine atom or a bromine atom; and m and m′ each indicate 1 or 2.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lens of gradient dielectric constant and methods for the production of same. The lens includes an inner core comprising a cured or fused substantially homogenous blend of glass spheres, curable or fusible binder and, as needed to increase dielectric constant, a low-loss dielectric material. The inner core preferably has a dielectric constant of about 2.0, and an interstitial void volume (representing trapped air space between elements of the cured or fused material) of from about 30% to about 50%. The lens also includes an outer shell layer comprising a cured or fused substantially homogenous blend of hollow glass spheres and curable or fusible resin. The outer shell layer preferably has a dielectric constant of about 1.0, and an interstitial void volume of from about 30% to about 50%. In addition, the lens includes a minimum of one, and preferably two or more intermediate layers, the intermediate layers having a dielectric constant falling between 1 and 2.

Abstract: A sulfur-containing O-(meth)acrylate compound of the following formula (1) is useful as a starting material for a resin composition used in optical applications such as a lens; wherein R represents hydrogen atom or methyl group; 1 represents an integer from 1 to 3; B is when B is  n is 2; m is 1 or 2; A is selected from the following groups: wherein m represents 1 or 2; each ring may be substituted by one or more alkyl, alkylthio or alkoxy groups having 1 or 2 carbon atoms; p and q are 0 or 1, while m is 1 when p is 1; when B is  n is 1; m is 2 or 3; A is selected from the following groups: —(CH2)r—S—(CH2)r—, —(CH2)r—S—S—(CH2)r—, —(CH2)r—S—(CH2)s—S—(CH2)r— and wherein r and s are an integer from 1 to 3; when B is  n is 1; m is 2; A is selected from the following groups: —