Abstract: A reflection plate allowing the prevention of the generation of stray light, a method of manufacturing the same, and a light-emitting device using such a reflection plate are provided. The reflection plate includes: a base having light transparency, and having a plurality of projections formed on a surface thereof; a reflecting mirror film arranged so as to be laid over a side surface of each of the projections in the base; and a light absorption layer arranged in a part or the whole of each of depressions on the surface of the base, the depressions being formed in spaces between the plurality of projections.

Abstract: A light emitting diode reflector molding process, and a construction thereof includes preparation of a first and a second green sheet structures respectively provided with a first and a second open patterns with the porosity of the second open pattern smaller than that of the first open pattern; the second green sheet structure being placed on top of the first green sheet structure to such that both opening patterns being overlapped to each; a metallic layer being coated on the second green sheet structure, the second green sheet structure being molded along the opening pattern of and covering upon the first green sheet for the metallic layer to become the wall of the reflector opening.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a lens for a signal light, which lens is configured to convert a first distribution of light rays emitted from a light source (23) into a second distribution of light rays. The lens comprises at least three sectors and each lens sector has at least one internal surface (42i-44i) and at least one corresponding external surface (42e-44e) arranged to convert the first distribution into the second distribution. The internal (42i-44i) and external (42e-44e) surfaces form an overall internal surface (40i. 140i) and a corresponding external surface (40e, 140e) free from undercuts.

Abstract: An injection process for forming a retroreflector on a matrix mold having a plurality of prisms that each define a cavity. The process includes the steps of a) injecting a first layer of plastic on the matrix mold for partially filling up each prism up to a predetermined uniform thickness so as to define a recessed portion corresponding with each cavity of the prisms; and b) injecting a second layer of plastic onto of the first layer, the second layer filling up the recessed portion defined in each cavity of the prisms so that second layer defines a flat portion on an exterior side of the second layer.

Abstract: A welding apparatus is provided with a lamp unit having a light source such as a halogen lamp and a multiple reflection surface. The light source applies incoherent electromagnetic waves that belong to a visible region and a near-infrared region in which a wavelength is 500 nm (nanometer) or more. The multiple reflection surface reflects and collects the light from the light source in the shape of a desired dot or line. The housing and the transparent cover are superimposed, and the light from the light source is collected by the multiple-reflection surface on the portion where the housing is superimposed on the transparent cover.

Abstract: A retroreflective sheeting (10) comprising a cube layer (20) having a front light-receiving surface (30) and a rear retroreflecting surface (32), and a metallic layer (22) covering the rear retroreflecting surface (32). The rear surface (32) comprises an array of retroreflective elements (34) and diffusing patches (36) within such array (without retroreflective elements (34)). The metallic layer (22) covers the retroreflective elements (34) and the diffusing patches (36), whereby diffusing patches (36) scatter incoming light increasing daytime brightness to a desired level.

Abstract: A light extraction device having a reflector function and a color filter function are provided. A light extraction device includes a translucent portion having a reflection surface for changing an exit angle of light from a light-emitting layer, and at least a part of the translucent portion is formed as color filters. The translucent portion has a function as a reflector for changing the exit angle of light from the light-emitting layer, and improves an extraction efficiency of light from the light-emitting layer to an air layer. Further, the at least a part of translucent portion is formed as the color filters, and therefore a reflector and the color filter can be formed on the same layer. With this structure, the light extraction device having the reflector function and the color filter function can be obtained.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to a photovoltaic module for generating electricity from solar energy, said photovoltaic module comprising a base substrate; one or more photovoltaic strips arranged over said base substrate, wherein spaces are formed in between adjacent photovoltaic strips; a plurality of optical vees placed in the spaces between said photovoltaic strips, such that one or more cavities are formed between said optical vees; and a plurality of pre-molded concentrating elements are placed on the photovoltaic strips, and re-molded over the photovoltaic strips to form re-molded concentrating elements, wherein said concentrating elements take the shape of said cavities. Other embodiments include systems for generating electricity using the photovoltaic module.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multilayered sheet for light reflection for forming a thin and lightweight reflector, a reflector using it, a lighting unit equipped with the reflector and a liquid crystal display device equipped with the lighting unit, with reduced numbers of components in the lighting unit and in the assembly steps that are attained by preparing a reflector comprising a light reflecting plate, a boss portion for attaching a circuit, a reinforced rib portion and a light diffuser panel supporting frame, and, optionally comprising a lamp holder, a lamp supporter and a light diffuser panel supporting column integrated in a single piece, a lighting unit equipped with the reflector and a liquid crystal display device using the lighting unit, wherein the multilayered sheet for light reflection includes a multilayered sheet for light reflection comprising a light reflecting resin layer (A) and a resin substrate layer (B) which contains an inorganic filler in an amount of 30% by mass or more and h

Abstract: When manufacturing an optical recording medium by forming a resin layer on a surface of a substrate and then forming a center hole that passes through the substrate and the resin layer, a method of manufacturing an optical recording medium according to the present invention forms the center hole by forming, in the resin layer, a circular cut with a larger diameter than the center hole so as to surround a formation position of the center hole and then pressing in a punching blade for forming the center hole from a rear surface side of the substrate. By doing so, detachment of the resin layer and the production of burrs at or near the center hole can be avoided while reducing the manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A mirror device and a method for manufacturing the mirror device are presented. The mirror device includes a mirror formed from a first substrate and a hinge/support structure formed from a second substrate. The hinge/support structure includes a recessed region and a torsional hinge region. The mirror is coupled to the hinge/support structure at the recessed region. Further, a driver system is employed to cause the mirror to pivot about the torsional hinge region.

Abstract: A container includes an image layer, and a main body; the main body is formed in a mold by means of carrying out an injection molding process while the image layer is held in the mold; thus, the main body will be directly joined to the image layer as soon as it is formed in the mold; the image layer includes an inner soft material layer, and it has veins formed thereon, which are deep owing to the existence of the inner soft material layer; images are printed on the image layer after the veins have been formed on the image layer.

Abstract: An optical data storage disk including a substrate, a nanocrystalline noise reduction layer formed over the substrate, a reflector formed directly on the noise reduction layer and a cover layer formed over the reflector layer. An optical source detects data from the disk through the cover layer. In some embodiments, the reflector layer forms part of a multilayer recording stack and the cover layer is formed over the multilayer recording stack. In some embodiments, the noise reduction layer includes one or more components selected from the group consisting of Ti, Ti alloys, Ti oxides, Cr, Cr alloys and Cr oxides. Additionally, a method of forming an optical data storage disk that includes a nanocrystalline noise reduction layer.

Abstract: The present application is related to substrates having light transmitting areas and light shielding areas. The application discloses methods of manufacturing the substrates, including modifying a light shielding layer be contact to a structured surface.

Abstract: A parabolic primary mirror (10) has a concave specular surface (12) that is constructed and positioned to receive solar energy and focus it towards a focal point. A secondary mirror (14) having a convex specular surface (16) is constructed and positioned to receive focused solar energy from the primary mirror and focus it onto an annular receiver (18). The annular receiver (18) may include an annular array of optical elements (100) constructed to receive solar energy from the secondary specular surface (14) and focus it onto a ring of discrete areas. A ring of solar-to-electrical conversion units are positioned on the ring of discrete areas.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for the manufacture of coextruded polymeric multilayer optical films. The multilayer optical films have an ordered arrangement of layers of two or more materials having particular layer thicknesses and a prescribed layer thickness gradient throughout the multilayer optical stack. The methods and apparatuses described allow improved control over individual layer thicknesses, layer thickness gradients, indices of refraction, interlayer adhesion, and surface characteristics of the optical films. The methods and apparatuses described are useful for making interference polarizers, mirrors, and colored films that are optically effective over diverse portions of the ultraviolet, visible, and infrared spectra.

Abstract: A reflector including a reflector dish and a backing structure. The reflector dish has a reflecting surface and a back surface. The backing structure is arranged in a pattern on the back surface of the reflector dish for supporting and stiffening the reflector dish. The backing structure includes a first backing structure skin and a second backing structure skin and a backing structure core there between. The core is substantially thicker than each skin. The backing structure is arranged such that the first backing structure skin is faced against the back surface of the reflector dish. Also, a method of manufacturing a reflector.

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic contact lens is provided for use with biomicroscopes for the examination and treatment of structures of the eye. The lens comprises a contacting surface adapted for placement on the cornea of an eye, two reflecting surfaces, and a refracting surface. A light ray emanating from the structure of the eye enters the lens and contributes to the formation of a correctly oriented real image. The light ray is reflected in an ordered sequence of reflections, first as a negative reflection in a posterior direction from an anterior reflecting surface and next as a positive reflection in an anterior direction from a posterior reflecting surface. The light ray contributes to forming the image of the structure of the eye either anterior to the lens or within the lens and proceeds along a pathway to the objective lens of the biomicroscope used for stereoscopic viewing and image scanning.

Abstract: An optical navigation apparatus and method for making the apparatus uses a light source and a sensor having an imaging array mounted on a leadframe and encapsulated in an optically transparent body structure. The optically transparent body structure is configured to include a prism-like feature to internally reflect light from the light source toward a target surface and an imaging lens feature to optically manipulate the light reflected from the target surface onto the imaging array of the sensor.

Abstract: A projection-type display apparatus and a display method thereof are disclosed, the projection-type display apparatus including a coated portion which is formed on a surface of a substrate, and which scans a video onto a screen, and a patterned portion which is formed on another surface of the substrate in a serrated pattern, wherein the serrated pattern is formed on the substrate according to the surface area of the patterned portion and the depth of the serrated pattern. A serrated pattern is formed on a substrate forming a reflective portion to reflect a video on a screen, so the cooling surface area of the substrate is increased, thereby compensating for distortions in video scanned onto the screen.

Abstract: A mirror assembly may include a middle portion having a first side, a second side, and a perimeter, where the first side comprises a reflective portion. A front portion may be substantially transparent and may be formed by injecting a first thermoplastic material into a mold on the first side of the middle portion. A back portion may be substantially opaque and may be formed by injecting a second thermoplastic material into the mold on the second side of the middle portion. The front portion and the back portion together may substantially encompass the perimeter of the middle portion.

Abstract: This invention concerns the fabrication of deformable mirrors that can be used for adaptive optics applications to correct wavefront aberrations. The deformable mirror uses a polyimide substrate with a PZT layer, which is cut by laser to produce a structure with a free end attached to the polyimide substrate at one corner. The deformable mirror has an aperture less than 10 cm and is cost-effective to produce. The deformable mirror is driven piezoelectrically as a bimorph or monomorph and can achieve a stroke of 15 microns and a bandwidth of 1 kHz for less than 20 volts. The deformable mirror uses a continuous sheet, which is anchored at only one point, which corresponds to the point of arbitrary zero phase, and is free everywhere else to conform to the wavefront. This cannot be achieved with silicon micromachined mirrors, which are electrostatically actuated because surface micromachining produces delicate films which must be anchored periodically for support.

Abstract: A solar concentrator with a folded beam optical configuration allowing for compact, lightweight construction. Reflective optics may additionally be employed, including dichroic mirrors and/or antireflection coatings, to remove prevent unwanted infrared radiation reaching the solar cell. An array of such solar concentrators is also disclosed.

Abstract: A diagnostic and therapeutic contact lens is provided for use with the slit lamp or other biomicroscope for the examination and treatment of the structures of the eye including that of the fundus and anterior chamber. The lens comprises a contacting portion adapted for placement on the cornea of an examined eye, two reflecting surfaces and a refracting portion. Light rays emanating from structures within the eye pass through the cornea and contacting portion of the lens and first reflect from the anterior reflecting surface as a positive reflection in a posterior direction. Following the first reflection the light rays reflect as a positive reflection in an anterior direction from the posterior reflecting surface to a refracting portion through which the light rays exit the lens.

Abstract: A micromirror device and a method of making the same are disclosed herein. The micromirror device comprises a mirror plate, hinge, and post each having an electrically conductive layer. One of the hinge, mirror plate, and post further comprises an electrically insulating layer. To enable the electrical connections between the conducting layers of the hinge, mirror plate, and post, the insulating layer is patterned.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for the mass production manufacturing of planar mirrors inside transparent micro balls circumscribed by lubricated bearings for solar energy concentration and related applications such as optical switches, etc. These bearings permit rotational alignment of the balls with minimal friction. The preferred mass production process utilizes photolithography in an optical microlithographic photoresist process. The micro-balls are in the size range of ˜1 micron (1×10-6 m) to 1000 microns (1 mm). The micro-balls vary in geometry from spheres to 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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reflector for a solar energy collection system. The reflector comprises a reflective material for receiving solar radiation and directing the received solar radiation to an absorber. The reflector also comprises a polymeric body supporting the reflective material. The polymeric body comprises a polymeric core that is sandwiched by at least one polymeric layer.

Abstract: A durable colored article having fluorescent properties comprises a substantially solventless polyvinyl chloride matrix, a thioxanthene fluorescent dye, and a secondary or tertiary hindered amine light stabilizer having a molecular weight less than about 1000 grams/mole. The invention has the advantage in that it provides a flexible polyvinyl chloride film that exhibits durable fluorescent colors.

Abstract: An optical device includes a structure defining an enclosed volume that is empty or filled with a non-solid, such as an aerogel or a gas, within which reflective surfaces bounce incoming light back and forth, focusing the light toward an exit aperture. The structure of the device may be formed from two halves, which are molded or machined to form the inner faces used to reflect and focus incoming light. The structure halves may be made of a moldable material. The moldable material may have reflective material, such as aluminum, deposited on inner faces that are used to reflect and focus incoming light. The halves of the structure are joined together, such as by use of a suitable adhesive. The enclosed volume may be substantially empty except for an ambient gas. The resulting hollow optical device provides a greatly reduced weight compared with folded optics made from solid materials.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a moldable synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface.

Abstract: Manufacturing method for variable shape mirrors suitable for mass production includes steps: for forming first grooves and second grooves along boundaries between areas to be variable shape mirrors on a surface of first wafer to be support substrate and a surface of second wafer to be mirror substrate; for arranging first and second wafer so that support pillars and piezoelectric elements are sandwiched between first and second wafer at areas with surface on which second grooves are formed facing inward for bonding; for dividing second wafer into mirror substrates by flattening process of outer surface of second wafer until at least reaching second groove; for dividing first wafer into the support substrates by breaking first wafer along first grooves; and for forming reflection film on outer surface of each of mirror substrates obtained by the dividing step.

Abstract: Holographic data storage media having a sandwiched construction are described in which a holographic recording material is sandwiched between two substrates. The holographic media formulation is often formed of two or more components mixed to obtain a homogeneous formulation. The holographic media formulation may include two or more components which are mixed together prior to injection between the substrates. Curing of the holographic media formulation is substantially avoided during mixing, yet accelerated after the formulation is injected between the substrates. Accordingly, the system and techniques can be used to improve the large scale manufacturability of such media by allowing for fabrication of such media within reasonable cycle times, such as less than one minute, while adhering to stringent requirements for optical clarity and parallelism.

Abstract: Anti-glare film including anti-glare layer. The anti-glare film is obtained by coating or casting a liquid composition containing a polymer, a curable resin precursor, and a solvent on a transparent plastic film, evaporating the solvent, forming a phase separation structure by spinodal decomposition, and curing the curable resin precursor by irradiation with light. The disclosed anti-glare film prevents reflection of surrounding scenery and dazzle in a display surface.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of manufacturing a reflector which productivity is excellent, the photosensitive resin layer is not changed during the period from a transferring step to an ultraviolet ray irradiating step, and post-process such as a fine hole forming step is easily preformed are provided. The method of manufacturing the reflector comprising the steps of forming a photosensitive resin layer on a sheet base body; transferring a shape of prominence and depression onto the photosensitive resin layer, while forwarding the sheet base body in one direction, by rotating a transfer roller having substantially cylindrical shape while pressing the transfer roller against the photosensitive resin layer, wherein the transfer roller has a transfer surface having a prominence and depression pattern at the periphery thereof; and preliminarily irradiating ultraviolet ray onto the photosensitive resin layer immediately after the transferring step is employed.

Abstract: A retroreflective device securable to a highway by bonding thereto preferably with a viscous strip applied to the highway prior to solidifying cure of the strip includes a generally globular glass central member, a desirably pigmented adhesive layer over the central member and a plurality of peripheral globular glass members connected to the central member by the pigmented adhesive layer. A method for fabricating the retroreflective device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A light reflector which can be manufactured easily by using a plastic base material that is light weight and low cost and has high reflectivity, and a method for manufacturing the same. The light reflector comprises a plastic base material 50 of which thermal deformation temperature is 130° C. or higher, and a reflecting film 52 containing silver and formed on the surface of the base material, wherein said plastic base material 50 is a molded article of thermosetting resin and the reflecting film has a smooth surface with PV (peak-to-valley) roughness of 0.5 ?m or less without sharp protrusions and reflectivity of the reflecting film is 96% or more.

Abstract: A diffractive microstructure is produced on the surface layer of a substrate using an embossing device. The embossing device includes an embossing roll and a backing roll for exerting an embossing pressure on the surface layer of the substrate. The embossing pressure and/or variations in temperature cause deflection of the embossing roll. To compensate for the deflection, the embossing device can set the embossing pressure exerted by the central area of the embossing roll on the surface layer of the substrate to be at least equal to or higher than the embossing pressure exerted by the end areas of the embossing roll on the surface layer of the substrate.

Abstract: An optical waveguide apparatus includes an optical waveguide, such as an optical sheet of a two-dimensional slab waveguide, and an appropriately-shaped plated structure provided in the optical waveguide. Typically, the plated structure is constructed so as to serve as an optical-path converting unit for optically coupling the optical waveguide and an optical device, which is to be provided on or in the vicinity of the optical waveguide, or as at least a part of a via penetrating the optical waveguide.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a component having a three-dimensional structure in a surface region, includes:—a step of forming a substantially solid layer (13) of material, which step comprises the steps of applying a substantially fluid composition over a surface, and—a step of removing an intermediate composition (12), impervious to at least a component of the substantially fluid composition and occupying at least part of the three-dimensional structure when the substantially fluid composition has at least partially set. The step of forming the substantially solid layer (13) of material is preceded by the steps of—providing a structure including recessed parts (5 to 7) on a surface of a substantially solid further layer (3), and—applying the intermediate composition (12) so as at least partially to fill at least the recessed parts (5 to 7) of the structure on the surface of the substantially solid further layer (3).

Abstract: A transflective display. The transflective display includes a first substrate, a first electrode formed thereon, a second substrate having a reflective area and a transmissive area opposite to the first substrate, a second electrode formed on the second substrate opposite to the first electrode, and a liquid crystal layer including a plurality of liquid crystal molecules and polymers disposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The invention also provides a method of fabricating the transflective display.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making retroreflective sheeting and other articles prepared from casting a fluid synthetic resin onto a tool having a microstructured surface with a slot die apparatus. The invention further relates to a slot die apparatus.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of producing reflectors from glass or glass ceramics comprising the steps of: molding a reflector being open to the outside and having a closed bottom in a mold at a temperature above the transformation temperature; placing the reflector in a recess of a holder; heating up the reflector in the area of its bottom; lifting the bottom of the reflector from below using a die; punching out at least one opening from the bottom by moving at least one plunger into at least one matching opening in the die.

Abstract: A retroreflective structure includes a retroreflective sheeting having an array of transparent prisms formed into pairs of prisms. Each prism includes a base aperture and three intersecting lateral faces meeting at an apex. Each of the lateral faces includes a base edge which forms a portion of the perimeter of the base aperture. The base edge of each lateral face intersects the base edge of a contiguous lateral face to form a base point, the first face of at least one prism in the array including a first face first planar surface and a first face second planar surface. The first face first planar surface and the first face second planar surface are contiguous along an edge having a first and second end points, wherein the apex, the first end point, and a first base point are coplanar and form a continuous edge from the first base point to the apex.

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: A method for fabricating a plastic spherical mirror is disclosed. First, a plastic part with a mirror surface supported by a plurality of wall structures is designed. Next, a metal mold including mold for forming the plastic part according the above design specification is provided. A mirror surface of the metal mold is polished to an A1 optical grade finish. The metal mold is heated and chilled to form a curvature of the mirror surface of the metal mold. A plastic material formulation is selected and heated until a melt thereof is obtained. The melt is injected into the mold of the metal mold and the injected melt in the mold is cooled to form the plastic part. A thin layer of a reflective metal coating is deposited on the mirror surface of the plastic part and a protective overcoat is formed on the reflective metal coating.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a daylighting film that can provide incident sunlight from a window to desired indoor spots such as ceilings, increase indoor illumination, allows for easy installation, easy cleaning, and ensuring efficiency of taking sunlight into the indoors, a method for producing the daylighting film and a window equipped with the daylighting film. That is, the method includes forming unit prisms 3 each having two or more surfaces, on at least one surface of a translucent support 2, forming one or more reflecting layers 4 on one or more surfaces of each of the unit prisms 3, and forming a protection layer 5 having a flat surface 5a to cover the unit prisms 3.

Abstract: A large micro-mirror, e.g. 3 mm by 4 mm, in accordance with the present invention has sufficient rigidity to ensure a low mirror curvature, e.g. a radius of curvature greater than 5 meters, and a low mass in order to ensure a high oscillation frequency, e.g. greater than 1000 Hz. A method of making the micro-mirror utilizes bulk micro-machining technology, which enables the manufacture of a honeycomb structure sandwiched between two solid and smooth silicon layers without any indentations or holes. The honeycomb sandwich structure provides the rigidity and low mass needed to obtain a micro-mirror with a low mirror curvature and high resonant frequency.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an optical device includes the steps of: forming a first multilayer film, including forming a first mirror above a substrate, forming an active layer above the first mirror, forming a second mirror above the active layer, forming a semiconductor layer on the second mirror, and forming a sacrificial layer on the semiconductor layer; conducting a first examination step of conducting a reflectance examination on the first multilayer film; forming a second multilayer film by removing the sacrificial layer from the first multilayer film; conducting a second examination step of conducting a reflection coefficient examination on the second multilayer film; and patterning the second multilayer film to form a surface-emitting laser section having the first mirror, the active layer and the second mirror, and a diode section having the semiconductor layer, wherein the sacrificial layer is formed to have an optical film thickness of an odd multiple of ?/4, where ? is a design wavelength of ligh

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a mirror assembly (14) by placing a beveled mirror (18) within a carrier (19) prior to inserting the carrier into a mirror handle head (23). The mirror handle head (23) is inserted into a mold position (27) and a molten thermoplastic resin is introduced into the mold. A series of mirror retaining clips (20) formed integrally with the carrier (19) maintain the mirror (18) in a precise location during the molding process and permit resin to overlay the mirror bevel (35) without reaching the mirror surface (22). The mirror handle (15) may be customized during manufacture to include a ribbed, soft grip region (16, 17) by forming a handle core (36) that includes a recessed region defined by shoulders (43, 44). A central region of the core (36) includes voids that define characters or symbols (38, 39, 40, and 41) that are filled with a thermoplastic material during a molding process (4).

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light guide plate comprising the following the steps. First, a thin film with a transfer material layer thereon is provided. Thereafter, a molding machine having a molding cavity therein is provided. A thin film is disposed in the molding machine such that at least part of the transfer material layer is located inside the molding cavity. A light guide plate body is formed inside the molding cavity so that the transfer material layer is transferred onto the light guide plate body at the same time.