Abstract: A process for making an optical film includes stretching a polyolefin film in a first direction and stretching the polyolefin film in a second direction different than the first direction forming a biaxially stretched polyolefin film. At least a portion of the stretching of the polyolefin film in the second direction occurs simultaneous with the stretching of the polyolefin film in the first direction. The biaxially stretched polyolefin film has a length and a width and substantially non-absorbing and non-scattering for at least one polarization state of visible light. The biaxially stretched polyolefin film has x, y, and z orthogonal indices of refraction where at least two of the orthogonal indices of refraction are not equal, an in-plane retardance being 100 nm or less and an out-of-plane retardance being 50 nm or greater.

Abstract: Relatively high refractive index polymeric compositions and ophthalmic devices such as for example intraocular lenses and corneal inlays made therefrom are described herein. The preferred polymeric compositions are produced through the copolymerization of one or more aromatic-substituted polysiloxane prepolymers with one or more aromatic monomers, alkylated monomers or hydrophilic monomers.

Abstract: A method for stretching an optical polymer film is described, which comprises allowing a locus L1 of the holding means from a substantial holding initiation point to a substantial holding release point on one edge of the polymer film, a locus L2 of the holding means from a substantial holding initiation point to a substantial holding release point on the other edge of the polymer film, and a distance W between the two substantial holding release points to satisfy the following equation (1), maintaining the supporting property of the polymer film, stretching the film in the presence of a state in which the volatile content is 5% or more, and then, decreasing the volatile content while shrinking the film: |L2−L1|>0.

Abstract: A method for patterning an optical element is disclosed. The method includes providing a lower mold, positioning the optical element on a carrier face of the lower mold, then providing and positioning an upper mold above the optical element. A plurality of protrusions are mounted on a pressing face of the upper mold. The method further includes a step of driving the upper mold with a driving device to thermally press the optical element so that the protrusions of the upper mold will press and insert into the optical element. Finally, separating the upper mold from the optical element for forming a plurality of patterns corresponding to the protrusions on the optical element.

Abstract: A method of preparing a thermoplastic polycarbonate film having an optical retardation value of less than or equal to 20 nm, is described. The method includes: (a) forming a molten extrudate (20) of a thermoplastic polycarbonate polymer in an extruder (11) having a terminal die (17) through which the molten extrudate is passed, the molten extrudate having a temperature of 150° C. to 400° C. upon emerging from terminal die (17); and (b) passing molten extrudate (20), from die (17), between two counter-rotating rolls (23 and 26) each having an elastomeric polymer surface (35 and 38), the counter-rotating rolls having a roll speed ratio and a nip (41), the distance between the terminal die (17) and the nip (41) being a die-nip distance (47). The extrudate temperature, the roll speed ratio and the die-nip distance (47) are each selected such that a thermoplastic polycarbonate film (32) having an optical retardation value of less than or equal to 20 nm is formed.

Abstract: A method for peeling a lens sheet having two pairs of opposite portions from a forming mold comprises the first to third peeling steps. The first peeling step is to pull up a pair of opposite portions of a lens sheet, which is formed on a forming mold, to peel partially the lens sheet from the forming mold. The second peeling step is to pull up the other pair of opposite portions of the lens sheet to peel partially the lens sheet from the forming mold. The third peeling step is to pull up further the two pairs of opposite portions to peel entirely the lens sheet from the forming mold.

Abstract: The invention provides a continuous method for producing polarizing films that includes a step of monoaxially stretching a polyvinyl alcohol film having a width of at least 2 m in an aqueous boric acid solution, wherein the polyvinyl alcohol film is stretched on the condition that it satisfies the following formulae (1) and (2):

Abstract: Various methods and apparatus for simultaneously texturing two single-sided hard memory disks is provided. The two disks are placed in a concentric contact merge orientation such that the outwardly facing surface of each disk may be simultaneously subjected to texturing by equipment designed to texture one double-sided disk.

Abstract: An end face of a plastic optical fiber end is treated so as not to extrude to the core side face when the plastic optical fiber end is softened and fused. The core end face of the plastic optical fiber end is pressed intermittently on a mold that is heated to a certain temperature to soften and fuse the core end face to thereby transfer the transfer face of the mold on the core end face.

Abstract: A glass structure, such as a mirror facet, having a glass member, a composite structure and a support structure. The composite structure includes a rigid interlayer which is bonded to the glass member and exerts a compressive force thereon to place the glass member in compression. The support structure is used to mount the glass structure and prevents the glass member from collapsing due to the compressive force exerted by the rigid interlayer. The glass structure is particularly well adapted for use in forming heliostats, parabolic dishes, trough concentrators, or other like elements for use in solar power systems, and does not suffer from the limitations or prior forms of such devices.

Abstract: The current invention provides a method and apparatus that minimizes the destructive effects of non-reflected energy during lithography. More specifically, a cooling system is located within the mask. In one example, a cooling module is integrated into the EUV mask. The cooling module may be thermoelectric. The EUV mask comprises a substrate structure as a base for a reticle, a cooling layer, which is formed on the substrate structure and a planarizing layer deposited on the cooling layer. In another example, a cooling channel is formed within the mask.

Abstract: An improved optical film having a continuous/disperse phase morphology and a method for making the same is provided. At least one of the continuous and disperse phases comprises a blend of homopolymers which are inter-reacted, as by transesterification. The resulting films exhibit a higher degree of birefringence for a given level of strain than analogous films in which the blend is replaced by a random copolymer.

Abstract: To provide a manufacturing method for an optical pickup in which a movable member carrying an objective lens is supported by a fixed member through a pair of elastic support member groups, which are each made up of a plurality of parallel elastic support members, so as to be movable in focusing and tracking directions. In a suspension unit forming step, two holding members are formed from a synthetic resin by insert molding at different positions of each elastic support member group in a lengthwise direction of the elastic support members, thereby forming a pair of suspension units. In a connecting step, the pair of suspension units are opposed with an arrangement direction of the elastic support members being substantially the same as the focusing direction, and one holding member of each suspension unit is connected to the movable member and the other holding member to the fixed member.

Abstract: An antireflection film having an antireflective layer is embossed with an emboss roller or an emboss plate, to become an antiglare and antireflection film. A surface of each of the emboss roller and the emboss plate has concave-convex which have arithmetic roughness average is in the range of 0.05 &mgr;m to 2.00 &mgr;m and average period of maximum 50 &mgr;m. When the film is embossed, an emboss roller applies to the surface of the film a linear pressure in the range of 500 N/cm to 4000 N/cm, or an emboss plate applies a pressure in the range of 50×105 Pa to 400×105 Pa. The concave-convex of the emboss roller or the emboss plate is formed in a shot blast method in which balls having diameter in the range of 0.1 &mgr;m to 50 &mgr;m are scattered onto the surface of the antireflection film.

Abstract: A process for preparing embossed, finely-divided, thin, bright-metal particles which process comprises forming an embossed release surface to al least one side of a carrier sheet, depositing a metal film onto the release surface so that the metal film conforms to the embossed surface, solubilizing the release surface, removing the metal film from the carrier sheet, and breaking the thin metal film onto embossed particles having an average diameter of between 10 to 50 microns. The film may also take the form of an optical stack.

Abstract: A method and a device for removing molded soft contact lenses, high-precision intraocular lenses and the like, from the individual molds in which they are produced. Provided is an infra-red radiation or heater device constituted of silicon carbide IR-emitters, and which employs an individual infra-red emitter for each individual mold, to impart a desired thermal gradient.

Abstract: Polymeric multilayer optical films, and laminate bodies that include such films, are cut or subdivided into one or more discrete pieces by removably applying a first and second liner to opposed major surfaces of the multilayer optical film. Laser radiation is then directed at the multilayer optical film through the first liner in such a way as to produce cut lines that define a plurality of pieces of the first liner and of the multilayer optical film. Thereafter, the plurality of pieces of the first liner are removed from the plurality of pieces of the multilayer optical film while the pieces of multilayer optical film are supported by the second liner. Application of the first liner to the multilayer optical film can be accomplished with electrostatics.

Abstract: A microlens configuration having a substantially circular form is constituted of a part of one circle or aspheric curve at any section when a section is taken at a face which is vertical to a major axis or a minor axis of the microlens configuration. A laminate for transfer includes a concave and convex pattern having concave and convex forms of a transfer master pattern, in which a number of such configurations as mentioned above are arranged, transferred to a substrate to be transferred, and a thin film layer laminated on the concave and convex surface thereof wherein a surface of the thin film layer opposite to a surface in contact with a provisional support is used as a bonding face to an application substrate.

Abstract: A film sheet which has a polymer layer formed of a coating solution is drawn from a balk roll and transported toward a rubbing apparatus. Thereby, first and second blowers sequentially disposed respectively apply to the polymer layer an air of temperature 45±2° C. and humidity 50%-60%, and an air of temperature 25±1° C. and humidity 30%-35%. Thus, damages which occurred in transporting and rolling the film sheet are removed. Thereafter, a rubbing action is performed to the film sheet such that the polymer layer has alignment. Then a liquid crystal layer is formed on the polymer layer, to obtain an optical compensation film.

Abstract: Windows for attenuating vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) light are created by adding metallic material to a fluoride crystalline material during manufacturing. The amount of attenuation in the final window may be controlled by controlling the manufacturing process to control the amount of metallic material remaining in the window after manufacture. If the distribution of metallic material from one window to another is inconsistent, the windows may be measured and sorted by their attenuation characteristics.

Abstract: A film of a plastic material fusible with a lens-forming material and having a high light transmissivity is bonded and laminated, with an adhesive, to a polarizing sheet having a polarization coefficient of 99.0% or higher and a light transmissivity of 40% or higher. The resultant laminate is hot-pressed into a shape similar to an aimed lens. The hot-pressed laminate is placed in a lens forming mold cavity, and a lens-forming resin which has been colored or of which light transmissivity has been adjusted to a desired transmissivity is injected into the cavity to thereby form a polarized lens.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting the edge geometry of an intraocular lens during polishing are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a protective device having a cavity configured to receive the lens and an annular peripheral portion for surrounding and protecting at least one edge corner of the lens. In one embodiment, the peripheral portion has a constant inner diameter and receives the lens in an interference fit. In another embodiment, the lens is trapped between flanges which extend radially inwardly from the peripheral portion. A lens that is encased in the protective device will have a polished central portion and an unpolished peripheral portion after the polishing process has been completed and the protective device has been removed.

Abstract: A laminated optical element has an IR transmissive substrate and a laminated IR transmissive polymeric layer on at least one surface of the IR transmissive substrate. The polymer layer may be a fluoropolymer or polyethylene and has an aspheric/diffractive surface. The polymer layer is affixed to the substrate by adhesive or, alternatively, the polymer layer is formed directly on the substrate resulting in a unitary optical element that is IR transmissive.

Abstract: A tool for embossing high aspect ratio microstructures is provided, wherein the microstructures provide decreased surface reflection and increased transmission through an optical component even at high incident angles. The tool is fabricated by a process that comprises anisotropic etching of columnar pits in a silicon substrate using inductively coupled plasma, followed by isotropic reactive ion etching of the columnar pits to create relatively pointed obelisks. The silicon substrate is then preferably rinsed to remove remaining photoresist prior to vapor depositing a conductive layer thereon. Finally, a metal is electroformed over the conductive layer to form the embossing tool. The embossing tool is then pressed against an optical coating, for example a polymer sheet, to create microstructures having aspect ratios from 1 to 5.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the problem that with known plastic casting molds, especially those of polypropylene, the lenses produced with these molds have a slippery surface. The invention solves this problem through the use of polymers which are notable for their very low oxygen permeability.

Abstract: A solar control light transmitting thermoplastic polymer sheet is provided which contains flakes of metal pigment that are aligned coplanar with the upper face of the sheet. The sheet transmits a controlled amount of light while reflecting a significant amount and absorbing the rest. In an alternative, the sheet has a co-extruded second layer of UV-protective thermoplastic polymer formed on top of the first layer.

Abstract: A one-piece intraocular lens having an optic portion and a haptic portion, the optic portion being formed of a copolymer obtained by copolymerization of predetermined amounts of 2-[2-(perfluorooctyl)ethoxy]-1-methylethyl (meth)acrylate, 2-phenylethyl (meth)acrylate, alkyl (meth)acrylate and a crosslinking monomer, the haptic portion being formed of polymethyl methacrylate, a process for the production thereof, and a soft intraocular lens having an optic portion and a haptic portion formed of a soft material, the haptic portion having a bendable portion having specific functions, the one-piece intraocular lens being insertable into an eye through a small incision with the optic portion being bent, the soft intraocular lens permitting the prevention of the deformation of the soft optic portion caused by the shrink of a capsule when the soft intraocular lens is inserted into an eye.

Abstract: A method for making an enhanced intrinsic polarizer from a polymeric sheet having an original length and comprising a hydroxylated linear high polymer includes stretching the polymeric sheet to a stretched length of from greater than 5.0 times to about 7.0 times the original length, introducing a suitable dehydration catalyst to the polymeric sheet, and heating the polymeric sheet and the catalyst to effect partial dehydration of the polymeric sheet wherein light absorbing, vinylene block segments are formed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods and systems for manufacturing optical storage media from which information can be read out and/or into which information can be recorded by means of a beam of electromagnetic radiation. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an improved optical storage medium which can be obtained with the method and system of the present invention. The optical storage medium comprises various layers (1, 5, 7), wherein at least two of them are bonded by means of a pressure sensitive adhesive layer (4). At least the adhesive layer is cut by means of a laser beam so that the disadvantages of mechanical cutting tools are overcome.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting the edge geometry of an intraocular lens during polishing are disclosed. The apparatus comprises a protective device having a cavity configured to receive the lens and an annular peripheral portion for surrounding and protecting at least one edge corner of the lens. In one embodiment, the peripheral portion has a constant inner diameter and receives the lens in an interference fit. In another embodiment, the lens is trapped between flanges which extend radially inwardly from the peripheral portion. A lens that is encased in the protective device will have a polished central portion and an unpolished peripheral portion after the polishing process has been completed and the protective device has been removed.

Abstract: A method for making gradient refractive index optical components includes mixing a molten basic material (11) with a refractive index modifying material (21) in continuously changing proportions. The mixture is changed into a plurality of semi-molten fibers (41), and the fibers are rolled to form a continuous plate (51). The plate has a continuously changing refractive index along a lengthwise direction thereof. The plate is wound around a spindle (57) to obtain a wound preformed rod (58). The preformed rod is integrally fused by local heating, and drawn to form a draw (61) having a predetermined diameter. The draw is cut into pieces. Each piece can then be made into an optical component having a continuously changing refractive index in a radial direction. The method allows precise control of all steps, and such control is achieved with relative ease throughout.

Abstract: An apparatus for the automated profiling the edge of successive optical disks, and including an optical disk supply assembly for holding a supply of optical disks to be profiled, a turntable for receiving an optical disk to be profiled, and for reciprocating between an optical disk loading position and an optical disk profiling position. A clamping assembly is provided for clamping the optical disk in a stationary condition to the turntable during movement between the loading position and the profiling position. A profiling cutter profiles the edge of the optical disk into a predefined shape when the turntable is in the profiling position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a disc-shaped optical recording medium is provided, according to which a disc-shaped substrate with no central hole is accurately and stable positioned, when the substrate is spin-coated. A circular recess is formed in the center of a non-coated surface opposite to the surface to be coated of the disc-shaped substrate in the spin-coating step, and a ring-shaped raised rim to fit with the circular recess is provided on the side of a substrate holding portion supporting the disc-shaped substrate during spin-coating. The ring-shaped raised rim is fitted with the circular recess, so that the disc-shaped substrate is accurately positioned and held during the spin-coating step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for forming a transparent optical element, such as an optical fiber, having a graded index of refraction. One preferred practice of the invention employs a hollow tube formed of an amorphous fluoropolymer and fills the tube with a liquid dopant material having an index of refraction that is different than that of the fluoropolymer. The heating of the filled tube for a sufficient duration causes the diffusion of the dopant material through the fluoropolymer, thereby producing a graded distribution of the dopant and hence a graded refractive index.

Abstract: An optically transmitting first substrate and a second substrate are opposed with spacers interposed therebetween, the second substrate including a plurality of optical elements, each of the optical elements having an optical section, each of the spacers surrounding each of the optical sections. Each of the optical sections is sealed by connecting the first substrate and the second substrate with the spacer interposed. The second substrate is separated into individual one of the optical elements, the individual one of the optical elements including one of the sealed optical sections.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly heating a shrinkable casing around a relatively non-shrinkable object. As one example, the present invention may be used to shrink a sleeve around a strand, such as fiber or copper. A contact approach to heating the a loaded sleeve is used wherein a predetermined temperature profile is applied to prevent the trapping of air during shrinking. The thermal profile may be selectively controlled by the application of a fluid to the junction where heat is applied to the loaded sleeve.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a method for manufacturing an optical assembly for use in an optical flying head are provided. The optical assembly may include a solid immersion lens and a magnetic coil. Techniques are provided for fabricating the solid immersion lens and the magnetic coil. Techniques are also provided for installing the optical assembly into a slider for the optical flying head. Other embodiments are described in which a solid immersion lens is installed in or is integral with a transparent slider. A magnetic coil may also be installed in these embodiments.

Abstract: What is described here is a method and an element of lighting rooms by selective guidance of daylight, comprising an optically transparent main body through which the light is incident into the respective room, and including plurality of structures on which light is deflected by total reflection into the respective room. The invention is characterized by the provision that the plurality of structures consists of parallel crazes.

Abstract: A press molding apparatus includes upper and lower mother molds 102 and 104. Each of the mother molds 102 and 104 has four molding surfaces arranged in a single line and satisfies the relationship given by L×&agr;×&Dgr;T/t<0.0008, where L represents the length, t, the thickness, &agr;, the thermal expansion coefficient, and &Dgr;T, the temperature difference between both ends in the thickness direction during induction heating. The press molding apparatus may include a pressing mold set including upper mother molds 102a and 102b attached to a common fixed shaft 118 through upper supporting shafts 110a and 110b and lower mother molds 104a and 104b driven by a common drive shaft 120 through lower supporting shafts 112a and 112b. The upper mother molds 102a and 102b and the lower mother molds 104a and 104b are collectively heated by induction heating coils 122 and 124, respectively.

Abstract: A method of cooling an optical fiber during drawing through contact with at least one cooling fluid in at least one cooling area, wherein fast cooling, i.e. cooling that is faster than cooling in the surrounding air, from an initial temperature of the fiber to a temperature at the end of fast cooling of said fiber, is followed by slow cooling, i.e. cooling slower than cooling in the surrounding air, from a temperature of said fiber at the start of slow cooling to a temperature of said fiber at the end of slow cooling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lenses that are capable of post-fabrication power modifications. In general, the inventive lenses comprise (i) a first polymer matrix and (ii) a refraction modulating composition that is capable of stimulus-induced polymerization dispersed therein. When at least a portion of the lens is exposed to an appropriate stimulus, the refraction modulating composition forms a second polymer matrix. The amount and location of the second polymer matrix may modify a lens characteristic such as lens power by changing its refractive index and/or by altering its shape. The inventive lenses have a number of applications in the electronics and medical fields as data storage means and as medical lenses, particularly intraocular lenses, respectively.

Abstract: A process is disclosed of fabricating a surface of an ophthalmic lens. The process includes a step a) of machining the surface by removing material by moving a cutting tool along a continuous trajectory to form grooves, two adjacent grooves being spaced by a constant pitch from 0.01 mm to 3 mm, and a step b) of smoothing the machined surface by moving a smoothing tool along a continuous trajectory formed of passes, two adjacent passes being spaced by a constant pitch from 0.2 mm to 3 mm, to effect band-pass filtering of the undulations of the surface between a low frequency corresponding to a surface envelope and a high frequency corresponding to a background roughness.

Abstract: An arbor for lathe cutting lenses, especially contact lenses, from a blank, is designed for the mounting of a lens mold with a cast lens blank therein during lathing of the lens blank. The arbor is made in a manner to ensure the lens mold is axially aligned with the arbor. The arbor can be reused for lathe cutting of multiple lens blanks retained in their respective lens molds.

Abstract: An anti-reflection film comprises a transparent support and a low refractive index coating layer. The low refractive index coating layer has a refractive index lower than a refractive index of the support. The low refractive index coating layer has an essentially uniform thickness, while the layer has a surface roughness in terms of an arithmetic mean (Ra) in the range of 0.05 to 2 &mgr;m.

Abstract: There is described a method for forming lenses having substantially no optical power. The method includes forming, via in situ polymerization, a layer of non-uniform thickness of an optically clear, high scratch-resistant polymeric material on the convex surface of the lens. The lenses provided by the method are characterized by having maximum thickness in the central region of the lens and gradually diminishing thickness radially towards the periphery of the lens.

Abstract: A cutting method for cutting an optical lens and/or a molding die therefor includes rotating the optical lens and/or the molding die about the optical axis, moving a cutting blade in a direction perpendicular to an optical axis to cut the optical lens and the molding die, and varying the feed pitch of the cutting blade in the direction perpendicular to the optical axis in accordance with the position of the optical lens and/or the molding die in the radial direction.

Abstract: Generally, the present invention relates to a display film and a method of making same, where the display uses electrically responsive, reflective particles disposed within a polymer matrix. The invention includes a method of making a display film having one or more monolayers of the reflective particles. The invention is also directed to a display having particles selected from a production distribution of particles.

Abstract: A lens molding system which uses glass molds to mold polycarbonate blanks. The blanks are preheated, then additionally surface heated, molded, and cooled under pressure.

Abstract: A method for the replication of diffractive optical elements using audio/video disc manufacturing equipment and processes. The audio/video disc manufacturing process and mold mastering tooling create diffractive optical elements using a mold plate. The diffractive optic design and photomasks are first fabricated then replicated using compact disc industry mold mastering techniques. The surface relief pattern is produced centered in the plate using ion milling or refractive ion etching photolithographic fabrication techniques. Once patterned, the mold master plate is punched into a circular form consistent with standard compact or video disc mold bases—typically eight inches for a compact disc. After molding, each element can be cut out of the disc using blade, shear, waterjet or laser cutting.