Abstract: An observation system having a positive refracting power as a whole comprises a first unit G1 with a positive refracting power and a second unit G2 and forms an exit pupil for observation of an electronic image displayed on an image display element 5. The first unit G1 comprises a prism 4 with a positive refracting power and a transmission-type volume hologram 6 and has an action of imaging an observation image for obtaining a relay image. The second unit G2 is composed of a reflection-type volume hologram 3 and has an action of forming the exit pupil 1 so as to introduce the relay image to an observer. At least one of reflecting surfaces and an exit surface of the prism 4 is shaped as a rotationally asymmetric surface which exerts a power on bundles of rays, to compensate aberrations generated by decentering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a viewing and an image pickup optical system for display devices, which can be used with high efficiency at a plurality of wavelengths and enables bright images to be viewed with satisfactory color reproducibility. The optical system comprises a first prism 3, a second prism 4 and a volume hologram element 6 disposed between them and cemented to them. The hologram element 6 comprises a first grating vector corresponding to at least a first wavelength and a second grating vector corresponding to a second wavelength shorter than the first wavelength.

Abstract: In the developed state of the combiner 13, the first arm 19 extends along a vertical line passing the center of gravity G of the combiner 13, and the second arm 21 and the third arm 23 are aligned on and extended along a line which couples the rear end of the base member 17 and the other end 19b of the first arm 19 and tilts from the vertical direction toward the horizontal direction so that the combiner 13 is arranged in front of the eye point I at a tilting angle of reflecting the image light of the displayed image emitted from the display device of the projector unit 9 toward the eye point I of the driver 3. In such a configuration, the virtual image of the displayed image on the combiner which is to be visually recognized from the eye point can be visually recognized stable with no shaking in a vehicle which is susceptible to the vibration from the road face.

Abstract: A virtual image system is disclosed comprising: a passive optical unit for interfacing with portions of a user's head; and an optical projection unit directing a retinal scanning beam into the passive optical unit, the optical projection unit detached from the passive optical unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing illumination suitable for imaging devices such as laser projection systems. In one embodiment, a highly collimated (e.g., laser light) beam is passed through a holographic diffuser to create a well defined cone angle for the light emanating from each point on the diffuser. This light is focused into an illumination image that is controlled by the prescription of the diffuser. In one embodiment, the image is a uniformly intense rectangle having a 4:3 aspect ratio to match an imager for a projection display. The diffuser prescription and resulting illumination image can be selected to match any desired imager. The present systems and methods may provide the advantages of high level of light efficiency, reduction or elimination of speckle and worminess and reduction or elimination of cosine4 and gaussian intensity falloff, all of which are common in prior art designs.

Abstract: A compact virtual image electronic display system including a beamsplitting magnification optic on which a source object is projected, the beamsplitting magnification optic having a refractive surface and a partially reflective surface for magnifying and reflecting the source object as a magnified virtual image, and a reflective element positioned for receiving and reflecting the magnified virtual image back to the beamsplitting magnification optic. The beamsplitting magnification optic receives the reflected magnified virtual image and magnifies and transmits it through the beamsplitting magnification optic as a compound magnified image of the magnified virtual image to an observer.

Abstract: The invention provides a holographic optical device, including a light-transmissive substrate; a first holographic optical element carried by the substrate; at least one second holographic optical element carried by the substrate laterally of the first holographic optical element, and at least one third holographic optical element carried by the substrate laterally displaced from the first and second holographic optical elements; wherein the center of at least one of the first, second or third holographic optical elements is located outside a single, straight line.

Abstract: An observation optical system includes an image display element b 5, a relay optical system 6 having a plurality of lenses 4 and a first reflection-type volume hologram element (HOE) 8, and an eyepiece optical system having a second reflection-type HOE 9. The observation optical system is arranged along the face to the side head of the observer. The first reflection-type HOE 8 has a power and is configured to compensate for chromatic aberrations. The plurality of lenses is configured to compensate for decentered aberrations and chromatic aberrations. The second reflection-type HOE 9 is configured to exert power on bundles of rays and to compensate for chromatic aberrations. A light-transmitting plate 3 is sandwiched between the first reflection-type HOE 8 and the second reflection-type HOE 9. The light-transmitting plate 3 is configured so that light from the first reflection-type HOE 8 causes total reflection inside the light-transmitting plate 3 odd-numbered times equal to or greater than three times.

Abstract: A projector mounting system for use in a vehicle including a mounting housing that is capable of being attached to the ceiling of a vehicle, an illumination device that is connected to the mounting housing, and a projector that is mounted to the mounting housing.

Abstract: A holographic display device, e.g. for a vehicle, which reduces a color of hologram reflection toward the outside of the vehicle or a color of hologram transmission toward the inside of the vehicle generated at a hologram installation portion of a wind-proof glass, and which further reduces an external light noise. Light from a display element is transmitted through an imaging optical component to form a display image on a transmission diffusion hologram provided to a wind-proof glass, and the display image is reflected on the surface on the vehicle outer side of the wind-proof glass for visual recognition by an observer. The above transmission diffusion hologram is produced by diffused light, which is transmitted through a diffusion optical component, being made to fall on one side of a hologram photosensitive material.

Abstract: A viewing optical system for display apparatus allows observation of a bright displayed image favorably corrected for aberrations and is easy to assemble, resistant to impact such as vibration, lightweight and compact. An ocular optical member for leading an observation image formed by an observation image forming member to an exit pupil has a first prism member and a second prism member. The first prism member has a first entrance surface, a reflecting surface and a first exit surface disposed to face each other across a first prism medium. The second prism member has a second entrance surface and a second exit surface disposed to face each other across a second prism medium. The first and second prism members are cemented together with a holographic element interposed between the first exit surface and the second entrance surface. The reflecting surface has a positive power. The first exit surface and the second entrance surface are each formed from a plane or cylindrical surface.

Abstract: A method of compensating for and correcting temperature induced focus and distortional errors within a head-up display unit is described. The head-up display is comprised of a cathode ray tube and a plurality of lenses constructed of a plastic material defining a lens train and a mounting device constructed of a metal material. The compensation for the temperature can be accomplished by measuring the difference in thermal expansion between the plastic material and the metal material and conveying the measured difference to an alignment device for an appropriate adjustment.

Abstract: A collimated or partially collimated light beam is sent through a substrate matrix of a plurality of nested individual joined geometrically shaped cells wherein each of the cells contains a patterned holographic diffuser or binary optic sheet which produces a transmitted diffused light beam from each of the cells and then superimposes each transmitted diffused light beams from each of the cells to produce a combined resultant diffused light beam. The geometrically shaped cells are clustered in a contiguous arrangement of nested cell subgroups, which are themselves geometrically shaped. When graphed, an angular luminance distribution profile curve with sharply vertical profile slopes at halfpeak points and with a substantially flat and wide peak is resultant which produces a uniform resultant luminance over a wide range of view with a predetermined beam spread and beam deflection angle in relation to a predetermined location of view of the combined resultant diffused light beam.

Abstract: A holographic optical element (HOE) device useable for an optical receiver system has a first element having first and second surfaces, with the first surface being positionable to face incident light rays. The incident light rays can comprise laser light having data modulated thereon. An emulsion material is disposed over the second surface of the first element and has a recorded interference pattern that diffracts the incident light rays that pass through the first element. A second element overlies the emulsion material and is structured to pass resulting light rays derived from the incident light rays and diffracted from the recorded interference pattern. A plurality of reflective elements are positioned adjacent to the first and second elements. The reflective elements fold the resulting light rays within the second element, thereby allowing a reduction in separation length between the emulsion material and receiver electronics.

Abstract: An eyeglass-mount display (EMD) device includes a frame, a display pod, and a personalized module removably coupled to the frame. The frame has a cross-bracket and a pair of ear pieces each coupled to an end of the cross-bracket. The display pod is mounted to the cross-bracket and includes an electronic image generator for generating an image and optics for creating a virtual image. The personalized module includes preset fitting adjustments specific to a particular user. The module may also include corrective optical lenses. The removable personalized module enables multiple users to share the same EMD frame and display pod without making numerous fitting adjustments upon donning the EMD.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film comprising: (a) an optical stack comprising alternating layers of at least a first polymer and a second polymer; and (b) a holographic image.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the design of optimized far field viewing devices that simultaneously produce bright far field holographic light patterns and achieve good see-through performance to present a well focused scene. A far field transmission hologram recorded on a transparent substrate has regions having high diffraction efficiency juxtaposed with regions having low diffraction efficiency. The high diffraction efficiency regions contribute to production of bright far field holographic light patterns, whereas the low diffraction efficiency regions contribute to see-through performance.

Abstract: An image display device for displaying a combined image by combining an virtual image with an external object, has a reflective type hologram combiner having an optical power for forming a surface optically equivalent to the external object at a position different from the external object, an image display for displaying an image to be provided as the virtual image at the position of the surface formed by the optical power of the combiner, and a selection surface for selectively reflecting and transmitting an image light from the image display and an external light from the external object. In the image display device, the image light is reflected by the selection surface, reflected by the hologram combiner, transmitted through the selection surface, and thereafter directed to the pupil of an observer, while an external light is transmitted through the hologram combiner, transmitted through the selection surface, and thereafter directed to the pupil of the observer.

Abstract: An optical system and an imaging and display system using the optical system. The optical system has at least first and second optical elements aligned on a common axis. In one embodiment, each of the first and second optical elements can operate in an active state or in inactive state and comprise a photopolymer and liquid crystal combination. Each of the first and second optical elements is configured to transmit incident light substantially unaltered when each of the first and second optical elements operates in the inactive state. In the active state, however, each of the first and second optical elements does not transmit incident light substantially unaltered. Rather each of the first and second optical elements substantially alters light incident thereon when each of the first and second optical elements operates in the active state.

Abstract: A collimated or partially collimated light beam is sent through a substrate matrix of a plurality of nested individual joined geometrically shaped cells wherein each of the cells contains a patterned volume holographic diffuser which produces a transmitted diffused light beam from each of the cells and then superimposes each transmitted diffused light beams from each of the cells to produce a combined resultant diffused light beam. The geometrically shaped cells are clustered in a contiguous arrangement of nested cell subgroups, which are themselves geometrically shaped. When graphed, an angular luminance distribution profile curve with sharply vertical profile slopes at halfpeak points and with a substantially flat and wide peak is resultant which produces a uniform resultant luminance over a wide range of view with a predetermined beam spread and beam deflection angle in relation to a predetermined location of view of the combined resultant diffused light beam.

Abstract: A head mounted display device which generates an image using a single image generating unit of a small display device and is capable of simulating a large screen, and an optical system for use in the HMD are provided.

Abstract: A head up display system is disclosed that includes a housing, an aspheric reflector, and a modular projection unit. The modular projection unit includes a backlight, a spherical reflector, an infrared mirror, one or more display devices, and cooling apparatus. The backlight has a spherical reflector with inner and outer reflective spherical surfaces and a central opening that is used to recycle light and provide a desired aperture shape. The one or more display devices may be liquid crystal displays, such as active matrix liquid crystal displays. Exemplary cooling apparatus includes an air inlet, a fan and an air outlet that forces air past heat generating components of the projection unit.

Abstract: There is provided an image projection apparatus which is small and in which a picture image can be stably observed while high resolution is maintained. The image projection apparatus is structured such that a beam of light from a light source passes through a condensing lens to be converged, and is brought into focus at a space filter. This focus is a secondary point light source, and a diverging spherical wave from this is converted into a parallel beam of light by an illuminating hologram optical element. This parallel beam of light illuminates a transmission space modulator (color liquid crystal display element), is converted into a converged beam of light by an object hologram optical element, and is brought into focus at a pupil. This point is a secondary light source image. This image becomes a Fourier transform image (diffraction image surface) of picture image information of the space modulator, and after passing through an eyeball lens, it forms a geometric image on a retina.

Abstract: A user changes the shapes of the side frames from the shapes at the positions indicated by dashed lines at which no external force is applied to those at the positions indicated by dashed lines, and mounts the side frames on the head. As a result, the side frames and rear mount pads perfectly fit on the head, as indicated by solid lines. The user therefore can see video on a main body of a display unit in a natural state without any strain.

Abstract: A holographic display system comprising left and right optical systems is disclosed, The optical systems each comprise an image display operable to display an input image and first and second holographic devices. The first holographic device is operable to project the input image to overlap with the input image projected from the other of the left and right optical systems to form a resultant image with a first aspect ratio. The second holographic device is operable to project the input image to overlap with the input image projected from the other of the left and right optical systems to form a resultant image with a second aspect ratio, different from the first aspect ratio. A method of changing the aspect ratio of an image is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical display apparatus is provided that can utilize a low intensity point light source and that requires a small physical profile. The optical display apparatus comprises an image display apparatus including at least one point light source to form an image to be displayed for viewing, a hologram screen that defracts and reflects light from the point light source, and an imaging optical system arranged to adjust a focus in one direction of the image so that the point light source of the optical display apparatus is focused to a line on the hologram screen. The optical display apparatus reconstructs and images the image displayed on the image display apparatus on a virtual display plane.

Abstract: A display arrangement particularly suitable for replacing a conventional CRT in a pilot's helmet mounted display includes a light source having a modulated output which is scanned by a scanner across a screen to produce an image. The image is transferred into the pilot's field of view by relay optics. The scanner and screen are mounted on the pilot's helmet and the light source is remote therefrom.

Abstract: A holographic display device for a vehicle, which reduces a color of hologram reflection toward the outside of the vehicle or a color of hologram transmission toward the inside of the vehicle generated at a hologram installation portion of a wind-proof glass, and which further reduces an external light nose, can be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of illuminating an image display via an electrically switchable holographic optical element. The method includes a first electrically switchable holographic optical element (ESHOE) receiving illumination light. The first ESHOE comprises oppositely facing front and back surfaces. The first ESHOE diffracts a first component (e.g., p-polarized blue light) of the illumination light while transmitting the remaining components of the illumination light without substantial alteration. An image display is provided and receives the diffracted first component. In response to receiving the diffracted first component, the image display emits image light. The first ESHOE receives and transmits this image light without substantial alteration.

Abstract: A hologram has a hologram element 3 containing a photopolymer and a cover film 22 and cover plate 21 which cover its surfaces. An adhesive 1 is used for bonding the cover film to the hologram element and the cover plate to the hologram element. The hologram has excellent humidity resistance, chemical resistance, solvent resistance and heat resistance, prevents coloration, can maintain its holographic properties and allows easy repositioning of the hologram element.

Abstract: The invention concerns a holographic screen for the laser back-projection of at least one or a plurality of laser wavelengths, said holographic screen selectively and diffusely front-scattering the incident narrow-band laser radiation in a predetermined solid angle and simultaneously allowing through the disruptive spectrally broad-band ambient light from the observation area. To that end, the holographic screen comprises at least one holographic transmission grid which is coupled to a light absorber.

Abstract: A switchable holographic device generally comprises a substrate having two generally opposed surfaces and a plurality of holographic fringes recorded in the substrate. The holographic fringes are configured to switch between active and passive states upon application of an electrical field. One or more of the plurality of holographic fringes are positioned such that a surface of the fringe is angled relative to one of the substrate surfaces. The holographic device further comprises a pair of electrodes each positioned generally adjacent to one of the substrate surfaces and operable to apply an electrical field to the fringes to switch the fringes between their active and passive states. One of the pair of electrodes has a plurality of independently controlled segments. Each of the segments is positioned over an area of the substrate having holographic fringes positioned within a common range of angles relative to the substrate surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method of illuminating an image display via an electrically switchable holographic optical element. The method includes a first electrically switchable holographic optical element (ESHOE) receiving illumination light. The first ESHOE comprises oppositely facing front and back surfaces. The first ESHOE diffracts a first component (e.g., p-polarized blue light) of the illumination light while transmitting the remaining components of the illumination light without substantial alteration. An image display is provided and receives the diffracted first component. In response to receiving the diffracted first component, the image display emits image light. The first ESHOE receives and transmits this image light without substantial alteration.

Abstract: A head-mounted display includes an image display system which is common for two separate light channels. The head-mounted display further includes an optical system for projecting an image in a left and a right exit pupil of the head-mounted display. Each light channel is provided with imaging optics. The imaging optics of such a light channel have a hollow mirror and a semitransparent mirror or a hollow mirror, a semitransparent mirror and a folding mirror.

Abstract: A system for generating an image comprising an illumination system having a light source and a plurality of holographic devices switchable between an active state wherein light from the light source is diffracted by the device and a passive state wherein the light is not diffracted by the device. A display device is positioned for illumination by the illumination system and operable to project a display image. The system further includes an optical projection device operable to receive the displayed image and form an intermediate image having a generally uniform illumination distribution on an optical diffuser. The diffuser is operable to project a resultant image with an emission angle larger than an emission angle of the display panel.

Abstract: A dichroic or trichromatic transparent display apparatus through which a background view is seen comprises a transparent substrate, a hologram formed on a rear face of the transparent substrate, a dispersion liquid crystal device disposed in front of a front face of the transparent substrate, a light source disposed for facing a side face of the transparent substrate and a transparent layer at least partially provided between the transparent substrate and the hologram. The refractive index of the transparent layer is smaller than that of the transparent substrate. A first light emitted from the light source and having a first wavelength is totally reflected by the boundary face between the transparent substrate and the transparent layer so that the first light moves to and is diffracted by a first region of the hologram where the transparent layer is not provided. A second light having a second wavelength is diffracted by a second region of the hologram where the transparent layer is provided.

Abstract: A display device is achieved using a simplified optical system which generates an expanded exit pupil without compromising magnification or resolution. Modulated light from a source is converged toward a focal point by an optics subsystem. A scanning subsystem deflects the converging light, and thus the focal point, along a raster pattern to define a curved intermediate image plane. An exit pupil expanding apparatus defines a curved surface which coincides with the curved image plane. Impinging light rays at a given instant in time span a given incidence angle. Exiting light rays span a larger angle. As a result, the exiting light spans a larger surface area of an ensuing eyepiece. In turn an expanded exit pupil occurs beyond the eyepiece. Embodiments of the expanding apparatus include a curved diffractive optical element, fiber optic face plate, lens array and diffuser. The diffractive optical element generates multiple exit pupils, while the other embodiments generate enlarged exit pupils.

Abstract: In an optical system used for observing a virtual image, in which a Lippman volumetric hologram is used as a reflection type holographic optical element, the generation of aberration needs to be minimized to enable an optimum virtual image to be viewed. To this end, at least one optical element and the Lippman volumetric hologram 10 are provided for cooperating to form a virtual image of the display image on an image display device 6. The Lippman volumetric hologram 10 is contoured so that its curvature is in the same direction as the curvature of interference fringes operating for generating a refractive power in this Lippman volumetric hologram 10.

Abstract: A head-mounted display system and a method of displaying scenes within the system include two or more reconfigurable holographic optical elements (HOEs) in a holographic diffuser of the system. The reconfigurable HOEs may be configured to perform simple optical functions that are commonly associated with traditional optical devices, such as lenses, prisms and mirrors. However, the reconfigurable HOEs may also be configured to perform sophisticated optical manipulations, such as optimally diffusing light with respect to intensity toward a predefined direction. Each reconfigurable HOE includes a hologram that is sandwiched between two electrode layers. The hologram is a holographic photopolymeric film that has been combined with liquid crystal. The hologram has an optical property that changes in response to an applied electrical field.

Abstract: A screen hologram image is reproduced on or near a plane of a hologram plate. A dynamic image is displayed at a position crossing an optical path of light beam for illumination to view a dynamic image on the screen hologram image. By using a plurality of apparatuses having the above-mentioned structure, planes of hologram plates are put without overlapping or with partial or overall lapping so that planes of master hologram images are arranged at different or the same positions in space. Thus, a dynamic image is displayed for right and left eyes for stereovision. Color display is possible. Further, an image is displayed in correspondence to a change in visual point in vertical direction or in depth direction. Thus, in an image display apparatus, a dynamic image is viewed for each of the eyes by using a hologram.

Abstract: A holographic display system comprising left and right optical systems is disclosed. The optical systems each comprise an image display operable to display an input image and first and second holographic devices. The first holographic device is operable to project the input image to overlap with the input image projected from the other of the left and right optical systems to form a resultant image with a first aspect ratio. The second holographic device is operable to project the input image to overlap with the input image projected from the other of the left and right optical systems to form a resultant image with a second aspect ratio, different from the first aspect ratio. A method of changing the aspect ratio of an image is also disclosed.

Abstract: A holographic display system provides a holographic image suitable for use as a nightlight in a dimly lit environment wherein the only light in the field of view of the user is essentially the light diffracted into the holographic image being replayed. The holographic display system includes a low watt light source, a hologram recorded with a reference beam matching the beam of the light source employed to replay the hologram, and an enclosing structure for holding the lightsource and hologram in registration wherein the enclosure is configured so that the only light emitted from the display system is emitted from the hologram.

Abstract: The invention provides a display apparatus which operates in a synchronized relationship with a movement of the body of a viewer. A movement amount or a turning angle of the entire body or a part of the body of a viewer such as, for example, a movement of the eye-balls or a turning angle of the head, is detected by a sensor, and a portion of an original image is extracted and displayed in response to a magnitude of the detected movement amount or turning angle. Simultaneously, an audio signal is processed based on the information from the sensor so that an audio image may be formed at a normal position corresponding to the displayed image.

Abstract: Low-cost complex plastic optics allow biocular viewing of video images generated by a single electro-optic display device, such as in a head-mounted display (HMD) for commercial or medical viewing applications. A dual off-axis configuration uses nearly collimated illumination optics and intermediate imaging optics to fill both eyepieces from a single display device without the need for a beamsplitter. Multiple illumination schemes are provided for either monochrome or color, and in either two-dimensional or time-sequential true stereographic presentation. Light from multicolor sources is superimposed, mixed, and homogenized by mixing light cones with diffractive collectors. Offsetting color overcorrection and undercorrection of individual optical elements achieves overall chromatic correction with minimal optical element complexity.

Abstract: An optical element is formed as a body having two layers, at least on of which is transmissive to a selected wavelength of a light of illumination. One layer is formed with a first surface relief optical formation as a boundary thereof, and the other layer is formed on the boundary so as to have an adjacent boundary that is a second surface relief optical formation that is the conjugate of the first surface relief optical formation. The other layer also has further optical features on a surface opposite the adjacent boundary. The formation and features are preferably diffractive. The further optical features opposite the adjacent boundary is preferably a compensated conjugate of the formation at the adjacent boundary.

Abstract: An apparatus synthesizes the image of a viewer and a second image into a synthesized image and displays the synthesized image. The apparatus is capable of aligning the line of sight of the viewer with the line of sight of the displayed image of the viewer and correctly reproducing colors on the synthesized image. The apparatus has a transparent hologram screen (15) on which a diffuser is recorded, a camera (25) for imaging a viewer (81) through the hologram screen, a synthesizer (28) for synthesizing the image of the viewer and a second image into a synthesized image, and a projector (11) for projecting signal light (31) containing the synthesized image onto the hologram screen. In place of the synthesizer, a display unit may be arranged behind the viewer. The hologram screen (15) may be combined with a mirror or a half-mirror.

Abstract: An antiglare inner mirror includes a housing which is supported by a stay and is capable of inclining by an inclining device. A mirror main body is mounted on a front opening portion of the housing. The mirror main body includes a front glass, a hologram element and a seal glass bonded integrally together. A reflecting film is formed on the rear surface of the seal glass. The hologram element consists of a reflecting type hologram element having a reflecting plane made of interference fringes which is arranged non-parallel to the front surface of the hologram element. Incident light from outside is reflected both by the reflecting film and by the interference fringes of the hologram element to form rays of light reflected in different directions.

Abstract: Portable communication equipment having a virtual display including display electronics and optics for providing a virtual image in the display, a virtual control panel image viewable in the virtual display as a portion of the virtual image and cursor electronics connected to the display electronics for producing a manually controllable cursor virtual image in the display. The virtual image control panel is connected to be operable with the cursor virtual image and further connected to operate the portable communication equipment. Manual controls, connected to the cursor electronics for controlling the position and function of the cursor virtual image, are mounted on the portable communication equipment and externally accessible by an operator.

Abstract: A warning indicator that comprises a lamp hidden adjacent to the roof of a vehicle, such as a school bus, and a transmission hologram decal containing a hologram that is mounted on a front or rear window of the vehicle. The lamp projects a beam of light downward onto the transmission hologram decal where it is diffracted by the hologram into a predetermined angular field of view at the front of rear of the vehicle. The hologram projects an image, such as the word "STOP", for example, to warn drivers of other vehicles that the vehicle, such as the school bus, for example, has come to a stop. The hologram is preferentially designed to have an asymmetrically-shaped field of view.

Abstract: An optical demultiplexing apparatus is capable of spatially separating a multiplexed optical signal into two or more optical wavelength signals thereof. An input multiplexed optical signal present on a first plane is imaged through a color-selective grating plane to a second plane. The color-selective grating has a nonlinear change of diffraction characteristics as a function of incident wavelength to provide substantial spatial separation in the second plane between bands of wavelengths proximate to the two or more optical wavelength signals. In another embodiment, the apparatus uses a polarization-selective grating to spatially separate a polarization-multiplexed optical signal into two substantial spatially separated optical polarization signals. In other embodiments, the optical apparatus may be used as an optical signal multiplexer, splitter, or combiner.