Abstract: Dual-function laser systems and methods are disclosed. In one implementation, an apparatus includes a laser source configured to emit a beam; an optical element spaced apart from the laser source; and a diffractive element positioned to diffract the beam to provide a diffracted beam to the optical element such that the optical element refracts the diffracted beam to form an approximately collimated central portion and a diverging outer portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a laser source for the infrared wavelength range which comprises a pump laser (1) which emits radiation (PP) which is input radiation to a first optical parametric oscillator (3, 4, 5), whose output radiation (SP) is input radiation to a second step in the form of a second optical parametric oscillator (7, 8, 9) or an optical parametric generator. At least one of the reflective devices of the first optical parametric oscillator consist of a Bragg grating (5) in a bulk material.

Abstract: In various embodiments described herein, a device comprising one or more light guides that is optically coupled to one or more photocells is described. The device further comprises one or more light turning films or layers comprising volume or surface diffractive features or holograms. Light incident on the light guides is turned by volume or surface diffractive features or holograms that are reflective or transmissive and guided through the light guides by multiple total internal reflections. The guided light is directed towards the photocells. In certain embodiments, solar energy is also used to power or heat a thermal generator to heat water or produce electricity from steam. Various embodiments may comprise an air gap or an optical isolation layer disposed between the multiple light guides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hologram recording method using a beam with a very large incident angle, a hologram reproduction apparatus using a holographic reflector, a hologram reproduction method using the same and a flat display element apparatus using a holographic reflector. The hologram recording method using a beam with a very large incident angle comprises the steps of generating a sheet beam as the reference beam, and introducing the reference beam into the recording medium at an incident angle of at least 70°. The hologram reproduction apparatus using a holographic reflector comprises a light, a holographic reflector, an adjustor, and a hologram.

Abstract: Described herein are the materials, mechanisms and procedures for optimizing various performance parameters of HPDLC optical devices in order to meet differing performance requirements. These optimization tailoring techniques include control and independent optimization of switchable HPDLC optical devices to meet the demanding requirements of anticipated applications for, inter alia, the telecommunications and display industries. These techniques include optimization of diffraction efficiency, i.e., index modulation, polarization dependence control, haze, cosmetic quality, control of response and relaxation time, voltage driving for on and off switching, and material uniformity. This control and independent optimization tailors properties of switchable HPDLC optical devices according to the specific requirements of the application of the switchable HPDLC optical device.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a display that displays individual images in a plurality of viewing directions on a common screen, a main body having a different chassis from that of the display, a display fan that cools down inside of the display, and a main body fan that cools down the inside of the main body.

Abstract: Described herein are the materials, mechanisms and procedures for optimizing various performance parameters of HPDLC optical devices in order to meet differing performance requirements. These optimization tailoring techniques include control and independent optimization of switchable HPDLC optical devices to meet the demanding requirements of anticipated applications for, inter alia, the telecommunications and display industries. These techniques include optimization of diffraction efficiency, i.e., index modulation, polarization dependence control, haze, cosmetic quality, control of response and relaxation time, voltage driving for on and off switching, and material uniformity. This control and independent optimization tailors properties of switchable HPDLC optical devices according to the specific requirements of the application of the switchable HPDLC optical device.

Abstract: An image presentation device (100) incorporates an optical combiner (130) that utilizes a multi-state optical switch (131, 137) for use with a plurality of colored light sources (122, 124,126). The switch (131,137) includes an electronically switchable holographic optical element HOE (131) having a first and a second mode of operation. Light from first and second light sources (124, 126) passes through HOE (131) in a diffracted manner in at least one of the first and second modes of operation. Light from a third light source (122) is reflected by a reflector (137) in a third mode of operation. The combiner (130) operates to combine light from the various light sources (122, 124, 126) into a common light path.

Abstract: A holographic data storage medium, and a method and an apparatus for recording/reproducing holographic data by using the medium includes a substrate; manifold reflective layer between which a part of a signal beam is capable of being reflected at least one time and then being emitted from the manifold reflective layer; and a holographic recording layer in which a plurality of information layers are capable of being formed in a depth direction of the holographic recording layer, wherein interference patterns of a rest of the signal beam and a reference beam constitute each of the plurality of information layers.

Abstract: A wavelength tuning apparatus and method that maintain highest efficiency with a single angle manipulation without changing a position of input/output light. For this, the wavelength tuning apparatus and method include a transmission-type diffraction grating and a mirror that are constructed in one-body type so that a light path that enables an optimal efficiency diffraction angle of the diffraction grating can be formed, and rotates the one-body construction to obtain a desired wavelength. Accordingly, efficiency and precision of manipulation and control can be increased, and costs can be reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining spherical aberration occurring during reading from and/or writing to optical recording media. According to the invention, a method for determining spherical aberration includes the steps of: splitting the light beam into at least two partial light beams with a volume hologram having stored wavefront patterns with various degrees of spherical aberration; focusing the partial light beams onto respective detectors whereby at least one signal generated by the detectors depends on the positions of the respective partial light beam; and determining the spherical aberration using the signals generated by the detectors.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a head mounted display capable of an accurate display of a surrounding situation always without affecting the display section even if a frame is deflected, and giving a comfortable mounting feeling as well as easy mounting. For this purpose the head mounted display comprises: a support member including a pair of lateral frames contacting both of a user's head and a front frame in front of a user's face to contact a user's nose; an image display device for displaying an image; an eyepiece optical system provided in front of an eye of the user to lead the image displayed on the image display device to the user's eye; and a connection section which connects the eyepiece optical system with the front frame at a position corresponding to a center position in a lateral direction of the user's face.

Abstract: The LED night light has laser or hologram optics-means for night time or dark area use for long time period illumination including plug-in wall outlet night light or direct current(DC) operated night light has image, message, logo shown on optics means surface. The said LED night light incorporated with optics-means and parts may selected from group combination from housing member, optics-lens, openings, cut-outs, plastic parts to create the preferred image to viewer. The said LED(s) can be designed has added features to adjust angle, distance, position, orientation of light source to the said optics-means to make eye-catching light effects incorporated desire circuit means for variable image size, dimension etc. The interchangeable power source between AC powered sealed-unit and DC powered battery-pack is major features of said LED light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tunable filters. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a method and apparatus that allows tuning of a wavelength over a large optical band. The disclosed system and method allows an arbitrary wavelength selection of an incoming beam of light. The disclosed system and method may be used in imaging systems like telescopes or microscopes, or for point sources like laser or optical fibers. Further, in the case of optical fibers, it may be used as an add/drop filter.

Abstract: Provided is an image display apparatus that has resistance to dust and water, that is compact and lightweight, and that has see-through characteristics. The image display apparatus is provided with a display device displaying an image, a prism guiding light of the image displayed by the display device to an optical pupil, and transmitting outside light such that an outside world can be viewed therethrough, and an enclosure housing and holding the display device and part of the prism. Here, a first sealing member is provided so as to make contact with a part around the prism where image light is not reflected and with the enclosure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing illumination suitable for imaging devices such as laser projection systems, wherein the illumination pattern is adjustable by modifying one or more characteristics of a controlled angle diffuser. 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 diffuser can be positioned to alternately place different regions having different prescriptions in the optical path corresponding to the illumination image. In one embodiment, the diffuser can be continually moved to eliminate speckling and “worminess” in the illumination image.

Abstract: A holographic grating is provided. The holographic grating includes a plurality of first structural areas including acrylic polymer with a first refractive index and a plurality of second structural areas including non-liquid crystal molecules with a second refractive index, wherein the first structural area is adjacent to the second structural area and the second refractive index is higher than the first refractive index. The invention also provides a method for fabricating the holographic grating.

Abstract: A chirped grating is made in a thin film layer or a glass layer for producing a holographic optical element within the layer well suited for use as an optical coupler for coupling side fired laser light into optical fibers for laser light pumping of optical fibers with the grating made in the layer by generating interference fringes burned into the layer with interference fringes created from interfering a reference laser beam with a plurality of convergent laser beams from respective lenses of an array of lenses.

Abstract: A double-wavelength light source unit capable of stable signal detection, is realized.

Abstract: In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination device that comprises a light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide may include a turning film to deliver uniform illumination from a light source to the array of display elements. For many portable display applications, the light guide comprises the substrate used in fabricating the display elements. The display device may include additional films as well. The light guide, for example, may include a diffuser and/or an optical isolation layer to further enhance the optical characteristics of the display.

Abstract: The invention provides a process capable of fabricating a cholesteric liquid crystal medium having a volume hologram with efficiency yet without recourse to complicated steps such as an alignment step. This is achievable as follows. A volume hologram layer is formed on a substrate, and a cholesteric liquid crystal layer is then formed on another substrate comprising a center substrate film that is subjected to bondable treatment. The volume hologram layer is applied to the center substrate film that is subjected to bondable treatment, and placed in a state where the volume hologram layer and cholesteric liquid crystal layer are laminated together via the substrate. The substrate is peeled off the volume hologram layer, and an adhesive layer is formed on the surface of the volume hologram layer off which the substrate is peeled off, followed by the provision of the substrate on the adhesive layer.

Abstract: An image display device includes an image forming device, collimating optical system, and optical device, with the optical device including a light guide plate, first diffraction grating member and second diffraction grating member which are made up of a volume hologram diffraction grating, and with central light emitted from the pixel of the center of the image forming device and passed through the center of the collimating optical system being input to the light guide plate from the near side of the second diffraction grating member with a certain angle. Thus, the image display device capable of preventing occurrence of color irregularities, despite the simple configuration, can be provided.

Abstract: In the present invention, a volume holographic optical element is used as a pump coupler. The holographic coupler allows at least one pump wavelength to be coupled into the laser medium. The direction of the pump beam onto the coupler is not co-linear with the direction of the signal beam out of the coupler. The invention further provides the coupling of more than one pump wavelengths using a single holographic coupler element while maintaining the high isolation between pump and signal beam. The invention further provides a narrow-band reflection grating of various efficiencies for the signal beam (as part of the laser cavity).

Abstract: A light valve assembly comprises a holographic optical element and a light valve that comprises an array of individually addressable pixels. The light valve assemblies can be fabricated on the die level or on a wafer-level.

Abstract: A device for holographic reconstruction of three-dimensional scenes includes optical focusing means which directs sufficiently coherent light from light means to the eyes of at least one observer via a spatial light modulator that is encoded with holographic information. The device has a plurality of illumination units for illuminating the surface of the spatial light modulator (SLM); each unit comprises a focusing element (21/22/23 or 24), and a light means (LS1/LS2/LS3 or LS4) that emits sufficiently coherent light such that each of these illumination units illuminates one separate illuminated region (R1/R2/R3 or R4) of the surface, whereby the focusing element and the light means are arranged such that the light emitted by the light means (LS1-LS4) coincides close to or at the observer eyes.

Abstract: A projector that can prevent laser light from entering eyes is provided. A process that controls the projector includes the steps of detecting turning-on of power to the projector; detecting an input for adjusting the reflection direction of a two-axis galvanometer mirror; sending an instruction to reduce output from respective lasers, to an FPGA; setting signal values of the lasers respectively controlled by laser control circuits, to small values; determining whether a certain period of time has elapsed since an operation input is no longer performed on an operation panel; standing by the process for a certain period of time when the certain period of time has not elapsed since an operation input is no longer performed; and returning the signal values to a normal level when the certain period of time has elapsed since an operation input is no longer performed.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging device includes a plurality of photodiode regions arranged in an array, a non-transparent border region existing around each photodiode region, and a microlens array including a plurality of microlenses arranged in an array corresponding to the plurality of photodiode regions; wherein each microlens functions to converge incident light advancing straight toward the non-transparent border region around the corresponding photodiode region into that photodiode region, and the microlens array is formed using a transparent diamond-like carbon (DLC) film, the DLC film including a region where its refractive index is modulated corresponding to each microlens, and a light-converging effect being caused when light flux passes through the region where the refractive index was modulated.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling the spectral shape of a Bragg grating element (“VBG”) filter are disclosed. An optical system can be adapted to deliver a recording beam to the front focal plane of a lens. The recording beam may cause to be formed, in the front focal plane of the lens, an optical distribution that represents the desired filter response of the VBG element. A recording medium sample may be placed in the back focal plane of the same lens. The lens creates a true Fourier transform of the distribution in the optical plane directly on the recording medium. Via coherent interference with the plane reference wave, both the amplitude and the phase of the Fourier transform are transferred to the amplitude and phase envelope of the VBG imprinted on the recording material. A mask representing the desired filter shape may be placed in the front focal plane of the lens.

Abstract: A surface emitting device and a display apparatus including the same. The surface emitting device includes: a light source; and a light guide plate having a light exit surface on which holographic patterns are formed, and guiding light emitted by the light source such that the guided light is emitted from the light exit surface, wherein the holographic patterns are arranged so that light incident on the light guide plate without passing through any side surface of the light guide plate can be incident on the holographic patterns at an azimuth greater than 45° at which light emitting efficiency is low and light incident on the light guide plate and reflected by any side surface of the light guide plate can be incident on the holographic patterns at an azimuth at which light emitting efficiency is high.

Abstract: Holographic optical traps using the forces exerted by computer-generated holograms to trap, move and otherwise transform mesoscopically textured materials. The efficacy of the present invention is based upon the quality and nature of the diffractive optical element used to create the traps and dynamically use them. Further a landscape of potential energy sites can be created and used to manipulate, sort and process objects.

Abstract: In a transmission-type screen and a projection-type display device, which are superior in contrast, a transmission-type screen characterized by including a display plane; a front side layer; and a backside layer having a light-directivity to a light projected from a direction slanted at a predetermined angle with respect to the front side layer thereof, an image being displayed on the display plane when a light is projected from a backside of the screen.

Abstract: A holographic microscope comprising a source configured to provide a diverging beam of radiation, a beam splitter configured to direct a first portion of the diverging beam towards an object and a second portion of the diverging beam towards a reflector, the beam splitter being further configured to direct an object beam from the object and a reference beam from the reflector towards a transducer, and the transducer being configured to provide a signal indicative of the interference pattern of the object beam and the reference beam incident on the transducer. A method of digital holography is also disclosed.

Abstract: A lens-less system for analyzing an optical spectrum includes a sophisticated volume hologram for separating an incident diffuse optical signal into wavelength channels without aid of an external collector lens and a detector for receiving and detecting light dispersed by the sophisticated volume hologram. Other systems and methods are also provided.

Abstract: A chirped grating is made in a thin film layer or a glass layer for producing a holographic optical element within the layer well suited for use as an optical coupler for coupling side fired laser light into optical fibers for laser light pumping of optical fibers with the grating made in the layer by generating interference fringes burned into the layer with interference fringes created from interfering a reference laser beam with a plurality of convergent laser beams from respective lenses of an array of lenses.

Abstract: A method to encode information holographically, wherein the method provides information, and generates a plurality of data images, wherein each data image comprises a portion of the information. The method holographically encodes each of the plurality of data images in a holographic data storage medium, generates a plurality of identifiers, and associates a different one of the plurality of identifiers with a different one of the plurality of data images. The method forms a directory image reciting each of plurality of identifiers, encodes the directory image in a non-holographic data storage medium, and holographically encodes the directory image in the holographic data storage medium.

Abstract: A target plate (Z) according to the invention for positioning components, in particular pipes (R1, R2), has a holographic optical element as a holographic diffusor. By means of the diffusor, radiation striking the target plate (Z) in the form of a reference beam (RS) can be guided very accurately and virtually without loss into a defined solid angle region (d?). Furthermore, the diffusor may have stochastically distributed structures and thus illuminate the solid angle region (d?) homogeneously. By means of the target plate (Z), the visibility of the incident reference beam (RS) is increased, and the reference beam (RS) can also be detected independently of position.

Abstract: A hologram color filter diffraction-separates an incident lightwave using a hologram to project thus separated lightwaves having different-wavelengths at intended positions with a specified spatial period. The hologram color filter comprises a light-transmitting substrate (21) and a light-transmitting diamond-like-carbon (DLC) film (22) formed on the substrate. In the DLC film, a relatively-low-refractive-index belt-shaped region (n1, 22a) and a relatively-high-refractive-index belt-shaped region (n2, 22b) are placed alternately.

Abstract: A surface relief hologram that includes two or more patterns, each pattern being sensitive to different radiation wavelengths. The hologram is made by defining relief features that are sensitive to different wavelengths, and in particular, to one wavelength that is visible to the unaided human eye and to one wavelength that is invisible to the unaided human eye. These relief features of different sensitivities are interspersed over the surface of the substrate in which the hologram is defined. By providing two patterns of different sensitivities, when the hologram is used in a security device, security is improved. Despite this improved security, the hologram can be mass manufactured using known techniques.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shearless digital hologram acquisition, including an apparatus incorporating an illumination source configured to produce a first beam of light, which is then split by a beamsplitter into a reference beam and an object illumination beam. The reference beam is directed onto a phase-shaping optical element which imparts a phase shift to the reference beam and returns the phase-shifted reference beam on itself to the beamsplitter. The object illumination beam is directed onto an object, and a portion of the beam is reflected back to the beamsplitter, which combines the phase-shifted reference beam and object illumination beam substantially coaxially. The combined beams are passed through a focusing lens which focuses them at a focal plane. A digital recorder is positioned at the focal plane to record the spatially heterodyne hologram formed by the focused phase-shifted reference beam and reflected object illumination beam.

Abstract: An optical device includes a light guide plate, and first and second reflective volume hologram diffraction grating members. The first member has interference fringes extending from therewithin towards surfaces thereof and arranged at an equal pitch. Each interference fringe and each surface of the first member form an inclination angle therebetween. The first member has the following conditions. (a) In an outer region positioned farther away from the second member than a minimum inclination angle region having a minimum inclination angle, the inclination angles of the interference fringes increase with increasing distance from the minimum inclination angle region. (b) In an inner region positioned closer to the second member than the minimum inclination angle region, the inclination angles of the interference fringes include a maximum inclination angle in an inner area disposed adjacent to the minimum inclination angle region and decrease with increasing distance from the minimum inclination angle region.

Abstract: In an image display apparatus, two light sources emit illumination light having different wavelengths, with which a liquid crystal display device is illuminated. By modulating the illumination light, the liquid crystal display device produces a first and a second image light having different wavelengths. Two holographic optical elements respectively reflect the first and second image lights and direct them to the user's eye so that virtual images of the images represented by the first and second image lights are formed at different positions. As the light source from which to obtain the illumination light is switched between the two, the dioptric power with which to present an image is changed.

Abstract: A device for projecting an object in a space of a vehicle is described. This object is preferably projected holographically, and a voice input and output system is assigned to this object. An artificial passenger is thus created for a driver.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes: a focusing lens that focuses light which is one of recording light being irradiated to an optical recording medium with reference light for recording a hologram and reference light being irradiated to an optical recording medium for reading out a hologram; and a focal position-shifting unit that refracts the light while moving in accordance with a moving speed of the optical recording medium, so as to shift a focal position of the light in the optical recording medium a distance in a thickness direction of the optical recording medium.

Abstract: A hologram reading apparatus includes: a unit for holding a hologram recording medium in which data page is recorded by irradiating as a single beam both reference light and signal light modulated by a spatial light modulator including a first pixel area for modulating the reference light and a second pixel area for modulating the signal light, a direction of an arrangement period of pixels in the first pixel area being different from that in the second pixel area; a Fourier transform lens subjecting reproduction light to a Fourier transformation; a filter disposed shielding the reference light at a first spatial frequency band and transmitting the signal light at a second spatial frequency band; and a unit for receiving the reproduction light and reading the data page modulated to the signal light included in the reproduction light.

Abstract: A sighting device couples a sight mark into a viewing beam path and is especially for a handheld weapon (2), a bow or a pump gun. The sighting device includes an optical component (6) having a first optical coupling element (8) for coupling the sight mark from a sight mark source into the component (6) and having a second optical coupling element in the region of the viewing beam path for coupling the sight mark (14) out of the component (6) and into the viewing beam path. The second optical coupling element is configured as a diffractive structure (9). The optical component (6) is configured to be totally reflective for guiding the sight mark beam in the interior of the optical component and is at least partially transmissive for the viewing beam paths in the region of the viewing beam path. In this way, a compact and lightweight illuminated sight is provided.

Abstract: HROM replication methods, devices or systems are disclosed herein. Also disclosed herein are articles comprising conical reference (reconstruction) beam hologram elements to generate conical or conical like reference (reconstruction) beams which may be used in such HROM replication methods, devices or systems. Further disclosed herein are articles comprising a target medium which may be used in such HROM replication methods, devices or systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a three-dimensional (3D) hologram display system. The 3D hologram display system includes a projector device for projecting an image upon a display medium to form a 3D hologram. The 3D hologram is formed such that a viewer can view the holographic image from multiple angles up to 360 degrees. Multiple display media are described, namely a spinning diffusive screen, a circular diffuser screen, and an aerogel. The spinning diffusive screen utilizes spatial light modulators to control the image such that the 3D image is displayed on the rotating screen in a time-multiplexing manner. The circular diffuser screen includes multiple, simultaneously-operated projectors to project the image onto the circular diffuser screen from a plurality of locations, thereby forming the 3D image. The aerogel can use the projection device described as applicable to either the spinning diffusive screen or the circular diffuser screen.

Abstract: There is provided an optical device including an optical waveguide upon which a group of parallel light beams different in traveling direction from each other are incident and from which the group of parallel light beams go out after propagated by repeated total reflection through it. The optical waveguide includes a first reflection-type volume hologram grating, and a second reflection-type volume hologram grating. The pitches of interference fringes on the hologram surfaces of the first and second reflection-type volume hologram gratings are equal to each other. In at least the second reflection-type volume hologram grating, the angle formed between the interference fringes and hologram surfaces are varied continuously or stepwise within the hologram in relation to the main incident light beam so as to meet the Bragg condition. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the unevenness of color and brightness due to angles of view.

Abstract: A nonlinear dye-doped polymer optical rectification detector has an optical input for receiving a modulated optical carrier signal, an optical structure for conveying the modulated optical carrier through the detector, and an electrical structure overlaid with the optical structure arranged to optimize matching between electrical and optical waves and to enhance the second order nonlinearity of polymer in the detector. A planar waveguide fabrication method deposits a thin dye-doped polymer film onto a substrate, photobleaches one or more waveguides into the thin dye-doped polymer film, anneals the one or more waveguides to relieve stresses induced during the photobleaching process, and then forms endfaces by cleaving the substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a holographic display whereby a holographic image may be viewed. Existing holographic optical element (HOE) arrays are typically recorded as a two dimensional array. Each element in the array modulates the intensity of light that is transmitted through or off it. Each HOE in a simple HOE array auto-stereogram performs only one optical function, namely to redirect light to a particular viewing location in space. The process of producing HOE arrays was limited in a number of respects. The invention overcomes these limitations by providing an intensity modulated holographic optical element array, comprising: an holographic optical element (12) adapted to modify the direction of light reflected from elements in the array; and a means (18) for modulating the intensity of the reflected light. A method of producing an intensity modulated holographic optical element array is also described. The invention may also be used in transmissive holograms.