Abstract: An optical LOS toggle uses two refractive optical elements located in the afocal space of an optical sensor. Optical surfaces of the two elements are shaped appropriately to work in combination with lateral displacements of the two elements such that the LOS angle is shifted. For a prescribed, discrete LOS shift, the optical image quality of the toggle module is corrected by a combination of aspheric shapes and diffractive surfaces on the optical surfaces of the two elements. To maintain performance along any radial direction and simplify fabrication, these aspheric or spheric shapes and diffractive surfaces should be rotationally symmetrical. Image quality is further improved through proper selection of the optical materials used to construct the optical elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffraction microscopy capable of reducing influence of an increase in the incident angle range of a beam. Specifically disclosed is a diffraction microscopy in which a beam is incident on a sample, in which the intensity of a diffraction pattern from the sample is measured, and in which an image of an object is rebuilt using Fourier interactive phase retrieval on the basis of the measured intensity of the diffraction pattern. In this method, Fourier interactive phase retrieval is performed using deconvolution on the diffraction pattern subjected to convolution by the increase in the incident angle range of the beam.

Abstract: A refraction at a suitably structured surface for example with an arrangement of the same between image plane and mapping optics is used to realize on the one hand a desired aliasing filtering or spatial low-pass filtering on the image plane wherein on the other hand the manufacturing of such structured surfaces may be realized in a cost-effective way. In addition to that, the plate thickness except for the amplitude of the surface structure and aspects of the stability of the plate is of no importance for handling the same, so that the integration into optical systems is facilitated.

Abstract: An optical MEMS retro-reflective apparatus with modulation capability having a retro-reflecting structure including a pair of reflective surfaces; and a MEMS device for moving at least one of the reflective surfaces of said pair of reflective surfaces relative to another one of the reflective surfaces of said pair of reflective surfaces a distance which causes the pair of reflective surfaces to switch between a reflective mode of operation and a transmissive mode of operation. A substrate and a moveable grating structure may be substituted for the reflective surfaces.