Abstract: Variable aperture and actuator assemblies are provided for a radiation detector housing in an imaging system. The variable aperture assembly includes a ring mounted over the housing's window, a plate having a first aperture disposed over the window, an aperture blade operatively coupled to the ring so the blade moves laterally relative to the first aperture, and an aperture drive mechanism having a body and an actuator coupling member extending at an angle from the body. The drive mechanism is adapted to drive the blade laterally away from the first aperture when the member is moved in a first lateral direction, and over the first aperture to define a second aperture disposed over the window when the member is moved in a second lateral direction. The actuator assembly has an actuator and an actuator arm adapted to engage the actuator coupling member to control the lateral movement of the member.

Abstract: The invention provides a projection display that achieves continuous light amount control with ease and without causing unevenness of illumination of light applied to a light valve responsive to a video signal, thereby allowing constant image display with satisfactory contrast. The projection display of the invention includes a light valve (2); a light source (3a) generating light applied to the light valve (2); an integrator lens (4) provided on an optical path between the light source (3a) and the light valve (2) and making uniform the illumination distribution of light applied from the light source (3a) to the light valve (2); and a light amount control system (9) provided on the optical path and including a turning mechanism (9a) which turns like a set of double doors in order to adjust the amount of light applied from the light source (3a) to the light valve (2). The turning mechanism (9a) is bent into a V shape in a direction to reduce the amount of light (to block the light).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an optical system for a wash light and specifically to a variable beam angle system which provides an improved range of beam angles and efficient light output. The present invention includes a light modulating optical element that has a central aperture that can be moved along the optical axis the system. Further the central aperture of the modulating element may be occluded by a diffusing element. The extent of the occlusion can be varied. At a first limit position when the optical system is adjusted so as to provide the minimum beam divergence the light beam will pass through the aperture with no intensity loss. In this configuration the first optical element has practically no effect on the beam. At a second limit position when the optical system is adjusted so as to provide the maximum beam divergence the diffusers cover the central aperture to diffuse the central illumination so as to avoid excessive intensity in the beam centre.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an optical system for a wash light and specifically to a variable beam angle system which provides an improved range of beam angles and efficient light output. The present invention includes a light modulating optical element that has a central aperture that can be moved along the optical axis the system. Further the central aperture of the modulating element may be occluded by a diffusing element. The extent of the occlusion can be varied. At a first limit position when the optical system is adjusted so as to provide the minimum beam divergence the light beam will pass through the aperture with no intensity loss. In this configuration the first optical element has practically no effect on the beam. At a second limit position when the optical system is adjusted so as to provide the maximum beam divergence the diffusers cover the central aperture to diffuse the central illumination so as to avoid excessive intensity in the beam centre.

Abstract: A light-amount adjusting apparatus includes a plurality of light-amount adjusting blades that causes a size of a light-passing aperture to change by rotation thereof. Each of the light-amount adjusting blades includes a base portion on which a rotation center portion and a driven portion are formed, and a blade portion that overlaps another light-amount adjusting blade in a light-passing direction so as to form the light-passing aperture. A thickness of the blade portion is thinner than that of the base portion. When the plurality of light-amount adjusting blades is rotated to set the light-passing aperture to be smaller than a full-opened aperture, a thickness of a portion that overlaps an adjacent stop blade is thinner than that of a portion that does not overlap the adjacent stop blade in each of the light-amount adjusting blades. The blades have high dimension accuracy, and deterioration of the optical performance of the apparatus is reduced.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a light amount adjustment apparatus, including: a shutter blade and a filter blade each configured to operate in a predetermined direction to adjust the amount of light transmitted through a lens group; a first magnet configured to drive the shutter blade; a first core and a first coil; a second magnet configured to drive the filter blade; and a second core and a second coil. The filter blade has a control portion for controlling and adjusts the amount of light transmitted through the lens group. The filter blade has at least one hole or one cutaway portion formed at a portion of the filter blade other than the control portion.

Abstract: A shutter blade apparatus includes a shutter blade; a first pushing member including two first pushing portions configured to push a first surface of the shutter blade; and a second pushing member including a second pushing portion configured to push a second surface of the shutter blade, the second surface being opposite to the first surface. The second pushing portion is located between the two first pushing portions.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the output brightness of an illuminator is varied by chopping an output light beam such that the beam is alternately interrupted and unhindered. An interrupter can be rapidly moved into and out of the transmission path of a light beam. The brightness of the light beam received at a site will be attenuated based on the amount of time per cycle the light beam remains obstructed versus unhindered.

Abstract: Provided are an aperture unit, an exposure system including the aperture unit, and a method for replacing an aperture of the aperture unit. The aperture unit rotates a revolver on which a plurality of apertures is installed, in order to selectively dispose an aperture in an optical path and convert light emitted onto a reticle into various shapes. The apertures installed on the revolver are removed by a conveying unit and loaded onto a cassette. Other apertures loaded on the cassette are installed on the revolver by means of the conveying unit. A housing is provided in the optical path to enclose the aperture unit, revolver, conveying unit, and cassette. The housing isolates a path of movement for the aperture conveyed between the revolver and the cassette from the outside.

Abstract: A disk unit for a confocal microscope has a rotary disk having many confocal openings, a rotary drive portion, which rotates the rotary disk, a holding member, which holds the rotary disk and the rotary drive portion, a drive portion, which is allowed to insert into and remove from an optical axis the rotary disk, and a disk replacement mechanism, which allows the rotary disk to be attached to and detached from the rotary drive portion.

Abstract: An optical device for providing prescription correction to a mirror so that a person who normally wears prescription glasses may clearly see, and also have unobstructed access to, their face in order to apply makeup. A magnifying lens in the form of an eyeglass blank of an appropriate corrective power is removably attached to the mirror by means of a suction cup and a hook element. The magnifying lens has a hole joining its two refracting surfaces. One end of the hook element fits through the hole and the other end of the hook element is attached to the suction cup. The lens situated in close proximity to the mirror provides a user who normally wears prescription eyeglasses with the appropriate corrective power to enable them to clearly see their face while providing good working room for them to perform tasks such as applying their makeup.

Abstract: A confocal optical scanner of Nipkow disk type for measuring a sample, in which each component of two or more color pigments, has a high reflection mirror for separating an excited light to be radiated onto the sample and a fluorescence emitted from the sample, wherein a reflectance of the high reflection mirror is from 80% to 100% in a measured wavelength region including at least an excited light wavelength region and a fluorescence wavelength region. Thereby, the confocal optical scanner capable of measuring a polychromatic fluorescent image at the same time is realized with the enhanced light receiving efficiency of fluorescence, using one high reflection mirror without using a plurality of dichroic mirrors by exchange.

Abstract: A machine that can pass, reflect, filter, or block light along multiple paths. The specific portions of light that can be passed, reflected, blocked, or filtered, are controlled by an optical routing subassembly. This optical routing subassembly can be manipulated to direct specific portions of light to specific paths.

Abstract: A pixel device, comprising; a first plate, a second plate disposed under the first plate, and a third plate disposed under the second plate; a first power supply for providing a first voltage to the first plate; a second power supply for providing a second voltage to the second plate; and a third power supply for providing a third voltage to the third plate.

Abstract: A light quantity adjusting device for adjusting light quantity of a projector apparatus. The adjusting device includes a substrate having an optical path opening and a blade guide surface having level differences in a direction perpendicular to the optical path; a plurality of blade members arranged at a circumferential edge of the optical path opening for rotating along the blade guide surface in an inclined state with respect to the optical path; and a plurality of pins disposed on the substrate for supporting base end portions of the blade members to rotate around the base end portions for opening and closing the optical path opening. A transmission member is mounted on the substrate for engaging the blade members, and a drive device drives the transmission member to rotate the blade members to open and close the optical path opening.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to independently control the F-number and the number of light attenuation steps of a multi-density ND filter by using a light amount control apparatus using an iris stop and the ND filter. The iris stop mechanism made up of a plurality of aperture blades and the ND filter having a multi-density pattern are stacked in a single unit. This simultaneously realizes continuous control of the F-number, multi-step control of the light attenuation ratio of the ND filter, a substantially circular stop aperture, and a uniform transmittance distribution in the stop aperture. In the first embodiment, the driving region of an actuator is divided into an ND control region and aperture control region. This makes it possible to independently control the F-number and the number of ND steps by the single actuator.

Abstract: The invention concerns a modifiable assembly of microscopic apertures comprising several plates (100, 110) coated with an opaque deposition except on transparent parts, for example (101, 114, 115), capable of sliding relative to one another, separated by an oil layer (117). The invention is applicable to microscopic apertures for single-point or multiple-point confocal microscopy.

Abstract: An operating theater lamp has at least one lamp body with a discharge lamp, which illuminates a site of an operation via optical means. The illuminance of the operating theater lamp can be changed in the region of the site of the operation by a mechanically adjustable diaphragm means. The adjustable diaphram means has adjustable lamellae that extend along a longitudinal axis of at least one discharge lamp. The adjustable lamellae pivot about a longitudinal axis. The adjustable diaghragm means include openings that restrict a maximum dimming effect of the adjustable diaghrahm means.

Abstract: A light regulator includes a substrate having an optical aperture, an even number of blade members (six or more) arranged substantially uniformly around the optical aperture, and spindles provided on the substrate for freely rotatably supporting base end portions of the blade members. The blade members are overlapped with each other at edges thereof, and tip portions thereof face the optical aperture. The blade members on the substrate are divided into a first blade set and a second blade set. The first blade set includes at least two first blade members overlapping with each other. The first blade members are rotatably supported at the base end portions thereof on the spindles, and tip portions of the first blades are placed inside an edge of the optical aperture when the first blades are fully closed.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photoinitiators and their use in light adjustable compositions. The initiatives comprise two or more multiphoton chromophores linked by a bridging compound. The bridging compound consists of a material that is compatible with the base material of the light adjustable composition. The novel photoinitiator permit the readjustment of light adjustable material without the need for significant amounts of photoabsorbers.

Abstract: An optical scanning frequency doubling method and apparatus adopting the same are provided. According to the method and apparatus, light scanned by a mirror to a predetermined region is fed back to the mirror. The fed back light is output through an output region. Thus, the frequency of a scanner is doubled, thus greatly overcoming difficulties in high-frequency scanning that current scanners employing a separate optical feedback structure have. That is, the apparatus and method optically double the frequency given by the physical structure of the scanner. The doubled frequency is very suitable for laser televisions, and in particular, for high resolution and high quality laser projection-type image display devices.

Abstract: A lens barrel includes an optical system including a short focal length for a wide angle of view; and an ND filter in the shape of a disc which is provided on an optical axis of the optical system. An optical density of the ND filter decreases in a direction radially outwards from a center of the ND filter.

Abstract: A method of making a rotational optical arrangement and the arrangement made by the method, wherein the method includes providing a rotatable unit. The unit has a surface extending transverse to a center axis of the unit and at a predefined angle to an interface normal direction, and the unit having a pattern with at least two portions that each have a different optical characteristic. A mechanism is provided for rotating the unit around a mechanism-induced rotational axis. The center axis of the unit is separately aligned to the mechanism-induced rotational axis for radial offset correction. The interface normal direction is separately aligning to the mechanism-induced rotational axis for skew correction.

Abstract: An inspection device comprises a light source, a pellicle beamsplitter for receiving light from the light source and for redirecting the light, and an aperture array for receiving light from the pellicle beamsplitter. The aperture array is a two dimensional array of pinholes having an x axis and a y axis ninety degrees apart, wherein the distance between pinholes in the x direction is greater than the distance between pinholes in the y direction. The inspection device further comprises an imaging system comprising an object imager including a plurality of lenses, a camera reimager including a plurality of lenses, and a camera for acquiring an image.

Abstract: In a pattern formation member adopted to a sectioning image observation apparatus which selectively irradiates a light from a light source to a sample, scans the sample, and acquires a light from the sample as a sectioning image, the pattern formation member comprises an irradiation section and a cutoff section, each of the irradiation section and the cutoff section is in a straight pattern, and these straight patterns are disposed alternatively.

Abstract: A variable attenuator assembly (1) includes a variable attenuating connector (VAC) (11), a coupling sleeve (12), and a second plug-type connector (13). The VAC includes a housing (20) and an attached double screw mechanism (110). The double screw mechanism is finely adjustable because it uses an adjusting knob (40) having an external thread (401) and an internal thread (402) with different screw pitches. The external thread engages with an internally threaded bore (303) of a connecting nut (30) attached to the housing. The internal thread engages with outer threading (602) on a ferrule holder (60) received in the adjusting knob. When the adjusting knob is rotated, the knob moves in one direction, and the ferrule holder is moved in the opposite direction, the total distance of ferrule holder movement relative to the housing being proportional to the difference between the screw pitches.

Abstract: A method for performing optical lithography is provided. Light is transmitted through a photomask to impinge on a target. The photomask has two mask patterns on two opposing mask surfaces separated by a transparent substrate. Light is transmitted through the first mask pattern and propagates to the second mask pattern, thereby forming a propagation pattern at that location. Light from the propagation pattern is transmitted through the second mask pattern and impinges on the target, thereby creating a target pattern. With this method, the target pattern can be changed without changing either of the mask patterns. Also, this method facilitates gradient exposure of a mask pattern.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to independently control the F-number and the number of light attenuation steps of a multi-density ND filter by using a light amount control apparatus using an iris stop and the ND filter. The iris stop mechanism made up of a plurality of aperture blades and the ND filter having a multi-density pattern are stacked in a single unit. This simultaneously realizes continuous control of the F-number, multi-step control of the light attenuation ratio of the ND filter, a substantially circular stop aperture, and a uniform transmittance distribution in the stop aperture. In the first embodiment, the driving region of an actuator is divided into an ND control region and aperture control region. This makes it possible to independently control the F-number and the number of ND steps by the single actuator.

Abstract: A color-separating apparatus for a liquid crystal projector of single panel type that is capable of improving light efficiency and color revival property. In the apparatus, a color filter has red, green and blue colors formed in a spiral shape. A reflective plate is opposed to the color filter to reflect an incident light reflected and emitted from the color filter into the color filter again. Accordingly, a color light is transmitted with no light loss.

Abstract: In a pattern formation member adopted to a sectioning image observation apparatus which selectively irradiates a light from a light source to a sample, scans the sample, and acquires a light from the sample as a sectioning image, the pattern formation member comprises an irradiation section and a cutoff section, each of the irradiation section and the cutoff section is in a straight pattern, and these straight patterns are disposed alternatively.

Abstract: An optical system includes a shutter assembly with a stationary support, a shutter pivotably mounted upon and movable with respect to the support; and a shutter drive mechanism. The shutter drive mechanism includes a permanent first magnet affixed to the shutter, and a first electromagnet structure affixed to the support facing a first side of the shutter and including a first-structure first electromagnet. The permanent first magnet and the first-structure first electromagnet are positioned such that activation of the first-structure first electromagnet causes the permanent first magnet to move relative to the first-structure first electromagnet. The shutter drive mechanism further includes a second electromagnet structure affixed to the support facing a second side of the shutter and including a second-structure first electromagnet.

Abstract: A chopper for an imaging system includes a frame and a sheet that have different coefficients of thermal expansion. The frame has a space within it, and has at least one opening that allows radiation to pass through the space. The sheet has structure which influences radiation passing through the sheet, and the sheet is movably disposed within the space in the frame, in a manner so that the sheet can expand and contract relative to the frame in a direction approximately parallel to the sheet. The frame prevents any significant movement of the sheet in a direction transverse to the sheet.

Abstract: In a confocal microscope, a beam of light from a light source is lead to a rotary disk by way of an optical lens and a half mirror, and made to strike specimen by way of an objective lens. The rotary disk has random pin hole pattern sections where pin holes are randomly bored through a light blocking mask, and an aperture section having an area k2 times greater than the area of the random pin hole pattern sections and allowing any light to pass therethrough. The beam of light reflected by the specimen is made to enter a CCD camera by way of the objective lens, the rotary disk, the half mirror and a condenser lens. The CCD camera is adapted to selectively pick up a composite image containing a confocal image component and a non-confocal image component of the specimen obtained through the random pin hole pattern sections and a conventional image of the specimen obtained through the aperture section.

Abstract: In a pattern formation member adopted to a sectioning image observation apparatus which selectively irradiates a light from a light source to a sample, scans the sample, and acquires a light from the sample as a sectioning image, the pattern formation member comprises an irradiation section and a cutoff section, each of the irradiation section and the cutoff section is in a straight pattern, and these straight patterns are disposed alternatively.

Abstract: A lensless focusing device for receiving an unfocused laser beam and creating a desired output pattern of laser profiles. The focusing device includes a pair of wedge plates oriented at a reflective angle relative to the projection axis of the input laser beam. The focusing device generates an output pattern having a plurality of spaced laser profiles. The laser profiles include a series of fixed laser profiles and a series of adjustable laser profiles. Rotation of the focusing device about the projection axis of the input laser beam moves the adjustable laser profiles relative to the fixed laser profiles. Multiple focusing devices can be used in series with each other to generate an output pattern having a grid shape in which points on the grid are movable upon rotation of either focusing device.

Abstract: A single vane shutter flag is asynchronously controlled so that a measuring system light source is interrupted for a minimum necessary amount of time for standardization/calibration and normalization of InGaAs system detectors. Source/detector hemispheres or serially connected randomly oriented fiber bundles homogenize light passing to the detectors. Light source testing is performed by measuring spectral power distributions at a plurality of light source power levels and comparing the measurements to baseline characteristics established for the light source. Calibration sample life is extended indefinitely by controlling the shutter flag to block source light except for short calibration time periods during which standard light levels are provided.

Abstract: A variable bandwidth tunable optical filters comprised of two transparent optical substrates, upon each of which is deposited a linearly variable multilayer interference filter coating which varies in total thickness from end to end in a wedged fashion. This wedge imparts a corresponding variation of the center wavelength of the filter bandpass with respect to the linear position of the coated filter substrates. The variable bandpass tunable filter can be adjusted to a specific center wavelength by moving the filter pair together linearly through the incident beam. The bandwidth of the filter pair is maximized when the two filters are spectrally aligned, and is determined by the bandwidth of the individual filters. The variable bandwidth of the tunable filter can be adjusted by introducing a relative linear offset between the linearly variable filter pair.

Abstract: The confocal microscope has two matched light sources: a first light source (1) and a second light source (8). The light sources (1,8) are arranged to illuminate opposite sides of a modulating mask (6). The light either reflecting from or passing through the modulating mask (6) is then used to illuminate an object O supported on a mount (5). The microscope is arranged so that the object O is mounted on the opposite side of the mask (6) to a camera (7) such that light reflected from the object O passes through the modulating mask (6) before being captured by the camera (7). Subtraction of the image produced using the second light source (8) from the image produced using the first light source (1) generates a confocal image that contains substantially less noise than is possible with available confocal microscopy apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sun visor with a variety of office apparatuses that is capable of handling a user's work in a car. The sun visor with the variety of apparatuses with a keyboard that are mounted in an attachable and detachable manner, such that when the apparatuses are attached on the sun visor, the sun visor functions to prevent the driver's eyes from bright sunshine, and when they are detached therefrom, they can be available on a steering wheel in a car, the sun visor includes a holding frame to which the office work apparatus detachably mounted, and a frame fixing member which installed to a ceiling of a vehicle, the frame fixing member detachably engaging with the holding frame.

Abstract: A manually controlled, variable-size, variable angular position, sector-shaped optical mask for use at an objective aperture of an optical imaging system to permit an object to be viewed from selected angles and directions.

Abstract: A low power, paper white, direct-view display includes an array of hinged micromirrors that are deflected between two states, a first state in which the micromirror covers a portion of the background and a second state in which the micromirror uncovers the background. In one particular configuration, a stability mechanism is incorporated in the display so that the micromirrors switch between stable states and remain in those stable states unless and until an actuating force is applied to the micromirrors that is sufficient to overcome an actuation threshold. The mechanics of the hinge, stiction due to Van der Waals forces or a combination of both can be used to provide bistability. Bistability allows power to be removed from the display between updates but requires active actuation between both states. The drive electronics are similar to those used in multiplexed LCDs.

Abstract: An optical image separation system, connected to a confocal image output port of a Nipkow disk type confocal scanner, wherein light returned from a sample and emitted from the confocal image output port is separated into a plurality of different wavelen regions, respectively, so that a plurality of samples emitting different wavelenghts are concurrently detected.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical elements whose optical properties can be repeatedly adjusted over time. Through the use of modifying compositions capable of stimulus induced polymerization coupled with a blend of stimulus absorbers and initiators, it is possible to repeatedly adjust the optical properties of the element by exposing the lens to a stimulus which exceeds the absorption capacity of the stimulus absorber.

Abstract: A new non-contacting, edge-coupled micromechanical device and method, requiring no contact between the mirror or underlying yoke and landing pads on the substrate. Elimination of physical contact eliminates the problem of “sticking” mirrors found in conventional devices, and simplifies the manufacturing process by reducing the requirements for passivation coatings and hermetic packages. A capture electrode 24 is provided at an appropriate elevation above the surface of the device so as to be in close proximity with the edge of the mirror 20 or yoke 22 when it rotates to the desired angle. The capture electrode 24 and mirror assembly are biased to establish a very high electrostatic attraction between the two which stops the mirror. The mirror can be critically damped to prevent oscillations of the mirrors by tailoring at least one of the voltages applied to the mirror and capture electrode.

Abstract: An image displaying configuration is arranged so that objects and scenes at the distance of the fixation point are images in focus, and objects and scenes at distances other than the distance of the fixation point are subjected to out-of-focus processing according to the distance from the fixation point, based on the fixation point position information for both right and left eyes, and based on the distance information of the shown image, whereby an image is shown. This configuration allows three-dimensional images with a sensation closer to real space to be shown, thus providing for an image processing apparatus and image processing method capable of three-dimensional images with increased sensations of reality.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for modulating thermal infrared radiation for a pyroelectric imaging sensor or similar sensor by providing two discs rotating at the same speed, both discs provided adjacent to one another and between a source of radiation and a radiation sensor. Each of the discs is provided with a solid portion and an open portion. Changing the orientation of the solid portions of each the discs with respect to one another would change the sensitivity of the modulation device.

Abstract: There is provided a flat panel display using a micro-electromechanical device, comprising a back glass substrate having a transparent electrode of a transparent electric conductor; a front glass substrate having a color filter layer; an micro-electromechanical device formed at the transparent electrode to switch light; and a support beam for supporting the back glass substrate and the front glass substrate. The micro-electromechanical device used in the flat panel display is fabricated by a micro-machining technology, thereby increasing a light utilizing efficiency and remarkably reducing a fabricating cost.

Abstract: An optical system with improved boresight stability having optical elements and a beam expander oriented on a chassis, wherein the beam expander is mounted for minimal movement. By minimizing movement of the beam expander, the angular error of a laser beam travelling through the optical system and subject to various angular tilt errors is reduced by an amount inversely proportional to the magnification ratio of the beam expander based on optical principles. In one embodiment the beam expander is mounted on a highly stiff location on the chassis and away from thermal stresses. Another embodiment is to mount the beam expander to a structural support of a higher assembly. The present invention isolates the beam expander from the instability of individual optical elements and from deformation of the optical bench that impairs the performance and diminishes benefits otherwise gained from the optical principles.

Abstract: A variable optic attenuator is embodied in the form of a plug type connector carrying a first fiber for selectively mating with a socket type connector carrying a second fiber with a distance separating the fibers for attenuating optic signals passing therethrough. The attenuator includes a tubular body to be coupled to the socket connector with a front end. A double screw mechanism carrying the first fiber is attached to a rear end of the body with the first fiber extending through the body to axially align with the second fiber of the socket connector. The double screw mechanism includes a connecting nut attached to the rear end of the body and defining an inner-threaded bore. A tubular knob has external threading of first screw pitch and inner threading of second screw pitch different from the first pitch. The external threading of the tubular knob engages the inner threaded bore of the connecting member.

Abstract: An optical shutter comprising a frame with an aperture and shutter blade for modulating a light beam or a particle stream passing through the aperture. The top end of the shutter blade comprises a first sector and a second sector, each sector having different optical characteristics. The bottom end of the shutter blade is coupled to a motor means for pivotally rotating the shutter blade over a limited angular range in a clockwise and counter-clockwise direction such that the first sector is aligned with the aperture when the shutter blade is rotated in one direction and the second sector is aligned with the aperture when the shutter blade is rotated in the other direction.