Abstract: A laser scanning microscope includes: an objective that irradiates a specimen with a laser beam; a detection lens that condenses the laser beam that passes through the specimen, the detection lens being arranged so as to face the objective; an optical element that is removably arranged between an image plane on which the detection lens forms an image of the specimen and a first surface that is a lens surface closest to the specimen of the detection lens, the optical element converting the laser beam made incident on the optical element into diffused light or deflecting a portion of the laser beam made incident on the optical element; and a photodetector that detects detection light emitted from the optical element arranged between the image plane and the first surface to the image plane.

Abstract: A fiber-optic communication system for an aircraft including: a light source operable to generate light; a transceiver in optical communication with the light source, the transceiver including a control input and a reflector; an optical fiber in optical communication with the transceiver; and a light detector in optical communication with the optical fiber. The transceiver is operable to generate an amplitude modulated light signal by selectively reflecting the light received from the light source into the optical fiber using the reflector according to information received at the control input. The light detector is operable to receive the amplitude modulated light signal from the optical fiber and to detect an amplitude of the amplitude modulated light signal to extract the information.

Abstract: An aperture stop that includes a non-circular region that comprises at least one opaque region and at least one opening region; wherein each point in the at least one opening region is (a) mapped to an angle of illumination and (b) is associated with a corresponding point in the at least one opaque region that. mapped to an angle of specular reflectance from the angle of illumination mapped to the opening point.

Abstract: The disclosed technology brings histopathology into the operating theater, to enable real-time intra-operative digital pathology. The disclosed technology utilizes confocal imaging devices image, in the operating theater, “optical slices” of fresh tissue—without the need to physically slice and otherwise process the resected tissue as required by frozen section analysis (FSA). The disclosed technology, in certain embodiments, includes a simple, operating-table-side digital histology scanner, with the capability of rapidly scanning all outer margins of a tissue sample (e.g., resection lump, removed tissue mass). Using point-scanning microscopy technology, the disclosed technology, in certain embodiments, precisely scans a thin “optical section” of the resected tissue, and sends the digital image to a pathologist rather than the real tissue, thereby providing the pathologist with the opportunity to analyze the tissue intra-operatively.

Abstract: A line confocal microscope system, comprising a scanning unit in the form of a mechanically driven scanning unit with a controllable a scanning trajectory and a two dimensional sensor unit operated in a rolling line shutter mode in synchronization with the scanning unit, wherein the scanning trajectory is set to have an acceleration part outside the field of view of the sensor unit.

Abstract: A microscope or endoscope, comprising a light condenser (such as an objective lens), and an array of micro-lenses (such as supported on a transparent plate), wherein the micro-lenses are arranged spatially to correspond in enlarged form to respective sub-resolution objects or point observational fields on or within a specimen that are separated from one another by an optically resolvable distance and to receive light from the sub-resolution objects or point observational fields, and each of the micro-lenses is arranged to converge light from the respective corresponding sub-resolution object or point observational field to a diffraction limited spot at an image plane.

Abstract: A chromatic converter for altimetry is disclosed which is intended to produce a real image of a predefined observation zone of a sample surface that is representative of the local height of this sample. This chromatic converter comprises: a device for illuminating the sample comprising a source of polychromatic light and arranged to cover all of the observation zone by means of N incident beams defining object points of the sample, an Offner autocollimator comprising a Mangin mirror for introducing axial chromatism into each of the N incident beams before they arrive at the sample surface to be reflected as N respective reflected beams, N filtering holes associated with the N respective reflected beams to convert them into filtered beams of low spectral width, intended to form image spots constituting the real image, and at least one polarization device making it possible to polarize the N incident beams and the N reflected beams.

Abstract: A chromatic converter for altimetry is disclosed which is intended to produce a real image of a predefined observation zone of a sample surface that is representative of the local height of this sample. This chromatic converter comprises: a device for illuminating the sample comprising a source of polychromatic light and arranged to cover all of the observation zone by means of N incident beams defining object points of the sample, an Offner autocollimator comprising a Mangin mirror for introducing axial chromatism into each of the N incident beams before they arrive at the sample surface to be reflected as N respective reflected beams, N filtering holes associated with the N respective reflected beams to convert them into filtered beams of low spectral width, intended to form image spots constituting the real image, and at least one polarization device making it possible to polarize the N incident beams and the N reflected beams.

Abstract: A projector includes: an illuminator that emits an illumination light flux; a light control mechanism that blocks at least part of the illumination light from the illuminator; a light modulator illuminated with the illumination light from the illuminator; a projection system capable of projecting modulated light formed by the light modulator and switching the f number when the modulated light is projected; and a control unit that controls the open/close state of the light control mechanism in accordance with the f number of the projection system so that illumination light having an angular distribution corresponding to the f number of the projection system is incident on the projection system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a scatterfield microscopical measuring method and apparatus, which combine scatterfield detecting technology into microscopical device so that the microscopical device is capable of measuring the sample whose dimension is under the limit of optical diffraction. The scatterfield microscopical measuring apparatus is capable of being controlled to focus uniform and collimated light beam on back focal plane of an objective lens disposed above the sample. By changing the position of the focus position on the back focal plane, it is capable of being adjusted to change the incident angle with respect to the sample.

Abstract: A light source that emits light includes light source units, each emitting a plurality of light beams parallel to one another, the plurality of light beams including first and second light beams, and a beam distance adjustment element that is an optical element made of a light-transmissive material. The beam distance adjustment element is configured to adjust the distance between the first and second light beams. The beam distance adjustment element includes a first incidence plane on which the first light beam is incident, a first exit plane that is parallel to the first incidence plane and from which the first light beam exits, a second incidence plane on which the second light beam is incident, and a second exit plane that is parallel to the second incidence plane and from which the second light beam exits. The first and second light beams intersect in the beam distance adjustment element.

Abstract: A shutter system may be used as part of an imaging device, such as a CMOS imaging device. The shutter system comprises a support structure, and first and second shutter members are rotatably mounted to the support structure so as to have respective first and second axes of rotation. The first and second shutter members have respective first and second shutter apertures defined therethrough, with the first shutter apertures having a first circular orbit about the first axis of rotation and the second shutter aperture having a second circular orbit about the second axis of rotation. The first and second shutter members at least partially overlap, and the first circular orbit and the second shutter circular orbit also at least partially overlap, so that rotation of the first and second shutter members at different frequencies cycles the first and second shutter apertures into and out of registration with each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pinhole disk, which can be used in a transmitted light mode as a filter disk, in particular in confocal microscopes, and consists of an optically transparent material with an inner hole having a fixed outer radius rmax and inner radius rmin. The optically transparent material is covered with a non-transparent layer, at least over a large area, the area being provided with a pattern of transparent pinholes. The pinholes are arranged according to a rule, in such a way that a quasi-uniform point density is obtained on the disk.

Abstract: There is provided a confocal optical scanner capable of coping with variation of optical system magnification, a bright field image, and so forth. The confocal optical scanner comprising a pinhole disc with pinholes provided thereon, and rotation means for rotating the pinhole disc for obtaining a confocal image by rotating the pinhole disc with the use of the rotation means to thereby scan with illumination light and by causing optical feedback from the illumination light passing through the pinholes to form an image, wherein the confocal optical scanner is provided with a transfer mechanism for causing the pinhole disc to undergo reciprocating transfer between a position where the pinhole disc resides in an optical path of the illumination light, and a position where the pinhole disc is evacuated from the optical path of the illumination light.

Abstract: The extendable strobe light device (1) comprises a telescoping light mount (10) bearing a strobe light (11). By manual operation or by power to an antenna drive motor (23) the telescoping light mount (10) is extended or retracted. An insulated electrical conductor (28) provides power to the strobe light (11). The insulated electrical conductor (28) is wound on a negator reel (46). A negator spring reel assembly (32) contains a negator spring (400) retracts the insulated electrical conductor (28) when the telescoping light mount (10) is retracted. An electrical brush assembly (43) comprises a brush assembly insulated housing (52) composed of a rigid material including metals and plastics. The brush assembly insulated housing (52) is affixed to the case by screws or bolts (34).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for scatterfield microscopical measurement. The method integrates a scatterometer and a bright-field microscope for enabling the measurement precision to be better than the optical diffraction limit. With the aforesaid method and apparatus, a detection beam is generated by performing a process on a uniform light using an LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon) or a DMD (digital micro-mirror device) which is to directed to image on the back focal plane of an object to be measured, and then scattered beams resulting from the detection beam on the object's surface are focused on a plane to form an optical signal which is to be detected by an array-type detection device. The detection beam can be oriented by the modulation device to illuminate on the object at a number of different angles, by which zero order or higher order diffraction intensities at different positions of the plane at different incident angles can be collected.

Abstract: A system for providing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation comprises a laser source arranged to produce a laser beam having a focus; and a carrier movable relative to the laser source for carrying a surface material, the surface material when carried by the carrier providing a renewable target edge. The focussed beam is arranged to impinge on the target edge to produce an EUV radiation emitting plasma. The system is cooperable with a mirror for harnessing the EUV radiation by reflecting EUV radiation impinging thereon. The mirror comprises a substantially aspheric surface and means for supplying a reflecting liquid to at least partially coat the aspheric surface, the mirror being rotatable to centrifugally confine the liquid to the aspheric surface.

Abstract: A device for confocal observation of a specimen, having a mask, which is located in the illumination beam path and the image beam path and is rotatable around a central axis, the mask being provided with openings for generating an illumination pattern moving on the specimen, an arrangement of a plurality of focusing microoptics which is adjusted to the geometric arrangement of the openings of the mask and to the rotation of the mask in order to concentrate the illumination light by each of the microoptics into a respective one of the openings of the mask, and a beam splitter for separating light from the specimen from illumination light, wherein the beam splitter is arranged in the beam path between the mask and the arrangement of the microoptics, and wherein an optical arrangement is provided in the beam path between the mask and the arrangement of the microoptics.

Abstract: A projector includes a light source assembly, a digital micro-mirror device, and a projection lens. The light source assembly includes a lamp and a color wheel positioned for receiving light generated by the lamp. The color wheel includes a motor having a contacting portion, a filter, a light-blocker, and a light-isolating sheet. The filter is mounted on the contacting portion of the motor and includes a first area and a second area. Light beams used for forming an image only pass through the first area. The light-blocker is disposed on the filter opposite to the motor. The light-isolating sheet is disposed on the first area and positioned between the filter and the motor and configured for isolating the light beams arrived on the second area.

Abstract: A device for confocal observation of a specimen, having a mask, which is located in the illumination beam path and the image beam path and is rotatable around a central axis, the mask being provided with openings for generating an illumination pattern moving on the specimen, an arrangement of a plurality of focusing microoptics which is adjusted to the geometric arrangement of the openings of the mask and to the rotation of the mask in order to concentrate the illumination light by each of the microoptics into a respective one of the openings of the mask, and a beam splitter for separating light from the specimen from illumination light, wherein the beam splitter is arranged in the beam path between the mask and the arrangement of the microoptics, and wherein an optical arrangement is provided in the beam path between the mask and the arrangement of the microoptics.

Abstract: A device for confocal observation of a specimen, having a mask, which is located in the illumination beam path and the image beam path and is rotatable around a central axis, the mask being provided with openings for generating an illumination pattern moving on the specimen, an arrangement of a plurality of focusing microoptics which is adjusted to the geometric arrangement of the openings of the mask and to the rotation of the mask in order to concentrate the illumination light by each of the microoptics into a respective one of the openings of the mask, and a beam splitter for separating light from the specimen from illumination light, wherein the beam splitter is arranged in the beam path between the mask and the arrangement of the microoptics, and wherein an optical arrangement is provided in the beam path between the mask and the arrangement of the microoptics.

Abstract: A projector includes: a light source device that emits a laser beam toward a projected surface; a scanning unit that scans the laser beam emitted from the light source device; a light diffusion member that diffuses the laser beam used for scanning by the scanning unit; and a converging unit that converges the laser beam going out from the light diffusion member on the protected surface.

Abstract: A confocal scanning microscope using a Nipkow disk prevents deterioration of performance in an optical axis direction while maintaining a high measurement speed. The confocal scanning microscope includes a light source, an illuminating device to pass the light from the light source toward a certain direction, and two Nipkow disks each having slit-shaped apertures formed thereon such that the light incident from the illuminating device travels in a form of light which passed through a single aperture. In addition, the confocal scanning microscope includes a first optical system to form an image on a sample by the light passed through the Nipkow disks, and a second optical system to form a second image by the light reflected from the sample and passed through the Nipkow disks.

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: The present invention relates to a control panel, in particular for a motor vehicle, provided with at least one rotary button (10) for adjusting a parameter relating to an air stream propelled by a ventilating, heating and/or air conditioning apparatus, characterised in that the said adjusting button (10) is an optical encoder with selective light emission and reception, and comprising a rotatable part (20) protruding from the control panel, and a fixed part (30) co-operating with the moving part (20) for emitting and receiving the light. This control panel is adapted to adjust, for example, the temperature, flow rate or distribution of the said air stream.

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: The present invention presents a high-speed electromechanical shutter which has at least two rotary beam choppers that are synchronized using a phase-locked loop electronic control to reduce the duty cycle. These choppers have blade means that can comprise discs or drums, each having about 60 (+/?15) slots which are from about 0.3 to about 0.8 mm wide and about 5 to about 20 mm long (radially) which are evenly distributed through out 360°, and a third rotary chopper which is optically aligned has a small number of slots, such as for example, 1 to 10 slots which are about 1 to about 2 mm wide and about 5 to about 20 mm long (radially). Further the blade means include phase slots that allow the blade means to be phase locked using a closed loop control circuit. In addition, in a preferred embodiment, the system also has a leaf shutter.

Abstract: A confocal microscope comprises a microlens array having a plurality of microlenses for splitting a ray bundle of illumination light into a plurality of convergent partial ray bundles which illuminate a sample simultaneously at several measuring points; a beam splitter for separating a beam path of the illuminating light and a beam path of sample light originating from the illumination of the sample and captured in an inverse direction with regard to the illumination light; a pinhole diaphragm array having a plurality of pinhole diaphragms arranged in the beam path of the sample light and corresponding to said microlenses of said microlens array splitting the illumination light; and a further microlens array having a plurality of microlenses corresponding to said microlenses of said microlens array splitting the illumination light. Said microlenses of said microlens array splitting the illumination light and said microlenses of said further microlens array are arranged in the beam path of the sample light.

Abstract: An electrically heated resistance element disposed on axis within a gold coated reflector, which collects the radiated infrared energy from the resistance element and shapes it to a desired beam, provides a shaped high intensity source of infrared radiation which is modulated by a rotating modulator positioned in front of the reflector.

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: Apparatus for providing simultaneous jamming of a number of missiles is disclosed comprising a plurality of reticles each having a pattern therein which provides necessary spin frequency and carrier frequency (if required) for the missile to be jammed. The reticles are arranged in series and modulate a source of radiation and generate the spin and carrier frequencies by blocking or rejecting radiation within the spectral passband of the missile to be jammed.

Abstract: A modulated infrared source is disclosed in which spatial modulation is accomplished by the sweeping of an infrared beam past a point in space. In one embodiment close to 100% of the energy from the infrared source is focused by rotating optics including parabolically shaped reflectors about the source such that energy losses due to the modulation technique are minimized due to a single reflection of the energy from the IR source. The speed of the rotation of the reflective optics is minimized while maintaining sufficiently high modulation frequencies by the provision of four beams from a single source. In another embodiment a squirrel cage reflecting system is provided in which the energy from the IR source is reflected twice.

Abstract: A modulated infrared source is disclosed in which spatial modulation is accomplished by the rotation of beam forming optics about an infrared source in which a portion of the energy in the beam produced includes energy coming directly from the IR source without being reflected. Close to 100% of the energy from the infrared source is focused by rotating parabolically shaped elements, such that energy losses due to the modulation technique are minimized. The speed of the rotation of the reflective optics is minimized while maintaining sufficiently high modulation frequencies by the provision of four beams from a single source.

Abstract: Apparatus for efficiently modulating the output from an infrared radiation source is provided by a collector/collimator for collecting and collimating the output of the radiation source and a modulator including a stator and at least one rotor. The stator includes a disc of alternating opaque and transparent radial segments having means associated therewith for gathering the radiation from the source and passing substantially all of it to the transparent segments including optical wedges arranged on the opaque segments and a central reflector/collector. The rotor includes a disc of alternating transparent and opaque radial segments. A second rotor may be provided for adding a second modulation and comprises a disc of alternating opaque and transparent radial segments also having optical wedges arranged on the opaque segments and a central reflector.

Abstract: An optical apparatus and a microscope are designed so that high resolution and a high sectioning effect are provided; a time for obtaining an output image can be reduced; it is possible to observe the interior of an object in which light is strongly scattered, without using the fluorescent pigment; resistance to vibration is strong and observations can be carried out with high resolution; and a lamination structure of an IC pattern configured on a semiconductor wafer can also be observed.

Abstract: A multiple spectral band opto-mechanical modulator for obtaining simultaneous but independent modulation of an extended IR source in two distinct wavelength bands comprises in one embodiment a first rotating filter wheel having alternating radial segments of transparent and short wavepass filter material, a second rotating filter wheel having alternating radial segments of transparent and long wavepass filter material, a stationary wheel having alternating radial transparent and opaque segments positioned intermediate the first and second rotating wheels and means for rotating said first and second filter wheels at predetermined frequencies.

Abstract: A hostile laser source location technique employs a television camera in conjunction with a rotating shutter to pinpoint the location of a hostile laser source without placing the pilot/operator at risk for eye damage. For an attack scenario the pilot/operator could then make changes in his tactics to negate the source or to continue his attack run. The shutter made of high optical density material (e.g., OD-4), except for an open aperture, provides optics protection for the camera system from both damage and dazzle. A detector is used to detect the laser pulse (flash) which immediately signals the proper frame to be frozen on a monitor. The laser source appears as a bright spot and is easily pinpointed.

Abstract: A multi-beam scanning optical system includes a light source having a plurality of light-emission points, an incident optical system for guiding a plurality of light beams emitted from the light source to a deflector, a scanning optical system for forming the plurality of light beams reflected/deflected by the deflector into images on a scanned surface, and a synchronization detection device in which a part of the plurality of light beams from the deflector are reflected at a predetermined angle in a sub-scanning cross-section by using a mirror to be scanned on a surface of a slit member and to be guided to a surface of a synchronization detection element via the slit member, and a timing at a scanning start position on the scanned surface is controlled by using a signal from the synchronization detection element. The slit member is positioned such that a plurality of light beams scanned on a surface of a slit opening are substantially vertically scanned on the slit opening.

Abstract: A confocal system comprising a laser light source; a confocal scanner that emits an output light beam from the light source after passing through apertures; an optical microscope that focuses light passed through the apertures onto a sample; a detector that obtains cross sectional images of the sample by photographing the return light reflected from the sample; and a controller that determines focal positions of the sample using light intensity at cross sectional images based on a focal position light intensity characteristic, whereby focal postions and three dimensional shape of the sample is obtained without scanning in the direction of the optical axis.

Abstract: A collimating apparatus that reduces ghost images in the field of view of a main image generated. The collimating apparatus includes a meniscus lens having a reflective concave surface; a cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC), aligned on an axis common with the meniscus lens, disposed on the concave side of the meniscus lens, positioned to reflect light onto the concave surface and having a tilt making the normal of the CLC different from the normal of the meniscus lens; and an image source, disposed on the convex side of the meniscus lens and having a tilt corresponding to the tilt of the CLC. The tilted pair of the meniscus and image source direct any ghost images produced by light leaking through the CLC away from the line of sight of an observer of the main image.

Abstract: A confocal microscope of the present invention comprises a pinhole disk having a plurality of pinholes, a wavelength selection section for switching a wavelength or wavelength range of at least one of illumination light and observation light in synchronism with rotation of the pinhole disk, and an irradiating section for rotating the pinhole disk and irradiating the irradiation light, which has passed through each of the pinholes, toward a specimen.

Abstract: A confocal microscope comprising a confocal laser scanner which rotates a Nipkow disk at high speed together with microlenses wherein a beam splitter of a plate type is disposed between two integrated disks, in each of which a plurality of microlenses and minute openings are arranged with the same pattern in an array, and wherein the axis of incident light is tilted by a significant angle to the vertical incident axis of the microlenses, so that the light axis shift generated by the plate beam splitter is cancelled and the incident light to the relevant microlense is caused to be focused to the corresponding minute opening thereby improving light use efficiency.

Abstract: An optical delay apparatus that regularly alternately outputs beams having mutually different delays on one optical axis and that can variably set a delay amount of at least one beam. A motor 112 rotation-drives a rotating plate 111 in which reflective portions and transmissive portions are formed regularly alternately in the circumferential direction. When an incident beam I0 is incident to a reflective portion of the rotating plate 111, it is reflected to generate a beam I1. When the incident beam I0 is incident to a transmissive portion of the rotating plate 111, a beam I2 transmitted is reflected by a reflector 120 to become a beam I3, and the beam I3 is again transmitted by the transmissive portion of the rotating plate 111. This beam I3 has a delay different from that of the beam I1, and the beam I3 and the beam I1 advance regularly alternately in the same direction and on the same optical axis.

Abstract: A confocal microscope comprising a confocal laser scanner which rotates a Nipkow disk at high speed together with microlenses wherein a beam splitter of a plate type is disposed between two integrated disks, in each of which a plurality of microlenses and minute openings are arranged with the same pattern in an array, and wherein the axis of incident light is tilted by a significant angle to the vertical incident axis of the microlenses, so that the light axis shift generated by the plate beam splitter is cancelled and the incident light to the relevant microlense is caused to be focused to the corresponding minute opening thereby improving light use efficiency.

Abstract: A tomographic imaging system works with a conventional real image formed by, e.g., a lens. Scanning is over an image formation area of the image plane. A plurality of differently-oriented scanning apertures are disposed over the surface of a spinning element (disk or rotor drum). A detector is located behind the image plane for creating a signal proportional to light passing through the scanning apertures, which sweep over the image. The apertures are swept through the image plane in a first direction by the spinning of the disk or drum; they are simultaneously swept in a second direction, also lying in the image plane, that is perpendicular to the first direction, by appropriate mechanical mechanism. The simultaneous sweeps allow signal processing means to reconstruct from the detector signal a scanned image by using conventional tomographic algorithms. The device may include a variable-diameter aperture and means for moving the aperture over the image formation area; this acts as a "zoom".

Abstract: A confocal optical scanner which realizes optical scanning without nonuniformity of brightness at the inside and outside periperies of the pinhole disk by arraying the pinholes along spiral tracks at the same pitch; which allows adjustment of decentering to be readily performed by disposing pinholes so that stripes do not occur even when decentering is large; which allows more incident light to be collected at the pinholes through a plurality of collector means by disposing the pinholes at focal points of the collector means; which improves luminous utilization efficacy by reducing the illumination area of light by adopting the collector means to focus outside of the aperture pupil; which prevents decrease of confocal resolution due to pinhole diameter by causing the light reflected from the sample to not enter a collector disk; and which reduces stray light from the pinhole disk by covering non-collector portions of the collector disk with a shading film.

Abstract: A confocal optical scanner which realizes optical scanning without nonuniformity of brightness at the inside and outside periperies of the pinhole disk by arraying the pinholes along spiral tracks at the same pitch; which allows adjustment of decentering to be readily performed by disposing pinholes so that stripes do not occur even when decentering is large; which allows more incident light to be collected at the pinholes through a plurality of collector means by disposing the pinholes at focal points of the collector means; which improves luminous utilization efficacy by reducing the illumination area of light by adopting the collector means to focus outside of the aperture pupil; which prevents decrease of confocal resolution due to pinhole diameter by causing the light reflected from the sample to not enter a collector disk; and which reduces stray light from the pinhole disk by covering non-collector portions of the collector disk with a shading film.

Abstract: A confocal scanning imaging system utilizes only one aperture for both the incident light from the light source and return light from the object. To improve its performance, the aperture plate is tilted with respect to the incident light path, the surfaces are coated with anti-reflection coating, the surfaces are optically flat, and the size of the aperture is designed to act as a one-way spatial filter. Other devices may be strategically placed to minimize the negative effects from scattered light.

Abstract: Aperture stops are positioned in the optical train of a partially overlapped binocular display in a such a manner that overlapping portions the binocular boundaries of the left and right fields of view are substantially out of focus, and therefore do not appear as well defined, distracting contours in the visual field. The present invention is particularly well suited for use in virtual reality systems employing head mounted displays.

Abstract: An optical sight laser device having:a laser source (4) capable of emitting a laser beam (6);an optical sight system (1), through which a sight beam (9) passes, intended to allow an operator to direct the laser beam toward a target;a control device (11) capable of triggering the laser source (4) with a view to firing, initiated by an actuating member (5), at the disposal of the operator; anda movable element (12) capable of occulting the sight beam (9) during laser firing, wherein the movable element (12) is capable of also occulting the laser beam (6) and it occults alternately the laser beam (6) and the sight beam (9) at a frequency such that the operator's retinal persistence is maintained.