Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder modulator has an optical splitting element splitting an input optical signal into two optical signals that are conveyed by two optical waveguide arms, and an optical combining element combining the two optical signals into an output optical signal. Two traveling wave electrodes (TWEs) carry an electrical modulation signal to induce a change in phase of these two optical signals, and include a number of pairs of modulation electrodes positioned adjacent to the waveguide arms. At least some of the electrodes in one waveguide arm have a different shape (e.g., length or width) than the electrodes in the other waveguide arm to alter the effectiveness of the electrodes in inducing a phase change in the two optical signals.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide an optical switch system using optical interference. An optical switch system (1) comprises an input part (2) of an optical signal, a branching part (3) of the signal, a main Mach-Zehnder waveguide (MZC) (7), a first intensity modulator (9) provided on a first arm (4) for controlling an amplitude of an optical signal propagating through the first arm (4), a second intensity modulator (10) provided on a second arm (5) for controlling an amplitude of an optical signal propagating through the second arm (5), and a combining part (6) of the signals outputted from the first arm and the second arm, wherein one or both of the branching part (3) and the combining part (6) are X-branched.

Abstract: Techniques for producing higher fidelity interferometer measurements by reducing sensitivity to spurious sources include reducing the coherence length of an electromagnetic beam. In addition, multiple surfaces within an optical system may be measured by electronically tuning the position of a coherence plane along the optical paths of an interferometer. A phase modulator is used in conjunction with a long coherence length electromagnetic source to generate beams for each leg of an interferometer. Providing a controlled broadband RF signal to the phase modulator increases the bandwidth of the beam and thereby reduces the coherence length of the beam. This reduces the spurious contributions to the output interference fringes from undesired surfaces along the beam path.

Abstract: A laser system includes a laser light source which emits electromagnetic radiation, at least one optical amplifier which amplifies the radiation emitted from the laser light source, and a frequency multiplier which converts the amplified radiation by resonant frequency multiplying and/or summation-frequency generating. The laser system has a modulation facility which causes a modulation of the electromagnetic radiation emitted from the laser light source in such a manner that the spectrum encompasses a carrier frequency and at least one sideband, with the frequency multiplier being resonant at the carrier frequency and at the frequency of the at least one sideband.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a light modulation optical system having a first element which forms a desired light intensity gradient distribution to an incident light beam and a second element which forms a desired light intensity minimum distribution with an inverse peak shape to the same, and an image formation optical system which is provided between the light modulation optical system and a substrate having a polycrystal semiconductor film or an amorphous semiconductor film, wherein the incident light beam to which the light intensity gradient distribution and the light intensity minimum distribution are formed is applied to the polycrystal semiconductor film or the amorphous semiconductor film through the image formation optical system, thereby crystallizing a non-crystal semiconductor film. The pattern of the first element is opposed to the pattern of the second element.

Abstract: A light power control system is used in a network in which a control signal is transmitted to instruct setting of a wavelength path. The light power control system is provided with a light amplifier control section configured to carry out a constant output control to a light amplifier which amplifies a light signal transmitted from a node to another node, when said node in said network receives the control signal; and a variable optical attenuator control section configured to adjust an attenuation quantity of a variable optical attenuator to attenuate a light power of the light signal on any of wavelength paths, when said node receives the control signal and moreover the light signal is transmitted on said any of wavelength paths of said node. It becomes possible to receive the data right in a receiving end by a simple unit when there is a change of the number of wavelength paths.

Abstract: A cover for use in connection with a mirror of a vehicle is provided. The cover is provided with a lens having an electrically activatable material. The lens is positioned in front of the vehicle mirror. The electrically activatable material prevents the reflectivity of visible light off the mirror of the vehicle when the electrically activatable material is set to a light inhibiting state. A coupling device electrically couples the electrically activatable material to an electrical power source. An actuation device is adapted to set the electrically activatable material of the lens to the light inhibiting state in response to user operation such that the lens prevents the reflectivity of visible light off the mirror to reduce the observability of the vehicle mirror.

Abstract: A laser light shaping and wavefront controlling optical system 1 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention comprises an intensity conversion lens 11 for converging and shaping an intensity distribution of laser light incident thereon into a desirable intensity distribution; a light modulator 12 for modulating the laser light emitted from the intensity conversion lens 11 so as to perform wavefront control; and an expansion/reduction optical system 20, arranged between the intensity conversion lens 11 and the light modulator 12, for expanding or reducing the laser light emitted from the intensity conversion lens 11.

Abstract: A source grating for X-rays and the like which can enhance spatial coherence and is used for X-ray phase contrast imaging is provided. The source grating for X-rays is disposed between an X-ray source and a test object and is used for X-ray phase contrast imaging. The source grating for X-rays includes a plurality of sub-gratings formed by periodically arranging projection parts each having a thickness shielding an X-ray at constant intervals. The plurality of sub-gratings are stacked in layers by being shifted.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an external modulator that modulates light emitted from a light source based on an input signal, the control apparatus comprises: a low-frequency signal generating device that generates and outputs a low-frequency signal having a predetermined frequency; a signal superimposing device that superimposes a first modulation signal, which is the input signal on the low-frequency signal, to make a second modulation signal, and applies this second modulation signal to the external modulator; a low-frequency signal detecting device that detects the low-frequency signal component from an optical output of the external modulator, compares a phase of this detected low-frequency signal with a phase of a low-frequency signal output from the low-frequency signal generating device, and outputs a signal according to a phase difference; an operating point control device that controls based on an output signal of the low-frequency signal detecting device, so as to compensate for operating point drift of

Abstract: Methods and systems for encoding multi-level pulse amplitude modulated signals using integrated optoelectronics are disclosed and may include generating a multi-level, amplitude-modulated optical signal utilizing an optical modulator driven by two or more electrical input signals. The optical modulator may include optical modulator elements coupled in series and configured into groups. The number of optical modular elements and groups may configure the number of levels in the multi-level amplitude modulated optical signal. Unit drivers may be coupled to each of the groups. The electrical input signals may be synchronized before communicating them to the unit drivers utilizing flip-flops. Phase addition may be synchronized utilizing one or more electrical delay lines. The optical modulator may be integrated on a single substrate, which may include one of: silicon, gallium arsenide, germanium, indium gallium arsenide, polymers, or indium phosphide.

Abstract: A display with patterned photovoltaic (PV) material integrated on the front side and/or back side of the display is disclosed. Light may reach PV material situated behind a display through fully or partially transmissive features or gaps within the display. Display-generated light may also reach PV material behind a display. A patterned PV material situated in front of a display may collect both ambient light as well as display-generated light.

Abstract: A light extracting device includes a dual light generating unit and a first order Bragg grating unit. The dual light generating unit is for receiving an input optical signal and a control signal, and for generating from the input optical signal first and second optical signals that have a phase difference there between. The phase difference is associated with the control signal. The first order Bragg grating unit is for receiving the first and second optical signals from the dual light generating unit, and for causing optical interference to occur between the first and second optical signals within a predetermined wavelength range to result in first and second output optical signals.

Abstract: An optical modulator combines and inputs a signal light propagating through the optical network and a control light having information concerning the optical network to a nonlinear optical medium. The optical modulator modulates the signal light according to changes in intensity of the control light, in the nonlinear optical medium.

Abstract: A first electro-optic display comprises first and second substrates, and an adhesive layer and a layer of electro-optic material disposed between the first and second substrates, the adhesive layer comprising a mixture of a polymeric adhesive material and a hydroxyl containing polymer having a number average molecular weight not greater than about 5000. A second electro-optic display is similar to the first but has an adhesive layer comprising a thermally-activated cross-linking agent to reduce void growth when the display is subjected to temperature changes. A third electro-optic display, intended for writing with a stylus or similar instrument, is produced by forming a layer of an electro-optic material on an electrode; depositing a substantially solvent-free polymerizable liquid material over the electro-optic material; and polymerizing the polymerizable liquid material.

Abstract: An optical pulse shaper includes an optical delay line; a spatial light modulator placed at the Fourier plane of the optical delay line having a spectral amplitude spatial light modulator; a spectral phase and polarization ellipticity spatial light modulator; and a spectral polarization rotator; and a controller configured to independently control an amplitude, a phase and polarization ellipticity, and a linear polarization of an optical pulse. A method for shaping an optical pulse is also provided.

Abstract: To efficiently apply jitter to an optical signal using a simple configuration, provided is an optical signal output apparatus that outputs an optical pulse pattern signal including jitter, the optical signal generating apparatus comprising a light source section that outputs an optical signal having an optical frequency corresponding to a frequency control signal; an optical modulation section that modulates the optical signal output by the light source section, according to a designated pulse pattern; and an optical jitter generating section that delays an optical signal passed by the optical modulation section according to the optical frequency, to apply jitter to the optical signal.

Abstract: Provided are examples of light modulators and optical apparatuses that may include the light modulators. A light modulator may include a plasmonic nano-antenna and an element for changing plasmon resonance characteristics of the plasmonic nano-antenna. The plasmon resonance characteristics of the plasmonic nano-antenna may be changed due to a change in refractive index of the element, and thus light may be modulated.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an optical filter device includes an input polarizer for selectively transmitting an input signal. The device includes a wave-plate structure positioned to receive the input signal, which includes first and second substantially zero-order, zero-wave plates arranged in series with and oriented at an angle relative to each other. The first and second zero-wave plates are configured to alter a polarization state of the input signal passing in a manner that depends on the power of the input signal. Each zero-wave plate includes an entry and exit wave plate each having a fast axis, with the fast axes oriented substantially perpendicular to each other. Each entry wave plate is oriented relative to a transmission axis of the input polarizer at a respective angle. An output polarizer is positioned to receive a signal output from the wave-plate structure and selectively transmits the signal based on the polarization state.

Abstract: An electro-optical device includes an electro-optical material, a first lens which is arranged at an incident side of the light and is provided so as to correspond to a pixel, and a condenser lens which is arranged at an emitting side of the light and is provided so as to correspond to the pixel. Condensation degrees of the first lens are larger than that of the second lens, and distances between the first lens and the electro-optical material are smaller than distances between the second lens and the electro-optical material.

Abstract: In embodiments of transparent display active panels, a display device includes a lighting system that directs light from a light source to illuminate a display panel. A multi-mode panel is operable as a transparent panel of the display device, and is further operable for activation to absorb or reflect a portion of the light from the light source. An active diffuser is operable as an additional transparent panel of the display device, and is further operable for activation to diffuse the light that illuminates the display panel. The display device also includes a display controller that controls the activation of the multi-mode panel and the active diffuser.

Abstract: An optical imaging system including an imaging lens and a spatial light modulator is provided. The imaging system has an aperture stop position. The spatial light modulator is disposed at the aperture stop position of the imaging system to serve as a pupil of the imaging lens. The spatial light modulator is adapted to modulate the light transmission rate of the spatial light modulator to change an amplitude and a phase of a light intensity of the pupil.

Abstract: In a conventional optical signal processing device, a confocal optical system is configured in which a focusing lens is positioned at a substantially-intermediate point of a free space optical path. Thus, the free space optical system had a long length. It has been difficult to reduce the size of the entire device. The optical signal processing device of the present invention uses a lens layout configuration different from the confocal optical system to thereby significantly reduce the length of the system. The optical signal processing device consists of the first focusing lens positioned in the close vicinity of a signal processing device, and the second focusing lens positioned in the vicinity of a dispersing element. A distance between the dispersing element and the signal processing device is approximately a focal length of the first focusing lens. Compared with the conventional technique, the length of the optical path can be halved.

Abstract: A cover device is described for a micro-optomechanical component having a substrate which has a maximum surface whose surface area is equal to or greater than a single surface area of any other surface of the substrate, and having at least one window, made of a light-transmitting material, which is inclined with respect to the maximum surface of the substrate, the at least one window being situated within at least one continuous opening provided in the substrate. A manufacturing method for a cover device for a micro-optomechanical component is also described. Furthermore, a micro-optomechanical component and a manufacturing method for a micro-optomechanical component are described.

Abstract: In exemplary implementations of this invention, two LCD screens display a multi-view 3D image that has both horizontal and vertical parallax, and that does not require a viewer to wear any special glasses. Each pixel in the LCDs can take on any value: the pixel can be opaque, transparent, or any shade between. For regions of the image that are adjacent to a step function (e.g., a depth discontinuity) and not adjacent to a sharp corner, the screens display local parallax barriers comprising many small slits. The barriers and the slits tend to be oriented perpendicular to the local angular gradient of the target light field. In some implementations, the display is optimized to seek to minimize the Euclidian distance between the desired light field and the actual light field that is produced. Weighted, non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is used for this optimization.

Abstract: A display system includes a coherent light source that can emit a coherent light beam, a de-speckling device configured to distort a wavefront of the coherent light beam to produce a distorted coherent light beam, and a two-dimensional array of light modulators that can selectively modulate the distorted coherent light beam to select a plurality of pixels for display.

Abstract: An automotive vehicle having an aperture in the vehicle body in which a glazing, comprising a switchable film laminated between at least two plies of an interlayer material is fitted is disclosed. The plies of interlayer material are laminated between a first ply of glazing material, preferably glass, facing out of the vehicle and a second ply of glazing material, preferably glass, facing into the vehicle. The switchable film comprises first and second electrodes, both in electrical connection with a power supply. The first electrode is capacitively connected to electrical ground on the vehicle body.

Abstract: A rotary laser device and method is disclosed. The rotary laser device includes a laser device, which generates a laser beam, a rotating device, which moves the laser device at least partially around an axis of rotation at a rotation speed, and a measuring device, with which an angle of rotation of the laser device around the axis of rotation can be determined. A memory device is provided for saving at least one angular position.

Abstract: A light modulation device capable of stabilizing a phase set in phase modulation processing and improving optical communication quality. A phase modulator is provided for each of plural branched input lights and performs phase modulation of the input light. A phase shifter is provided at the upstream or downstream of the phase modulator and shifts a phase of the input light or of the phase-modulated light. A light interference section causes the output lights from the light modulator to interfere with each other to generate a multilevel phase modulated signal and interference light having a phase state different from that of the modulated signal. A monitor receives the interference light and outputs an electric signal according to the intensity. A phase shift controller generates a phase control signal based on the electric signal and applies the signal to the shifter to control the phase shift amount to be set by the shifter.

Abstract: To include a light modulator having an anode electrode, a matching resistor, a first wire that is connected to the anode electrode and transmits to the anode electrode an input electric signal to the light modulator, a first conductor pad having a capacitor connected to the first wire, a second wire that connects the anode electrode and the matching resistor, and a second conductor pad having a capacitor connected to the second wire.

Abstract: A display device including a flexible display layer including display material. A flexible backplane layer has an electrode structure for driving the display material. A substantially rigid component having a thickness greater than a thickness of the flexible display layer and/or the thickness of the flexible backplane layer. A resilient layer has a cut-out space for the rigid component. The resilient layer is arranged to provide a substantially even total thickness of the device. The device also includes wireless communication capabilities.

Abstract: A photonic signal processor providing finite impulse response filtering of an external input signal, the processor including: a photonic signal input having a predetermined wavelength range, a Bragg grating structure interconnected to the photonic signal input and having a series of localised modifications to the periodicity of the grating structure so as to provide a predetermined transmission output window within the stopband of the Bragg grating structure and predetermined wavelength range; a modulator interconnected to the grating structure for modulating the output from the grating structure in accordance with the external signal input; a delay structure for providing a wavelength variable delay to the output from the modulator; an intensity detector interconnected to the delay structure for determining and outputting the intensity of the delay structure output.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display includes a plurality of pixels. A display method applied to the electrophoretic display includes the following steps. Firstly, a first frame is displayed on the pixels at a first time. Next, a difference amount between the pixels at the first time and the pixels at a second time predetermined for displaying a second frame is calculated. The second time is later than the first time. Next, whether the difference amount is larger than a predetermined value is determined. Next, corresponding part of the second frame is displayed on part of the pixels corresponding to the difference amount at the second time if the difference amount is not larger than the predetermined value.

Abstract: A display structure is described comprising a displaying medium, a backplane provided with an active matrix and a pixel pad comprising a plurality of pixels having an inter-pixel spacing, said pixel pad superposing the active matrix, wherein the inter-pixel spacing is in the range of 2.5-40 micrometers, preferably in the range of 8-20 micrometers.

Abstract: An electro-optic display having a color filter array is produced by attaching together a direct thermal imaging layer (112) and a backplane (102) having a two-dimensional array of pixel electrodes. The direct thermal imaging layer (112) is then exposed to temperatures sufficient to form a plurality of differently colored areas in the direct thermal imaging layer, the plurality of differently colored areas being aligned with the two-dimensional array of pixel electrodes.

Abstract: A thermally stabilized, high speed, micrometer-scale silicon electro-optic modulator is provided. Methods for maintaining desired temperatures in electro-optic modulators are also provided. The methods can be used to maintain high quality modulation in the presence of thermal variations from the surroundings. Direct current injection into the thermally stabilized electro-optic modulator is used to maintain the modulation performance of the modulator. The direct injected current changes the local temperature of the thermally stabilized electro-optic modulator to maintain its operation over a wide temperature range.

Abstract: A virtual-image projector comprises a laser configured to form a narrow beam, first and second dilation optics, first and second redirection optics each having a diffraction grating, and a controller. The first dilation optic is arranged to receive the narrow beam and to project a one-dimensionally dilated beam into the second dilation optic. The second dilation optic is arranged to receive the one-dimensionally dilated beam and project a two-dimensionally dilated beam. The first and second redirection optics are each operatively coupled to a transducer. The first redirection optic is arranged to direct the narrow beam into the first dilation optic at a first entry angle. The second redirection optic is configured to direct the one-dimensionally dilated beam into the second dilation optic at a second entry angle. The controller is configured to bias the transducers to vary the first and second entry angles.

Abstract: Methods and systems for providing brightness control in an interferometric modulator (IMOD) display are provided. In one embodiment, an interferometric modulator display pixel is provided that includes a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator having an associated first color spectrum, and a color absorber located substantially in front of the interferometric modulator display pixel, in which the color absorber has an associated second color spectrum. The micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) interferometric modulator is operable to shift the first color spectrum relative to the second color spectrum to control a visual brightness of the interferometric modulator display pixel independent of a color of the interferometric modulator display pixel.

Abstract: System and method for simultaneous display of multiple images using a single light modulator array. A preferred embodiment comprises a light source that produces a light with desired spectral characteristics, a color filter optically coupled to the light source, and an array of light modulators optically coupled to the color filter. The color filter filters light from the light source to produce light of desired wavelengths and the array of light modulators simultaneously displays multiple images onto a display plane. Portions of the array of light modulators are designed so that each portion can independently display an image and the light source provides needed light to display the image.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate can contain electronic circuitry for controlling the array of interferometric modulators. The backplate can provide physical support for device components, such as electronic components which can be used to control the state of the display. The backplate can also be utilized as a primary structural support for the device.

Abstract: An optical imaging system including an imaging lens and a spatial light modulator is provided. The imaging system has an aperture stop position. The spatial light modulator is disposed at the aperture stop position of the imaging system to serve as a pupil of the imaging lens. The spatial light modulator is adapted to modulate the light transmission rate of the spatial light modulator to change an amplitude and a phase of a light intensity of the pupil.

Abstract: A reflective element assembly for a vehicular mirror assembly includes a front substrate, a rear substrate, an electro-optic medium disposed between the front and rear substrates and a transmission-reducing thin film coating established at the fourth surface of the rear substrate. A window is established through the transmission-reducing thin film coating and is substantially devoid of the thin film coating at a location where a sensor is disposed behind the reflective element and having a field of view through the reflective element and through the window. A portion of the transmission-reducing thin film coating at and around the window locally varies in physical thickness, with a minimum physical thickness of the thin film coating being closest to the window and with the physical thickness of the thin film coating generally increasing to a generally maximum physical thickness of the thin film coating at a distance from the window.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices, systems and techniques for producing asynchronous delta-sigma modulated output signals from an optical input signal. In some examples, a modulator may include a first inverted integrator for producing a first integrated optical signal based on the optical input signal. Example modulators may also include a second inverted integrator for producing a second integrated optical signal based on the first integrated optical signal. Example modulators may also include an optical quantizer for producing an optical output signal based, at least in part, on the second integrated optical signal.

Abstract: An optical system having an input surface configured to receive an input optical signal having a polarization, and a polarization changer comprising the input surface and configured to generate two orthogonal polarization components from the input optical signal. The polarization changer also changes a direction of the polarization of the input optical signal in a controlled manner as a function of time while maintaining coherence of the two orthogonal polarization components in order to reduce stimulated Brillion scattering.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reconfigurable spatial light modulator capable of spatially modulating an incident wavefront responsive to an image formed on the modulator. A light source is configured to direct a coherent illumination light beam towards the modulator such that the modulator produces a modulated outgoing light beam therefrom. A filter is configured to spatially filter a light pattern formed by the outgoing light beam on a plane to selectively transmit light from a plurality of diffraction peaks therein.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion laser light source includes: an element temperature switching section that switches a temperature of the wavelength conversion element according to a harmonic wave output value as set in an output setting device, and the element temperature switching section for switching a temperature of a wavelength conversion element according to a harmonic wave output level as set in the output setting device, wherein the element temperature switch section includes an element temperature holding section that holds the wavelength conversion element at the temperature as switched by the element temperature switching section.

Abstract: An electro-optic display comprising at least two separate layers of electro-optic material, with one of these layers being capable of displaying at least one optical state which cannot be displayed by the other layer. The display is driven by a single set of electrodes between which both layers are sandwiched, the two layers being controllable at least partially independently of one another. Another form of the invention uses three different types of particles within a single electrophoretic layer, with the three types of particles being arranged to shutter independently of one another.

Abstract: A dimming mirror comprises an array of interferometric light modulators is disclosed. In one embodiment of the invention, the dimming mirror comprises a plurality of interferometric light modulators and a control circuit adapted to configure the plurality of interferometric light modulators to at least one of a plurality of predefined states, including a first state having a substantially reflective appearance and a second state having a dimmed visual appearance as contrasted with the first state. Additional features may include additional states having an appearance with a dimmed visual appearance as contrasted with the first state and a reflective appearance as contrasted with the second state.

Abstract: A laser light source having a semiconductor laser light source which emits a laser beam, a laser medium excited by the semiconductor laser light source to emit light, two reflectors configured to work as a resonator to confine the light emitted by the laser medium, and a holder which holds the laser medium, wherein stress is generated in the laser medium formed of a ceramic material situated in the resonator so as to control a polarization direction of the light emitted by the laser medium.

Abstract: A multi-view display (49) is arranged to provide large viewing zones (23, 24) while producing little or no cross-talk. The display may include a barrier (20) comprising a plurality of colour portions (20a, 20b, 20c) that co-operate with colour filters (19a-19f) in a display panel (14) to selectively direct light to the viewing zones (23, 24). A lenticular screen (30) may be arranged to create or image light lines onto imaging units (32a, 32f) of the display panel (14) that are spaced from one another, so that adjacent units (32a, 32f) are illuminated by light from different lenses (30a, 30b, 30c), directed towards different viewing zones (23, 24). A light source (35) may generate the light at positions aligned with boundaries between adjacent lenses (30a, 30b, 30c).