Abstract: An optical system in a video probe assembly includes a plurality of lenses configured to refract separate linearly polarized rays under different refractive indexes to form a plurality of different focal lengths. The optical system includes at least one light modulating element that modulates a polarization state of the linearly polarized rays passing through the at least one light modulating element in response to a control signal. The optical system includes a polarizer element that filters out some of the modulated linearly polarized rays passing through the polarizer element. A method of inspecting a target with an optical system of a video probe assembly is also provided.

Abstract: A display apparatus may include a first substrate having one or more unit pixel regions defined and including a driving thin film transistor, a second substrate disposed on the first substrate and facing the first substrate, and a color absorbing layer disposed on the first substrate.

Abstract: Nanophononic metamaterials and methods for reducing thermal conductivity in at least partially crystalline base material are provided, such as for thermoelectric energy conversion. In one implementation, a method for reducing thermal conductivity through an at least partially crystalline base material is provided. In another implementation, a nanophononic metamaterial structure is provided. The nanophononic metamaterial structure in this implementation includes: an at least partially crystalline base material configured to allow a plurality of phonons to move to provide thermal conduction through the base material; and at least one nanoscale locally resonant oscillator coupled to the at least partially crystalline base material.

Abstract: A projection screen includes a substrate and an optical microstructure. The substrate has a projection area for projecting an image onto the projection area. The projection area includes a plurality of arrayed optical regions. Each of the optical regions includes a first and second optical sub-region with optical characteristics of reflective scattering/transmissive scattering/specular reflection and simple transmission, wherein an area of the second optical sub-region is larger than that of the first optical sub-region. The optical microstructure is arranged on the substrate for guiding the light of the image to a specific direction. The above-mentioned projection screen with two or more optical characteristics, for example, can be at the same time as the front projection screen and the rear projection screen, or allows the user to watch background image behind the projection screen. A projection system including the above-mentioned projection screen is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides flash imaging devices that include an optical change component that undergoes a change in response to an applied stimulus, a substrate and a stimulus element. Also provided are articles that include the subject devices, as well as methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A surface plasmon polariton modulator capable of locally varying a physical property of a dielectric material to control a surface plasmon polariton. The surface plasmon polariton modulator includes a dielectric layer, including first and second dielectric portions, which is interposed between two metal layers. The second dielectric portion has a refractive index which varies with an electric field, a magnetic field, heat, a sound wave, or a chemical and/or biological operation applied thereto. The surface plasmon polariton modulator is configured to control one of an advancing direction, an intensity, a phase, or the like of a surface plasmon using an electric signal. The surface plasmon polariton modulator can operate as a surface plasmon polariton multiplexer or a surface plasmon polariton demultiplexer.

Abstract: A tunable PLC optical filter having sequentially connected thermally tunable Mach-Zehnder (MZ) interferometers is described. The cascade of MZ interferometers, each having a free spectral ranges matching ITU frequency grid spacing, are tuned so as to have a common passband centered on the frequency of the signal being selected, while having at least one of the stopbands centered on any other ITU frequency. Any other optical channel that may be present at any other ITU frequency is suppressed as a result. Another MZ interferometer in series with the cascade of interferometers including an asymmetric or variable coupler, is tuned to have low transmission at the center frequency of the selected optical channel.

Abstract: The design method for complex electromagnetic materials is expanded from form-invariant coordinate transformations of Maxwell's equations to finite embedded coordinate transformations. Embedded transformations allow the transfer of electromagnetic field manipulations from the transformation-optical medium to another medium, thereby allowing the design of structures that are not exclusively invisible. A topological criterion for the reflectionless design of complex media is also disclosed and is illustrated in conjunction with the topological criterion to design a parallel beam shifter and a beam splitter with unconventional electromagnetic behavior.

Abstract: A reflection-type light control element according to the present invention is provided with a light control layer configured to exhibit a reversible change between a transparent state and a reflection state in a reversible reaction with a hydrogen and a catalyst layer configured to accelerate the reversible reaction of the light control layer, wherein the reflection-type light control element is such that the light control layer includes an alloy that contains at least one kind of element selected from a group composed of group 2 elements and at least two kinds of elements selected from a group composed of group 3 elements and rare earth elements, or a hydride of the alloy.

Abstract: An opto-electronic integrated circuit includes an optical splitter (12, 13A, 13B) formed on a substrate, the optical splitter branching an input optical signal into N (N is an integer of 2 or more) optical signals, and outputting the optical signals, and N optical phase modulators (15A-15D) formed on the substrate for the respective optical signals output from the optical splitter, the optical phase modulators adjusting the phases of the optical signals based on a phase modulation characteristic in which the phase change amount changes depending on the wavelength of light, and output the optical signals.

Abstract: Optical devices that include one or more structures fabricated from polar-dielectric materials that exhibit surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs), where the SPhPs alter the optical properties of the structure. The optical properties lent to these structures by the SPhPs are altered by introducing charge carriers directly into the structures. The carriers can be introduced into these structures, and the carrier concentration thereby controlled, through optical pumping or the application of an appropriate electrical bias.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for tunable on-fiber Bragg gratings for DWDM and other applications on a small section of the core of single mode communication of an optical fiber. The method comprises etching most of the cladding on a small section of the fiber; coating the etched portion with a metallic electrode material and then with a layer of an electrooptic material; coating the electrooptic material with a photoresist; producing the Bragg grating pattern using a holographic process or on-axis interferometry; dissolving the non-exposed photoresist,; etching the grating pattern into the electrooptic material, and coating the Bragg gratings with a metallic material constructing the outer electrode. The presence of an electric signal on the electrodes will change the optical properties of the electrooptic material, as well as the diffraction/reflection properties of the Bragg gratings.

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.

Abstract: An optical device has a deformable solid substrate, and a two dimensional array of metal particles which is carried by the substrate. The array provides a controlled separation between nearest-neighbour particles. Deformation of the substrate produces corresponding variation in the controlled separation such that the two dimensional array undergoes a transition between metallic and insulator surface reflectance.

Abstract: A microscope has a light source for generating a light beam having a wavelength, ?, and beam-forming optics configured for receiving the light beam and generating a Bessel-like beam that is directed into a sample. The beam-forming optics include an excitation objective having an axis oriented in a first direction. Imaging optics are configured for receiving light from a position within the sample that is illuminated by the Bessel-like beam and for imaging the received light on a detector. The imaging optics include a detection objective having an axis oriented in a second direction that is non-parallel to the first direction. A detector is configured for detecting signal light received by the imaging optics, and an aperture mask is positioned.

Abstract: An electro-absorption modulator includes: a semiconductor substrate; and an n-type InP cladding layer, an AlGaInAs light absorbing layer, an InGaAsP optical waveguide layer, and a p-type InP cladding layer, which are sequentially laminated on the semiconductor substrate. The InGaAsP optical waveguide layer includes a plurality of InGaAsP layers with different constitutions. The energy barrier between valence band edges of the InGaAsP layers is smaller than the energy barrier when the InGaAsP optical waveguide layer includes only one InGaAsP layer.

Abstract: A spatially multiplexed autostereoscopic display is arranged to provide landscape and portrait operation. Multiple optical windows may be provided by spatial and temporal multiplexing techniques. A fast response lens array pair is aligned with a fast response spatial light modulator, and synchronized to provide first and second sets of images with first and second respective directionalities to provide first and second sets of respective optical windows. The first and second sets of optical windows may each comprise two or more optical windows in each viewing lobe. The optical windows may be arranged with an inclination to the vertical of 25 degrees to 65 degrees. An observer tracking system may be arranged to direct left and right eye image data to the left and right eyes of an observer, respectively, for landscape and portrait orientations of the display.

Abstract: A method of determining the surface topology of a reflector for convergence of a beam incident thereupon.

Abstract: Some embodiments provided herein relate to filters for electromagnetic radiation. Some embodiments provided herein relate to phototunable compounds for which at least one optical characteristic can be changed. Some embodiments herein relate to methods of manipulating a wavelength of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A decorative panel (1) comprises a transparent front substrate (2) having a foreground image printed thereon, the foreground image having varying transparency across its area. Behind the foreground image, is at least one layer (3) of optically reflective or absorptive material which has a reflectance or absorptance that is changeable in response to an external stimulus and which transmits incident light that is not reflected or absorbed. Behind the at least on layer of reflective material, is a background layer (4) on which light transmitted by the at least one layer of optically reflective or absorptive material is incident and which is not transparent.

Abstract: An electric-field-sensitive element (1) includes: an optical function layer (5) that includes a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of tin dioxide, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, and an insulating material covering the metal oxide, the optical function layer (5) having a visible light transmittance that changes through application of an electric field; and a first and second electrode layer (7, 9) that sandwich the optical function layer (5) therebetween.

Abstract: A light modulation device includes: an input terminal into which a modulation signal is input; a light modulation element including an anode connected to the input terminal and a cathode that is grounded; a matching resistor connected in parallel with the light modulation element; a matching capacitor connected to the light modulation element and connected in series to the matching resistor; and a protective resistor connected in parallel with the light modulation element, the matching resistor, and the matching capacitor.

Abstract: A system may include a spherical retroreflector that reflects incident light back in substantially the same direction as a light source; and a surface of the spherical retroreflector including a light modulator that modulates incident light from the light source in response to a stimulus and reflects a modulated light, wherein the light modulator is a variably reflecting backing of the spherical retroreflector.

Abstract: A display assembly, comprising: a display device (30); a microlens array (34); and an eye tracker (8), for example a pupil tracker (8), and/or a head tracker; wherein plural pixels (150) or sub-pixels of the display device (30) are provided for each microlens (160) of the microlens array (34). The display may be adapted such that only certain pixels/sub-pixels (150) are activated/selected for any particular determined pupil/eye/head position, for example such that for each microlens (160), only one respective pixel/sub-pixel (150) is activated/selected for any particular determined pupil/eye/head position. The display device (30) may be a transparent display device (30), the microlens array (34) may be a switchable microlens array (34), and the display assembly may further comprise a light blocking device (32) that is switchable between a substantially light blocking state and a substantially light passing state.

Abstract: A plasmonic modulator and an optical apparatus including the same are provided. The plasmonic modulator includes a first metal layer, and a second metal layer facing the first metal layer. The plasmonic modulator further includes a refractive index varying layer disposed between the first and second metal layers and including a varying refractive index, and an insulating nitride layer disposed between the refractive index varying layer and the first metal layer.

Abstract: An optical plate includes a substrate and a resonator structure formed on or in the substrate, wherein the resonator structure is configured to produce an abrupt change in phase, amplitude and/or polarization of incident radiation.

Abstract: A light modulation device comprising an optical element and at least one addressable mask disposed adjacent to the optical element. The optical element comprises at least two sub-elements, each of the at least two sub-elements having at least one optical characteristic wherein at least one optical characteristic of one sub-element is discrete from at least one optical characteristic of another sub-element. The mask comprises at least two regions corresponding to the at least two sub-elements, each of the at least two regions being individually addressable to enable its corresponding sub-element to be light transmitting.

Abstract: An optical device includes: a base that transmits incident light; and a first conductive film formed on one surface of the base, and that includes an indentation pattern of a predetermined period formed on a base-side surface, wherein a side portion defining an edge portion irradiated with the incident light has a form of a protrusion or a straight line as viewed from the incident side of the incident light.

Abstract: A surface plasmon polariton modulator capable of locally varying a physical property of a dielectric material to control a surface plasmon polariton. The surface plasmon polariton modulator includes a dielectric layer, including first and second dielectric portions, which is interposed between two metal layers. The second dielectric portion has a refractive index which varies with an electric field, a magnetic field, heat, a sound wave, or a chemical and/or biological operation applied thereto. The surface plasmon polariton modulator is configured to control one of an advancing direction, an intensity, a phase, or the like of a surface plasmon using an electric signal. The surface plasmon polariton modulator can operate as a surface plasmon polariton multiplexer or a surface plasmon polariton demultiplexer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a display device including a display section configured to display an image and a light source device for emitting light for displaying the image to the display section. The light source device includes a first light source for applying first illumination light, and a light guide plate having a plurality of scattering areas, the light guide plate emitting the first illumination light applied from a direction of a side of the light guide plate to an outside by scattering the first illumination light in the plurality of scattering areas, and a light scattering characteristic is added to the scattering areas by forming a plurality of depression and projection shapes in surfaces of the scattering areas or dispersing a light scattering material in the scattering areas, and density of the depression and projection shapes or concentration of the light scattering material in the scattering areas changes according to position.

Abstract: A display device includes a light source module, a first light modulation module, a first polarizer layer, and a first color modulation layer. The light source module generates a first color light that is polarized to the first light modulation module, wherein the first light modulation module selectively modulates the polarization direction of the first color light. The first polarizer layer then receives the first color light and selectively blocks, partially blocks, or does not block the first color light from passing through. The first color modulation layer receives the first color light and generates a second color light.

Abstract: A photonic integrated circuit and related method are presented. A photonic integrated circuit comprises a source of radiation, one or more optical amplifiers, a transceiver, and optical waveguides. The optical waveguides couple light between the source of radiation, the one or more optical amplifiers, and the transceiver. The one or more optical amplifiers are configured to increase an optical power of the light up to at least 10 mW. The photonic integrated circuit may be used to perform laser Doppler velocimeter type measurements.

Abstract: An optical imaging system includes a birefringent element, a light modulating element, and a polarizer element. The birefringent element is configured for decomposing un-polarized light into first linear polarized light and second linear polarized light under different refractive indexes to respectively form a first focal length and a second focal length in the optical imaging system. The light modulating element is configured for modulating a state of polarization of the first and second linear polarized light in response to control signals. The polarizer element is configured for filtering out one of the modulated first and second linear polarized light for creating a single image.

Abstract: An optical clock comprises a laser oscillator and modulating means arranged to cooperate with the laser oscillator to produce a series a series of phase-modulated optical pulses. The optical clock further comprises an optical fiber arranged to provide compression of the optical pulses, and may also comprise a step-recovery diode arranged to pulse-pick pulses output from the fiber to produce a series of optical clock pulses, depending on the mode of operation of the modulating means. Phase-modulation is carried out a frequency which provides sufficient linewidth broadening to inhibit stimulated Brillouin scattering within the optical fiber. An optical clock of the invention provides a robust and reliable alternative to clocks based on modelocked lasers, and may be assembled from inexpensive, commonly-available components. The repetition rate of a clock of the invention may easily be adjusted by electronic means. Unlike many modelocked lasers, a clock of the invention does not require precise optical alignment.

Abstract: Variations of the techniques, systems, devices, and methods discussed herein pertain to a pixel-level mask for a photo-detector. Such a mask may have a layer of reconfigurable phase-change material (PCM) configured to vary between a first refractive index and a second refractive index. Such a PCM layer may be divided into individual pixel areas such that each individual pixel area may be set to have the first refractive index or the second refractive index. The PCM layer may be disposed on a photo-detector such that incident radiation detected by the photo-detector must pass through the PCM layer in order to be detected. The mask may also include or otherwise be operably connected to a PCM controller that can control the refractive index of an individual pixel area or a group of pixel areas aggregated into a superpixel.

Abstract: A surface plasmon polariton modulator capable of locally varying a physical property of a dielectric material to control a surface plasmon polariton. The surface plasmon polariton modulator includes a dielectric layer, including first and second dielectric portions, which is interposed between two metal layers. The second dielectric portion has a refractive index which varies with an electric field, a magnetic field, heat, a sound wave, or a chemical and/or biological operation applied thereto. The surface plasmon polariton modulator is configured to control one of an advancing direction, an intensity, a phase, or the like of a surface plasmon using an electric signal. The surface plasmon polariton modulator can operate as a surface plasmon polariton multiplexer or a surface plasmon polariton demultiplexer.

Abstract: A reflective display device including: a substrate; a reflective layer on the substrate and configured to reflect light incident on the reflective layer; a color filter layer on the reflective layer; and an optical shutter layer on the color filter layer. Each pixel of a plurality of pixels of the reflective display device includes a plurality of sub-pixels and each sub-pixel includes the substrate, the reflective layer, the color filter layer, and the optical shutter layer, and for each pixel, the color filter layer includes a plurality of color filter elements corresponding to colors respectively obtained by the plurality of sub-pixels.

Abstract: An optically powered optical modulator comprises an optical modulation component, such as an electro-optical modulator, acousto-optic modulator or magneto-optic modulator, in combination with one or two lens assemblies positioned at one or both apertures of the optical modulation component, so that the optical modulator formed by the combination of the lens assembly or assemblies and the optical modulation component has optical focus power.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for modulating and displaying optical effects, comprising a lighting device (BV) and at least one displaying object (DO) located outside the lighting device, wherein the lighting device (BV) comprises at least one input polarization unit (POE) for influencing polarization, in particular in a location-dependent manner, and at least one modulation unit (OME) for influencing polarization and/or retardance, in particular in a time-dependent and/or location-dependent manner, and wherein the displaying object (DO) comprises at least one object retarder unit (POB) for influencing retardance, in particular in a location-dependent and/or time-dependent manner, the at least one object retarder unit being suitable for reversibly or irreversibly impressing a piece of image information, and an output polarization unit (PE), and wherein the modulated light (Sout) exiting the lighting device (BV) hits the object retarder unit (POB) in order to interact there with the piece of image informat

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a metamaterial including a first conducting layer, a second conducting layer, and a dielectric layer located between the first conducting layer and the second conducting layer. Each conducting layer has holes formed therethrough, for example as an array of holes formed through the metamaterial. The holes are configured so that the metamaterial has a gradient refractive index at an operational wavelength. The operational wavelength may be an IR or visible wavelength. The apparatus may be an optical element, and for example may have the functionality of a lens or prism through the gradient refractive index. Interfaces may be parallel planar interfaces.

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 laminated glazing comprising an SPD ply comprising a suspended particle device having a low light transmission off-state and a high light transmission on-state, at least one interlayer ply comprising an interlayer material, and at least one glazing ply is disclosed. The interlayer material has been dried to a predetermined moisture content to increase the time over which the suspended particle device is switchable between the low light transmission off-state and the high light transmission on-state. Use of a dried interlayer to increase the time over which an SPD film is switchable between a low light transmission off-state and a high light transmission on-state is also disclosed. Additionally a process for producing the aforementioned laminated glazing is disclosed. It has been found that the moisture content of the interlayer material is a factor in determining the switching characteristics over time of an SPD film incorporated into a laminated glazing.

Abstract: A method of generating a photoluminescence map for an indium gallium nitride (InGaN) well can include presenting data on a pixel by pixel basis. The data can be generated as a function of emission wavelength, line width of emission, polarization of emission, and intensity of emission. The data can also be generated as a function of excitation polarization and polarization angle orientation with respect to film crystalline axes of the InGaN well. The data can also be generated as a function of multiple wavelengths of light to generate the photoluminescence map. The photoluminescence maps can be correlated to device internal quantum efficiency as measured in test devices. The resulting correlation maps can serve as line monitors of indium rich InGaN wafers used for green LEDs.

Abstract: An optical deflection apparatus includes a signal light source configured to emit signal light having one or more wavelengths, a control light source configured to emit control light having a wavelength different from the wavelength of the signal light, a thermal lens forming optical element including a light absorption layer configured to transmit the signal light and selectively absorb the control light, and a beam-condensing unit configured to cause beam-condensation of the control light and the signal light at different convergence points in the light absorption layer.

Abstract: A tinted mirror which has been treated to reflect a modified image of skin is used to allow a subject to consider a potential change of the appearance of his/her skin, which would follow from the application of a cosmetic product such as self-tanning product. The mirror may be tinted with a brown hue so as to reflect an image that corresponds to the change of coloration of skin after the application of a self-tanning product. The invention may be used in beauty parlor or supermarket aisle to help a subject visualize the potential effect of a self-tanning product on his/her skin.

Abstract: An active chiral photonic metamaterial having a dynamically controllable photonic material parameter is employed in a system and a method of polarization rotation. The active chiral photonic metamaterial includes a first chiral photonic element formed in a first metal layer, a second chiral photonic element formed in a second metal layer, and an active material layer disposed between the first and second metal layers. The active material layer includes the photonic material parameter that is dynamically controllable. A coupling between the first chiral photonic element and the second chiral photonic element is a function of the photonic material parameter of the active material layer. The system further includes a means for controlling the dynamically controllable photonic material parameter. The method includes illuminating the active chiral photonic metamaterial with an optical signal and applying a control signal to vary the dynamically controllable photonic material parameter.

Abstract: Green electrochromic (EC) materials based on thiophene, and a green EC material based on pyrazine are disclosed. A first thiophene derivative (2,3-Di-thiophen-2-yl-thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine), which was previously investigated as a nonlinear optical material, is here disclosed for its use as an EC material and for its incorporation into an EC device. Synthesis of two new thiophene derivatives (2,5-di(thien-2-yl)-3,4-di(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-thiophene and 2,5-(2,3-dihydro-thieno[3,4-b][1,4]dioxin-5-yl)-3,4-di(2,2,2-trifluoro-ethoxy)-thiophene), and a new pyrazine derivative (2,3-dibenzyl-5,7-di(thien-2-yl) thieno[3,4-b]pyrazine) are also disclosed, since these materials are all able to selectively change state to appear a green color and can be polymerized to achieve a green EC polymer.

Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.

Abstract: Dynamically reconfigurable holograms with electronically erasable programmable intermediate layers are disclosed. An example apparatus includes first nanowires, each of the first nanowires having protuberances along a length thereof. The example apparatus also includes second nanowires arranged approximately perpendicular to the first nanowires, the protuberances of the first nanowires being approximately parallel to corresponding ones of the second nanowires. In addition, a layer is disposed between the first and second nanowires. The layer is to control refractive indices at nanowire intersections at intersecting ones of the first and second nanowires.

Abstract: A near-eye display projects virtual images from an image generator to an eyebox within which the virtual images can be seen by a viewer. A first optical path conveys image-bearing light from the image generator to a selectively reflective powered optic and a second optical path conveys the image-bearing light along a line of sight from the selectively reflective powered optic to the eyebox. First and second selectively reflective surfaces fold the first optical path with respect to the second optical path to locate the image generator out of the line of sight to the eyebox. The image generator is effectively inclined to the line of sight to the eyebox for reducing a thickness of the near-eye display. The selectively reflective powered optic is oriented normal to local overlapping portions of the first and second optical paths at the selectively reflective powered optic.