Abstract: A metal film (12) is formed on the surface of a glass substrate (10) and etched to form a pair of electrodes (12a and 12b) which face each other with a certain gap therebetween (S11˜S13). The substrate (10) is doped with germanium, etc, by using the electrodes (12a and 12b) as a mask to form a core part (14, S14). Then a high voltage is applied between the electrodes while ultraviolet radiation is applied and the core part (14) is subjected to ultraviolet-driven boring to give the optical nonlinearity to the core part (14, S15). The voltage application to the core part (14) having the optical nonlinearity is controlled to control a light transmitting through the core part (14).

Abstract: An optical pulse observing device enables the clear observation of indirect laser light of pulse laser light. The optical pulse observing device to be used by a user for observing pulse illumination light directly or indirectly, includes an optical shutter means that operates for alternate opening and closing in synchronism with periodic pulses of the pulse laser light so as to open only during the duration of pulses of the pulse laser light to pass pulse laser light and external light.

Abstract: A photocatalytic colored member includes a laminate formed by laminating a plurality of thin-film layers of photocatalytic material and a plurality of thin-film layers of support material, with vacant layers formed such that they are open to the outside on the rear surface side of the thin-film layers of photocatalytic material.

Abstract: A photonic crystal device including a method of forming the photonic crystal device is provided wherein the photonic crystal device comprises a first medium having a thickness and periodically defining a plurality of periodically spaced concave portions. The concave portions having a depth less than the thickness of the first medium. A second medium fills the concave portions. One layer of the device, including both the first and second medium, acts as an optical waveguide layer, or photonic crystal. Another layer is at least partially formed from the first medium, such that the first and second layers share a common medium. A method of forming the photonic crystal device including the steps of applying a resist layer to a first medium, removing portions of the resist layer and corresponding portions of the first medium to form vacancies, and filling the vacancies with a second medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modulating light, wherein a light source provides light of a certain wavelength to be modulated by a layer of superconducting material which forms part of a specifically configured plate assembly. The superconducting layer is placed in the optical path of the light source. Further the superconducting layer is switched between a partially transparent non-superconducting state and a substantially non-transparent superconducting state by a modulation circuit. The resulting optical pulses transmitted through the superconducting layer are converted from the original wavelength to a lower wavelength by a frequency converting device.

Abstract: An electrophoretic display device exhibiting a memory characteristic, i.e., capable of holding a display state even after removal of an applied voltage, is provided by introducing a mechanism that colored electrophoretic particles are retained in position for display in the absence of an electric field. For the purpose, at least one of a pair of substrates holding therebetween colored electrophoretic particles together with an insulating liquid is provided with a magnetism by disposing a magnetic material on or in the substrate together with the use of magnetized colored electrophoretic particles so as to retain the colored electrophoretic particles in position under the action of a magnetic Coulomb force exerted by the magnetized substrate.

Abstract: A second-order nonlinear optical material comprises a glass body poled from a first direction and a second direction, which differ from each other, so that the glass body exhibits little birefringence relative to a beam being propagated in a third direction substantially vertical to said first direction and said second direction, respectively, wherein said glass body comprises a major proportion of SiO2 and a minor proportion of germanium. A method for making the material, and optical modulator devices comprising the material are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electromagnetic beam polarizer system which provides a sequential combination of a Brewster Angle and other than Brewster Angle polarizer system in combination with reflective mirrors, which elements are arranged in any functional order. The electromagnetic beam polarizer system is more compact than multiple Brewster angle polarizer systems, and demonstrates a high extinction coefficient between electromagnetic radiation beam orthogonal components in use.

Abstract: An optical processor comprising, a semiconductor saturable absorber; a current source for injecting a current to the semiconductor saturable absorber; a signal light introducer for introducing a signal light to the saturable absorber; a control light introducer for introducing a control light having a wavelength not longer than the wavelength of the signal light into the semiconductor saturable absorber; an assist light introducer for introducing an assist light having a wavelength longer than the wavelength of the signal light into the semiconductor saturable absorber; and a signal light extractor for extracting the signal light after treatment by the semiconductor saturable absorber.

Abstract: A time domain communications system wherein a broadband of time-spaced signals, essentially monocycle-like signals, are derived from applying stepped-in-amplitude signals to a broadband antenna, in this case, a reverse bicone antenna. When received, the thus transmitted signals are multiplied by a D.C. replica of each transmitted signal, and thereafter, they are, successively, short time and long time integrated to achieve detection.

Abstract: A method of inducing or enhancing the electro-optic properties of an optically transmissive material such as an optical fiber (1) which comprises applying an electric field by means of electrodes (4) to the optical fiber and subjecting the material to UV radiation (9).

Abstract: A light control element comprising a light control layer containing an electron donating organic compound and an electron accepting organic compound and means for applying an external electric field having an intensity less than a value which is required to cause phase transition in the light control layer to the layer, wherein charge transfer excitons are produced in application of the external electric field.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modulating light, wherein a light source provides light of a certain wavelength to be modulated. A light modulating device is placed in the optical path of the light source. The resulting optical pulses transmitted through the light modulating device are converted from the original wavelength to a lower wavelength by a frequency converting device.

Abstract: Disclosed is an organic thin film device having an organic thin film consisting of a mixed-stacked charge-transfer complex, wherein the organic thin film contains n species of donor molecule D.sub.1 . . . D.sub.n and m species of acceptor molecule A.sub.1 . . . A.sub.m and forms mixed crystal represented by (D.sub.1).sub.x1 . . . (D.sub.n).sub.xn -(A.sub.1).sub.y1 . . . (A.sub.m).sub.ym and the combinations of a donor molecule and an acceptor molecule consist of a group forming ionic complex crystal and a group forming neutral complex crystal.

Abstract: A vibration detection assembly is described which includes an emitter of light which has object and reference beams, the object beam reflected off of a vibrating object of interest; and a photorefractive substance having a given response time and which passes the reflected object beam and the reference beam, the reference beam and the object beam interfering within the photorefractive substance to create a space charge field which develops within the response time of the photorefractive substance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modulating light, wherein a light source provides light of a certain wavelength to be modulated by a layer of superconducting material which forms part of a specifically configured plate assembly. The superconducting layer is placed in the optical path of the light source. Further the superconducting layer is switched between a partially transparent non-superconducting state and a substantially non-transparent superconducting state by a modulation circuit. The resulting optical pulses transmitted through the superconducting layer are converted from the original wavelength to a lower wavelength by a frequency converting device.

Abstract: A light modulation apparatus having a light shutter element which has an electro-optic effect, such as a PLZT. A pair of electrodes are provided on the light shutter element, and a DC voltage applying circuit is connected to the electrodes. The top surface, where the electric field is applied, exhibits modified electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A viewing device that selectively attenuates light from bright objects, leaving light from dim objects substantially unaffected. The invention comprises an array of optical systems each of which contains one or more focusing elements which focus an image of the object field onto a focal plane, and one or more eyepiece elements for viewing portions of the focused image. The optical systems in the array are aligned to permit the viewed portions to be seen coherently to form a composite view of the object field. A photoactive layer is located at the focal plane. The photoactive layer may be a photochromic system that darkens when exposed to intense light and returns to the clear state when the intensity is substantially reduced. The light path through the device is folded using optical elements such as mirrors or prisms to minimize the size of the device. The photoactive layer may be a system of several layers functioning as a light valve.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for and method of simulating an image in real time under turbulent atmospheric conditions. The present invention is realized by expanding a first laser beam using a microscope-objective and a first lens. The expanded light is then projected onto a first LCLV. Light reflecting from the first LCLV is filtered, focused onto a diaphram, polarized, and directed along a path that is around two meters in length. The light is then split into a first beam and a second beam. The first beam is focused onto an optical fiber bundle which is connected to the first LCLV. One end of the optical fiber bundle is rotated with respect to the other end. The second beam is projected upon a second LCLV. A second laser beam is expanded and projected onto a LCTV. The image is provided to the LCTV. The LCTV image is projected onto, and modulated by the second LCLV.

Abstract: A rhodopsin family protein is inserted into an etalon type cavity having partially reflecting mirrors as principal components having a reflectivity of 50% to less than 100% for light having a wavelength in the 650-800 nm region and a transmissivity of 30% or more for light having a wavelength in the 400-600 nm region to form a photo-controlled spatial modulator. By utilizing a change in the refractive index by light of the photo-sensitive protein, near infrared light of a stronger intensity can be controlled by weaker visible light, and the information contained in the light signal on a two-dimension plane can be rapidly controlled by a light signal of weaker intensity of another two-dimension plane by using an optical switch of a simple construction.

Abstract: A surface of a thin film superconductor element is coated with a layer containing pre-selected dye, or multiple dyes, alone or in combination with intermediate reflective coatings (best mode), which, when maintained near T.sub.c, upon exposure to a selected frequency of light acts as a narrow bandwidth absorber to change the resistive property of the underlying superconductor following energy transfer from the dye to the superconductor. The resistance change is electronically detectable to function as a wavelength selective high speed optoelectronic switch or sensor element.

Abstract: A device for viewing an object field containing intense light sources which could be disturbing or harmful to the human eye. Light from the object field is focused at a focal plane located within a layer of photochromic material. An intense light source produces an opaque mask in the photochromic layer. This mask matches the location and shape of the image of the intense light source at the image plane. An eyepiece permits a viewer to view the image plane to obtain an image of the object field with light from the intense light source dimmed by the opaque mask in the photochromic layer.

Abstract: By forming quantum well (QW) structures with two different heterojunctions having different band offsets it is possible to form QWs having, when subjected to optical excitation, dipoles. The presence of a dipole in a narrow enough well results in QWs having absorption edges which, unlike those of conventional QWs can be shifted to the blue by application of an electric field of appropriate polarity.

Abstract: A photographic optical system for substantially eliminating non-contact interference fringes in a photographic film comprises: (a) a source of polarized electromagnetic radiation, the radiation being characterized by a wavelength and an incident polarization angle; and (b) a photographic film capable of optical communication with the source and serving to transmit or reflect a portion of the radiation, the film comprising a silver halide emulsion layer on a birefringent support, the support being characterized by a thickness, an emulsion layer interface, an air interface, and birefringence that is dependent on the wavelength of the radiation; wherein the radiation wavelength and incident polarization angle and the support thickness and birefringence are selected such that radiation which penetrates the film and reflects from the air interface exits the support at the emulsion layer interface polarized at an angle substantially perpendicular to the incident polarization angle; whereby the photographic film may

Abstract: Total internal light spatial light modulation apparatus includes a light source for projecting infrared light; a prism for reflecting the projected light from an internal surface therein; and an array of pixel posts made of electrostrictive material and positioned proximate a back face of the internal surface for selectively eliminating pixel areas of reflection of the projected light to form an image thereby. A multiplexer is provided to select a set of pixel posts to be electrically charged which corresponds with the image, and electrical contacts are formed on each pixel post no permit electrical charging of each selected pixel post.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical element for use in a light-light switching element or optical memory element of an optical information system which is controlled by a control light. The nonlinear optical element comprises an optical active layer having dielectric samples or semiconductor samples which cause a nonlinear optical effect, wherein their shapes and sizes are selected so that the electric field of exciton resonance energy in the sample increases in resonance with size of the sample.

Abstract: A spatially graded optical switch is described which comprises a transparent substrate, a layer of optically switchable material deposited on the substrate and having optical thickness which is a preselected function of radial distance from the center of the substrate, and electrical or thermal means for switching the material between an OFF state characterized by high transmission (or reflection) and an ON state at which transmission (or reflection) is attenuated smoothly with radius across the switch, according to a preselected profile, from substantially zero at the center to about 100% at the outer edge.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for measuring the temperature of an object from infrared radiation emitted by the object. The instrument includes a radiation detector, a temperature indicating device connected to the detector, and a modulator disposed in a path of a radiation beam from the object for converting the beam into a series of pulses when the modulator is vibrated in and out of the path. The modulator includes a primary piezoelectric element adapted to vibrate when subjected to driving signals at a frequency related to the resonant frequency of the modulator, and a secondary piezoelectric element connected with and driven by the primary piezoelectric element. The secondary piezoelectric element is electrically insulated from the primary piezoelectric element. The modulator also includes a blocking element connected with the secondary piezoelectric element and disposed to move in and out of the path of the beam.

Abstract: An optical filter device comprised of two parallel arrays of lenses. Each lens in the first array faces a lens in the second array to form a pixel. Lens pairs in a pixel are separated by the sum of their focal distances and include in their common focal surface a "smart" layer for modulating light passing through the focal surface. Preferred embodiments include car rear view mirrors, sunglasses, glasses for night driving, laser goggles, nuclear goggles, sun visors, sun shields, windshields, space suit helmet visors, optical instrument protection devices, window filters and energy conservation devices.

Abstract: A nonlinear optical element for use in a light-light switching element or optical memory element of an optical information system which is controlled by a control light. The nonlinear optical element comprises an optical active layer having dielectric samples or semiconductor samples which cause a nonlinear optical effect, wherein their shapes and sizes are selected so that the electric field of exciton resonance energy in the sample increases in resonance with the size of the sample.

Abstract: A waveguide optical device having a guide member for propagation of light in a longitudinal direction. The guide member has upper and lower boundaries. A mass of birefringent material is disposed proximal to the guide member. The birefringent material has molecular dipoles subject to alignment by an imposed electrical field. The birefringent mass is overlapped by the optical field of the propagated light. An upper electrode is disposed in spaced relation to the birefringent mass. A lower electrode is disposed in spaced relation to the guide member. The electrodes have the capability of imposing an alternating current voltage across the birefringent mass to rotate the molecular dipoles of the birefringent mass in a plane defined by the normal to the guide member and the propagation vector of the light.

Abstract: An optical power limiting device whose transmissibility within a wave length range that is of interest is a function of the intensity of the incident radiation, the detuning of the resonance of surface plasmons being utilized. The device is particularly suitable for the protection of IR-detectors against the incidence of high radiation intensities.

Abstract: A non-linear optical crystal vibration sensing device (10) including a photorefractive crystal (26) and a laser (12). The laser (12 ) produces a coherent light beam (14) which is split by a beam splitter (18) into a first laser beam (20) and a second laser beam (22). After passing through the crystal (26) the first laser beam (20) is counter-propagated back upon itself by a retro-mirror (32), creating a third laser beam (30). The laser beams (20, 22, 30) are modulated, due to the mixing effect within the crystal (26) by vibration of the crystal (30). In the third laser beam (30), modulation is stable and such modulation is converted by a photodetector (34) into a usable electrical output, intensity modulated in accordance with vibration applied to the crystal (26).

Abstract: A semi-conducting structure delimits two quantal wells (CP1, CP2) connected across a barrier layer (CB). The application of an electric field to the structure makes possible the transfer of electrons from one of the wells to the other. The electron-hole pairs are created by a wave-pump, or by the doping of one of the wells. This makes possible, in particular, a dual control by means of the wave-pump and the electric field, thus creating an "AND"-function modulator.

Abstract: A color image display apparatus includes: an image recording medium comprising a recording layer capable of selectively forming a light-scattering state and a transparent state, and a color filter having a pattern of plural color segments operatively associated with the recording layer, a light source, a viewing position, and display means for selectively sending to the viewing position a colored optical image composed of scattered light having passed through the recording layer. The display means may include direction means for directing light from the light source to be incident to the recording layer in a direction not normal to the recording layer.

Abstract: An optical shutter-camera includes a first optical unit, a deflecting unit, and a second optical unit. The first optical unit receives image rays from a subject and outputs first optical image rays to form a first optical image of the subject. The deflecting unit includes a deflection member and a pumping unit. The deflection member is a nonlinear optical material whose refractive index is varied by beam radiation. The pumping unit radiates a pumping beam having a variable intensity to a required region of the deflection member and varies the refractive index of the required region to variably deflect optical paths of the first optical image rays. The deflection unit is positioned so that a deflection center of the optical paths of the first optical image rays, formed when the variable intensity-pumping beam in incident on the deflection member, substantially agree with a position where the first optical image is formed.

Abstract: An optical voltage sensor utilizing an electrooptic polymer is disclosed for application to electric power distribution systems. The sensor, which can be manufactured at low cost in accordance with a disclosed method, measures voltages across a greater range than prior art sensors. The electrooptic polymer, which replaces the optical crystal used in prior art sensors, is sandwiched directly between two high voltage electrodes. Voltage is measured by fiber optical means, and no voltage division is required. The sample of electrooptic polymer is fabricated in a special mold and later mounted in a sensor housing. Alternatively, mold and sensor housing may be identical. The sensor housing is made out of a machinable polymeric material and is equipped with two opposing optical windows. The optical windows are mounted in the bottom of machined holes in the wall of the mold. These holes provide for mounting of the polarizing optical components and for mounting of the fiber optic connectors.

Abstract: An organic thin film element is disclosed which has an organic thin film consisting of a mixed stacked charge-transfer complex of donor and acceptor molecules, wherein the organic thin film is made neutral by forming the mixed stacked charge-transfer complex which is ionic under the bulk state into a thin film.

Abstract: A device for modulating light, wherein a layer of material having a superconducting state is placed in the optical path of a light source and is switched between transparent, non-superconducting and non-transparent, superconducting states by a modulation circuit, thereby providing optical data modulation. A cooling device is provided to maintain the layer of material in its superconducting state. The light source is maintained at a constant optical output which reduces spectral dispersion.

Abstract: A non-linear optical material consists essentially of 3-(2-thienyl)-1-(4-methylphenyl)propene-3-one represented by the formula (I) ##STR1## A non-linear optical device contains an organic compound disposed in a light beam. The organic compound is represented by the formula (I) and has a crystal in which a space group determined by the X-ray analytical method is P2.sub.1.

Abstract: A transient optical element is created by providing a body of a third order non-linear material and then passing a pulse of light through the body of non-linear material. The pulse of light has a cross-sectional area corresponding to the cross-sectional area of the transient optical element to be created and power sufficient to induce an index of refraction change over the portion of the body of non-linear material through which it passes. The portion of the body of non-linear material having the induced index of refraction change constitutes the transient optical element with the duration of the transient optical element depending on the response time of the non-linear material and the duration of pulse of light. Typical optical elements that can be so created include prisms, lenses, gratings, mirrors, beamsplitters and wave guides. By forming a plurality of optical elements within the third order non-linear material rather than simply a single optical element, a transient optical circuit can be created.

Abstract: A thermal lensing material deflects a signal laser beam in accordance with he changing intensity of a contol beam. The intensity of the control laser beam creates a thermal lense effect to vary the refractive index of the crystal to responsively displace the signal laser beam. The relative orientations of the beams to the crystal and the degree to which the two laser beams are parallel to the optic axis also may be introduced as variables to effect the degree of displacement of the signal laser beam.

Abstract: Disclosed are an organic nonlinear optical material comprising a 4-nitrophenylaminoacetaldehyde acetal represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## and a polymeric organic nonlinear optical material comprising an acetalized polyvinyl alcohol having the above-mentioned 4-nitrophenylaminoacetaldehyde acetal as the side chain.

Abstract: An optical modulation method and apparatus uses superconductive oxide material for the optical modulation element. The current, magnetic field, temperature or pressure applied to the superconductive oxide material is varied so as to induce a superconduction-normalconduction transition, and the resulting variation in optical characteristics such as the reflectivity, transmissivity or refractive index of the superconductive oxide material modulate the input light. The method and apparatus are fast in operation and simple in structure. The method and apparatus also detect the variation in the current, magnetic field, temperature or pressure as a change in the reflectivity, transmissivity or refractive index of the superconductive oxide material on the basis of a superconduction-normalconduction transition.

Abstract: A pair of fiber optic cables (12, 14) are connected at one end to a single light emitting diode (10). The second ends of the cables (12, 14) are connected to a first end of a polarized polyvinylidene fluoride film member (16), in a symmetrical relationship on opposite sides of a longitudinal centerline. The second end of the film member (16) includes a triangular recess formed by intersecting 45.degree. edges (82, 84). A beam splitter (18) is positioned in the recess, with opposite end portions, one positioned to receive a beam of light from cable (12) and the other positioned to receive a beam of light from cable (14). The beam splitter redirects the two beams towards each other and towards a diagonal split (72) at the center of the beam splitter (18). A change in length of the film member (16) on one side of the longitudinal centerline will change the phase relationship of the two light beams where they meet at the split (72). A fiber optic cable (20 ) is connected to the beam splitter (118).

Abstract: An electro-optical device comprising a CCD structure having charge wells, the charges therein being controlled by a modulating signal applied to said CCD structure. A multiple quantum well structure having quantum well regions associated with the charge wells of said CCD structure, the charges in the CCD charge wells determining the value of the electric fields at said quantum well regions and, hence, the electro-absorption effects at said quantum well regions. The intensity of an input electromagnetic wave signal directed through said electro-optical device is thereby spatially modulated by the electro-absorption effects at the quantum well regions of the multiple quantum well structure. A novel CCD structure using quantum well regions to form the charge wells thereof can be used as the CCD structure for controlling the electric fields at the multiple quantum well structure.

Abstract: A switchable shield which precludes transmission or receipt of radio frequency or microwave energy. The shield comprises a substrate of highly transmissive material with an active film layer disposed on the substrate. This active film layer is switchable upon heating from a high transmissivity, high resistivity mode which permits transmission or receipt of rf or microwave radiation, to a low transmissivity, low resistivity mode which precludes transmission or receipt of rf or microwave radiation through the shield.

Abstract: An integrated adaptive optics apparatus for processing wavefront errors. In a preferred embodiment, a modified liquid crystal light valve (LCLV) is used as an integrated wavefront sensing and wavefront control system. A remote reference aberrated wavefront 10, passed through the liquid crystal layer and reflected, is then fed-back in part to the rear surface of the liquid crystal light valve 12, after combination with a local reference plane wave 16. The resulting interference pattern is incident on the photosensitive layer 26 of the LCLV, causes commensurate index changes in the liquid crystal layer, and adapts the LCLV for performing aberration correction. In an alternative embodiment, a second laser beam 11 may be predistorted by passing it through the adapted liquid crystal layer in order to compensate in advance for atmospheric path disturbances. The present invention provides an adaptive optics correction system having high spatial resolution.

Abstract: An optical filter device comprises a distributed feedback region and an active region which are arranged in series and coupled optically, and anti-reflection structures which are positioned at both ends of the distributed feedback region and active region thus coupled to be in contact therewith so that a predetermined wavelength of an optical signal is selected from optical signals of, for instance, as much as 60 channels so that a wavelength selection can be performed in a narrow bandwidth of less than approximately 1 to 2 .ANG. and in a wide tuning range of an optical signal wavelength in accordance with a carrier injection thereinto.

Abstract: A single material (not a multi-element structure) spatial light modulator (50) may be written to (30), as well as read out from (80), using light (20). The device has tailorable rise and hold times dependent on the composition and concentration of the molecular species used as the active components. The spatial resolution of this device is limited only by light diffraction as in volume holograms. The device may function as a two-dimensional mask (transmission or reflection) or as a three-dimensional volume holographic medium. This device, based on optically-induced electron transfer, is able to perform incoherent to coherent image conversion or wavelength conversion over a wide spectral range (ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared regions).