Abstract: The present invention is directed to a temperature detecting element including base materials provided with substrates and electrodes arranged on the substrates, and a temperature detector arranged to electrically contact the electrodes on the substrates, in which a change in an electromagnetic wave absorbing property (light-absorbing property) and a change in an electrical property (resistance value) corresponding to a temperature change of the temperature detector are reversible. The temperature detecting element is easily stored and managed before use, and a temperature change in a temperature management environment can be accurately detected.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include methods for producing an output laser beam having two or more angularly deflected laser beams (e.g., for irradiating a sample in a flow stream) with a predetermined intensity profile. Systems for practicing the subject methods having a laser, an acousto-optic device, a radiofrequency generator and a controller for adjusting the amplitude of the radiofrequency drive signals to produce an output laser beam of angularly deflected laser beams with a predetermined intensity profile are also described.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates generally to the use of thermally induced self-assembly of surfactants, such as poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) or 4-octylphenol polyethoxylate, to vary the transparency or opacity of a composition containing the same. The compositions of the present subject matter can be used in smart window technologies.

Abstract: A method for adjusting a focal length of a liquid lens is related. The liquid lens includes a sealed shell, a liquid material, a transparent carbon nanotube structure within the liquid material, and a first electrode and a second electrode. A voltage is applied to the carbon nanotube structure to cause rapid heating, which is transferred to the liquid material to change the density thereof, and the refractive index of the liquid material is thus changed. Thus, the focal length of the liquid lens is changed.

Abstract: An optical scanning device comprises a waveguide array, a first adjusting element, a plurality of phase shifters, a second adjusting element, and a control circuit. When light emitted from the waveguide array forms a light spot on a virtual plane that is spaced apart from the waveguide array, the control circuit causes the light spot to move in first and second directions such that the distance of movement of the light spot from start to finish of scanning of a target region is greater in first one of the first and second directions than in second one of the first and second directions.

Abstract: A spectral encoder includes a thin layer of lossy dielectric material whose thickness varies transversely from 0 to a thickness of about ?/4n (e.g., <100 nm), where ? is the wavelength of incident radiation and n is the dielectric material's refractive index. The dielectric layer reflects (and/or transmits) light at a wavelength that depends on the layer's thickness. Because the dielectric layer's thickness varies, different parts of the dielectric layer may reflect (transmit) light at different wavelengths. For instance, shining white light on a dielectric layer with a linearly varying thickness may produce a rainbow-like reflected (and/or transmitted) beam. Thus, the spectral encoder maps different wavelengths to different points in space. This mapping can be characterized by a transfer matrix which can be used to determine the spectrum of radiation incident on the spectral encoder from the spatial intensity distribution of the radiation reflected (and/or transmitted) by the spectral encoder.

Abstract: An optical beam-steering apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes one or more optical waveguides and at least one row of metallic nanoantenna elements overlying and electromagnetically coupled to a respective waveguide. In each such row, individual nanoantenna elements are spaced apart along an optical propagation axis of the waveguide so that there is an optical propagation phase delay between successive pairs of nanoantenna elements along the row. The apparatus also includes a respective single electric heating element in thermal contact with each of the waveguides. Each heating element is arranged to heat, substantially uniformly, at least that portion of its waveguide that directly underlies the corresponding row of nanoantenna elements.

Abstract: An optical phased array formed of a large number of nanophotonic antenna elements can be used to project complex images into the far field. These nanophotonic phased arrays, including the nanophotonic antenna elements and waveguides, can be formed on a single chip of silicon using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Directional couplers evanescently couple light from the waveguides to the nanophotonic antenna elements, which emit the light as beams with phases and amplitudes selected so that the emitted beams interfere in the far field to produce the desired pattern. In some cases, each antenna in the phased array may be optically coupled to a corresponding variable delay line, such as a thermo-optically tuned waveguide or a liquid-filled cell, which can be used to vary the phase of the antenna's output (and the resulting far-field interference pattern).

Abstract: An exterior surface covering has a colored outer layer that transmits infrared radiation and an inner layer with a thermochromic pigment that absorbs heat at low temperature and reflects at high temperatures. The outer layer conceals the color change of the thermochromic pigment.

Abstract: An optical phased array formed of a large number of nanophotonic antenna elements can be used to project complex images into the far field. These nanophotonic phased arrays, including the nanophotonic antenna elements and waveguides, can be formed on a single chip of silicon using complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes. Directional couplers evanescently couple light from the waveguides to the nanophotonic antenna elements, which emit the light as beams with phases and amplitudes selected so that the emitted beams interfere in the far field to produce the desired pattern. In some cases, each antenna in the phased array may be optically coupled to a corresponding variable delay line, such as a thermo-optically tuned waveguide or a liquid-filled cell, which can be used to vary the phase of the antenna's output (and the resulting far-field interference pattern).

Abstract: An optical modulation system includes a metamaterial structure configured to receive and process an input optical signal at at least one operational wavelength, where the metamaterial structure changes between a transmissive state and a non-transmissive state with respect to the optical signal(s) at the operational wavelength(s) in response to an external stimulus applied to the metamaterial structure. An external stimulus source is coupled with the metamaterial structure and is configured to change the metamaterial structure between its transmissive and non-transmissive states by applying selected stimulus pulses to the metamaterial structure. The optical modulation system processes the input optical signal to output a modulated optical signal that modulates in correspondence with the selected pulses applied to the metamaterial structure.

Abstract: Ligand exchange thermochromic systems comprising a. a transition metal ion, iodide; and at least one material capable of minimizing or eliminating yellow color formation in the system, wherein at 25° C. the color coordinate b* value of the system is less than 30.

Abstract: A thermochromic smart window and a method of manufacturing the thermochromic smart window including a glass and a thermochromic layer including a vanadium dioxide material formed on the glass. A thermochromic smart window includes a substrate and a thermochromic layer disposed on the substrate, wherein a slope of a graph of a reflectance of the thermochromic layer is at or between 1 and 2%/° C. at a threshold temperature.

Abstract: A smart window including: a thermochromic or thermotropic transmittance controlling layer; and a heater layer for generating heat in response to an external energy source and for supplying the heat to the transmittance controlling layer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multilayer dielectric optical structure wherein one of the optical materials in the multilayer structure shows an optically isotropic state above and a birefringent state below a characteristic temperature Tc near the room temperature. The optical structure reflects a predetermined wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation above the Tc but allow the same to transmit through below the Tc. The predetermined wavelength can be the near infrared radiation from 700 nm to 2500 nm, and the optical structure rejects solar heat in warm summer days but admits the same to interior on a colder winter day.

Abstract: The optical modulator branches an input light into (2×N) lights in an optical branching section, and then phase modulates each of the branched lights in (2×N) phase modulating sections, and couples the phase modulated lights in an optical coupling section and generates a quadrature amplitude modulated (QAM) signal light having a 4N value. At this time, a relative difference of optical phases of the phase modulated lights is variably adjusted by an optical phase adjusting section. Moreover, a power ratio of the phase modulated lights is variably adjusted with an optical power adjusting section. As a result, it is possible to output 4N QAM signal light, with good signal quality.

Abstract: An interferometer includes an optical beam splitter that splits an input optical signal into a first optical signal propagating in a first optical path comprising free space and a second optical signal propagating in a second optical path comprising a dielectric medium. A differential delay delays the second optical signal relative to the first optical signal by a differential delay time that is proportional to at least one of a temperature and a refractive index of the dielectric medium. A temperature controller in thermal contact with the dielectric medium changes the temperature of the dielectric medium to control at least one of thermal expansion/contraction and a temperature dependent change in the refractive index of the dielectric medium, thereby changing the differential phase delay.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multilayer dielectric optical structure wherein one of the optical materials in the multilayer structure shows an optically isotropic state above and a birefringent state below a characteristic temperature Tc near the room temperature. The optical structure reflects a predetermined wavelength range of electromagnetic radiation above the Tc but allow the same to transmit through below the Tc. The predetermined wavelength can be the near infrared radiation from 700 nm to 2500 nm, and the optical structure rejects solar heat in warm summer days but admits the same to interior on a colder winter day.

Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a semiconducting layer in which is formed a waveguide, a modulator formed across the waveguide comprising a p-doped region to one side and an n-doped region to the other side of the waveguide, wherein at least one of the doped regions extends from the base of a recess formed in the semiconducting layer. In this way, the doped regions can extend further into the semiconducting layer and further hinder escape of charge carriers without the need to increase the diffusion distance of the dopant and incur an additional thermal burden on the device. In an SOI device, the doped region can extend to the insulating layer. Ideally, both the p and n-doped regions extend from the base of a recess, but this may be unnecessary in some designs. Insulating layers can be used to ensure that dopant extends from the base of the recess only, giving a more clearly defined doped region.

Abstract: Systems and methods for driving a display of MEMS devices are disclosed. In one embodiment, a display includes an array comprising a plurality of interferometric modulators, and a driving circuit coupled to said array, said driving circuit configured to provide actuation signals to drive said array based on a temperature of the display. In another embodiment, a method of driving an array having a plurality of interferometric modulators configured into a display is disclosed, where the method includes sensing the temperature at a predetermined location in display, communicating a signal based on the sensed temperature to a display driver, generating an actuation signal to drive said display based on the received signal, and providing the actuation signal to the array.

Abstract: An optical module is configured with a combination of a single-mode oscillating light source and an optical filter. In this optical module, the single-mode oscillating light source outputs a single-mode, frequency-modulated signal. Further, the optical filter converts the frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation. And, the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter are packaged without active alignment on the same substrate. Accordingly, it is possible to realize an optical module in a simple and low-cost configuration by packaging the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter by passive alignment, without active alignment, on the same substrate, and by using a simple optical filter such as a waveguide ring resonator, which converts a frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation.

Abstract: The thermally switched absorptive optical shutter may be a self-regulating “switchable absorber” device that may absorb approximately 100% of incoming light above a threshold temperature, and may absorb approximately 50% of incoming light below a threshold temperature. The shutter may be formed by placing a thermotropic depolarizer between two absorptive polarizers. This control over the flow of radiant energy may occur independently of the thermal conductivity or insulation of the shutter device and may or may not preserve the image and color properties of incoming visible light. This has energy-efficiency implications as it can be used to regulate the internal temperature and illumination of buildings, vehicles, and other structures without the need for an external power supply or operator signals. It also has aesthetic implications since the shutter device has unique optical properties that are not found in traditional windows, skylights, stained glass, light fixtures, glass blocks, bricks, or walls.

Abstract: Ligand exchange of thermochromic, LETC, systems exhibiting a reversible change in absorbance of electromagnetic radiation as the temperature of the system is reversibly changed are described. The described LETC systems include one or more than one transition metal ion, which experiences thermally induced changes in the nature of the complexation or coordination around the transition metal ion(s) and, thereby, the system changes its ability to absorb electromagnetic radiation as the temperature changes. In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a thermochromic system is disclosed comprising a first metal ion and a second metal ion and at least one ligand that complexes with the first metal ion to form a L?MLC and complexes with the second metal ion to form a H?MLC wherein an increase in temperature of the system results in a reversible net increase in its ability to absorb light energy in the 400 nm to 1400 nm range due to the ligand transferring from the first metal ion to the second metal ion.

Abstract: An adaptive optics system is provided. The system includes a light source, a pair of deformable mirrors and a detection module. The light source is configured to provide an outgoing beam. The outgoing beam has an amplitude and a phase. The first deformable mirror is configured to reflect the outgoing beam and adjust its associated amplitude. The second deformable mirror is configured to reflect the outgoing beam reflected from the first deformable mirror and adjust its associated phase. The detection module is configured to detect an incoming beam and the reflected outgoing beam from the second deformable mirror and generate certain signals. The signals are used to control the first and second deformable mirrors such that the amplitude of the outgoing beam is the same as that of the incoming beam and the phase of the outgoing beam is opposite that of the incoming beam.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an illumination device for microscopes which is provided with a halogen lamp with a reflector and a filament extending in direction of the optical axis and a scatter disk and which enables a homogeneous illumination of the visual field without additional optical components.

Abstract: An optical element, optical control device and optical control method are provided which demonstrate a large, rapid optical response using a laser light of low output as a control light. A signal light 1 is emitted from an optical source 1. A signal light 2 emitted from an optical source 2. A control light and the signal light are converged by a condenser lens 7, and irradiate an optical element 8. Only the signal light is detected by a photodetector 22 through a light receiving lens 9 and a wavelength selection filter 20. A thermal lens is formed reversibly in the optical element and switching the control light ON and OFF modulates the intensity of the signal light.

Abstract: A luminous intensity sensor element having a flat disk-shaped element (2) made of material with a high thermal expansion coefficient and of low thermal conductivity, and in turn having, on opposite faces (3, 5), an optically absorbent layer (4) and a reflecting layer (6). On receiving excitation radiation (R), the optically absorbent layer (4) is heated and transmits heat to the flat disk-shaped (2), which in turn is heated internally in spatially nonuniform manner and is deformed together with the superimposed reflecting layer (6). The reflecting layer (6) receives an incident reference layer beam (S) to generate a reflected light beam having optical characteristics (&Dgr;&phgr;) depending on the aforementioned deformation (&Dgr;d) and varying in response to the excitation radiation.

Abstract: A thermo-optic semiconductor device has one semiconductor region providing an optical waveguide and an adjacent semiconductor region providing a resistive heater between two doped regions, current may be passed through the resistive heater within the adjacent semiconductor region to heat it and thereby vary the optical characteristics of the waveguide.

Abstract: A specific polarized light component out of a light wave passed through a magneto-optic crystal (for example YIG) is extracted by a polarizer. The intensity of the light beam output from the polarizer depends on strength and direction of magnetic fields applied to the magneto-optic crystal. The magneto-optic crystal is applied with a first and a second magnetic field acting in directions different from each other and the strength of the composite magnetic field of them is set to exceed a predetermined value at all times. By varying at least one of the first and second magnetic fields, the attenuation factor in the magneto-optic crystal can be changed continuously and with good reproducibility.

Abstract: The invention is an energy efficient, thermochromic device for windows that allows sunlight or solar radiation into a building or structure when the ambient temperature is low and substantially blocks solar radiation when the ambient temperature is high, especially when sunlight is directly on the window. Additionally, the invention is a thermochromic device useful as variable transmission shutters for use in lenses or filters.

Abstract: A laminated body comprising an aqueous solution, in which molecules dissolved in water aggregate upon increasing temperature to demonstrate cloudy light-scattering resulting in decrease in light transmittance, sealed between two substrates which are at least partially transparent to allow direct visibility of said aqueous solution, wherein said aqueous solution comprises 0.5 to 45 parts by weight of an amphipathic substance which exhibits a clouding point, is an oil at room temperature and dissolves uniformly in water at room temperature, dissolved in 100 parts by weight of a solution of 0.5 to 40 parts by weight of an ionic water-soluble polymer or a vinyl-based non-ionic water-soluble polymer exhibiting no clouding point at a temperature of not higher than about 45.degree. C. in 100 parts by weight of water, and said aqueous solution undergoes a temperature-dependent reversible sol-emulsion phase transition, as well as a window employing it.

Abstract: A micromechanical optical modulator having a linear response in reflectivity, as a function of applied bias, and a method of operating and making same, are disclosed. The modulator consists of a movable layer suspended over a substrate. A gap is defined between the movable layer and the substrate. As the movable layer moves, the gap changes size, resulting in a change in modulator reflectivity. In operation, the movable layer moves within a linear operating regime under the action of an applied voltage, which is the sum of a constant bias and a signal from an analog source. A substantially linear operating characteristic, i.e., reflectivity versus applied voltage is obtained within the linear operating regime by properly selecting the size of the gap in the absence of the applied voltage and the range in the applied voltage.

Abstract: An optical system is provided comprising an entry window, an exit window, a radiation transmissive membrane, and first and second lenses. The entry window and the exit window define a radiation path extending from the entry window to the exit window. The radiation transmissive membrane is positioned along the radiation path between the entry window and the exit window. The membrane defines a first chamber between the entry window and the membrane and a second chamber between the membrane and the exit window. The first fluid is included within the first chamber so as to intersect the radiation path and the second fluid is included within the second chamber so as to intersect the radiation path. The first lens operative to focus radiation directed through the entry window at a focal point located within the second fluid. The second lens is operative to focus radiation passing through the exit window.

Abstract: The disclosed acousto-optic scanning device includes a thin film waveguide of piezoelectric material (2), a transducer (3) for generating surface elastic waves, and a high frequency signal generator (4) for generating high frequency signals to be applied to the transducer. Additionally, the device includes a light source (10), light source driver (11) for driving the light source, a prism or grating input and output light couplers (7, 8 or 27, 28) for introducing light emitted from the light source into the thin film waveguide and for outputting light transmitted through the thin film waveguide therefrom. Further, the device includes non-coupled light photodiode detector array (14) for detecting the position and intensity of light which is not coupled by the output light coupling means, and a signal processor for processing information detected by the non-coupled light detector array and generating control signals to correct the position and intensity of coupled light.

Abstract: The invention provides a circuit for amplitude modulating an optical signal with an N-state electrical signal where N is greater than or equal to 2, the circuit comprising a modulator having a first input for receiving the optical signal to be modulated and a second input for receiving a modulating electrical signal. According to the invention, the circuit comprises, upstream from the second input, shaping component having an input receiving the N-state electrical signal and having an output that switches from one of the N states to another of the N states in response to the N-state electrical signal taking up a level that is greater than a predetermined threshold, and switching from the other state to the one of the N states in response to the N-state electrical signal taking up a level that is less than the predetermined threshold, the predetermined threshold being associated with the pair of states, and having a level that lies between and is different from the respective levels taken by the two states.

Abstract: The present invention describes a self-responding laminated body in which an isotropic solution, wherein a polysaccharide derivative, dissolved in water, aggregates to demonstrate cloudy scattering due to a rise in temperature resulting in a decrease in optical transmittance, is sealed in a cell, of which at least a portion is transparent, that enables the aqueous solution to be viewed directly; wherein, the isotropic aqueous solution is a solution in which 100 parts by weight of a polysaccharide derivative, having a weight average molecular weight of roughly 10,000 to roughly 200,000, is dissolved in roughly 110 to roughly 2,000 parts by weight of a water-based medium composed of an amount of water that is roughly 25 to roughly 450 parts by weight with respect to 100 parts by weight of the polysaccharide derivative, and an amphipathic substance.

Abstract: An optical shutter which responds to temperature may be caused to respond to an electrical current by placing a transparent conductor of electricity parallel to and in thermal contact with it, and by running an electrical current through the transparent conductor, such that the transparent conductor is resistively heated, and thereby heats the optical shutter. The above transparent conductor may be used simultaneously as a component of a transparent insulation. The electrical current may be controlled by a photosensor, a temperature sensor, a thermostat, and/or a manual switch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bistable optical device in which the active medium is a polymer material of thermo-optical effect inserted into a cavity resonator, preferably a FABRY-PEROT resonance cavity, in said cavity the polymer material transmitting and reflecting an incident light wave with bistable values and values variable according to its thermal state. This latter is varied by the absorption of a fraction of the incident light wave, which transfers heat to the polymer material to generate therein an increase in the transmission of the incident light and a variable refractive index in response to the increase in its temperature, to thus provide a positive response effect which enables the device of the present invention to vary between two bistable states.

Abstract: A structure consisting of two cover layers sandwiching a polymer and solvent layer is useful for making automatic light valves. Mechanical and optical properties are improved by a novel continuous network of bonds which transmit stresses from one cover layer, to and among the polymer chains, and then to the second cover layer. The laboratory and factory preparation methods necessitated by this layered and bonded structure are described. These automatic light valves may be used for making optical displays, processing information, and building apertures.

Abstract: An optical switching device is described which comprises a substrate of light absorbent material, a plurality of holes defined through the substrate containing a liquid material having an index of refraction which is highly temperature dependent within a selected temperature range of operation, the liquid-filled holes defining a plurality of waveguides for conducting light through the substrate.

Abstract: A structure consisting of two cover layers sandwiching a polymer and solvent layer is useful for making automatic light valves. Mechanical and optical properties are improved by a novel continuous network of bonds which transmit stresses from one cover layer, to and among the polymer chains, and then to the second cover layer. The laboratory and factory preparation methods necessitated by this layered and bonded structure are described. These automatic light valves may be used for making optical displays, processing information, and building apertures.