Abstract: A method includes capturing measurements of optical signals transmitted from an optical phased array that includes (i) multiple array elements each having an antenna element and a phase modulator and (ii) an additional antenna element spaced apart from the array elements. The method also includes performing digital holography using the measurements to identify relative phases of the array elements with respect to a phase of the additional antenna element. In addition, the method includes modifying phases provided by at least some of the phase modulators of at least some of the array elements to bring the array elements more closely into phase with one another.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a non-contact optical method using a probe beam deflection technique (PBDT) to detecting acoustic waves transiting an acoustic coupling medium.

Abstract: A lithography-free, mold-free method of fabricating high quality optical material by curing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) droplets in or on pre-heated substrates allows lenses with different focal lengths to be made by varying the volume and surface temperature, as well as the substrate.

Abstract: An image capture device, such as a camera, has multiple modes including a light field image capture mode, a conventional 2D image capture mode, and at least one intermediate image capture mode. By changing position and/or properties of the microlens array (MLA) in front of the image sensor, changes in 2D spatial resolution and angular resolution can be attained. In at least one embodiment, such changes can be performed in a continuous manner, allowing a continuum of intermediate modes to be attained.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave generating device is provided which includes an optical waveguide including a plurality of waveguide segments such that the main lobe of a combined electromagnetic wave has a substantially single large directivity. The electromagnetic wave generating device includes the optical waveguide including a plurality of waveguide segments each of which is sandwiched between dielectrics and includes a nonlinear optical crystal. The waveguide segments are arranged such that an angle formed by the directions of propagation of light in the two adjacent waveguide segments substantially corresponds to 2?c. When ng denotes the refractive index of the nonlinear optical crystal for light and ?eff denotes the effective relative permittivity of an assembly of the dielectrics and the waveguide segments for an electromagnetic wave, ?c is defined as ?c=cos?1 (ng/???eff).

Abstract: Provided are a photorefractive polymer composite, and a photorefractive devices and hologram display device including the same. The photorefractive polymer composite includes a photoconductive polymer matrix, a nonlinear optical chromophore, a plasticizer, and a graphite-based photocharge generator.

Abstract: A terahertz-wave element includes a waveguide (2, 4, 5) that includes an electro-optic crystal and allows light to propagate therethrough, and a coupling member (7) that causes a terahertz wave to enter the waveguide (2, 4, 5). The propagation state of the light propagating through the waveguide (2, 4, 5) changes as the terahertz wave enters the waveguide (2, 4, 5) via the coupling member (7).

Abstract: A transmissive light modulator including a first reflection layer; a first active layer, arranged on the first reflection layer and including a plurality of quantum well layers and a plurality of barrier layers; a second reflection layer arranged on the first active layer; a second active layer, arranged on the second reflection layer and including a plurality of quantum well layers and a plurality of barrier layers; and a third reflection layer arranged on the second active layer, wherein the first reflection layer and the third reflection layer are each doped with a first type dopant, and the second reflection layer is doped with a second type dopant, which is electrically opposite to the first type dopant.

Abstract: A modular approach to a pattern illumination system for selective excitation of microparticles is used. A dual-channel pattern module having two single-channel pattern modules are oriented at a non-zero offset angle to each other. In this arrangement, a galvo-scanner based phase-shifting module is shared between the two channels. A set of tilt mirrors are used to direct the beams from the pattern modules onto the target plane. Additional layers of pattern modules can be added to accommodate any desirable number of additional channels. The additional layer(s) may be rotationally off-set from the other layer(s) by an angular amount to simplify the layout of optical components. A remote light source module may be connected to the pattern modules through optical fiber.

Abstract: An optical-path-switching apparatus according to the present invention includes a reducing optical system capable of guiding signal light and control light along the direction of gravity into a thermal-lens-forming optical element having an incidence plane positioned to be perpendicular to the direction of gravity in such a way as to differentiate respective convergence points in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The apparatus further includes a light-receiving unit configured to converge or condense straight-traveling signal light in the absence of irradiation with the control light and signal light whose optical path has been switched due to irradiation with the control light using the same optical element. Further, the apparatus includes a wedge-type prism provided at a passing position of the optical-path-switched signal light to increase the distance between the optical axis of the optical-path-changed signal light and the optical axis of the straight-traveling signal light.

Abstract: A photorefractive device (100) and methods of its manufacture are disclosed. The photorefractive device (100) comprises one or more transparent electrode layers (104), one or more sol-gel buffer layers (113), one or more polymer buffer layers (105), and a photorefractive layer (106). The one or more sol-gel buffer layer (113) is interposed between the one or more polymer buffer layer (105) and the one or more transparent electrode layer (104). When a bias voltage is applied to the device (100), the device (100) exhibits improvement in electric breakdown strength compared to a similar device without the one or more dielectric sol-gel buffer layers (113). The device (100) can operate at high bias levels with quick rising and decay times and shows higher grating performance under single nanosecond pulse recording conditions.

Abstract: A system for equalizing pulse to pulse energy of a light beam includes a group of optical devices including an optical device configured to exhibit nonlinear properties, e.g., higher order or third order nonlinear properties. Transmission properties of an unequalized light beam passing through the group of optical devices change such that an output intensity of a resulting light beam output from the optical devices is equalized. One example configuration includes at least first and second prisms having nonlinear properties, i.e., higher order or third order, and configured as a beam steering system.

Abstract: A photorefractive device (100) and method of manufacture are disclosed. The device (100) comprises a layered structure, in which one or more chromophore-doped polymer layers (110) are interposed between a photorefractive material (106) and one or more electrode layers (104). The layered structure can also be interposed between a plurality of substrates (102). In some embodiments, the device (100) exhibits a decreased decay time when applying the biased voltage. Concurrently, the device (100) of the present disclosure utilizes approximately half the bias voltage, advantageously resulting in a longer device life time.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions that are photorefractive upon irradiation by multiple laser wavelengths across the visible light spectrum. Embodiments of the photorefractive composition comprise a polymer, a chromophore, and a sensitizer, wherein the polymer comprises a repeating unit including at least a moiety selected from the group consisting of the formulae (Ia), (Ib) and (Ic), as defined herein. The photorefractive composition can be used in optical devices.

Abstract: An optical-path-switching apparatus according to the present invention includes a reducing optical system capable of guiding signal light and control light along the direction of gravity into a thermal-lens-forming optical element having an incidence plane positioned to be perpendicular to the direction of gravity in such a way as to differentiate respective convergence points in a direction perpendicular to the optical axis. The apparatus further includes a light-receiving unit configured to converge or condense straight-traveling signal light in the absence of irradiation with the control light and signal light whose optical path has been switched due to irradiation with the control light using the same optical element. Further, the apparatus includes a wedge-type prism provided at a passing position of the optical-path-switched signal light to increase the distance between the optical axis of the optical-path-changed signal light and the optical axis of the straight-traveling signal light.

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: An article includes an optical device. The optical device includes a first prism, a second prism, and a light source. The first prism includes an optically active material that affects a refractive index of at least a portion of the first prism via a photochemical change induced by exposure to different wavelengths of light from the light source.

Abstract: Provided is an organic light-emitting display device that can display a full color image by forming a simple structure of light-emitting layers and a method of manufacturing the same. The organic light-emitting display device includes a substrate; a first electrode layer formed on the substrate; a second electrode layer which is formed above the first electrode layer and faces the first electrode layer; and a light-emitting layer interposed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, wherein the light-emitting layer comprises first and second light-emitting layers respectively corresponding to first and second pixels having different colors from each other, and the first light-emitting layer is commonly formed in the first and second pixels, and the second light-emitting layer is formed in the second pixel.

Abstract: A display device includes light emitting elements corresponding to respective colors disposed on a substrate. Each of the light emitting elements corresponding to the respective colors has a cavity structure in which a light emission functioning layer including a light emitting layer is held between a reflecting electrode and a semitransmitting electrode. A cavity order of at least the light emitting element adapted to resonate a light, having the shortest wavelength, of the light emitting elements corresponding to the respective colors is 1, and a cavity order of each of other light emitting elements is 0. The light emission functioning layer except for the light emitting layer is common to the light emitting elements corresponding to the respective colors.

Abstract: An article includes an optical device. The optical device includes a first prism, a second prism, and a light source. The first prism includes an optically active material that affects a refractive index of at least a portion of the first prism via a photochemical change induced by exposure to different wavelengths of light from the light source.

Abstract: An apparatus to modify an incident free space electromagnetic wave includes a block of an artificially structured material having an adjustable spatial distribution of electromagnetic parameters (e.g., ?, ?, ?, ?, and n). A controller applies control signals to dynamically adjust the spatial distribution of electromagnetic parameters in the material to introduce a time-varying path delay d(t) in the modified electromagnetic wave relative to the incident electromagnetic wave.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed which includes transparent superconductor material.

Abstract: A thermal lens forming element includes a first chamber serving as a control light absorbing region, which is configured as a columnar body or an N prismatic body (wherein N is an integer equal to or greater than 4) circumscribing the columnar body and filled with a control light absorbing dyestuff solution containing a solvent having a viscosity of 0 to 3 mPa·s at 160° C. or above and a ratio of the viscosity of the solvent at 160° C. to a viscosity of the solvent at 40° C. not less than 1 and not greater than 6, wherein the columnar body or the N prismatic body circumscribing the columnar body has a central axis coinciding with an optical axis of incident signal light. The first chamber is connected to a second chamber via a solution channel and a dam. The dyestuff solution and a bubble of an inert gas are confined in the second chamber.

Abstract: An optical material includes lithium tantalate, and a molar composition ratio of lithium oxide and tantalum oxide (Li2O/Ta2O5) in the lithium tantalate is in the range of 0.975 to 0.982. Since an optical material having a high refractive index is provided in an optical unit, at the same focal distance, a lens thickness can be significantly reduced. As a result, an optical electronic component and an optical electronic device including the optical material has a reduced size and thickness and is highly functional.

Abstract: A method of developing a multivariate optical element for an optical analysis system includes forming an optically absorptive spectral element having an optically absorptive material, the optically absorptive material being absorbing in a predetermined spectral region; and utilizing the optically absorptive spectral element in the optical analysis system.

Abstract: A thermal lens forming element includes a first chamber serving as a control light absorbing region, which is configured as a columnar body or an N prismatic body (wherein N is an integer equal to or greater than 4) circumscribing the columnar body and filled with a control light absorbing dyestuff solution containing a solvent having a viscosity of 0 to 3 mPa·s at 160° C. or above and a ratio of the viscosity of the solvent at 160° C. to a viscosity of the solvent at 40° C. not less than 1 and not greater than 6, wherein the columnar body or the N prismatic body circumscribing the columnar body has a central axis coinciding with an optical axis of incident signal light. The first chamber is connected to a second chamber via a solution channel and a dam. The dyestuff solution and a bubble of an inert gas are confined in the second chamber.

Abstract: A photoelastic modulator, comprising a driving block and a driver transducer for perturbing said block in a predefined direction to establish a standing wave extending longitudinally in said block and hence perpendicularly to said predefined direction. The transducer is affixed to said block at two regions of the transducer mutually displaced in said predefined direction, to minimize the coupling of lateral perturbation perpendicular to the predefined direction. A recess or gap may be provided under the transducer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for forming an optical trap with light directed through or above a semiconductor material. A preferred embodiment selected light-trapping wavelengths that have lower absorption by the semiconductor. A preferred embodiment provides for an optical trapping through semiconductor employing a thin silicon (Si) wafer as a substrate. Further embodiments of the invention provide for microchannel fabrication, force probe measurement, sorting, switching and other active manipulation and assembly using an optical trap.

Abstract: This invention relates to a wide band optical gate in the terahertz domain (wavelengths in the far infrared). It comprises a first optical source (2) emitting a first beam (FTHz) in said terahertz domain, a first plate made of a semiconducting material (1) illuminated by said terahertz beam and a second optical source (3) emitting a second beam (FIR) at a wavelength capable of saturating the first plate (1) made of a semi-conducting material and making it reflective at terahertz wavelengths. This invention also relates to a system for measuring terahertz signals and to a terahertz generator. It is particularly applicable to systems for measuring terahertz signals and to terahertz generators.

Abstract: A method of displaying an image with a display device including a plurality of display pixels includes receiving image data for the image, the image data including individual pixels of the image; buffering the image data and creating a frame of the image, the frame of the image including a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows of the pixels of the image; defining a first sub-frame and at least a second sub-frame for the frame of the image, image data of the second sub-frame being offset from image data of the first sub-frame by an offset distance of at least one pixel; and displaying the first sub-frame with a first plurality of the display pixels and displaying the second sub-frame with a second plurality of the display pixels offset from the first plurality of the display pixels by the offset distance.

Abstract: A method of displaying an image with a display device including a plurality of display pixels includes receiving image data for the image, the image data including individual pixels of the image; buffering the image data and creating a frame of the image, the frame of the image including a plurality of columns and a plurality of rows of the pixels of the image; defining a first sub-frame and at least a second sub-frame for the frame of the image, image data of the second sub-frame being offset from image data of the first sub-frame by an offset distance of at least one pixel; and displaying the first sub-frame with a first plurality of the display pixels and displaying the second sub-frame with a second plurality of the display pixels offset from the first plurality of the display pixels by the offset distance.

Abstract: Materials and structures whose index of refraction can be tuned over a broad range of negative and positive values by applying above band-gap photons to a structure with a strip line element, a split ring resonator element, and a substrate, at least one of which is a photoconductive semiconductor material. Methods for switching between positive and negative values of n include applying above band-gap photons to different numbers of elements. In another embodiment, a structure includes a photoconductive semiconductor wafer, the wafer operable to receive above band-gap photons at an excitation frequency in an excitation pattern on a surface of the wafer, the excitation patterns generating an effective negative index of refraction. Methods for switching between positive and negative values of n include projecting different numbers of elements on the wafer. The resonant frequency of the structure is tuned by changing the size of the split ring resonator excitation patterns.

Abstract: An article includes an optical device. The optical device includes a first prism and a second prism. The first prism includes an optically active material that responds to an external stimulus that affects a refractive index of at least a portion of the first prism. A method for making a method of use of the article is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a scanning module, which is capable of integrating optical paths of illuminating and imaging for size reduction, and improving the quality of scanned image by using optical polarizers for filtering, and further achieving the same effect as the “projection scanning” digital camera. The scanning module comprises: a light source, a first polarizer, a quarter-wave plate, a polarizing beamsplitter, an image detection device, and a second polarizer. The light from the light source consists of both a first-polarized and a second-polarized light. The first polarizer is placed in front of the light source that only allows the first-polarized light to pass through. The optics unit directs the first-polarized light to a scanning object and transforms the reflected light into the second-polarized light before receiveded by the image detection device for image acquiring.

Abstract: A composite material for providing at least one of a negative effective permeability and a negative effective permittivity for incident radiation of at least one wavelength is described. The composite material comprises a plurality of three-dimensional resonant cells disposed across a first substrate. Each three-dimensional resonant cell comprises a base substantially parallel to the substrate and at least three sidewalls upwardly extending therefrom. Each upwardly extending sidewall comprises a sidewall substrate having at least one conductor patterned thereon. Each upwardly extending sidewall is fabricated by forming the sidewall substrate as a substantially horizontal layer above the first substrate, lithographically patterning the sidewall substrate with the at least one conductor while horizontally disposed above the first substrate, and tilting up the sidewall substrate to the upwardly extending position.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting an object. The system includes: a traveling lens acousto-optic device adapted to generate a traveling lens that propagates through an active region of the traveling lens acousto-optic device; a first scanner, adapted to direct a beam of light towards the traveling lens while the traveling lens propagates; a first beam splitter, adapted to receive a beam formed by the traveling lens; and to split the scanned beam to multiple illuminating light beams; multiple detectors; and an objective lens; adapted to receive the multiple illuminating light beams, direct the multiple illuminating light beams towards multiple areas of the object, receive multiple collected light beams from the multiple areas of the object, and direct the multiple collected light beams towards the multiple detectors; wherein each detector is associated with an area of the multiple areas.

Abstract: A miniature waveform modulator is provided to modulate an infrared laser. The miniature waveform modulator outputs a pulse train having different and specified pulse widths, with the pulse train used to modulate the laser. In one embodiment, the pulse train extends over a significant period of time without resorting to generating short pulse trains and combining them. The subject architecture permits the miniature waveform modulator to be compact and implementable on an electronic circuit card. It is significant that the pulse train is generated without software intervention by automatically copying a timing table to a buffer that is automatically read out to a pulse generator. If the buffer size is smaller than that required by the timing table, slices or segments of the timing table are sequentially read out or copied to the buffer, with the next timing table segment transferred to the buffer upon read out of a prior segment.

Abstract: A non-linear optical device comprising a polymer configured to be photorefractive upon irradiation by a green laser. The polymer comprises a repeating unit including a moiety selected from the group consisting of the structures (M-1), (M-2) and (M-3), as defined herein.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a transducer substrate formed of a photo-acoustically sensitive material and having a receiving surface and an absorptive layer coupled to the transducer substrate receiving surface that detects broadband electromagnetic (EM) radiation.

Abstract: An electro-optical modulator device and method are provided. The device comprises a light modulator unit having a first Cathode for exposing to input light; and an electric field source configured to create an electric field affecting a change in the refractive index of the first Cathode, thereby effecting a change in the propagation of light reflected from or transmitted through the first Cathode, said light from the first Cathode enabling to affect the operation of an external light sensitive electronic device.

Abstract: An apparatus for manipulating particles (micro, nano, and pico) having one or more characteristics with an optical trap formed by modulating a laser beam with a Diffractive Optical Element (DOE). At least one characteristic of the material is selected; and a laser beam having a selected wavelength corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material is generated. Values of the DOE are calculated corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic of the material. The beam and the DOE are modulated to produce a holographic optical trap having properties corresponding to the at least one selected characteristic; the trap is focused to a beam focus or selected spot size; and the beam focus is located near a particle location for trapping the particle therein.

Abstract: Optically controlled micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a MEMS device may include a rotatable mirror having an optical sensor that is in electrical communication with the rotatable mirror via an associated electrode. Electrical potential may be supplied to an appropriately configured optical sensor so that a variable range of voltages may be supplied to the rotatable mirror. In operation, an optical control beam may be directed onto the optical sensor where it may be sampled to determine its optical characteristics (e.g., optical wavelength, light intensity, position, polarization, duty cycle, etc.) The optical sensor may then supply voltage to the rotatable mirror based on the determined optical characteristics of the optical control beam, causing the rotatable mirror to rotate about one or more axes.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention are directed to photonic devices configured to control transmission of electromagnetic radiation through a resonator structure. In one aspect of the present invention, a photonic device includes at least one electromagnetic resonator and a state-change material operably coupled to the at least one electromagnetic resonator. The state-change material is capable of being reversibly transitioned between a high-resistivity state and a low-resistivity state, with a ratio of the resistivity of the high-resistivity state to the resistivity of the low-resistivity state being at least about 100. Transmission of electromagnetic radiation through the at least one electromagnetic resonator at an operational frequency is controllable by transitioning the state-change material between the high-resistivity state and the low-resistivity state. Methods for controlling transmission of a signal are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical phase modulator made of lithium niobate or the like phase-modulates the output light of a single-wavelength laser light source 20 that emits CW light, and the phase-modulated light is inputted to a dispersion medium 22. The positive chirp and negative chirp of light to which frequency chirp is applied by phase modulation draw near in the dispersion medium and an optical pulse is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling propagation of incident electromagnetic radiation is described, comprising a composite material having electromagnetically reactive cells of small dimension relative to a wavelength of the incident electromagnetic radiation. At least one of a capacitive and inductive property of at least one of the electromagnetically reactive cells is temporally controllable to allow temporal control of an associated effective refractive index encountered by the incident electromagnetic radiation while propagating through the composite material.

Abstract: An optical signal optical path switching method comprising steps of using a thermal lens based on a distribution of refractive index produced reversibly caused by temperature increase generated in an area of the light-absorbing layer film of thermal lens forming devices 1, 2 and 3, that has absorbed control light beams 121, 122 and 123, and in the periphery thereof, causing the converged signal light beam to exit from the thermal lens forming device with an ordinary divergence angle when the control light beams 121, 122 and 123 have not been irradiated and no thermal lens has been formed, and causing the converged signal light beam to exit from the thermal lens forming device with a divergence angle larger than the ordinary divergence angle when the control light beams have been irradiated and a thermal lens has been formed, and causing the signal light beam to travel straight through holes 61, 62 and 63 of mirrors provided with the holes for the signal light beam to pass through when the control light beams

Abstract: Optically controlled micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) is disclosed. In one embodiment, a MEMS device may include a rotatable mirror having an optical sensor that is in electrical communication with the rotatable mirror via an associated electrode. Electrical potential may be supplied to an appropriately configured optical sensor so that a variable range of voltages may be supplied to the rotatable mirror. In operation, an optical control beam may be directed onto the optical sensor where it may be sampled to determine its optical characteristics (e.g., optical wavelength, light intensity, position, polarization, duty cycle, etc.) The optical sensor may then supply voltage to the rotatable mirror based on the determined optical characteristics of the optical control beam, causing the rotatable mirror to rotate about one or more axes.

Abstract: To provide a spatial optical modulation element having a long life free from a deterioration of optical modulation characteristics even if a high power laser beam with an ultra-short pulse is used as a modulation drive light, and having a high response speed when e.g. a light having a wavelength of 1.55 ?m is used. A spatial optical modulation element wherein disposed between a prism 2 and an optical functional material layer 3 made of an optical functional material with the complex index of refraction changeable by light irradiation, is a low refractive index layer 4 made of a transparent material with a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the prism 2, and carbon nanotubes are used as the optical function material.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling propagation of incident electromagnetic radiation is described, comprising a composite material having electromagnetically reactive cells of small dimension relative to a wavelength of the incident electromagnetic radiation. Each electromagnetically reactive cell comprises a metallic element and a substrate. An electron population within the substrate near the metallic element of at least one of the electromagnetically reactive cells is temporally controllable to allow temporal control of an associated effective refractive index encountered by the incident electromagnetic radiation while propagating through said composite material.

Abstract: A grating coupled surface plasmon resonance optical modulator is disclosed. A electro-optic polymer dielectric is deposited on the metallic surface of a diffraction grating to provide a metal/dielectric interface. A surface plasmon will propagate at the metal/dielectric interface in a resonant condition, e.g., when the metal surface is illuminated by transverse magnetic (TM) polarized light of the appropriate wavelength, angle of incidence and phase velocity. In the present invention, phase velocity is controlled by the diffraction grating. A transparent electrode deposited on the electro-optic layer allows an electrical potential to be applied across the electro-optic polymer. The applied electrical potential (voltage) changes the index of refraction of the electro-optic polymer, thereby disrupting the resonant condition to produce an optically detectable change in reflectance of incident light from the metal layer.