Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing optical microscopy are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the apparatus includes a deep ultraviolet light source configured to generate light having a wavelength within a window in the deep ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum within which a local minimum in the absorption coefficient of Oxygen occurs. Further, the apparatus includes a lens device that receives at least a first portion of the generated light, directs at least some of the first portion of the generated light toward a location, receives reflected light from the location, and directs at least some of the reflected light toward a further location. Additionally, the apparatus includes a camera device that is positioned at one of the further location and an additional location, where the camera device receives at least a second portion of the reflected light, whereby an image is generated by the camera device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an image taking optical system including at least one lens provided on an optical path; a first infrared-ray absorption filter made from a resin material with a film shape and provided on the optical path; a multi-layer film provided with an infrared-ray absorption function and provided on the optical path; and a second infrared-ray absorption filter made from a resin material with a film shape and provided on the optical path, wherein the first infrared-ray absorption filter, the multi-layer film and the second infrared-ray absorption filter are provided at locations arranged along the optical path in a direction from a photographing-object side to an image side, and the multi-layer film has a spectroscopic-characteristic adjustment function and a light reflection characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to nanoantenna arrays and methods of their fabrication. In particular, one aspect relates to nanoantenna arrays comprising nanostructures of predefined shapes in predefined patterns, which results in collective excitement of surface plasmons. In some embodiments the nanoantenna arrays can be used for spectroscopy and nanospectroscopy. Another aspects of the present invention relate to a method of high-throughput fabrication of nanoantenna arrays includes fabricating a reusable nanostencil for nanostensil lithography (NSL) which provides a mask to deposit materials onto virtually any support, such as flexible and thin-film stretchable supports. The nanostencil lithography methods enable high quality, high-throughput fabrication of nanostructures on conducting, non-conducting and magnetic supports. The nanostencil can be prepared by etching nanoapertures of predefined patterns into a waffer or ceramic membrane.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, in a first aspect, a device may comprise: an oscillator producing a light output on a beam path; a target material for interaction with light on the beam path at an irradiation site; a beam delay on the beam path the beam delay having a beam folding optical arrangement; and a switch positioned along the beam path and interposed between the oscillator and the beam delay; the switch closable to divert at least a portion of light on the beam path from the beam path, the switch having close time, t1 and the beam path having a length, L1, along the path from the switch to the irradiation site; with t1<cL1, where c is the speed of light on the path, to protect the oscillator.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of making yttrium oxide, Y2O3, coatings on substrates suitable for use at infrared wavelengths, including use in the 2-12 ?m range. The coating method eliminates or substantially eliminates the absorptions peaks that typically appear at approximately 3.0 ?m, 6.6 ?m and 7.1 ?m. This is achieved by using Y metal as the yttrium source in combination with an oxygen-containing plasma to form the Y2O3, coating in place of the using Y2O3 as the coating material source The disclosure is further directed to optics suitable for use in the infrared that have such coatings. The transmission spectrum of the coated substrate made according to the method described herein is greater than the transmission spectrum of the uncoated substrate over the wavelength range of 4 ?m to 12 ?m.

Abstract: An optical filter composite is provided having effective filtering of infrared emissions, such as solar or laser emissions, while providing very high visible light transmission, preserving the ability to differentiate and recognize colors and providing a pleasing overall color as compared to the prior art. The present invention provides for filters that are formed by lamination, infusion and/or coating processes using filtering assemblies having a neutral color with high visible light transmission while also producing high levels of filtration in the infrared and near infrared range to provide effective protection against harmful emissions in these ranges while also producing a filter that has a color that is more pleasing and desirable to the wearer.

Abstract: A metal component (262M, 300M) is designed for use in an EUV lithography apparatus, for example as a spectral purity filter (260) or a heating element (300) in a hydrogen radical generator. An exposed surface of the metal is treated (262P, 300P) to inhibit the formation of an oxide of said metal in an air environment prior to operation. This prevents contamination of optical components by subsequent evaporation of the oxide during operation of the component at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A terahertz band filter for filtering, in a frequency band, a terahertz wave propagating between a pair of metal plates with an upper parallel surface facing a lower parallel surface includes a sheet parallel to the upper and lower parallel surfaces, which is disposed between the metal plates and is spaced apart therefrom, and at least one slit located in the sheet to face the upper and lower parallel surfaces, wherein the sheet comprises a single slit to function as a notch filter for blocking in a specific frequency band.

Abstract: An IR cut filter includes an infrared light absorber to absorb infrared light, and an infrared light reflector to reflect infrared light. The infrared light absorber has a light transmission property of 50% transmittance with respect to a wavelength in a wavelength band of 620 to 670 nm. The infrared light reflector has a light transmission property of 50% transmittance with respect to a wavelength in a wavelength band of 670 to 690 nm. The wavelength with respect to which the infrared light reflector has the 50% transmittance is longer than the wavelength with respect to which the infrared light absorber has the 50% transmittance. A combination of the infrared light absorber and the infrared light reflector provides a light transmission property of 50% transmittance with respect to a wavelength in the 620 to 670 nm wavelength band and less than 5% transmittance with respect to a 700 nm wavelength.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes an image sensor, a first optical member disposed ahead of a front of the image sensor, a second optical member disposed between the first optical member and the image sensor, and a holder. The holder elastically retains the first optical member and retains the second optical member so that the second optical member is opposed to the elastically retained first optical member. The imaging apparatus further includes a film-like resin filter disposed between the first optical member and the second optical member that is bonded to at least one of the first optical member and the second optical member.

Abstract: An infrared window assembly, comprising: a lens through which thermal imagery of apparatus within a housing is performed; a frame adapted to be mounted in the housing and arranged to support the lens; and external and internal covers lying when closed in planes generally parallel to the plane of the frame, the external cover being located on the exterior of the housing, wherein the covers are coupled to one another and mounted on or adjacent the frame and arranged to move in unison between a closed position whereat the lens is substantially concealed and an open position whereat the lens is substantially visible.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding coating covers a lens coated with an optical coating. A light shielding coating covers the optical coating. The electromagnetic shielding coating covers the light shielding coating. The electromagnetic shielding coating includes a first metal layer containing stainless steel and covering the light shielding coating directly, a second copper layer formed on the first metal layer, and a third metal layer formed on the second copper layer. The third metal layer includes stainless steel and copper.

Abstract: A spectral purity filter includes a body of material, through which a plurality of apertures extend. The apertures are arranged to suppress radiation having a first wavelength and to allow at least a portion of radiation having a second wavelength to be transmitted through the apertures. The second wavelength of radiation is shorter than the first wavelength of radiation. The body of material is formed from a material having a bulk reflectance of substantially greater than or equal to 70% at the first wavelength of radiation. The material has a melting point above 1000° C.

Abstract: A filter for a light receiving element, which can sufficiently eliminate disturbance due to sunlight and the like out of doors. The filter for a light receiving element according to one embodiment of the present invention is used for a light receiving element which receives signal light having a known spectral distribution. The filter for a light receiving element according to one embodiment of the present invention is configured so that when the energy density of the ambient light in the light receiving element is represented by N1 and the energy density of the signal light in the light receiving element is represented by N2, N1/(N2)2 is minimized under constraints.

Abstract: A collector transfers an emission of an EUV radiation source to a main intensity spot. The collector has at least one collector subunit including at least one grazing incidence mirror. The grazing incidence mirror transfers EUV radiation from the radiation source to an intensity spot. At least one ellipsoid mirror of the collector has an ellipsoidal mirror surface. The ellipsoidal mirror surface is impinged by an angle of incidence above a critical grazing incidence angle. No more than one collector subunit is arranged in the beam path of an EUV radiation source between a position of the EUV radiation source and the intensity spot. At least some of the EUV rays are only reflected in a grazing manner.

Abstract: An optical sheet having a single sheet structure for an edge-lighting backlight unit using a printless light guide plate, a method of manufacturing the same, and a liquid crystal display apparatus using the same are provided. The optical sheet having a single sheet structure includes a first prism sheet having a prism pattern formed on the upper surface thereof, and a second prism sheet having a prism pattern formed on the upper surface thereof. Further, prism ridges of the first prism sheet are attached to the bottom surface of the second prism sheet by means of an adhesive so that the prism pattern of the first prism sheet and the prism pattern of the second prism sheet are directed in the same direction.

Abstract: An optical collector (15) for collecting extreme ultraviolet radiation or EUV light generated at a central EUV production site comprises a reflective shell (25). To cope with thermal loading of the collector and avoid deformations, the reflective shell (25) is mounted on a support structure (24), such that a cooling channel (29) is established between the back side of the reflective shell (25) and the support structure (24), the thickness of the reflective shell (25) is substantially reduced, such that the convective heat transfer between the back side of the reflective shell (25) and a cooling medium (26) flowing through the cooling channel (29) dominates the process of removing heat from the reflective shell (25) with respect to heat conduction, and a cooling circuit (33) is connected to the cooling channel (29); to supply a cooling medium (26) to the cooling channel (29) with a controlled coolant pressure and/or mass flow.

Abstract: A method for the production of a mirror element (10) that has a reflective coating (10a) for the EUV wavelength range and a substrate (10b). The substrate (10b) is pre-compacted by hot isostatic pressing, and the reflective coating (10a) is applied to the pre-compacted substrate (10b). In the method, either the pre-compacting of the substrate (10b) is performed until a saturation value of the compaction of the substrate (10b) by long-term EUV irradiation is reached, or, for further compaction, the pre-compacted substrate (10b) is irradiated, preferably homogeneously, with ions (16) and/or with electrons in a surface region (15) in which the coating (10a) has been or will be applied. A mirror element (10) for the EUV wavelength range associated with the method has a substrate (10b) pre-compacted by hot isostatic pressing. Such a mirror element (10) is suitable to be provided in an EUV projection exposure system.

Abstract: Disclosed are solar-reflective roofing and other building materials having high reflectance of near-infrared radiation and high transmission of radiation in the visible light range and a substantial emissivity so as to reduce the heat island effects experienced by the articles while also maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Also disclosed are related methods for fabrication of such materials.

Abstract: A source-collector module for an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system, the module including a laser-produced plasma (LPP) that generates EUV radiation and a grazing-incidence collector (GIC) mirror arranged relative thereto and having an input end and an output end. The LPP is formed using an LPP target system wherein a pulsed laser beam travels on-axis through the GIC and is incident upon solid, moveable LPP target. The GIC mirror is arranged relative to the LPP to receive the EUV radiation therefrom at its input end and focus the received EUV radiation at an intermediate focus adjacent the output end. An example GIC mirror design is presented that includes a polynomial surface-figure correction to compensate for GIC shell thickness effects, thereby improve far-field imaging performance.

Abstract: Energy-efficient windows incorporating spectrally selective optical elements capable of providing desirable optical characteristics (transmission, reflection, refraction or diffraction) for different wavelengths are disclosed herein. More specifically, energy-efficient windows incorporating suitably designed diffraction gratings to optimize the efficiency of the utilization of different spectral components of the solar radiation are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a detection apparatus which detects an object to be detected, the apparatus including an illumination system configured to illuminate the object with light containing a first wavelength range and a second wavelength range different from the first wavelength range, a detector configured to detect light from the object illuminated by the illumination system, and an optical member configured to set a transmittance for light in the first wavelength range and a transmittance for light in the second wavelength range to be different from each other, thereby reducing a difference between an intensity value of the light which has the first wavelength range and is detected by the detector and an intensity value of the light which has the second wavelength range and is detected by the detector.

Abstract: A selective radiation utilization apparatus includes an optical filtering device and a modulation device. The optical filtering device transmits one or more selected spectral bands of incoming solar radiation and reflects one or more remaining bands of the incoming solar radiation. The modulation device spatially modulates one of the one or more selected spectral bands or the one or more remaining bands and directs the spatially modulated one of the one or more selected spectral bands or the one or more remaining bands towards a target of illumination.

Abstract: A light path adjusting assembly includes a supporting component and a light path adjusting component. The supporting component includes a mounting portion, a light transmission portion and a connecting portion. The light transmission portion faces to the mounting portion. The connecting portion is located between and is connected to the mounting portion and the light transmission portion, thereby forming a receiving space between the mounting portion and the light transmission portion. The light path adjusting component is disposed in the receiving space. An optical touch device using the light path adjusting assembly is also provided. The light path adjusting assembly and the optical touch device have a simple manufacturing process and a high production yield.

Abstract: A fluorescent article includes an underlayer colored fluorescent film and an overlayer colored fluorescent film, which is provided over the underlayer colored fluorescent film. The underlayer colored fluorescent film includes a first fluorescent colorant in an underlayer acrylic matrix. The overlayer colored fluorescent film includes a second fluorescent in an overlayer acrylic matrix.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical image system having at least a first camera including a first lens and at least a second sensor including a second lens. The system also includes at least one beam splitter for transmitting an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation of at least a first band of wavelength to a focal plane array of the first camera and reflecting an incoming beam of electromagnetic radiation of at least a second band of wavelength to a focal plane array of the second camera. The first lens is positioned behind the beam splitter for focusing the beam of the first band of wavelength onto an image at the focal plane array of the first camera and the second lens is positioned behind the beam splitter for focusing the beam of the second band of wavelength onto the image at the focal plane array of the second camera.

Abstract: A UV stable optical element and an LED lamp using such an element are disclosed. Embodiments of the invention include an optical element made at least in part from an inherently UV stable polyester, so that consumable UV-stabilizing additives are not needed. Thus, the substrate of the optical element can maintain transparency and other desirable characteristics over longer periods of time in the face of high ultraviolet light exposure. In some embodiments, the optical element includes the inherently UV stable polyester and a phosphor for remote wavelength conversion. In some embodiments, the UV stable polyester is an aromatic polyester such as polyarylate. The optical element according to example embodiments of the invention can be used in an LED lamp.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining one or more characteristics of a specimen using radiation in the terahertz range are provided. One system includes an illumination subsystem configured to illuminate the specimen with radiation. The system also includes a detection subsystem configured to detect radiation propagating from the specimen in response to illumination of the specimen and to generate output responsive to the detected radiation. The detected radiation includes radiation in the terahertz range. In addition, the system includes a processor configured to determine the one or more characteristics of the specimen using the output.

Abstract: An optical film includes a near-infrared absorbing layer, the near-infrared absorbing layer containing at least one colorant having a maximum absorption wavelength in the range of 900 nm to 1,100 nm, and a transparent copolymer resin containing fine rubber particles.

Abstract: The invention provides a near-infrared absorbing material, including: at least one of at least one singlet oxygen scavengers, at least one radical scavenger, and at least one antioxidant; and at least one near-infrared absorbing compound obtained by oxidation of a compound represented by the following Formula (II). In the formula, R211, R212, R221, R222, R231, R232, R241 and R242 independently represent a hydrogen atom or an aliphatic or aromatic group; R203, R213, R223, R233 and R243 independently represent a substituent; and n203, n213, n223, n233 and n243 independently represent an integer of 0 to 4.

Abstract: An optoelectronic semiconductor component includes a semiconductor layer sequence having at least one active layer, and a photonic crystal that couples radiation having a peak wavelength out of or into the semiconductor layer sequence, wherein the photonic crystal is at a distance from the active layer and formed by superimposition of at least two lattices having mutually different reciprocal lattice constants normalized to the peak wavelength.

Abstract: There is provided a water-resistant polarizing film including an organic dye having at least two anionic groups, and an alicyclic structure-containing compound having at least two nitrogen atoms in a molecule.

Abstract: A magnification device including: a housing including a distal open end and a proximal open end; an optical system including one or more objective lenses mounted in the housing adjacent the distal open end, and one or more eye lenses mounted in the housing adjacent the proximal open end; and a filtering system suitable for attenuating selected wavelengths from the transmission of electromagnetic radiation including a first filter lens mounted to the distal open end of the housing adjacent the one or more objective lenses, and a second filter lens mounted to the proximal open end adjacent the one or more eye lenses, the first filter lens closing the distal open end of said housing is provided. A vision enhancing assembly including a carrier device and one or more magnification devices coupled to the carrier device is also provided.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a microlens includes forming layer of photoresist on a substrate, patterning the layer of photoresist, and then reflowing the photoresist pattern. The layer of photoresist is formed by coating the substrate with liquid photoresist whose viscosity is 150 to 250 cp. A depth sensor includes a substrate and photoelectric conversion elements at an upper portion of the substrate, a metal wiring section disposed on the substrate, an array of the microlenses for focusing incident light as beams onto the photoelectric conversion elements and which beams avoid the wirings of the metal wiring section. The depths sensor also includes a layer presenting a flat upper surface on which the microlenses are formed. The layer may be a dedicated planarization layer or an IR filter, interposed between the microlenses and the metal wiring section.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a composite material for use as a selective solar absorber with a carrier layer (1), wherein at least the following layers are present on a side (B) of the carrier layer: A reflection layer (3), an absorber layer (5) and a dielectric and/or oxidic antireflection layer (7), wherein a layer (4) consisting of a nitride, a carbide or a carbonitride of a metal or of a mixture of two or more metals from subgroup IV, V or VI is located between absorber layer (5) and reflection layer (3), and an optically active layer (6) consisting of a metal compound with stoichiometric composition is located between absorber layer (5) and the dielectric antireflection layer (7).

Abstract: A system for retaining an optical element with a card assembly and heat sink is provided. The retaining system includes an optical element fastener and a retainer member. The optical element fastener is configured to hold the optical element to the heat sink. The retaining member is configured to hold the card assembly to the heat sink, and also serves to make the optical element fastener captive. In one embodiment, the retaining member includes a ridge for holding the card assembly to the heat sink. The top end of the retainer member may also include one or more recessed slots for tool engagement to facilitate fastening of the retainer member. In one embodiment, the retaining member is threaded at the bottom end to fasten the retaining member to the heat sink. Also, in one embodiment the retaining member includes an axial opening used to access the optical element fastener.

Abstract: An electromagnetic shielding coating covers a lens coated with an optical coating. A light shielding coating covers the optical coating. The electromagnetic shielding coating covers the light shielding coating. The electromagnetic shielding coating includes a first stainless steel layer and a second copper layer. The first stainless steel layer contains stainless steel, and is formed on the light shielding coating directly. The second copper layer is formed on the first metal layer.

Abstract: An infrared light transmission film includes a polymer matrix and at least one red colorant, blue colorant, and yellow colorant that are uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix at amounts effective to allow transmission through the film of at least about 85% of light with wavelengths over about 800 nm while blocking transmission of at least about 90% of light with wavelengths less than about 750 nm.

Abstract: An exemplary lens module includes a barrel receiving a lens system therein, an infrared-cut filter, an infrared-pass filter, and a switching mechanism. The switching mechanism includes a connecting member interconnecting the infrared-cut filter and the infrared-pass filter, a first magnetic member fixed at the barrel, and a second magnetic member fixed at the connecting member. The first and second magnetic members are configured for driving the connecting member to move relative to the barrel so as to selectively bring either the infrared-cut filter or the infrared-pass filter into optical alignment with the lens system in the barrel.

Abstract: A method for processing the surface of a component, or the processing of an optical element through an ion beam, directed onto the surface to be processed, whereby the surface is lowered and/or removed at least partially, and wherein the ions have a kinetic energy of 100 keV or more, as well as optical elements processed in accordance with the method.

Abstract: A photoluminescent marking that includes a photoluminescent layer and at least one functional overlayer is disclosed. The photoluminescent layer comprises at least one type of photoluminescent material. The at least one functional overlayer is adapted to selectively filter wavelengths of radiation to enhance the daylight observability of a final emission signature of the marking or to prevent the observability with the naked eye of a printed message on the marking. Also methods of making and using the inventive photoluminescent marking are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for optimized ridge near field apertures for thermally assisted magnetic recording are disclosed. The aperture dimensions and supporting dielectric materials are optimized for maximum energy absorption at the magnetic recording layer for a light source having a wavelength of 780 nm, which can be produced by low cost laser diodes.

Abstract: A near infrared (NIR) semiconductor laser system is shown for gas sensing. An embodiment is centered on the use of a system with a much wider tunable laser, which today has a scan band of more than 150 nanometers (nm) to as much as 250 nm or more. In some cases the scan band is about 400 nm or more. This is achieved in the current embodiment through the use of a widely tunable microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based Fabry-Perot filter as an integral part of the laser cavity. Using this technology, these systems are capable of capturing a variety of gases in the any of the well-known spectroscopic scan bands, such as the OH, NH or CH. For example, a single laser with a 250 nm scan band window between 1550-1800 nm can capture ten or as many as twenty hydrocarbon-based gases simultaneously.

Abstract: The present application relates to retroreflective sheeting that is capable of use in a license plate and that can be accurately read and/or detected by an ALPR system. The retroreflective sheeting is a microsphere-based retroreflective sheeting that provides reduced retroreflectivity at high entrance angles. The retroreflective sheeting can also be a microsphere-based retroreflective sheeting that exhibits reduced retroreflectivity of incident infra-red light from high entrance angles and substantially unaffected retroreflectivity of incident visible light from entrance angles in the vicinity of the normal.

Abstract: The present application relates to retroreflective sheeting that is capable of use in a license plate and that can be accurately read and/or detected by an ALPR system. The retroreflective sheeting is a prismatic retroreflective sheeting that provides reduced retroreflectivity of infra-red light. The retroreflective sheeting can also be a prismatic retroreflective sheeting that exhibits reduced retroreflectivity of incident infra-red light and substantially unaffected retroreflectivity of incident visible light.

Abstract: A transparent, nano-composite material and methods for making structures from this material are provided. In one embodiment, the material is made from a polycrystalline matrix containing dispersed particles of a harder material. The particles are less then about 100 nm. In other embodiments, methods for making structures from the material are provided. In one aspect, the methods include blending precursor powders for the matrix and reinforcing phases prior to forming and sintering to make a final structure. In other aspects, a precursor powder for the matrix is pressed into a green shape, which is partially sintered and exposed to a solution containing a precursor for the reinforcing phase, prior to be sintered into the final material. In another aspect, the precursor powder for the matrix is coated with a sol-gel precursor for the reinforcing material, then pressed into a green shape and sintered to form the final structure.

Abstract: A multifunctional optical sheet having a light shielding property is provided, which includes polycarbonate, a metal mixture, and a pigment. Since the metal mixture is composed of chrome, iron, and nickel, the visible light transmittance is improved, and the infrared rays are intercepted.

Abstract: Briefly, embodiments of an optical micro-sensor are described.

Abstract: The exposure device is able to supply only EUV radiation to a mask, while eliminating radiation other than the EUV radiation. A multi layer made from a plurality of Mo/Si pair layers is provided upon the front surface of a mirror, and blazed grooves are formed in this multi layer. Radiation which is incident from a light source device is incident upon this mirror, and is reflected or diffracted. Since the reflected EUV radiation (including diffracted EUV radiation) and the radiation of other wavelengths are reflected or diffracted at different angles, accordingly their directions of progression are different. By eliminating the radiation of other wavelengths with an aperture and/or a dumper, it is possible to irradiate a mask only with EUV radiation of high purity.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to passive infrared markers and especially to markers which are reflective in the thermal and/or near infrared wavebands. A thermal infrared marker device is provided taking the form of a truncated pyramid, preferably a hollow truncated pyramid, said device comprising n side facets, where n?3, and a top facet (13), wherein two or more side facets comprise a thermally reflective material (17). The device may take the form of a foldable blank comprising mutually engageable side facets (21), optional fold lines (14) and mutual attachment means (15). The invention has particular utility in military applications.