Abstract: An optical device, for homogenising the lighting in an image plane, defined by a digital optical sensor wherein the optical device is formed of a block made of transparent homogenous filtering material, this block having a substantially uniform absorption coefficient for all the wavelengths of the visible optical spectrum which pass through it, and having a variable thickness suited to a determined absorption profile.

Abstract: There are disclosed a silicate-containing sheet which comprises a silicate of one metal or at least two composite metals, which metal and metals are selected from the group consisting of the groups 4 to 13 series 4-metals of the periodic table, the groups 4 to 15 series 5-metals of the periodic table, and the lanthanoids series metals, and are preferably selected from the group consisting of Ti, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Zr, Ag, In, Sn, Sb and Ce; and further a label comprising the above silicate-containing sheet. The silicate-containing sheet mentioned above can afford a functional sheet which has catalytic actions such as ultraviolet rays-attenuating properties, antimicrobial properties and antifouling properties at a low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a grating structure etched on a mirror substrate has a grating period causing diffracting, out of an optical path, a first incident radiation within a first band around a first wavelength. A multi-layer coating deposited on the grating structure reflects the first incident radiation, in the optical path, within the first band and a second incident radiation within a second band around a second wavelength. In another embodiment, a first multi-layer coating deposited on a mirror substrate reflects a first incident radiation within a first band around a first wavelength and a second incident radiation, in an optical path, within a second band around a second wavelength. A grating structure is deposited on the first multi-layer coating. The grating structure is etched to have a grating period causing diffracting, out of the optical path, the second incident radiation within the second band.

Abstract: An infrared microscope includes a light source emitting infrared light, an objective optical system forming an image of a specimen, and a path switching member switching an optical path from a visual observation optical path in which an infrared-light blocking member is placed, to another optical path to introduce light from the objective optical system thereinto. The infrared microscope is constructed so that an image which is free of aberration due to infrared light and has no unnatural hue due to a large amount of light with long wavelengths can be obtained without moving an element for blocking the infrared light.

Abstract: A diffraction optical element comprises a substrate, a diffraction grating formed on the substrate with a material with low ultraviolet resistance and an ultraviolet screening means arranged on the substrate at a position closer to the incident light receiving side of the optical element relative to the diffraction grating. The ultraviolet screening means comprises a dielectric multilayer film and is formed on the other side of the substrate than the side carrying the diffraction grating. Alternatively, the ultraviolet screening means may be provided as a separate member from a diffraction optical element and arranged at a position closer to the incident light receiving side of the diffraction optical element in an optical system.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a transmitting spectral filter includes a thin film layer and a grating structure. The thin film layer is made of transmitting material to transmit a first incident radiation within a first band around a first wavelength. The first incident radiation is reflected from a mirror in an optical path. The grating structure is deposited on the thin film layer and is etched to have a grating period. The grating period causes transmission of the first incident radiation within the first band and causes at least one of reflection and diffraction of the second incident radiation above a second wavelength out of the optical path.

Abstract: A microscope having switchable illumination in at least two spectral regions; having a common illumination beam path, proceeding from at least one light source, preferably a broad-band light source, for the at least two spectral regions; and having a narrow-band wavelength-selective filter (for example, in the IR or UV wavelength region) that can be inserted into the illumination beam path in order to achieve a wavelength-selective illumination in a first of the at least two spectral regions. A broad-band light protection filter, which can be inserted into the illumination beam path alternatively to the wavelength-selective filter, is associated with the illumination beam path. An apparatus for illumination switchover for a microscope of this kind, having switchable illumination in at least two spectral regions, comprises a mechanical positive coupling of the opposite-direction insertion motions of the wavelength-selective filter and/or of the light protection filter.

Abstract: An antireflection substrate comprising a substrate which is transparent to ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet rays in the wavelength region from 155 nm to 200 nm and a mono-, bi- or tri-layer antireflection film formed on at least one side of the substrate, wherein the refractive index and the physical thickness of the antireflection film at the center wavelength &lgr;0 of the wavelength region of ultraviolet or vacuum ultraviolet light which needs antireflection satisfy particular conditions, and an optical component for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus and a substrate for a low-reflection pellicle which is the ultraviolet and vacuum ultraviolet antireflection substrate

Abstract: The present invention relates to an infrared filter comprising a biaxially oriented co-extruded film having at least three polyester layers comprising an intermediate polyester layer and the surface polyester layers on both sides of the said intermediate layer,

Abstract: Plasticized polyvinyl butyral sheet containing dispersed therein, an infrared-absorbing effective amount of at least one quaterrylenetetracarboxylic diimide infrared-absorbing additive of formula I in the specification. A glass laminate having visible light transmitting and infrared light absorbing properties contains such sheet sandwiched between glass layers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for control of optical trap arrays and formation of particle arrays using light that is in the visible portion of the spectrum. The method and apparatus provides a laser and a time variable diffractive optical element to allow dynamic control of optical trap arrays and consequent control of particle arrays and also the ability to manipulate singular objects using a plurality of optical traps. By avoiding wavelengths associated with strong absorption in the underlying material, creating optical traps with a continuous-wave laser, optimizing the efficiency of individual traps, and trapping extended samples at multiple points, the rate of deleterious nonlinear optical processes can be minimized.

Abstract: A tunable spectral source includes an enclosure having first and second apertures; an optical dispersive element positioned in the enclosure; and multiple pixel source elements that are individually controllable for selectively directing one or more broadband light signals through the first aperture to irradiate the optical dispersive element. Each of the broadband light signals irradiates the optical dispersive element at a unique angle of incidence. The optical dispersive element disperses the broadband light signals into spectral component signals at dispersion angles that are dependent upon the angle of incidence of each broadband light signal that irradiates the optical dispersive element. The portions of the spectral component signals that are emitted through the second aperture are determined by selecting one or more particular pixel source elements to irradiate the optical dispersive element.

Abstract: An optical system for integrated circuit fabrication comprises optical members made of synthetic quartz glass and fluorite, wherein: an optical member disposed in a position through which laser light is transmitted at a high light energy density, is made of single crystal fluorite; and an optical member in a position through which laser light is transmitted at a low light energy density, is made of synthetic quartz glass containing approximately such a hydrogen molecule concentration as can be doped under atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: A band-gap spectral filter is made of a nanochannel glass structure having a two-dimensional array of parallel dielectric rods arranged in a matrix material. The materials for the dielectric rods and the matrix material are selected so that the difference between the refractive index of the dielectric rods and the refractive index of the matrix material is equal to or less than about 0.5.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus is disclosed which comprises a light source, an optical system for condensing light emitted from the light source and illuminating an object with the condensed light, and an optical member which absorbs light having wavelengths from 260 to 340 nm among the light emitted from the light source, wherein the optical member is made of glass or crystalline material to which metal is doped.

Abstract: A silica glass optical material for projection lens to be used in vacuum ultraviolet radiation lithography using radiation from 155 to 195 nm in wavelength, wherein, said silica glass optical material is of ultrahigh purity, contains from 1 to 10 wtppm of OH groups, from 100 to 10,000 wtppm of F, and from 1×1017 to 1×1019 molecules/cm3 of H2, and has a distribution in concentration of F that is axially symmetrical to the central axis.

Abstract: A filter for visual display terminals (VDT), comprising a substrate film having on one surface a deposition layer of indium-tin oxide (ITO) and on the other surface a flexible resin layer comprising a photopolymerized coating derived from a monomeric mixture of at least one of diallyl phthalate, diallyl isophthalate, and diallyl terephthalate, and pentaerythritol tetra(3-mercaptopropionate) in an equivalent ratio of 2:1 to 1:3, and further containing a photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: An exposure apparatus (PE1) and exposure method for use in photolithographically manufacturing devices such as semiconductor devices, image pickup devices, liquid crystal display devices and thin film magnetic heads. The apparatus is capable of transferring onto a substrate (W) the image of a pattern on a reticle (R) and includes a light source (2) capable of supplying an exposure energy beam (IL) with a wavelength under 200 nm, and an illumination optical system arranged to receive the exposure energy beam from said light source. The illumination optical system is designed to guide the exposure energy beam to the reticle. The apparatus also includes a projection optical system (PL) arranged between the reticle and the substrate. The projection optical system is capable of forming an image of the reticle pattern onto the substrate based on the exposure energy beam passing through the reticle.

Abstract: The reflectivity of multilayered EUV mirrors tuned for 11-16 nm, for which the two-component Mo/Be and Mo/Si multilayered systems are commonly used, is enhanced by incorporating additional elements and their compounds mainly from period 5 of the periodic table. In addition, the reflectivity performance of the multilayer stacks is further enhanced by a numerical global optimization procedure by which the layer thicknesses are varied for optimum performance in, contradistinction to the constant layer thickness—i.e. constant partition ration—multilayer stacks commonly designed and fabricated hitherto. By incorporating additional materials with differing complex refractive indices in various regions of the stack, or by wholly replacing one of the components (typically Mo), peak reflectivity enhancements of up to 5% for a single reflector are achieved, compared to a standard unoptimized stack. The additional materials used are: Rb, RbCl, Sr, Y, Zr, Ru, Rh, Tc, Pd, Nb and Be.

Abstract: Antireflection multilayer coatings with only three or four layers are proposed for the production of laser resistant optical components with minimal residual reflection and high transparency for UV light in a wavelength range approx. 150 nm to approx. 250 nm at large angles of incidence in the range of approx. 70° to approx. 80°, particularly in the range between approx. 72° and approx. 76°. For incident p-polarized UV light three-layer systems can be used, in which a layer of low refractive material, in particular magnesium fluoride is arranged between two layers of high refractive material and, in the case of the specified wavelength, of minimally absorbent material, in particular of hafnium oxide or aluminum oxide. For example, this allows a residual reflection of perceptibly less than 1% to be achieved in the case of a wavelength of 248 nm at angles of incidence in the range between approx. 72° and approx. 76°.

Abstract: A UV-absorbing filter absorbs a UV component of incoming light to reduce an amount of the UV component of transmitted light. The UV-absorbing filter comprises a transparent UV-absorbing glass plate which contains a UV-absorbing substance; a transparent first and second heat-resistant glass plates which face respective surfaces of the UV-absorbing glass plate; a first and second distance pieces which are made of heat-resistant resin and which are respectively interposed between the UV-absorbing glass plate and the first and second heat-resistant glass plates, in the vicinity of an outer edge of the UV-absorbing glass plate, so as to form a space between them.

Abstract: A process for coating plastic substrates with a transparent layer compact that is not sensitive to scratches and abrasion and resistant to atmospheric influence with a plasma flame in a vacuum chamber at some distance from the substrate. The process includes the steps of: a cleaning of the substrate with an oxidizing gas in a first procedural step and then a cross linkage with an inert gas in a second procedural step, an oxidizing gas and a silicon-organic compound are used in a third procedural step to produce a first barrier layer, and an oxidizing gas, a silicon-organic compound, and a UV-absorbing compound are used in a fourth procedural step to deposit a sublayer with UV absorbers, an oxidizing gas and a silicon-organic compound are used in a fifth procedural step to deposit a scratch-resistant layer, an inert gas and a silicon-organic compound are used in a sixth procedural step to deposit a smooth layer.

Abstract: The invention features an optical medium for calibrating UV absorbance detectors, methods for making such an optical medium, and methods for calibrating UV absorbance detectors using such a medium. The optical calibration medium includes a gel-sol silica glass monolith with a rare-earth dopant therein. The rare-earth dopant exhibits at least one spectral feature in at least the far UV range. The constituents of the gel-sol silica glass monolith are selected so the rare-earth doped sol-gel glass monolith exhibits a transmittance in the far UV range so each distinct spectral feature of the rare-earth dopant in the far UV range is discernable.

Abstract: A novel, cost effective optical filter is employed for photosensors used in ultraviolet-based water purification systems. Optically tuned to specifically eliminate the non-germicidal wavelength polychromatic emissions from mercury lamps, this unique optical filter approach significantly reduces the cost in manufacturing reliable water purification systems employing ultraviolet light.

Abstract: In a reflected-light type fluorescence microscope having a turret type filter cassette capable of switching a plurality of excitation filters, a plurality of barrier filters, and a plurality of dichromatic mirrors and selecting a desired set of excitation filter, barrier filter, and dichromatic mirror upon rotation of a turret to perform fluorescence observation of a specimen, the excitation filters, barrier filters, and dichromatic mirrors are directly mounted on the turret. The turret has a shape obtained by cutting the sharp portion of a polyhedral pyramid (for example, octahedral pyramid) having a rotation axis as its central axis along a plane perpendicular to the central axis. The eight equiangular conical surfaces make 45° with the illumination and observation optical axes. Through holes are formed in the 45° conical surfaces to assure an optical path.

Abstract: A UV-absorbing filter absorbs a UV component of incoming light to reduce an amount of the UV component of transmitted light. The UV-absorbing filter comprises a transparent UV-absorbing glass plate which contains a UV-absorbing substance; a transparent first and second heat-resistant glass plates which face respective surfaces of the UV-absorbing glass plate; a first and second distance pieces which are made of heat-resistant resin and which are respectively interposed between the UV-absorbing glass plate and the first and second heat-resistant glass plates, in the vicinity of an outer edge of the UV-absorbing glass plate, so as to form a space between them.

Abstract: An ultraviolet microscope optical system includes a light source emitting light in a region of wavelengths shorter than 300 nm; an illumination optical system; an objective lens system; an imaging optical system; and a photographing device.

Abstract: An optical member for photolithography made of a calcium fluoride crystal exhibits an internal transmittance of 99.5%/cm or greater with respect to light having a specific wavelength of 185 nm or shorter.

Abstract: A grating member comprising a diffraction grating having a periodic structure for converting an incident wavefront at the central area into a prescribed wavefront is provided with a light-shielding member comprising a UV-light absorbing material at the periphery of the grating member in order to reduce excess light and scattered light.

Abstract: A two-layer coating system blocks ultraviolet radiation up to and including 400 nanometers, the upper end of ultra violet light. An inner layer blocks radiation from about 375 nanometers to 400 nanometers. An outer layer absorbs radiation up to 375 nanometers.

Abstract: A multilayer polymer film has an optical stack including a plurality of alternating polymer layers with skin layers having mechanical, optical, or chemical properties differing from those of the layers in the optical stack, wherein the refractive indices in the in-plane direction nx and ny, and the refractive index in the thickness direction nz for each layer are all selected to obtain optical effects such as reflection, transmission, and/or polarization.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter which include a thin metallic and/or metallic oxide, nitride, carbide, silicide, boride, or sulfide coating disposed directly upon a polymeric substrate, in the absence of a carrier layer for the thin coating. Also disclosed are methods to make the composition and an apparatus to practice the method.

Abstract: A diffraction optical element comprises a substrate, a diffraction grating formed on the substrate with a material with low ultraviolet resistance and an ultraviolet screening means arranged on the substrate at a position closer to the incident light receiving side of the optical element relative to the diffraction grating. The ultraviolet screening means comprises a dielectric multilayer film and is formed on the other side of the substrate than the side carrying the diffraction grating. Alternatively, the ultraviolet screening means may be provided as a separate member from a diffraction optical element and arranged at a position closer to the incident light receiving side of the diffraction optical element in an optical system.

Abstract: An ultraviolet microscope optical system includes a light source emitting light in a region of wavelengths shorter than 300 nm; an illumination optical system; an objective lens system; an imaging optical system; and a photographing device. The ultraviolet microscope optical system further includes a wavelength selective device, which satisfies the following condition: (To·&dgr;)/(Tm·&Dgr;)>2 where To is a transmittance at the center of a selected wavelength region, &dgr; is a half width at full maximum expressed in nanometers, Tm is an average transmittance in the region of wavelengths longer than 300 nm, and &Dgr; is a sensitive wavelength region of the photographing device, expressed in nanometers, in the region of wavelengths longer than 300 nm.

Abstract: The present invention provides a curved lens having a hologram and a method of fabricating the same. In this method, a chromium-plated metal plate on which a hologram is formed is fixed to a moving plate of an injection mold having a curved cavity, and plastic resin is injected and molded. Thus, the metal plate is stretched or elongated, and simultaneously, the hologram of an elongated metal plate is transferred to the plastic resin. Then, a highly refractive material is deposited on the injected plastic, and the resultant structure is coated with a UV-blocking material. In this way, the curved lens having a hologram is fabricated. The plastic curved lens passes the standard values for sunglass lenses in terms of power and parallelism, and can obtain a distinct hologram image by completely preventing generation of color stripes which is the most serious problem in existing plastic curved lenses.

Abstract: For realizing an optical member for vacuum ultraviolet with little absorption and with a low deliquescence nature and a low cleavage nature, a halide of an alkali metal such as Li, Na, Cs, or the like and a halide of any one of alkaline earth metals and other elements such as Ca, Sr, Ba, Mg, Zn, and the like are mixed in a ratio of 1:1, the mixture is sintered, and a fluoride crystal of AMF3 type perovskite structure is grown. The crystal is processed to fabricate a substrate of an optical member such as a lens, a mirror, a prism, or the like for excimer lasers. Alternatively, the crystal is used as an evaporation source to coat a substrate of an optical member therewith. It is thus feasible to obtain optical members with little absorption in the vacuum ultraviolet region and with an excellent durability.

Abstract: An optical filter comprises a transparent support and a filter layer. The filter layer contains a dye and a binder polymer. The dye is a methine dye in an aggregated form. The transparent support, the filter layer or an optional layer further contains a specific ultraviolet absorbing agent represented by the formula (I), (II), or (III).

Abstract: An assembly includes a holder made of material selected from metal and ceramic/glass ceramic, a transparent optical component that is transparent in the ultraviolet (UV) wavelength region of light, which has functional faces serving for transmission, and adhesive that is hardenable by UV light of a given long wavelength region, a layer applied by thin film technology and fixed to the holder by the adhesive. The layer is provided only outside said functional faces and to a high degree at least reflects or absorbs radiated light in a predetermined UV wavelength region within the UV wavelength region transmitted by the transparent optical component, and is transparent in the given long wavelength region to harden the adhesive by UV light irradiation that passes through the transparent optical component and the layer.

Abstract: An optical element comprising a plurality of transparent layers comprising one or more passive layers (11) and one or more active layers (12) wherein said passive layers (11) facilitate the transmission of electromagnetic radiation in a substantially unaltered form and the at least one active layers (12) include an active material dispersed through the active layer and having the capacity to intercept electromagnetic radiation of at least one predetermined wavelength or range of wavelengths and redirect at least a portion of energy of the intercepted radiation into the interior of the optical element, said layers being in face to face relationship and being optically coupled to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fabrication method of an apodized optical fiber grating. The method according to the invention uses an ultraviolet light source for outputting an ultraviolet layer, a lens field for converging or emitting the light incident from the ultraviolet light source, an amplitude mask for selectively transmitting the ultraviolet layer incident from the lens field, and an optical fiber, on which the light that has transmitted the amplitude mask.

Abstract: A system and method for modification of tissue. The system and method utilize a disposable sample cell that contains a chemical mixture capable of photoinitiation. Upon photoinitiation, a chemical reaction creates electromagnetic radiation that is readily absorbed by a desired portion of tissue. The absorption of energy creates heat which can be controlled to result in predetermined modifications to the tissue.

Abstract: A forensic microscope, particularly for examination of writing, comprising a single-channel microscope with stereo viewing by synchronized interchange of the illumination angle in front of the microscope objective and/or of the angle of observation following the microscope objective and, further, by fluorescence excitation in a range of approximately 340 to 360 nm and/or between 400 nm and approximately 590 nm.

Abstract: A transparent conductive film having a transparent oxide layer and a metal layer containing Ag, laminated in this order from a substrate side in a total of (2n+l) layers), wherein n is an integer of at least 1, wherein the transparent oxide layer contains ZnO and further contains In within a range of from 9 to 98 atomic % based on the sum of Zn and In, and a process for forming a transparent electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure of this invention relates to window solar control films and more particularly, to window treatment films that incorporate both an ultraviolet absorber and an optical brightner. The disclosure is concerned primarily with a multi layer film construction and method for the enhancement of the optical properties of window treatment films, by the use of optical brightner in at least one layer component of a multi layer window film. The window solar control film has enhanced the optical properties and absorbs most of the ultraviolet radiation. The subject multilayer film absorbs radiation in the range of 300 to 410 n.m. and does not have an undesirable yellowish tint or hue.

Abstract: A light shield for a dental composite curing gun which can be easily snapped on and off of a probe of the gun is provided. The shield includes a tinted, transparent main body which absorbs certain components of light reflected from a tooth surface being restored, thereby enabling the operator to have a complete field of vision, while protecting the operator from harmful and distracting reflections. The snap-on attachment mechanism includes first and second deformable legs having a receiving notch formed therebetween, such that the shield can be pushed on to and pulled from the probe by deforming the legs. The entire shield and snap-on connection mechanism are manufactured from a unitary piece of material which can be completely sterilized.

Abstract: The present invention provides for significantly improved ultraviolet optical filters. This new class of optical filters benefits from improved optical performance, extended physical longevity, high imaging quality of transmitted radiation, transmitted wavelength stability, and minimal autofluorescence. Preferred filters of the invention do not require any sealing from the ambient, are stable, and do not degrade over time and exposure to UV irradiation, and offer superior transmittance for use as bandpass filters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent zero distortion photocatalytic dielectric combiner housing a series of hard durable thin films that reflect 98% of UV, with a plurality of dielectric layers having indices of refraction greater than 2.0 but otherwise is transmissive to light at all wavelengths. The photocatalytic dielectric combiner selectively reflects and concentrates UV from sources such as light fixtures or sunlight within a narrow range of wavelengths on the outer surface of the combiner element, promoting photocatalytic oxidation to decompose bacteria and contaminants, making surfaces the combiner is placed upon self-cleaning, self-sanitizing, and self-deodorizing. The invention is suitable for windows, counter tops, door hardware, plumbing fixtures, and the like.

Abstract: A method to improve the probability for good health and decrease the risk of cancer and disease comprising: controlling the indoor spectral radiation environment partial body exposure in an amount above 0.06 MED, but not exceeding 0.2 MED per day by irradiating the body with an artificial light source.

Abstract: A solar blind optical filter which absorbs solar UV radiation and transmits non-solar UV radiation includes a carrier material and a salt of a dithioic acid of the formula RCS.sub.2.sup.- X.sup.+ wherein R is an a organic substituent that does not absorb ultraviolet light at wavelengths between 260 nanometers and 300 nanometers and X is a counterion. The solar blind optical filters of the present invention are useful for observing non-solar ultraviolet radiation in the presence of solar radiation.

Abstract: An illuminating apparatus which comprises a light source, an optical system for condensing light emitted from the light source and illuminating an object with the condensed light, and an optical member which absorbs light having a wavelength from 260 to 340 nm among the light emitted from the light source, wherein the optical member is made of glass or crystalline material to which metal is doped.