Abstract: An optical film is provided and has retardations satisfying relations (1) to (3): (1) 0?Re(550)?10; (2) ?25 ?Rth(550)?5; and (3) |I|+|II|+|III|+|IV|>0.5 (nm), with definitions: I=Re(450)?Re(550); II=Re(650)?Re(550); III=Rth(450)?Rth(550); and IV=Rth(650)?Rth(550), wherein Re(450), Re(550) and Re(650) are in-plane retardations measured with lights of wavelength of 450, 550 and 650 nm, respectively; and Rth(450), Rth(550) and Rth(650) are retardations in a thickness direction of the optical film, which are measured with lights of wavelength of 450, 550 and 650 nm, respectively.

Abstract: A folder type polarizing film for OLEDs and a display device, the film including a polarizer; a transparent support attached to an upper surface of the polarizer, the transparent support being a cycloolefin polymer film; and a compensation film attached to a lower surface of the polarizer, the compensation film being a cycloolefin polymer having a phase difference of ?/4 relative to a polarization axis of the polarizer.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical device having inhomogeneous polarization selectivity. The optical device includes a transparent substrate having a surface, a first optical element and a second optical element. The first and the second elements are disposed on the surface. The first optical element has a first polarization selectivity at least within a full visible frequency domain. The second optical element has a second polarization selectivity at least within a full visible frequency domain. The first and the second polarization selectivities have different orientations.

Abstract: According to an aspect of an embodiment, an apparatus includes an optical branching unit for branching an input signal light in four directions, a polarization component extraction unit extracting four polarization components having mutually different polarization parameters from lights branched in four directions by the optical branching unit, and a determination unit determining input/non-input of the signal light based on the four polarization components extracted by the polarization component extraction unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are a polarizing plate manufacturable by a manufacturing method safe in work and less imposing a burden on the environment using protective films excellent in adhesion with the polarizer and a method for manufacturing the same. A liquid crystal display device using the polarizing plate and having both a large viewing angle and a high visibility (high contrast and so forth) is also disclosed. The polarizing plate made by holding both surfaces of the polarizer held with protective films is characterized in that at least one protective film is a protective film hydrophilized by either a plasma treatment or a corona treatment and that the surface energy of the protective films before the hydrophilization and the surface energy of the protective films after the hydrophilization satisfy a predetermined relational expression.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention relate to oblivious transfer protocols and to system for performing oblivious transfer. Embodiments of the present invention include a private data sampling protocol that is designed to balance the competing privacy interest of a database user and a database owner. Protocol embodiments enable the database user to obtain a fixed size random sample of the available data held by the database owner without the database owner learning which bits of data were accessed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure sensitive adhesive composition, a polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display device. The present pressure sensitive adhesive composition may provide a pressure sensitive adhesive having excellent endurance reliability, optical physical property, workability and adhesion property in high temperature or high humidity condition. Especially, the present pressure sensitive adhesive composition may provide a pressure sensitive adhesive that antistatic property suitable to the applied use can be stably maintained for a long time.

Abstract: For readjusting a polarization drift in the transmission of a polarization-encoded optical signal from a transmitter via a light guide to a receiver, optical auxiliary signals having the same wavelength as the polarization-encoded signal as well as different polarizations as in correspondence with a first base and a second base are fed into the light guide on the side of the transmitter while the transmission of the polarization-encoded signal is interrupted, and the optical auxiliary signals are picked up from the light guide and checked for shifts of the different polarizations by a polariometer on the side of the receiver, whereupon, in the event of the detection of polarization shifts, the different polarizations shifted during the transmission are displaced in the sense of the polarization set values via a polarization controller associated with the light guide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an elliptical polarizer with excellent viewing angle characteristics. The elliptical polarizer comprises at least a first polarizer, a first optically anisotropic layer, a second optically anisotropic layer, and a third optically anisotropic layer, laminated in this order, the first optically anisotropic layer satisfying [1] 50?Re1?500, [2] 30?Rth1?750, and [3] 0.6?Rth1/Re1?1.5, the second optically anisotropic layer satisfying [4] 0?Re2?20 and [5] ?500?Rth2??30, and the third optically anisotropic layer satisfying [6] 100?Re3?180, [7] 50?Rth3?600, and [8] 0.5?Rth3/Re3?3.5, wherein Re indicates the retardation value in the plane of each optically anisotropic layer and Rth indicates the retardation value in the thickness direction of each optically anisotropic layer.

Abstract: To provide a photocurable composition with which a fine pattern molded product on which a fine pattern of a mold is highly precisely transferred can efficiently be produced. A photocurable composition comprising 100 parts by mass of a photocurable monomer (A), from 5 to 60 parts by mass of a colloidal silica (B) (solid content) having an average particle size of at most 200 nm, and from 0.1 to 10 parts by mass of a photopolymerization initiator (C), wherein the photocurable monomer (A) comprises a multifunctional monomer (A1) having at least 3(meth)acryloyloxy groups in one molecule and a bifunctional monomer (A2) having two (meth)acryloyloxy groups in one molecule, at least one compound belonging to the multifunctional monomer (A1) or the bifunctional monomer (A2) has a hydroxy group, and the ratio of the total amount (mol) of hydroxy groups to the total amount (mol) of the multifunctional monomer (A1) and the bifunctional monomer (A2) is at least 10%.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a polarizing plate comprising a polarizing film and a transparent protective film provided on at least one surface of the polarizing film, the method comprising the steps of: subjecting at least a surface of the transparent protective film to be bonded to the polarizing film to an adhesion improving treatment; bringing water into contact with at least the surface subjected to the adhesion improving treatment; and laminating the transparent protective film on the polarizing film so that the surface subjected to the adhesion improving treatment and brought into contact with water is bonded to the polarizing film.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a focusing system (100) for focusing an electromagnetic beam for three-dimensional random access applications, the system comprising a first pair of acousto-optic deflectors (10) for focusing an electromagnetic beam in an X-Z plane, and a second pair of acousto-optic deflectors (20) for focusing an electromagnetic beam in a Y-Z plane being substantially perpendicular to the X-Z plane, characterised in that the second pair of acousto-optic deflectors (20) are arranged between the acousto-optic deflectors (12, 12?) of the first pair of acousto-optic deflectors (10), such that the first and fourth acousto-optic deflectors (12, 12?) of the system belong to the first pair of acousto-optic deflectors (10) and the second and third acousto-optic deflectors (22, 22?) of the system belong to the second pair of acousto-optic deflectors (20).

Abstract: An irradiation optical system including: a first projection optical system for mixing a plurality of luminous fluxes outputted from a laser light source having a plurality of linearly arrayed light emitting points with each other and dividing the mixed luminous fluxes into a plurality of luminous fluxes and then projecting, to a slit member having a plurality of slits parallel to each other, the plural luminous fluxes as a line beam extending across the plural slits; and a second projection optical system for projecting an image of the plural slits of the slit member to an irradiation target.

Abstract: Nanofiber actuators and strain amplifiers having a material that generates a force or generates a displacement when directly or indirectly electrically driven. This material is an aerogel or a related low density or high density network comprising conducting fibers that are electrically interconnected and can substantially actuate without the required presence of either a liquid or solid electrolyte. Reversible or permanently frozen actuation is used to modify the properties of the actuator material for applications.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, the illumination optical system for illuminating an illumination target surface with light from a light source is provided with a polarization converting member which converts a polarization state of incident light so as to form a pupil intensity distribution in a predetermined polarization state on an illumination pupil of the illumination optical system; and a phase modulating member which is arranged in the optical path on the illumination target surface side with respect to the polarization converting member and which transmits light from the pupil intensity distribution so as to convert linearly polarized light thereof polarized in a first direction, into required elliptically polarized light and maintain a polarization state of linearly polarized light polarized in a second direction (X-direction or Y-direction) obliquely intersecting with the first direction, in order to reduce influence of retardation caused by a subsequent optical system between the polarization converting

Abstract: A multi-layer film (1), depicting a colour two-dimensional image which is only visible through a polarizing filter comprises an optically active layer (2) placed over a polarizing layer (3) and configured to form the image on its face opposite the polarizing layer (3) when said face is seen through the polarizing filter, the optically active layer (2) comprising a plurality of sheets (4) of optically active material placed over each other, at least one of which is shaped to form at least one portion of the outline of the image.

Abstract: A polarizer for use in an IPS-LCD includes: a polarizing element; and a retardation film laminate attached to a surface of the polarizing element. The retardation film laminate includes a combination of a +B film and a ?B film or a combination of a +B film and a +A film.

Abstract: A beam sampling system, includes a first beam splitter adapted to split a laser beam having a primary polarization component and a secondary polarization component, into a first intermediate sample beam, and a first beam splitter output beam, the intermediate sample beam including first percentage of the primary polarization component and a second percentage of the secondary polarization component. A 90-degree polarization rotator is positioned in the intermediate sample beam line. A second beam splitter is mounted so that the intermediate sample beam is split into an output sample beam on an output sample beam line, and a second transmitted beam, the output sample beam including substantially said first percentage of the secondary polarization component and substantially said second percentage of the primary polarization component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarization-sensitive light homogenizer and a backlight and display using the same. The homogenizer improves the spatial luminance and color uniformity, increases the luminance in a direction normal to the homogenizer and provides increased luminance through polarized light recycling within the light homogenizer and backlight. In one embodiment, the homogenizer includes a polarization-sensitive anisotropic light-scattering (PDALS) region, a non-polarization-sensitive anisotropic light-scattering region, and a substantially non-scattering region. In a further embodiment, the non-scattering region is birefringent. The spatially non-uniform incident light flux from a backlight including one or more non-extended light emitting sources is scattered efficiently by the NPDASL region and is incident on the PDALS region which backscatters light orthogonal to the polarization state desired for efficient illumination of a liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: A dual-beam laser cutting system uses laser beam polarization to output two identical laser beams. The dual identical laser beams are spaced appropriately to simultaneously cut a water thus increasing the laser cutting system's throughput as compared to a single-laser cutting system. In one implementation, the dual-beam laser cutting system 100 utilizes a beam expander 220, two half-wave plates 224, 238, a polarizing beam splitter 228, a mirror 236, and two lenses 234, 242 to provide two identical laser beams 202, 204 from a single laser source 214. The identical laser beams 202, 204 are tuned to have the same power, cross-sectional diameter, and polarization direction. One of the half-wave plates 224 is rotated to yield laser beams with the same power. The other half-wave plate 238 is rotated to yield laser beams with the same polarization direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pressure-sensitive adhesive composition, a polarizing plate and a liquid crystal display. In the present invention, provided is a pressure-sensitive adhesive which can effectively prevent the light leakage resulting from dimensional changes of the polarizing plate, and the like, and exhibit excellent endurance reliability even when it is used or stored for a long time. Further, in the present invention, provided is the pressure-sensitive adhesive composition or the pressure-sensitive adhesive which can exhibit excellent physical properties, such as removability, workability, and the like.

Abstract: A polymer film comprising at least one polymer as the main ingredient thereof, and at least one compound that satisfies relational formulae (1) and (2), in an amount of from 0.2 to 20% by mass of said at least polymer is disclosed. ?max indicates the maximum absorption wavelength (unit: nm) of the compound, ?1/2 (?max<?1/2) indicates the wavelength at which the absorption intensity at ?max is ½.

Abstract: There is provided an infrared light source that has a simple structure and radiates infrared rays polarized in a specific direction and having a specific wavelength. The infrared light source (100) comprises a heat generator (107) and a latticework (101) in which a dielectric part (105) and a metal part (103) are alternately formed at a constant pitch in a constant direction. The infrared rays are radiated in a direction perpendicular to the surface of the latticework and are polarized in the direction indicated by an arrow A. If the constant pitch is denoted by P, the width of the dielectric part in the constant direction by T, and the specific wavelength by ?, for arbitrary P and T that meet the inequalities 0<P?2.0? and T?0.5P, the depth D of the latticework is so selected that the intensity spectrum of the infrared rays radiated from the infrared light source has the peak at ?.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retardation film that comprises a blend resin of 1) an acryl-based copolymer resin that comprises an alkyl methacrylate-based monomer and a cycloalkyl methacrylate-based monomer, and 2) a resin that comprises an aromatic ring or aliphatic ring in a polymer main chain, a method for manufacturing the retardation film, and a liquid crystal display device that comprises the retardation film. The retardation film according to the present invention has excellent heat resistance, optical transparency, mechanical strength, and durability.

Abstract: A polarizing plate of the present invention comprises: main four sides which form a quadrangle or a substantially quadrangular shape, wherein the quadrangle or the substantially quadrangular shape is a non-rectangular shape having four interior angles each of which is in the range of 80° to 100°, provided that at least two of the four interior angles are not 90°, the non-rectangular polarizing plate has an in-plane absorption axis, a largest rectangle having four sides in directions parallel and perpendicular to the absorption axis of the polarizing plate can be drawn as a hypothetical rectangle in the plane of the non-rectangular polarizing plate, the hypothetical rectangle has a side which is closest to the non-rectangular shape and makes angles in the range of 0° to 5° with the non-rectangular shape, and at least one of the angles is an acute angle in the range of 1° to 5°. The polarizing plate can smoothly undergo reworking even when it has a reduced thickness.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarizer protective film capable of suppressing blocking that occurs in taking up the film. The polarizer protective film of the present invention includes a (meth)acrylic resin film and an easy-adhesion layer formed of an easy-adhesive composition including a urethane resin and fine particles. The fine particles include preferably colloidal silica.

Abstract: Provided are a pressure-sensitive adhesive having excellent durability and reliability under high-temperature or high-humidity conditions, adhesion strength, workability, re-movability, and the ability to inhibit light leakage; a method for preparing the pressure-sensitive adhesive; a polarizer including the pressure-sensitive adhesive; and a liquid crystal display incorporating the polarizer.

Abstract: A cellulose acylate film including a cellulose acylate and a sugar ester compound, which is stretched at (Tg?5° C.) to (Tg+10° C.) while as yet not heated at all at (Tg?5° C.) or higher and which has a total haze of at most 1.0% and an internal haze of at most 0.1%, wherein Tg means the glass transition temperature (unit: ° C.) of the cellulose acylate film.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical device which can be formed as a thinner layer by a simplified manufacturing process at a reduced cost. Specifically, the optical device has a multilayer structure wherein a polyvinyl alcohol- or polyvinylene-base polarizing film (b) and protective films (a and c) are directly laminated on top of another without any adhesive layer including a pressure sensitive adhesive layer interposed therebetween. The protective film (c) on one side is composed of a triacetyl cellulose, an alicyclic polyolefin resin, or an alicyclic acrylic resin, and the protective film (a) on the other side is composed of a triacetyl cellulose, a polycarbonate, a polyethylene terephthalate, a polyethylene naphthalate, a (meth)acrylate resin, an alicyclic polyolefin resin, or an alicyclic acrylic resin.

Abstract: Provided are a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) composition including an interpenetrating polymer network structure in a cured state, and including an acrylic resin and a crosslinking agent component that consists of a bifunctional crosslinking agent, a polarizer and a liquid crystal display. Provided are the PSA composition, the polarizer including a cured product of the PSA composition, and the liquid crystal display, which have excellent workability and optical properties, durability and reliability, at high temperature or humidity condition, and significantly increase productivity of optical members such as a polarizer, since the time-dependent change of the pressure-sensitive adhesive strength is rapidly ended after fabrication.

Abstract: An optical system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus, and a microlithographic exposure method are disclosed. An optical system for a microlithographic projection exposure apparatus includes an illumination device, which has a mirror arrangement having a plurality of mirror elements which are adjustable independently of one another for altering an angular distribution of the light reflected by the mirror arrangement, and at least one polarization state altering device like, e.g., a photoelastic modulator.