Abstract: A method of producing an absorbing polarizer which has a plurality of regions where directions of absorption axes are different from each other and has a curved surface portion. The method includes a step of forming a layer of a composition for forming a photo-alignment film that contains a photo-alignment agent on a surface of a resin base material, a step of forming the alignment film by irradiating the layer with ultraviolet rays of linearly polarized light via a lens, and aligning the photo-alignment agent, and a step of coating a surface of an alignment film with a composition containing a liquid crystal compound and a dichroic substance. The alignment film has a curved surface portion and a plurality of regions where directions of an alignment regulating force are different from each other.

Abstract: An optical device includes, in sequence, a surface formed of a metal oxide, a samarium oxide-containing layer in contact with the surface formed of a metal oxide, and a magnesium fluoride-containing layer in contact with the samarium oxide-containing layer so as to suppress optical absorption resulting from high-rate sputter deposition of a magnesium fluoride-containing layer on a surface formed of a metal oxide.

Abstract: A hybrid optical filter includes a plurality of film layers laminated to one another. This renders the filter flexible enough to be bendable and to implement a combination of at least two different wavelength-dependent optical filtering properties in a single hybrid optical filter. Two or more of the optical filtering properties may be caused by interference-based blocking of different ranges of wavelengths of light. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the optical filtering properties may be an absorptive blocking of a first range of wavelengths of light and at least another one of the optical filtering properties is an interference-based blocking of a second range of wavelengths of light. The first range of wavelengths and the second range of wavelengths may overlap to provide for customized ranges of blocked wavelengths.

Abstract: A switchable image capturing system is provided. Through modulating light by an electro-optical switch, the light intake received by the lens assembly and the image sensor may be changed. Specifically, when the electro-optical switch receives a positive voltage, the electro-optical switch obstructs the light so that the lens assembly and the image sensor are not able to image by receiving the light; when the electro-optical switch receives a negative voltage, the electro-optical switch allows the light to pass through so that the lens assembly and the image sensor is able to image by receiving the light. Through the configuration in the aforementioned statements, the image time of the image sensor may be controlled to interrupt or continue filming according to the user's needs.

Abstract: A light filter and a spectrometer including the light filter are disclosed. The light filter includes a plurality of filter units having different resonance wavelengths, wherein each of the plurality of filter units includes a cavity layer configured to output light of constructive interference, a Bragg reflection layer provided on a first surface of the cavity layer, and a pattern reflection layer provided on a second surface of the cavity layer opposite to the first surface and configured to cause guided mode resonance of light incident on the pattern reflection layer, the pattern reflection layer including a plurality of reflection structures that are periodically arranged.

Abstract: Embodiments are notably directed to a vertical microcavity. The vertical microcavity includes a first reflector and a second reflector, each of which includes one or more material layers extending perpendicular to a vertical axis x. The cavity may further include a confinement region extending between the first reflector and the second reflector, so as to be able to confine an electromagnetic wave. The confinement region may include a single layer material, which is structured so as to create an effective refractive index variation for the electromagnetic wave to be confined, in an average plane of the single layer material, perpendicularly to said vertical axis x. Additional examples are further directed to related microcavity systems and methods of fabrication.

Abstract: A multilayer optical film has a packet of microlayers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference to provide a first reflective characteristic. At least some of the microlayers are birefringent. A stabilizing layer attaches to and covers the microlayer packet proximate an outer exposed surface of the film. Heating element(s) can physically contact the film to deliver heat to the packet through the stabilizing layer by thermal conduction, at altered region(s) of the film, such that the first reflective characteristic changes to an altered reflective characteristic in the altered region(s) to pattern the film. The stabilizing layer provides sufficient heat conduction to allow heat from the heating elements to change (e.g.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to planar optical devices composed of one or more sub-wavelength diffraction grating layers. In one embodiment, an optical device includes a first substantially planar reflective structure (104,1904), a second substantially planar reflective structure (106,1906), and a substantially planar sub-wavelength grating layer (102,1902) disposed between the first reflective structure and the second reflective structure. The grating layer is configured with lines (208-211,214-217) having line widths, line thicknesses, and line period spacing selected to control phase changes in different portions of a beam of light transmitted through the optical device.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technology field of a tool for testing an optical property of a structural member, and discloses a polarizer support member of a lighting-inspection equipment and a lighting-inspection equipment. By providing a connecting portion at each corner region of the support plate, and providing a fixing member which is detachably connected with the connecting portion at a location on the frame of the lighting-inspection equipment corresponding to each connecting portion, the forces applied to the support plate between the connecting portions and the fixing members are balanced so as to remain the support plate in a horizontal state, thus, the supporting stability of the support plate is ensured and the damage to the panel or other parts due to the sag of one end of the support plate is avoided. In addition, the structure of the support member is simple and the installation and detachment of the support is easy.

Abstract: An optical filter assembly includes two similarly configured linear polarized filters. Each linear polarized filter is in a circular configuration, has parallel grating lines, and an exterior periphery. The optical filter assembly has two similarly configured U-shaped cross sectional annular supports. Each annular support is in a U-shaped cross sectional configuration. Each annular support receives and frictionally supports an associated one of the linear polarized filters. The optical filter assembly has an annular retention ring in a U-shaped cross sectional configuration. The annular retention ring receives and slidably supports the two annular supports. The two annular supports are disposed in sliding contact and movement with respect to each other. In this manner the linear polarized filters are individually rotated and the passage of sunlight there through may be varied.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer optical film having a structure in which a first resin layer and a second resin layer are alternately laminated, wherein the first resin layer comprises a crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic-acid polyester and the second resin layer comprises polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG). Also, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a multilayer optical film comprising (a) melting extrusion a first resin comprising a crystalline naphthalene dicarboxylic-acid polyester and a second resin comprising PETG respectively and then alternately laminating the first resin and the second resin; and (b) elongating the laminated sheet in step (a) and then thermosetting them.

Abstract: Optical components and their methods of manufacture are provided, including a first stack of layers configured to exhibit a first stop band for s-polarized radiation and a second stop band for p-polarized radiation incident on the first stack of layers at an oblique angle, a second stack of layers configured to exhibit a third stop band for s-polarized radiation and a fourth stop band for p-polarized radiation incident on the second stack of layers at the oblique angle, where the cut-on wavelength for the first stop band is approximately equal to or larger than the cut-off wavelength for the third stop band. Optical components are further provided to include extended blocking functionality, and to permit stress balancing in thin-film coatings on opposite sides of a substrate.

Abstract: Thermochromic filters use combinations of absorptive, reflective, thermoabsorptive, and thermoreflective elements covering different portions of the solar spectrum, to achieve different levels of energy savings, throw, shading, visible light transmission, and comfort. Embodiments include stopband filters in the near-infrared spectrum.

Abstract: A reflective film includes interior layers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference, the layers extending from a first to a second zone of the film. The interior layers include a first set of layers composed of a first material and a second set of layers composed of a different second material. The first and second sets of layers are both birefringent in the first zone, but at least some of the layers have reduced birefringence in the second zone. The reduced birefringence produces a second reflective characteristic in the second zone that differs from a first reflective characteristic in the first zone, this difference not being substantially attributable to any thickness difference between the first and second zones. The film may also incorporate absorbing agents to assist in the manufacture or processing of the film.

Abstract: A method of forming a polarizing material is provided including exposing a layer of dichroic material to activating light illumination to provide an ordered structure with a distinguished absorption axis and thus photo-induce polarization, and fixing the induced polarization by polymerization of the dichroic layer. Novel polarizing materials formed thereby are also provided. By selectively exposing regions of the dichroic material to differing activating radiation, different regions with different polarization axes can be created. The polarizing material can also be provided with a coating or coatings to alter the spectral responses, and a stack formed of a plurality if dichroic layers can be provided.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device for detecting marks with defined contrast patterns includes a transmitter to emit polarized light beams, a receiver to receive light beams and having an output to produce receiving signals representing the received light beams, and a an evaluation unit to which the receiving signals are fed and in which the contrast pattern of a mark is detected with the aid of the receiving signals present at the receiver output. A thin-film polarization filter is arranged in front of the receiver to filter out a share of the received light beams specular reflected back by the mark.

Abstract: A vehicle display mirror includes a light-polarizing reflection unit and an image display unit. The light-polarizing reflection unit includes at least one multilayer reflector composed of a plurality of inter-stacked polymer films, and at least one of the inter-stacked polymer films is a birefringence material layer that conforms to the condition of NX?NY?NZ, wherein NX is the index of refraction of light at X direction, NY is the index of refraction of light at Y direction, and NZ is the index of refraction of light at Z direction. The image display unit includes at least one image display screen, and the multilayer reflector is disposed on the image display screen, thus the vehicle display mirror of the instant disclosure can be used as a rear-view mirror of the vehicle and provide a clear displayed screen for user in the vehicle.

Abstract: Novel, polarization-insensitive, birefringent, broadband tunable filter arrangements that allow high throughput, based on a combination of tunable birefringent layers or polarization dependent filters, in combination with one or more of the following components (i) thin film achromatic quarter waveplates based on the form birefringence of dielectric subwavelength grating structures, (ii) nano wire-grid polarizers made of metallic wire grids; (iii) omnidirectional dielectric mirrors, (iv) polarization conversion mirrors, (v) reflective polarized beam splitters for circularly polarized light, (vi) metallic subwavelength gratings with lines having Gaussian profile, and (vii) Faraday mirror. All of these components may be implemented in thin film form on one or more substrates, such that a compact and cost effective filter can be produced. The birefringent layers can be any birefringent or magneto-optic layer but especially liquid crystals.

Abstract: A method of forming a polarizing material is provided including exposing a layer of dichroic material to activating light illumination to provide an ordered structure with a distinguished absorption axis and thus photo-induce polarization, and fixing the induced polarization by polymerization of the dichroic layer. Novel polarizing materials formed thereby are also provided. By selectively exposing regions of the dichroic material to differing activating radiation, different regions with different polarization axes can be created. The polarizing material can also be provided with a coating or coatings to alter the spectral responses, and a stack formed of a plurality if dichroic layers can be provided.

Abstract: An optical element including a first layer (011) made of a medium having optical anisotropy, wherein a difference between refractive indexes nh and nl (nh>nl) at a central wavelength ? for first and second polarized lights which enter the optical element and whose polarization directions are different from each other is at least 0.1, and wherein conditions (nt1?nl)·(nl?nt2)?0 and nt1<nl are satisfied, where nt1 and nt2 denote refractive indexes of a second layer (012) and a third layer (013) optically adjacent to the first layer in both sides of the first layer and made of isotropic media at the central wavelength.

Abstract: This invention relates to a transmissive liquid crystal display including a light source (BL), a reflective linearly-polarizing layer (Pr1), a birefringent layer (A) having specific optical properties and specific retardation properties, a light source-side absorptive linearly-polarizing layer (P1), a liquid crystal cell (LC), and a viewer-side linearly-polarizing layer (P2) which are arranged in this order. In the transmissive liquid crystal display of the invention, light leakage is suppressed in oblique directions so that black brightness can be reduced. A reduction in contrast in the normal direction can also be suppressed, which is caused by the distribution of light to the normal direction.

Abstract: A digital camera includes: a lens unit that forms a subject image on an imaging plane; an image sensor that includes color filters each disposed at one of pixels disposed in a lattice-like pattern over pixel intervals (a, b) along two directions, an x direction and a y direction, extending perpendicular to each other, with color filters corresponding to a first color component among first through nth (n?2) color components, disposed in a checkered pattern at pixels amounting to at least half an entire color filter density and color filters corresponding to remaining color components disposed at other pixels, and outputs image signals expressing the subject image; and an optical low pass filter unit at which light having passed through the lens unit and yet to enter the image sensor undergoes light beam separation along two diagonal directions ((1/2)a, (1/2)b)×(?2/?) and ((1/2)a, ?(1/2)b)×(?2/?) relative to (x, y) coordinate axes, so as to achieve frequency modulation for the subject image to become extinct at

Abstract: Articles including post-formed multilayer optical films with layers of at least one strain-induced birefringent material, methods of manufacturing such articles by post-forming multilayer optical films, and multilayer optical films that are particularly well-suited to post-forming operations are disclosed. The articles, methods and multilayer optical films of the present invention allow for post-forming of multilayer optical films including strain-induced index of refraction differentials while retaining the desired optical properties of the multilayer optical films.

Abstract: A hybrid polarizer includes an absorbing element having a first major surface and a second major surface. The hybrid polarizer also includes a first birefringent reflective polarizer disposed on the first major surface of the absorbing element, the first birefringent reflective polarizer having a first pass axis and a first block axis. The hybrid polarizer further includes a second birefringent reflective polarizer disposed on the second major surface of the absorbing element, the second reflective polarizer having a second pass axis and a second block axis.

Abstract: A reflective film includes interior layers that selectively reflect light by constructive or destructive interference, the layers extending from a first to a second zone of the film. The interior layers include a first set of layers composed of a first material and a second set of layers composed of a different second material. The first and second sets of layers are both birefringent in the first zone, but at least some of the layers have reduced birefringence in the second zone. The reduced birefringence produces a second reflective characteristic in the second zone that differs from a first reflective characteristic in the first zone, this difference not being substantially attributable to any thickness difference between the first and second zones. The film may also incorporate absorbing agents to assist in the manufacture or processing of the film. Related methods and articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical filter uses two or more reflective polarizers together with retarders to form birefringent filters with controlled transmission. The energy reflected by these polarizers is absorbed by one or more dichroic elements, which can be adjacent to a reflective polarizer; or spaced apart from it by one or more retarder elements. These dichroic elements act as dampers, so the energy of rays undergoing multiple reflections is markedly reduced or virtually eliminated, and high image quality is maintained. This provides a filter arrangement with enhanced spectral range, image quality, or greater extinction, or lower cost, compared to filters using dichroic or prism-type polarizers.