Abstract: A reflecting mirror is obtained which prevents double images from being formed and provides sufficient the hydrophilic property. The hydrophilic coating is approximately 15 nm in thickness and the photocatalytic coating between the hydrophilic coating and the glass substrate is approximately 240 nm in thickness. This setting of dimensions reduces the surface optical reflectance of light having a wavelength ranging from approximately 550 nm to 580 nm. This also reduces the deterioration of the photocatalytic action caused by the diffusion of sodium ions contained in the glass substrate into the photocatalytic coating. Furthermore, the aforementioned setting of dimensions turns the color of surface reflected light to whitish. Even when images formed by the surface reflected light or images formed by reflected light from the reflecting film interfered by surface reflected light are viewed, the after-image thereof hardly remains.

Abstract: A transparent iridescent thermoplastic resinous laminate film having at least 10 very thin layers of substantially uniform thickness, said layers being generally parallel, the contiguous adjacent layers being of different transparent thermoplastic resinous materials of which one is a naphthalate-based polyester or copolyester resin, the contiguous adjacent layers differing in refractive index by at least about 0.03.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the: apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light. The modified cone shape of the mirror can be designed so that the apparatus provides a uniform chromatic dispersion to light in the.

Abstract: The optical component designed preferably for use in a laser cavity for the generation of a pulsed laser beam, especially a mode-coupled beam in the microsecond to the femtosecond range, contains a coating ensemble that acts as a saturable absorber, contains several layers, and is wave-coupled and “etalon-free,” having at least one saturable absorptive layer. The sequence of layers in the coating ensemble can be laid out such that for an incident cavity beam a negative dispersion of the group velocity (negative group delay dispersion and negative group velocity dispersion) also results. In the optical component which acts among other things as a saturable absorber and can be used as such, separate, individual, discrete optical elements need not be assembled in a sandwich-type construction with minimization.

Abstract: An optical body comprising (a) a dielectric multilayer film having a reflecting band positioned to reflect infrared radiation of at least one polarization at an incident angle normal to the film, the reflecting band having a short wavelength bandedge &lgr;a0 and long wavelength bandedge &lgr;b0 at a normal incident angle, and a short wavelength bandedge &lgr;a&thgr; and long wavelength bandedge &lgr;b&thgr; at a maximum usage angle &thgr;, wherein &lgr;a&thgr; is less than &lgr;a0 and &lgr;a0 is selectively positioned at a wavelength greater than about 700 nm; and (b) at least one component which at least partially absorbs or reflects radiation in the wavelength region between &lgr;a&thgr; and &lgr;a0 at a normal angle of incidence.

Abstract: A durable, heat treatable layer coating system of at least 10 layers including from the substrate outwardly: SnOx wherein x is <2.0, TiOx wherein x is <2.0 (or NiOx wherein x is less than 1.0), silver, NiOx wherein x is less than 1.0, SnOx wherein x is <2.0, TiOx wherein x is <2.0 or NiOx wherein x is less than 1.0, silver, NiOx wherein x is less than 1.0, SnOx wherein x is <2.0, and Si3N4 as an overcoat.

Abstract: An optical beam steerer includes one or more layers of electro-optically active material in which is formed a chirped distributed Bragg reflector. An electric field generated across the electro-optically active material in the direction of propagation of the chirped distributed Bragg reflector causes the index of refraction within the material to change. The electric field varies in a direction normal to the direction of propagation of the chirped distributed Bragg reflector which causes a variation in the local index of refraction proportional to the strength of the electric field. Changes in the index of refraction cause the wavefront of the incident optical beam to experience different delays such that the incident optical beam is reflected out of the beam steerer at an angle that is tangential to the direction of variation of the applied electric field. Two dimensional beam steering is provided by the creation of two electric fields that are orthogonal to each other.

Abstract: A multi-layered mirror has a substrate, a first layer of a first substance, a second layer of a second substance. The refractive index of the first substance in a utilized wavelength region is different from that of the second substance. The first and second layers are laminated alternately on the substrate. To obtain a high reflectivity and superior optical characteristics, a multi-layered structure is formed within either the first layer or the second layer using at least two substances whose real parts of the complex indices of refraction in the utilized wavelength region are approximately the same. Alternatively, a layer surface is smoothed before forming a next layer thereon. An exposure apparatus that uses multi-layered mirrors of the present invention uses light with higher efficiency.

Abstract: A colored anti-fog mirror includes a substrate, a metal reflecting film formed on a front surface of the substrate, and a hydrophilic function layer having a hydrophilic function and containing photocatalytic substance provided on the metal reflecting film. The thickness of the hydrophilic function layer is set in such a manner that wavelength of reflected light has a peak of reflectance within a range from 400 nm to 510 nm and a mirror surface thereby exhibits a bluish color.

Abstract: Thermostable mirrors comprise an optically transparent glass substrate and a thermostable mirror coating on a surface of the substrate. The mirror coating has a reflective chromium-based layer (formed of Cr or Ni—Cr) which preferably is used with reflectivity enhancing layer of silver or copper metal. Such reflectivity enhancing layer can be sandwiched between chromium-based layers. Optical color may be provided by a color-forming oxide layer, such as a layer of CuOx between the glass substrate and the reflective layer(s). The reflective coating is thermostable at the tempering temperature of the glass. The coating provides controllable reflectivity and, optionally, controllable color properties, which are substantially stable through exposure of the substrate to tempering and bending temperatures. In accordance with a method of manufacturing the coated article, the thermostable coating is deposited by D.C. magnetron sputtering in a multi-station sputtering chamber.

Abstract: A Polarization-independent ultra-narrow band pass filter, which is not sensitive to the polarization state of incident beams of light and can obtain better narrow band pass signals with fewer film layers. The polarization-independent ultra-narrow band pass filter is a stack structure of dual symmetric resonance cavities. Each of the resonance cavities is a structure of high refraction index film layers and low refraction index layers stacked interposedly together. Each of the resonance cavities includes two reflectors and a resonance light grating sandwiched in between. Each film layer of the reflector and the resonance grating is &lgr;/4 thick. The grating periodic length is between 0.9 &lgr; and 3 &lgr; and a preferred grating periodic length is 1 &lgr; to 2 &lgr;, where &lgr; is the wavelength of the incident light. The high refraction index layer of the reflector is a Si layer (refraction index nH-=3.6) and the low refraction index layer is a SiO2 layer (refraction index nL=1.43).

Abstract: An electronic projection system that includes specularly reflective optical components made of a multilayered polymeric material with a reflectivity of at least 96% from about 400 nm to about 700 nm, and a method for enhancing the optical quality of a projected image in a projection display device comprising the step of incorporating at least one specular mirror component in the optical train of the device.

Abstract: In an optical reflector and a manufacturing method thereof, the reflector is superior in durability and has a high reflectivity to visible light, but not being conspicuous in color tone of reflection. The optical reflector comprises a glass substrate, on which are piled up a film of refractive index n1, a film of refractive index n2, a film of refractive index n3, and a film of refractive index n4, sequentially, wherein the thickness of the films are adjusted so that a relationship, n1≧n4>n3>n2, is established among those refractive indices n1, n2, n3 and n4. The film of refractive index n2 is from 30 nm to 60 nm in the film thickness, a reflectivity to visible light is equal to or greater than 75% upon the surface of the film of refractive index n4, and the value {(a*)2+(b*)2}½ is from 0 to 10 when representing the color tone of reflected light upon this film by a* and b* (psychometric chroma coordinates).

Abstract: A reflector, a method of producing same and a method of creating high omnidirectional reflection for a predetermined range of frequencies of incident electromagnetic energy for any angle of incidence and any polarization. The reflector includes a structure with a surface and a refractive index variation along the direction perpendicular to the surface while remaining nearly uniform along the surface. The structure is configured such that i) a range of frequencies exists defining a photonic band gap for electromagnetic energy incident along the perpendicular direction of said surface, ii) a range of frequencies exists defining a photonic band gap for electromagnetic energy incident along a direction approximately 90° from the perpendicular direction of said surface, and iii) a range of frequencies exists which is common to both of said photonic band gaps. In an exemplary embodiment, the reflector is configured as a photonic crystal.

Abstract: A video projection device includes a cabinet having front and rear sections and a projection tube for projecting a video image. The video projection device also includes a screen located in the front section of the cabinet. The screen has a first surface onto which the video image is projected and a second surface for displaying the video image so that it is observable by a viewer. A mirror is arranged in the cabinet for reflecting light to the first surface of the screen. The mirror is a composite laminate mirror that includes a rigid substrate and a reflective sheet laminated to the rigid substrate. The rigid substrate may be a glass substrate and the reflective sheet may be a flexible plastic sheet. The reflective sheet may have a multilayer construction that includes a metallic film. The reflective sheet may alternatively include a second substrate and at least one thin film layer deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: Techniques for fabricating a well-controlled, quantized-level, engineered surface that serves as substrates for EUV reflection multilayer overcomes problems associated with the fabrication of reflective EUV diffraction elements. The technique when employed to fabricate an EUV diffraction element that includes the steps of: (a) forming an etch stack comprising alternating layers of first and second materials on a substrate surface where the two material can provide relative etch selectivity; (b) creating a relief profile in the etch stack wherein the relief profile has a defined contour; and (c) depositing a multilayer reflection film over the relief profile wherein the film has an outer contour that substantially matches that of the relief profile. For a typical EUV multilayer, if the features on the substrate are larger than 50 nm, the multilayer will be conformal to the substrate. Thus, the phase imparted to the reflected wavefront will closely match that geometrically set by the surface height profile.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: A light beam deflector comprising a modified asymmetric Fabry-Perot (Gires-Tournois) etalon having a back reflecting and electrically conducting mirror and a front partially transmitting mirror spaced apart by an electro-optic material, there also being a transparent sheet resistor between the electro-optic material and the front mirror. The invention further comprises a pair of electrodes contacting two generally parallel edges of the transparent sheet resistor so that if different voltages are applied between the electrodes with respect to the back conducting mirror, a front to back electric field which varies in a linear manner from one electrode to the other will be produced.

Abstract: A method for forming a metallic mirror surface on a receiving surface, substrate or article is shown. The method comprises the steps of cleaning the receiving surface to be coated with a metallic mirror surface; spraying on the receiving surface an activating treatment agent containing stannous chloride and at least one precious metal salt of palladium, gold and silver or the like; and separately spraying concurrently on the receiving surface, a reacting metallic salt solution and a reducing agent solution to form the metallic mirror surface. The method may include the step of treating the receiving surface with a water wash treatment. The activating treatment agent may be in a solution form and contain about 10 cc to about 44 cc of hydrochloric acid, about 1.5 g to about 5 g of stannous chloride and about 0.001 g to about 0.005 g of palladium chloride per 1 liter of water.

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: A method for forming a metallic mirror surface on a receiving surface, substrate or article is shown. The method comprises the steps of cleaning the receiving surface to be coated with a metallic mirror surface; spraying on the receiving surface an activating treatment agent containing stannous chloride and at least one precious metal salt of palladium, gold and silver or the like; and separately spraying concurrently on the receiving surface, a reacting metallic salt solution and a reducing agent solution to form the metallic mirror surface. The method may include the step of treating the receiving surface with a water wash treatment. The activating treatment agent may be in a solution form and contain about 10 cc to about 44 cc of hydrochloric acid, about 1.5 g to about 5 g of stannous chloride and about 0.001 g to about 0.005 g of palladium chloride per 1 liter of water. The reacting metal salt solution may contain about 6.

Abstract: A multilayered polymer film is formed with a stack of one or more first optical layers, one or more second optical layers, and one or more non-optical layers. These optical and non-optical layers are typically made using polymer materials, such as polyesters. In one embodiment, the non-optical layers are made from a polyester having a composition which corresponds to the average molar composition of the combination of all of the first and second optical layers. Using this formulation, scrap material from the manufacture of multilayered polymer films may be used to generate the non-optical layers in subsequent films. Alternatively, the non-optical layers of a multilayered polymer film are made using scrap material from prior-manufactured multilayered polymer films with the optional addition of other polymer material which may be either new or recycled.

Abstract: A method of forming a mirror housing according to the present invention includes providing a molding apparatus having a molding cavity, placing a film appliqué in the mold cavity and injecting a polymer into the mold cavity over at least a portion of a side of the film appliqué to form a housing wall of the mirror housing wherein the film appliqué adheres to the substrate forming the housing wall. Preferably, the mold apparatus comprises an injection molding apparatus which injects a heated polymer into the mold cavity for forming the housing wall of the mirror housing. The film appliqué preferably matches the color of the vehicle or provides a color accent, wood grain finish, or a metallic finish or the like to provide a decorative appearance to the mirror assembly but without the noise associated with the conventional detachable skull cap designs.

Abstract: A high reflection mirror has a layer structure comprising on a substrate, a TiOx layer, an Ag layer, an Al2O3 layer and a TiO2 layer in this order, or alternatively on a substrate, an SiOx layer, a Cr layer, an Ag layer, an Al2O3 layer and a TiO2 layer in this order (1≦x≦2). An SiOy protective layer may be formed on the top TiO2 layer (1≦y≦2). The high reflection mirror shows a high reflectance and a high durability and can be produced at a lower cost because of the reduced number of layers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for filtering optical channels to provide, for example, an interleaver, or a deinterleaver. A multi-plate comb filter is used to separate subsets of channels and for mixing subsets of channels. Interleavers and deinterleavers having one or more multi-plate comb filters can be used to increase the bandwidth of an optical network. The interleavers and deinterleavers can be used to interface components designed for a first channel spacing to components designed for a second channel spacing.

Abstract: A coloring structure includes a light-reflecting base, a brilliant layer placed on the base, and transparent brilliant units contained in the brilliant layer, each brilliant unit including an alternate lamination of at least two polymers having different refractive indexes, the lamination producing interfered light resulting from reflection and interference of light and transmitted light resulting from transmission of light, each brilliant unit controlling interfered and transmitted lights. The coloring structure is provided with a coloring mechanism for producing at least an interference color resulting from interfered light, a first object color resulting from reflection of transmitted light produced by the base, and a second object color resulting from reflection of incident light produced by the base without striking any brilliant units.

Abstract: An optical interference coating on a refractory substrate, the coating being comprised of alternating layers of silicon dioxide and zirconium dioxide. The coating can be in the form of an optical filter where a substrate bearing the coating can be repeatedly cycled between room temperature and a temperature of at least 1000° C. without significant degradation of its optical or mechanical properties.

Abstract: A simple mathematical model, given below, is constructed on the premise that reflected light other than light reflected at a metal surface is quantitatively taken into consideration the device to which the present invention is applied is a multilayer structure with a refractive index difference, so that only one reflection at an interface other than the metal surface can be taken into account that is, two or more reflections can be neglected. Further the concept of localized light emitting surfaces is extended to a non-localized model. The below simple mathematical model is used to treat reflected wave components so that an accurate simulation can be run.

Abstract: An optical-thin-film material comprising a metal oxide containing samarium and titanium, or having a compound represented by the following chemical formula: Sm1−xAl1+xO3 wherein −1<x<1 is disclosed. An optical device having an optical thin film formed of such a material is also disclosed. This optical-thin-film material does not cause any compositional deviation to enable continuous deposition when used as a vacuum deposition material, and does not cause any deterioration due to ultraviolet-light irradiation.

Abstract: A light beam deflector comprising a modified asymmetric Fabry-Perot (Gires-Tournois) etalon having a back reflecting and electrically conducting mirror and a front partially transmitting mirror spaced apart by an electro-optic material, there also being a transparent sheet resistor between the electro-optic material and the front mirror. The invention further comprises a pair of electrodes contacting two generally parallel edges of the transparent sheet resistor so that if different voltages are applied between the electrodes with respect to the back conducting mirror, a front to back electric field which varies in a linear manner from one electrode to the other will be produced.

Abstract: A hydrophilic mirror comprising a glass substrate having on the main surface side thereof a layer having a refractive index n1 at 550 nm, a layer having a refractive index n2 at 550 nm, a titanium oxide layer having a refractive index n3 at 550 nm, and an overcoat in this order, the refractive indices n1, n2 and n3 satisfying the relationship: n1≧n3>n2, and having a visible light reflectance of 70% or more.

Abstract: A mirror for an ultraviolet laser and method of formation such that the mirror is highly reflective to a laser beam generated in the ultraviolet spectrum over a wide range of incident angles and has little fluctuation in polarization reflectivity in relation to a change in an incident angle of the beam. The mirror has a structure comprising an aluminum (Al) film coated over a substrate and a dielectric multi-layer film coated over the aluminum film. The dielectric multi-layer film comprises alternating layers of a low refractive index layer and a high refractive index layer according to the following relationship: L1/[H/L2]x and with an optical thickness according to the following relationship: 2L1=L2≈H=0.25˜0.35&lgr;: or 2L1≈L2=H=0.25˜0.35&lgr;: wherein: L1, L2: represents the low refractive index layers; H: represents the high refractive index layer(s); and X: is an integer between 1 to 10.

Abstract: A multi-layered mirror has a substrate, a first layer of a first substance, a second layer of a second substance. The refractive index of the first substance in a utilized wavelength region is different from that of the second substance. The first and second layers are laminated alternately on the substrate. To obtain a high reflectivity and superior optical characteristics, a multi-layered structure is formed within either the first layer or the second layer using at least two substances whose real parts of the complex indices of refraction in the utilized wavelength region are approximately the same. Alternatively, a layer surface is smoothed before forming a next layer thereon. An exposure apparatus that uses multi-layered mirrors of the present invention uses light with higher efficiency.

Abstract: An optical filter including a plurality of dielectric layers is provided between first and second substrates. The substrates have a coefficient of thermal expansion that is greater than that of the dielectric layers, and the thicknesses of the substrates are selected to provide compensation for temperature-dependant variations in the center wavelength of the filter. A variety of substrate materials may be used. Quartz is advantageous as a substrate material because it has relatively low loss at wavelengths commonly used in telecommunication systems. Moreover, it is thermally and chemically stable, and has good adhesion to most dielectric films used as quarter and half wave layers. Further, quartz is mechanically tough, relatively inexpensive and readily available. The quartz substrate is cut from a crystal and has an orientation with reduced birefringence.

Abstract: A method for making polymeric reflectors and parabolic reflectors in particular. The reflector is made by forming a series of layers (12, 14, 16, 18, and 20) that are progressively thinner with the final polymeric layer (20) being about one millimeter in thickness. The reflector is then coated with a reflective layer (22) by vapor deposition. To make aparabolic reflector, the layers are spun cast at a constant, preselected rate throughout the process, including during the curing of each layer. Layer formation is made in a controlled, particulate-free environment and additives can be used to increase stiffness, decrease weight, and reduce stresses during curing.

Abstract: A viewing optical instrument has a roof prism which is provided with a pair of reflection surfaces intersecting at a nominal face angle of 90°, wherein the pupil is split by an edge line of the reflection surfaces of the roof prism. The reflection surfaces are provided with a multiple-layer coating which does not absorb visible light. A change in the phase difference produced between light incident on one of reflection surfaces located on opposite sides of an edge line of the roof prism and emitted from the other reflection surface, and light incident on the right reflection surface and emitted from the left reflection surface is restricted to reduce wavefront aberrations to thereby improve the quality of an image to be viewed. A roof prism used in the optical instrument is also disclosed.

Abstract: An optical interference filter having high transmissivity at first and second passbands. The interference filter includes a first stack having a plurality of dielectric layers, a second stack having a plurality of dielectric layers, and a spacer interposed between the first and second stacks. Each of the dielectric layers included in the first and second stacks have optical thicknesses which vary quadratically. The dielectric layers have alternating high and low refractive indices.

Abstract: The invention is a double chirped mirror and a method of constructing a double chirped mirror for a frequency range of electromagnetic radiation, comprising specifying a design including a plurality of layers, the plurality of layers being transparent to the electromagnetic radiation and having refractive indices which vary between layers in the plurality of layers, and wherein for a first set of layers the optical thickness of alternate layers in the set of layers varies monotonically and the total optical thickness of a layer and the two adjacent half layers in the set of layers varies monotonically. The design is optimized by adjusting the optical thickness of layers in the plurality of layers.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: A multi-layered mirror has a substrate, a first layer of a first substance, a second layer of a second substance. The refractive index of the first substance in a utilized wavelength region is different from that of the second substance. The first and second layers are laminated alternately on the substrate. To obtain a high reflectivity and superior optical characteristics, a multi-layered structure is formed within either the first layer or the second layer using at least two substances whose real parts of the complex indices of refraction in the utilized wavelength region are approximately the same. Alternatively, a layer surface is smoothed before forming a next layer thereon. An exposure apparatus that uses multi-layered mirrors of the present invention uses light with higher efficiency.

Abstract: A solar control member utilizes a combination of layers that include spaced apart titanium nitride layers to selectively transmit a higher percentage of visible light than near infrared energy, with a low visible light reflection. The titanium nitride layers are spaced apart by a distance that promotes optical decoupling with respect to occurrence of constructive and destructive interference of visible light propagating between the two titanium nitride layers. In one embodiment, the titanium nitride layers are spaced apart by a laminating adhesive layer. In another embodiment, the titanium nitride layers are formed on opposite sides of a substrate. The ratio of transmission at the wavelength of 550 nm to transmission at the wavelength of 1500 is at least 1.25. Each titanium nitride layer is sputter deposited. Care is taken to ensure that each layer does not become too metallic and to ensure that excessive oxygen is not incorporated into the layer. Thus, the nitrogen flow rate and the linespeed are controlled.

Abstract: A elemental mirror for vehicles having a luminous reflectance of at least about 30% includes a substrate coated with a thin layer of elemental semiconductor having an index of refraction of at least 3 and an optical thickness of at least about 275 angstroms. Preferably, the elemental semiconductor coating is sputter coated silicon or germanium and a light absorbing coating is included therebehind. The mirror is spectrally nonselective with elemental semiconductor optical thicknesses of about 275 to 2400 angstroms on the front substrate surface. Spectrally selective mirrors are provided by adding an interference coating to the elemental semiconductor layer coating, preferably of a dielectric such as silicon dioxide or silicon nitride, on either the front or rear substrate surface, or by using a thicker, single elemental semiconductor layer. Instead of an absorbing coating behind the mirror, additional elemental semiconductor and dielectric thin layers may be included to reduce secondary reflections.

Abstract: An electronic projection system that includes specularly reflective optical components made of a multilayered polymeric material with a reflectivity of at least 96% from about 400 nm to about 700 nm, and a method for enhancing the optical quality of a projected image in a projection display device comprising the step of incorporating at least one specular mirror component in the optical train of the device.

Abstract: An optical filter including a plurality of dielectric layers is provided on a quartz substrate. Quartz is advantageous as a substrate material because it has relatively low loss at wavelengths commonly used in telecommunication systems. Moreover, it is thermally and chemically stable, and has good adhesion to most dielectric films used as quarter and half wave layers. Further, quartz is mechanically tough, relatively inexpensive and readily available. The quartz substrate is cut from a crystal and has an orientation with reduced birefringence. In addition, the thickness of the quartz substrate is selected to reduce temperature-related shifts in the center wavelength of the filter.

Abstract: An environmentally stable silver containing mirror having very high reflection values over a large spectral range comprises a silver containing layer disposed on a substrate, which is covered by a zinc sulfide layer. So that the sulfur being set free during the application or during the vaporization of the zinc sulfide to be applied, does not attack the silver, at least one barrier or intermediate layer is placed between the silver containing layer and the zinc sulfide layer.

Abstract: An optical element has a transparent substrate, an undercoat formed on the substrate, wherein the undercoat comprises dielectric multi-layered films, each film having a thickness in a range of 50 to 100 nm, and a reflective film formed on the undercoat.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing or eliminating the wavefront error caused by variations in the thickness of an optical coating applied to a mirror without requiring that the thickness variation in the optical coating be reduced to reduce the wavefront error. The reduction in the wavefront error is achieved by adding a compensating layer to the top of the optical coating. The thickness of the compensating layer is directly proportional to the thickness of the optical coating and inversely proportional to one minus the index of refraction of the material used for the compensating layer.

Abstract: The dielectric and/or semiconductor device influences the dispersion of electromagnetic radiation within a given spectral range. It comprises a substrate being essentially transparent to said electromagnetic radiation. The substrate has a first surface for incoupling said electromagnetic radiation into said substrate, and a second surface. The device further comprises a reflective multilayer structure on said second surface, said multilayer structure providing a controlled dispersion characteristic upon reflection of said electromagnetic radiation, e.g., a chirped mirror. The device is arranged in such a way that there is essentially no interference of electromagnetic radiation propagating in the direction of said multilayer structure and electromagnetic radiation reflected by said multilayer structure. An antireflection coating may be provided on the first surface of the substrate. With this device, oscillations in the group delay dispersion can almost completely be avoided.

Abstract: A technique for improving properties of polarizing beam splitters and polarizing conversion elements, and a projection display apparatus having high light utilization efficiency using such polarizing beam splitters are provided. A polarizing beam splitter in accordance with the present invention includes a light transmissive substrate having a refractive index ranging from approximately 1.48 to 1.58, and a polarization separating film formed on the light transmissive substrate. The polarization separating film includes a multilayered structural section formed by alternately arranging MgF2 layers and MgO layers. The polarization separating film in accordance with the present invention can improve the transmission property and the reflection property with respect to two types of polarized light.