Abstract: A laser beam dump dissipates laser energy. The laser dump includes a cradle for holding the laser and an open cavity lined with a laser energy absorbing material. Laser emissions are directed from the laser into the laser dump cavity where the laser energy is dissipated.

Abstract: An electronically shaded glass window system is described that provides a progressively darkening window, based on either user input or detection of ambient light. This invention is appropriate for use in commercial buildings, residential buildings, public areas and vehicles. It enhances energy efficiency by blocking bright light thereby reducing heat. It includes a user interface, which permits a user to create opaque or alternatively transparent walls or windows as the need arises.

Abstract: An optical filter includes an array of light-transmissive beads in a matrix of opaque binder that surrounds one portion of the beads to provide light entrances and exit apertures for incident light to pass substantially only through the beads. A polarizing layer is disposed between the apertures and the viewing surface of the filter for improved rejection of ambient light. The polarizing layer transmits linearly polarized image light aligned with the polarization axis while attenuating randomly or orthogonally polarized ambient light, resulting in improved image contrast.

Abstract: A reflector comprises a core and a first dielectric mirror formed over at least a portion of the core to reflect light having a preselected wavelength. The reflector may comprise a plurality of dielectric mirrors formed concentrically over the first dielectric mirror to reflect light having the preselected wavelength. The multiple dielectric mirrors may have different diffraction indices. A layer of such reflectors deposited onto the reflective surface of a projection screen may enhance the reflective selectivity of the screen to the preselected wavelength. Reflectors formed to reflect different wavelengths may be deposited onto the reflective surface to enhance selectivity to the different wavelengths and minimize reflection of ambient light.

Abstract: A reflector for use in a projection system comprises an anodized metal substrate having a metal oxide layer. The metal oxide layer has a plurality of pores. A light absorbing pigment is deposited into each of the pores such that the light absorbing pigment and the metal oxide layer form a light absorbing layer on the metal substrate.

Abstract: A stowable laser eye protection system is provided as a solution for protecting the eyes of pilots and other vehicle operators and optical sensors such as during critical phases of flight and for general protection against a wide range of spectral wavelengths. A stowable laser eye protection system provides protection that can be manually or automatically extended and retracted. For example, by installing flexible laser protective films on rollers at each window of an aircraft cockpit, the protection can be put in place during taxi before take-off and stowed when the aircraft is a safe distance away from a potential threat area such as after reaching a particular altitude. A similar activity could be used for approach and landing, where the protection is extracted when the aircraft approaches a threat condition or critical phase of flight and retracted after landing.

Abstract: An optical element includes a light absorbing medium formed of a transparent material and light absorbing elements encapsulated within the transparent material. The light absorbing elements have an ultraviolet (UV) light-dependent absorption characteristic and UV light is applied to the light absorbing medium to change the attenuation of the light absorbing medium to a desired attenuation. UV light is applied to the light absorbing medium in a controlled manner to change the attenuation of the light absorbing medium from an initial attenuation to the desired attenuation. The application of UV light to the light absorbing medium can cause the light absorbing elements encapsulated within the light absorbing medium to degrade such that the amount of light absorbed by the light absorbing medium is reduced. Reducing the amount of light that is absorbed effectively reduces the attenuation of the light absorbing medium.

Abstract: An electrically dimmable window (“EDW”) system comprising an EDW, a control switch, and a controller. The switch and controller control the light transmittance level of the EDW. State indicators indicate when the EDW is in transition from one light transmittance level to another level. When there is no transition in light transmittance level, the indicators may denote the current light transmittance level of the EDW.

Abstract: The invention relates to a discharge lamp with a reflector (1) and a burner (2), wherein the reflector (1) comprises at least a reflective contour (3) and a hollow reflector neck (4), the burner (2) is arranged in centered manner in the reflector (1) and the reflector (1) and the lower part (2.1) of the burner (2) are connected firmly together by a mechanical fastening unit and, during assembly, the burner (2) may be guided through the reflector neck (4), starting with its upper part (2.2), and the mechanical fastening unit exhibits such play in the x, y and z directions that the burner (2) can be brought into a defined position relative to the reflector during assembly.

Abstract: An antireflection structure (10) comprises a base (1), and a finely roughened antireflection part (2) formed in a surface of the base (1). The finely roughened antireflection part (2) includes a plurality of projections and depressions defined by the projections. The projections are distributed such that PMAX??MIN, where PMAX is the biggest one of distances between tips (2t) of the adjacent projections and ?MIN is the shortest one of wavelengths of visible light rays in a vacuum. The sectional area of each projection in a plane parallel to the surface of the base (1) increases continuously from the tip (2t) toward the bottom (2b) of the depression adjacent to the projection. The shape (2Mt) of a tip part (Mt) of each projection in a plane perpendicular to the surface of the base (1) is sharper than the shape (2Mb) of a bottom part (Mb) of each depression in the same plane vertical to the surface of the base (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a minute object such as a cell by using a holographic optical tweezers that comprises a laser light source 1, holographic plate 3 having a specified pattern to form a hologram with light emitted from the light source, and a transparent plate that holds a liquid including a minute object, wherein the holographic plate 3 is irradiated with laser light emitted from the laser light source 1, and the laser light passed through the holographic plate 3 is focused in a sample solution 7 held on the transparent plate 6 to form a hologram having a pattern according to the pattern of the holographic plate 3 in the sample solution 7.

Abstract: A device is part of an optical system (1) that works with an intermediate image and comprises stop(5) with associated aperture (6). The device comprises a light-reducing or light-absorbing arrangement (12) located at the side of the aperture. The arrangement is arranged to reduce considerably or eliminate completely light (11) incident to the side of the aperture, and thereby considerably reduce beam reflections. In this way, there is less likelihood of the optical system being detected when this is in use.

Abstract: A beam radiator that radiates visible light beams having a predetermined wavelength onto a road surface to inform drivers of other vehicles of the existence of a self-owned vehicle or to let a driver of the self-owned vehicle confirm a traveling path thereof is disposed in a front portion of a body of the self-owned vehicle. An optical filter is disposed substantially all over a windshield in front of a driver seat. The filter is designed to have a characteristic of being more permeable to light having wavelengths close to a wavelength of visible light beams radiated from the beam radiator 24 than to light having a wavelength different from those wavelengths. In this construction, the driver is prevented from finding it difficult to visually recognize a visible light pattern resulting from visible light beams radiated from the self-owned vehicle or another vehicle owing to sunlight or the like, and visual recognizability of the visible light pattern is enhanced.

Abstract: An electrochromic window includes a first transparent, e.g., plastic, substrate having a first primer over at least a portion thereof and a first electrically conductive coating over at least a portion of the first primer. A second transparent plastic substrate has a second primer over at least a portion thereof and a second electrically conductive coating over at least a portion of the second primer. The first primer has a coefficient of expansion less than the coefficient of expansion of the first plastic substrate, and the second primer has a coefficient of expansion less than the coefficient of expansion of the second plastic substrate. An electrochromic medium is located between the first and second electrically conductive coatings. At least one of the first and second electrically conductive coatings has a metal layer located between first and second metal oxide layers.

Abstract: An electrochromic window includes a first transparent substrate having a first electrically-conductive coating and a second transparent plastic substrate having a second electrically-conductive coating. An electrochromic medium is located between the first and second electrically-conductive coatings. At least one of the first and second electrically-conductive coatings comprises a metal layer located between first and second metal oxide layers. A plurality of first spaced facilities contact the first electrically-conductive coating and a plurality of second spaced facilities contact the second electrically-conductive coating.

Abstract: Recent advances in surface techniques have lead to the development of extremely small (sub-micron) scale features. These techniques allow the formation of polymer micro-lenses as well as variable focus liquid lenses. The present invention primarily concerns the use of small scale lenses for the fabrication of novel displays which exhibit three-dimensional (3D) effects. Both still images and video images (or other motion images) can be generated.

Abstract: An antireflection film having a hard coat layer prepared on one side of a transparent substrate directly or through other layers, and further an antireflection layer laminated on a surface of the hard coat layer, wherein the antireflection layer is formed by a dry cured film obtained from a solution comprising a siloxane oligomer (A) obtained by condensation polymerization after partial hydrolysis of a hydrolyzable alkoxy silane that contains a tetra alkoxy silane represented by a general formula (1): Si(OR)4 (where R represents methyl group or ethyl group) as a principal component and a compound (B) having a fluoro alkyl structure and a polysiloxane structure, is excellent scratch-proof property, stain resistance, and cured in a short period of time at comparatively low temperature.

Abstract: A contrast enhancement filter for a display device includes a plurality of connected sloping surfaces acting as a plurality of beam splitters, and a plurality of light absorbers, each arranged between adjacent beam splitters, so that light incident into an area on the side of the absorber is partly reflected by the beam splitters into adjacent absorbers. Light entering from the opposite side is partially reflected towards the absorbing walls located on either side of the pointed shape. The remaining light is transmitted through the filter.

Abstract: A color sheet having a light-shielding effect comprises at least a reflecting layer and a color layer overcoated on the side of the color sheet where the color sheet is exposed to light from the reflecting layer. The reflecting layer a solar-radiation reflectance of 60% or more in a wavelength range of 780 nm to 1350 nm, and the color layer has a light transmittance of 30% or more in a wavelength range of 780 nm to 1350 nm and a solar-radiation absorbance of 10 to 80% in a wavelength range of 380 nm to 780 nm.

Abstract: A heat sink containing a woolen material is provided for a band-pass filter in a curing lamp. Light having a particular wavelength(s) is transmitted through the band-pass filter and into the heat sink whereas light having other wavelengths is reflected by the band-pass filter. The heat sink absorbs the light transmitted through the band-pass filter and dissipates the heat associated therewith.

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: There is provided binoculars which include a pair of observation optical systems each having an objective optical system, an erecting optical system and an eyepiece optical system. The binoculars include a focusing mechanism that is used to move a part of observation optical systems for focusing, a convergence value compensating mechanism that compensates for a convergence value by displacing displaceable optical elements which are at least parts of the objective optical systems, respectively, in association with actuation of the focusing mechanism, and a light shielding mechanism configured to shield light for preventing light from entering through a clearance caused in accordance with displacement of the displaceable optical elements by actuation of the convergence value compensating mechanism.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for endoscopes has an objective optical system forming an image of an object and a holding frame retaining the objective optical system. The objective optical system is provided with optical filters which reduce a transmittance in a particular wavelength region of illumination light irradiating the object to 0.1% or less and has a light passage preventing device blocking light passing through a clearance between the outside surfaces of the optical filters and the inside surface of the holding frame retaining the optical filters.

Abstract: A PDP resin sheet 11 capable of transmitting a rectilinear light is prepared by alternately arranging a transparent section 12 and a dark section 13 in the direction of the sheet surface. The transparent section 12 and the dark section 13 may be formed perpendicular or inclined to the sheet surface, respectively. In the sheet 11, the thickness T of the sheet may be about 0.12 to 0.25 mm, and the angle of the dark section 13 to the sheet surface may be about 70 to 90°. In addition, the ratio [P/T] of the periodical width P of the dark section relative to the thickness T of the sheet may be about 1/1 to 1/2, and the ratio [W1/W2] of the width W1 of the transparent section relative to the width W2 of the dark section may be about 30/1 to 10/1. Soft resins constituting the transparent section and the dark section may for example be an olefinic resin (particularly an ethylene-vinyl ester copolymer).

Abstract: Optical properties of a screen on which an image is being projected are considered. A patterned surface is given a predetermined pattern of color pixels whereby a degree of wavelength selectivity is employed to improve the color qualities of the projected image. A system is provided wherein there is a matching of emission characteristics of a projector to the screen's reflective characteristics.

Abstract: A modular rearview mirror assembly for vehicles incorporates a housing into the mirror assembly case for supporting an electronic control module to reduce the vibration, to ease the installation of the components in the mirror assembly, and to improve access to the various components in the mirror assembly for maintenance or repair. The rearview mirror assembly includes a reflective element, at least one electrical component mounted to the reflective element, and a case housing the reflective element and the electrical component. An electronic control module is supported by the case which communicates with the electrical component. Preferably, the electronic control module is supported by a housing that is either molded with the case or welded to the inner surface of the case to support the electronic control module independently from the electrical component.

Abstract: An observation optical system is disclosed with which the Fresnel reflection at the surfaces of optical members can be reduced, the transmittance can be improved, and the surface reflection ghost that occur among a plurality of optical surfaces can be suppressed. The observation optical system of the present invention comprises a plurality of optical surfaces, and a fine periodic structure, with a period smaller than the wavelength of incident light, is provided at an effective optical region of at least one surface among the aforementioned plurality of optical surfaces.

Abstract: A new damage resistant and tolerant optical element is disclosed. Prior art solid or liquid host matrices are replaced by a soft crosslinked polymer or similar host material. The viscoelastic properties of the matrix host material are controlled during formation so that there are regions of different softness, of stiffness, within the matrix, to form a stiffness gradient. Preferably, the matrix will be softest at a preselected focal plane where maximum electromagnetic radiation or energy output may be expected. The host matrix is doped with an appropriate dopant having a concentration distribution, preferably such that the concentration of dopant is highest in the region where the host matrix material is most soft. Two important disclosed example embodiments are an optical limiter and a solid state dye laser.

Abstract: A tube-mounted inclined optical flat for improving the stealth capability of an optical aperture is disclosed. The optical flat has a light-absorbing finish on its rear surface, and is mounted in front of existing instrument optics. The light from the scene being viewed passes through the optical flat and is undistorted. Any light that is reflected from the optical flat is absorbed by the light-absorbing tube. Light that enters the distal end of tube is absorbed in the same manner. Any light entering the instrument optics from the observer's end and internal reflected light emanate from within the optics. Much of this light is absorbed by the rear finish on the optical flat. Selection of the optics' virtual focal points and placement of the optical flat relative to the optics reduce the size requirement of the rear finish on the optical flat.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element, which is used for an optical system of an exposure apparatus, includes a light-shielding member composed of a laminated layer of Cr oxide and Cr at a periphery of an effective area.

Abstract: A polarizer to improve contrast for LCD from down view angle is produced by laminating a triacetate cellulose (TAC) sheet on each side of a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sheet and further on the toppest triacetate cellulose (TAC) sheet applying a surface-treatment layer that is a protective film formed by black dye mixture to inhibit dark-state light leakage and improve the contrast for LCD from down view angle.

Abstract: An optical filter includes an array of light-transmissive beads in a matrix of light absorbing binder that surrounds one portion of the beads to provide light entrances and exit apertures for incident light to pass substantially only through the beads. A transparent layer under the light absorbing layer may serve to increase the diameter of the exit apertures. A structure or layer of light-dispersing material that exhibits anisotropic dispersion of incident light along orthogonal axes is disposed relative to the beads to disperse light within a wider output angle along one of the orthogonal axes than along another of the orthogonal axes.

Abstract: A black light shield for preventing incident light from being received by light receiving elements, the black shield includes a support structure; a first CrOx layer disposed over the support structure for absorbing the incident light in a substantially reflected transmission path; and a second CrOx layer disposed integral with the support structure for absorbing the incident light in a substantially non-reflected transmission path.

Abstract: A process of producing an optical diffusion film which comprises at least a transparent base layer on a transparent substrate, a layer of transparent microspheres over the transparent base layer and a light absorbing layer over said transparent base layer comprises the steps of: distributing transparent microspheres in a layer over the transparent base layer so that each the transparent microsphere is partly embedded in the transparent base layer; and by coating a solution layer of coloring material that is convertible into fine metal particles and treating the solution layer of coloring material under specified conditions so as thereby to convert the solution layer of coloring material into a layer of fine metal particles that are light absorbable.

Abstract: This invention relates to light transmitting filters comprising: (a) a light absorbing layer of material having a front surface and a back surface, (b) transparent microspheres embedded in the light absorbing layer and contacting the front surface of the light absorbing layer with portions of the microspheres protruding through the back surface of the light absorbing layer for transmitting light through the light absorbing layer, and (c) a conformed layer of optically clear material having a front surface and a back surface wherein the front surface of the conformed layer is in contact with and conforming in shape with the protruding portions of the microspheres, and wherein the back surface of the conformed layer has a textured finish. The invention also relates to methods of making these light transmitting filters.

Abstract: The glare protection device for welding applications contains an active electro-optical filter element (2) with an electronic control circuit (3). The active filter element (2) absorbs the UV-radiation up to 380 nm. An IR-plastic filter (10) is completely joined with the active electro-optical filter element by a compact adhesive layer (11) and together with it forms a single optical and mechanical unit (1) having a high transmittance in the visual region of the spectrum. The IR-plastic filter (10) contains a dye that absorbs the infrared radiation in a wavelength range of 780-1400 nm. With this, a robust, cheap and safe in operation glare protection device for various applications is created.

Abstract: A gas-discharge display apparatus is provided that reduces influence of light emission of the discharging gas so as to enhance a color reproducible range and make color purity of red color close to the ideal value. The apparatus uses a gas containing at least one of neon and helium for generating the gas discharge and exciting three kinds of fluorescent materials having different light colors to emit light for color image display. In front of the gas discharge space, an optical filter is disposed, whose transmittance at the wavelength of 585 nanometers is smaller than both the transmittance at the wavelength of 450 nanometers and the transmittance at the wavelength of 620 nanometers.

Abstract: A light transmitting filter including a light absorbing layer and a transparent layer having a microstructured front surface and a microstructured back surface, wherein the front surface is embedded in the light absorbing layer. The microstructures of the front surface provide a path for light transmittance through the light absorbing layer and the microstructures of the back surface focus the transmitted light thorough the path. The light filter can include an optically clear conformable coating covering the microstructured back surface of the transparent layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating, effecting interaction of, photochemically transforming and/or sorting small dielectric particles or other materials. The apparatus and method involves use of one or more diffractive optical elements which each receive a laser beam and form a plurality of laser beams. These laser beams are operated on by a telescope lens system and then an objective lens element to create an array of optical traps for manipulating, effecting interaction of, photochemically transforming and/or sorting small dielectric particles or other materials.

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 system including but not limited to a low-backscatter aperture structure, where the system can include but is not limited to a camera, an optical communications system, an imaging system, a test system, and a measurement system.

Abstract: A contrast enhancement filter for a display device, comprising an element with a plurality of connected sloping surfaces, acting as a plurality of beam splitters (2, 4). The filter further comprises a plurality of light absorbers (12, 13), each arranged on one side of the element in a pointed space (20, 26) between adjacent beam splitters (2, 4), so that light incident into such a area (20, 26) on the side of the absorber (12, 13) is partly reflected sideways by one of said beam splitters (2, 4) into adjacent absorbers (12, 13). Light entering from the absorber side hits the pointed space, and is partially reflected towards the absorbing walls located on either side of the pointed shape. The remaining light is transmitted through the filter.

Abstract: A light trap suitable for use in an optical imaging system includes a hollow sphere, with a hollow cylindrical tube attached substantially tangent to the surface of the sphere, and forming a chimney. The interior and exterior surfaces of the sphere are coated with a low-reflective coating, such as flat black paint. A sample to be imaged is placed over the opening of the chimney with an imaging system and illumination source directed downward into the chimney itself. Light which passes through or around the sample is captured in the sphere, so that it is not reflected back into the imaging system.

Abstract: An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, which can be formed by a wet-coating method and which is excellent in the antireflection property, antifouling property, scratch resistance, clearness of transmitted image and planar uniformity. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided. An antiglare and antireflection film is provided, comprising a transparent support having thereon an antiglare hard coat layer and a low refractive index layer having a refractive index of 1.38 to 1.49, wherein the low refractive index layer is formed by a coating method, the solvent of the coating solution for forming the low refractive index layer comprises one or more solvent, and from 50 to 100% by mass of the solvent is a solvent having a boiling point of 100° C. or less. A polarizer and a liquid crystal display device using this film are also provided.

Abstract: When the laser light is irradiated with high output in the manufacturing process for a semiconductor device, an attenuator is heated and cause a deformation due to the laser light scattered in the attenuator. As a result, the attenuation ratio of the attenuator fluctuates, and it is difficult to process the substrate with the homogeneous irradiation energy. It is a problem of the present invention to provide a laser irradiation apparatus, a method of irradiating laser light and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, which can perform the laser irradiation effectively and homogeneously. In the present invention, the thermal energy generated in an attenuator is absorbed by means of cooling in order to keep the temperature of the attenuator constant. By cooling the attenuator so as to prevent the change of the attenuation ratio, the function of the attenuator is protected. In addition, the energy fluctuation of the laser light irradiated on the substrate is also prevented.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus for endoscopes has an objective optical system forming an image of an object and a holding frame retaining the objective optical system. The objective optical system is provided with optical filters which reduce a transmittance in a particular wavelength region of illumination light irradiating the object to 0.1% or less and has a light passage preventing device blocking light passing through a clearance between the outside surfaces of the optical filters and the inside surface of the holding frame retaining the optical filters.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to generating and controlling optical trap arrays for manipulating particles. In particular, the invention relates to a dual function optical element able to both diffract laser light into beamlets and converge the beamlets (acting as a virtual lens for laser light), thereby eliminating the need for multiple physical lenses to transfer the diffracted laser beams to a focusing lens. The invention also relates to improved monitoring or optical traps by limiting the amount of noise reflected and scattered resulting from un-diffracted, laser light.

Abstract: An optical screen panel and a method of making an optical screen panel is disclosed. The panel includes layers or rows of alternating, or interleaved, light transmitting and light blocking or opaque elements, and is extruded. The layers or rows are in the form of relatively small ribbon elements which are generally parallel to the direction of viewing, and thus generally perpendicular to the front plane of the panel itself, which is the viewing surface of the panel. Several embodiments are shown, including panels with light directing elements and light scattering elements. The light directing and scattering elements may be embossed in the extruding process or they may be extruded as separate layers and secured to the layered panel post extruding. Angled and curved layers are among the several embodiments. Ultra violet protection may also be provided to the optical screen layered panel. When no light source is “on,” and thus no light is being transmitted, the optical screen panel appears opaque.

Abstract: A light transmitting filter including a light absorbing layer and a transparent layer having a microstructured front surface and a microstructured back surface, wherein the front surface is embedded in the light absorbing layer. The microstructures of the front surface provide a path for light transmittance through the light absorbing layer and the microstructures of the back surface focus the transmitted light thorough the path. The light filter can include an optically clear conformable coating covering the microstructured back surface of the transparent layer.