Abstract: A lens array includes a plurality of concave-shaped lens faces, each of which has an outer peripheral edge portion and which is formed at a bottom of a recess, wherein a height of the peripheral edge portion from a face apex portion of the lens face is shorter than a height from the peripheral edge portion to an opening portion of the recess on a top surface, wherein a cylindrical surface is formed which is defined by the opening portion as an upper end and the peripheral edge portion as a lower end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for two-dimensional wavelength beam combining of laser sources. In one example, an external cavity multi-wavelength laser includes an array of laser emitters each producing an optical beam having a specified wavelength, a grating stack comprising a plurality of first-order diffraction gratings arranged linearly in a first dimension, and a dispersive element. The laser further includes a cylindrical telescope that images the optical beams from the array of laser emitters onto the grating stack. A first cylindrical transform lens spatially overlaps the optical beams in a second dimension forming a first region of overlap at the grating stack. A second cylindrical transform lens spatially overlaps the optical beams from the grating stack in the first dimension forming a second region of overlap at the dispersive element. The dispersive element transmits a multi-wavelength output beam comprising the spatially overlapped optical beams from the array of laser emitters.

Abstract: A compact passively-cooled solid state illumination system is provided as a replacement for conventional arc light, metal halide and Xenon white-light sources for photocuring applications. The solid state illumination system utilizes LED modules to generate high intensity light output suitable for photocuring. The light output is continuous in the visible spectrum from 380 nm to 530 nm and is suitable for photocuring using a wide range of photoinitiators. A touchscreen interface allows programming of spectral output, intensity and duration. Output can be initiated using the touchscreen interface and/or a foot pedal.

Abstract: A system comprises first and second beamsplitter modules aligned along an alignment line. In certain embodiments, each beamsplitter module can split a beam traveling along a first optical path into a first split beam and a second split beam within a spectral range. Each beamsplitter module can transmit the first split beam along the first optical path and direct the second split beam along a second optical path substantially orthogonal to the first optical path and to the alignment line. In certain embodiments, each beamsplitter module can receive a first beam traveling along a first optical path and a second beam traveling along a second optical path that is substantially orthogonal to the first optical path and to the alignment line. Each beamsplitter module can combine the second beam with the first beam to yield a combined beam and transmit the combined beam along the first optical path.

Abstract: Optical systems and methods in accordance with some embodiments discussed herein can receive one or more beams of light from the system's field of view. Internal optical components can then direct the beam of light, including splitting the beam of light, rotating at least one of the split beams of light, and displacing one or more of the beams of light, such that the split beams of light are parallel to each other. Each beam of light may then be directed onto at least one linear detector array. The linear detector array can transform the light into electrical signals that can be processed and presented in a human-readable display.

Abstract: An apparatus emits a laser light beam with a first aspect ratio of etendue R1, wherein the optical invariant with respect to a first direction is less than half the optical invariant with respect to a second orthogonal direction. A first cylindrical lens collimates the beam in the first direction. A second cylindrical lens collimates the light beam in the second direction. A bisecting reflective surface has an edge that splits the collimated beam into undeviated and first deviated beam paths. A folding reflective surface redirects the first deviated beam path back toward the bisecting reflective surface, optically parallel with and displaced from the undeviated beam path with respect to the first direction. At least a portion of the redirected first deviated beam path passes the edge and combines with the undeviated path to form an output beam having a second aspect ratio of etendue R2 not equal to R1.

Abstract: Some embodiments pertain to an optical zoom system. The optical zoom system includes a first inward-facing surface that is at least partly reflective and a second inward-facing surface that is at least partly reflective. The optical zoom system further includes a first aperture that includes a plurality of sub-apertures which are positioned around at least a portion of an outer periphery of one of the first and second inward facing surfaces. Each sub-aperture includes an optically powered element. The optical zoom system further includes a second aperture that exists proximate a central region of the optical zoom system. Light is reflected on the first and second inward facing surfaces as the light travels between the first aperture and the second aperture such that the light is optically combined into a single image before exiting the second aperture.

Abstract: A first optical arrangement is configured to couple into an apparatus a first component of a light beam having a wavelength within a first spectral range; a second optical arrangement configured to couple a second component of the light beam having a wavelength within a different second spectral range; a third optical arrangement configured to expand the first component in a first dimension to create an expanded first component; a fourth optical arrangement configured to expand, in a second dimension, the expanded first component to create a further expanded first component, and to output the further expanded first component; a fifth optical arrangement configured to expand the second component in the second dimension to create an expanded second component; and a sixth optical arrangement configured to expand, in the first dimension, the expanded second component to create a further expanded second component, and to output the further expanded second component.

Abstract: An irradiating apparatus for irradiating an irradiation object with beam light emitted from a semiconductor laser, wherein letting w be a radius of a beam for irradiating the irradiation object, ? be a rate of individual difference in angle of divergence of the semiconductor laser, and ? be beam wavelength of the semiconductor laser, a focal position of an irradiating optical system interposed between the semiconductor laser and the irradiation object is defocused such that a distance z between the focal position and the irradiation object is z = ? · w 2 ? · 1 - ? 2 ( 1 - ? 2 ) 2 + 1 .

Abstract: A beam combining method (and concomitant apparatus) comprising, with a plurality of cascaded partially reflective surfaces, receiving images from a plurality of fields of view and combining the images into a single output optical path, and employing compressive sensing with an optical sensor receiving the combined images.

Abstract: A broadband optical beam splitter can comprise a non-metallic high contrast grating including a substrate and an array of posts attached to a surface of the substrate. The grating can have a subwavelength period with respect to a preselected optical energy wavelength, the preselected optical energy wavelength within the range of 400 nm to 1.6 ?m. Additionally, the broadband optical beam splitter can have a bandwidth of 80 nm to 120 nm and can have an optical energy loss of less than 5%.

Abstract: An optical mount is used for mounting an optical element, such as a beam splitter or a mirror, to a housing. The optical mount includes a pair of optical element retainer clamps that secure a first side of the optical element at respective first securement points on one of the major surfaces of the optical element, and also engage a first edge. A whiffletree retainer clamp secures a second side of the optical element at a second securement point on the one of its major surfaces. The whiffletree retainer clamp couples a whiffletree retainer to the housing, with the whiffletree retainer engaging a second edge along the second side of the device. The whiffletree retainer is positionally adjustable, for example able to pivot. Pivot pads may be used in at least some of the engagements to secure the optical element. The pivot pads may be segments of ball bearings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a video display system comprising a spatial light modulator, such as a DMD modulator. The system uses a light source and color-wheel filter that is interposed between the light source and the spatial light modulator, the color-wheel filter being divided into primary color segments and at least one neutral density (“ND”) segment that is complementary to at least one of the primary color segments and having a transmissivity that is lower than that of its corresponding primary color segment. At the border between the ND segment and its complementary primary color segment is an area that can be referred to as an ND spoke. The video display system modulates light from this ND spoke area along with light from the other segments.

Abstract: A beam splitter optical surface comprises a transparent substrate and a multilayer optical coating applied in a pattern onto the transparent substrate. The multilayer optical coating has at least an optically reflective layer and an optically absorbent layer.

Abstract: A system comprises a plurality of light sources configured to provide light beams to a waveguide layer of a touch-screen. At least one of the light beams is disturbed when an object touches the touch-screen at a touch point. The system also comprises a plurality of detectors, where at least one of the detectors is configured to detect the disturbed light. The system comprises control logic coupled to the at least one detector. The control logic determines a location of the touch point as a result of the at least one detector detecting the disturbed light. The plurality of light sources and plurality of detectors are contained within a source/detector layer. The source/detector layer is separated from the waveguide layer by a mirror layer comprising a plurality of mirrors that transfer light between the source/detector layer and the waveguide layer.

Abstract: A projection apparatus including an image source, an imaging module and a beam splitting module is provided. The image source provides an image beam. The imaging module is disposed on a transmission path of the image beam and has an aperture stop. The beam splitting module is disposed on the transmission path of the image beam and located on or near the aperture stop. The beam splitting module includes a plurality of aperture stop sub-regions, and the beam splitting module separates a plurality of image sub-beams of the image beam irradiating these different aperture stop sub-regions. These image sub-beams respectively propagate towards different directions after travelling to these aperture stop sub-regions.

Abstract: A microscope for conventional fluorescence microscopy (epi-fluorescence) and for total internal reflection microscopy is described. A first light source emits conventional fluorescent illumination light along a first illumination path and a second light source emitting evanescent illumination light along a second illumination path that differs from the first illumination path. An objective emits light onto an object to be viewed. A beam combiner directs the two lights into the objective while keeping their beam paths geometrically separated. The beam combiner comprises at least two spatially separated first zones for coupling in the conventional fluorescent illumination light and at least two spatially separated second zones for coupling in the evanescent illumination light. The first and second zones are adapted in their size and position to objective pupils of different objectives.

Abstract: In optical apparatus for illuminating a mask-plane with a line of light, a light source includes four fast-axis stacks of laser diode bars with fast and slow axis collimating arrangements providing four collimated beams of diode-laser light. A combination of a lens element and two diffraction gratings collects the four collimated beams and spreads the beams in the fast-axis direction such that the spread beams overlap in the mask plane to form a line of light having a length in the fast-axis-direction and a width in the slow-axis direction of the diode-laser bar stacks.

Abstract: An optical device, comprising an optical device, comprising an optical beam sweeper that includes a multi-wavelength laser source and an optical power splitter. The optical power splitter has an optical input optically coupled to the multi-wavelength laser source, the optical power splitter having N optical outputs, each optical output connected by a corresponding optical pathway of a parallel array to an optical output surface of the optical beam sweeper. N parallel optical paths connect the optical input to the optical output surface, each optical path including a corresponding one the optical pathways and having a different optical path length than the one or more other optical paths, the optical path lengths differing in a wavelength-dependent way.

Abstract: A fiber is laser is pumped by radiation from a plurality of diode-laser bars which are wavelength-locked by a single feedback mirror in combination with a single band-pass filter. The locked wavelength of the plurality of diode-laser bars is tunable by tilt-tuning the band-pass filter.

Abstract: The disclosure provides apparatuses for videoconferencing and a method of operation thereof. In one embodiment, an apparatus includes: (1) a display substrate occupying less than an entirety of a viewing area, (2) an actuator configured to move the display substrate over the viewing area and (3) a camera having a field of view at least partially overlapping the viewing area and configured to capture a camera image through the viewing area.

Abstract: Apparatus for combining laser radiation (1) 5 which apparatus comprises a seed laser (2), a splitter (3), a plurality of amplifier chains (4), a reference amplifier chain (7), detection means (5). demodulator means (6), and phase control means (12), wherein each of the amplifier chains (4) comprises at least one optical amplifier (11), optical radiation (17) emitted from the seed laser (2) is split into the plurality of amplifier chains (4) by the splitter (3).

Abstract: The invention concerns a multilayer body and a process for producing a multilayer body. The multilayer body has a transparent first layer in which a multiplicity of cylindrical lenses of a length of more than 2 mm and a width of less than 400 ?m are shaped, which are arranged in accordance with a microlens grid spanning a first co-ordinate system having a co-ordinate axis X1 which is determined by the focal point lines of the cylindrical lenses, and a co-ordinate axis Y2 perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods for implementing array cameras configured to perform super-resolution processing to generate higher resolution super-resolved images using a plurality of captured images and lens stack arrays that can be utilized in array cameras are disclosed. Lens stack arrays in accordance with many embodiments of the invention include lens elements formed on substrates separated by spacers, where the lens elements, substrates and spacers are configured to form a plurality of optical channels, at least one aperture located within each optical channel, at least one spectral filter located within each optical channel, where each spectral filter is configured to pass a specific spectral band of light, and light blocking materials located within the lens stack array to optically isolate the optical channels.

Abstract: An optical system includes a display panel, an image former, a viewing window, a proximal beam splitter, and a distal beam splitter. The display panel is configured to generate a light pattern. The image former is configured to form a virtual image from the light pattern generated by the display panel. The viewing window is configured to allow outside light in from outside of the optical system. The virtual image and the outside light are viewable along a viewing axis extending through the proximal beam splitter. The distal beam splitter is optically coupled to the display panel and the proximal beam splitter and has a beam-splitting interface in a plane that is parallel to the viewing axis. A camera may also be optically coupled to the distal beam splitter so as to be able to receive a portion of the outside light that is viewable along the viewing axis.

Abstract: This invention provides a field of view expander (FOVE) removably attached to a vision system camera having an image sensor defining an image plane. In an embodiment the FOVE includes first and second mirrors that transmit light from a scene in respective first and second partial fields of view along first and second optical axes. Third and fourth mirrors respectively receive reflected light from the first and second mirrors. The third and fourth mirrors reflect the received light onto the image plane in a first strip and a second strip adjacent to the first strip. The first and second optical axes are approximately parallel and a first focused optical path length between the scene and the image plane and a second focused optical path between the image plane and the scene are approximately equal in length. The optical path can be rotated at a right angle in embodiments.

Abstract: This invention provides a system and method for expanding the field of view of a vision system camera assembly such that the field of view is generally free of loss of normal resolution across the entire expanded field. A field of view expander includes outer mirrors that receive light from different portions of a scene. The outer mirrors direct light to tilted inner mirrors of a beam splitter that directs the light aligned with a camera axis to avoid image distortion. The inner mirrors each direct the light from each outer mirror into a strip on the sensor, and the system searches features. The adjacent fields of view include overlap regions sized and arranged to ensure a centralized feature appears fully in at least one strip. Alternatively, a moving mirror changes position between acquired image frames so that a full width of the scene is imaged in successive frames.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a shaping device for light rays of a laser beam that cross it, wherein the shaping device is formed by a conduit including an entry orifice, an exit orifice, and an internal wall, achieved by one or a plurality of facets adapted to reorient by at least one reflection at least a part of the rays of the crossing beam.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems that divert images for image capture devices. An image diversion system includes a deviating optical element to provide a first view to an imager of an image capture device and to provide at least a second view to the imager. An image diversion system includes a first deviating optical element and a second deviating optical element optically coupled to the first deviating optical element. The first deviating optical element provides a first view and at least a second view to an imager of an image capture device. An image diversion system includes a first deviating optical element, a second deviating optical element, and at least one corrective lens. The image diversion system is contained within a housing that is attachable to a housing portion of an image capture device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for laser beam splitting and shaping is disclosed wherein two beam splitters are used to split one input laser beam into four beams in a generally rectangular pattern. Half-wave plates are used to adjust the power of the input laser beam between v four laser beams. A variable power optical telescope comprising negative and positive lens pairs for the four laser beams is used to adjust the divergence of the four beams, and pointing control prism wedges are used to point or steer the four beams to he parallel to each other and to adjust their relative spacing to create a flat top profile.

Abstract: A system and method for producing a kilowatt laser system having a post resonator including a polarization multi-plexer, optical reconfiguration element, anamorphic element and fiber-optic module configured to arrange a multi-wavelength profile for coupling into an optical fiber.

Abstract: Designs of optical devices providing multiplexing or demultiplexing functions are disclosed. According to one embodiment, an optical device or an assembly employs an array of micro lenses, an array of filters and a glass block all bonded onto a substrate to provide multiplexing or demultiplexing functions. To compensate for possible errors caused by some or all of these components, one or more compensatory optical plates are provided to respectively correct these errors. Depending on implementation, the compensatory optical plates may be designed differently to correct various errors.

Abstract: Stereoscopic display systems including a position-tracking system that determine the position of the stereoscopic eyewear worn by a viewer. An exemplary embodiment of the eyewear includes retro-reflective reflectors that are illuminated by an infrared illuminator proximate to or optically co-axial with a capturing camera. Suppression reflections from other reflective features in the vicinity may be achieved by control of the polarization of the infrared light.

Abstract: A beam reformatter to receive and split a beam into a plurality of beam portions, and further distribute and propagate two or more of the plurality of beam portions in substantially the same direction to create a reformatted composite beam, wherein the plurality of beam portions each contain the same spatial and spectral information as the received beam.

Abstract: A multi-view distribution format is described for stereoscopic and autostereoscopic 3D displays. In general, it comprises multi-tile image compression with the inclusion of one or more depth maps. More specifically, it provides embodiments that utilize stereoscopic images with one or more depth maps typically in the form of a compressed grey scale image and, in some instances, incorporates depth information from a second view encoded differentially.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for combining beams of amplified radiation are disclosed. A beam combiner has a collimating optic positioned to receive a plurality of coherent radiation beams at a constant angle of incidence with respect to an optical axis of the collimating optic. The respective angles of incidence may also be different in some embodiments. The collimating optic has an optical property that collimates the beams. The optical property may be refractive or reflective, or a combination thereof. A collecting optic may also be provided to direct the plurality of beams to the collimating optic. The beam combiner may be used in a thermal processing apparatus to combine more than two beams of coherent amplified radiation, such as lasers, into a single beam.

Abstract: An apparatus for combining coherent light from a plurality of coherent light sources is provided. The apparatus includes a plurality of light guides, each including: a first mirror at an entrance face, including an aperture for admitting light therein from a respective one of the plurality of coherent light sources; and a second partially-reflective mirror at an exit face. The apparatus further includes a second stage light guide, for combining emitted light exiting the plurality of light guides, including: a second stage entrance face and a second stage exit face, the second stage entrance face for receiving the emitted light from each the exit face of the plurality of light guides; and a third mirror, at the second stage exit face, for reflecting the light back towards the second mirror, the third mirror including an exit aperture for the light to exit the second stage light guide.

Abstract: A method for forming, onto a linear array light modulator, a line of illumination that extends in a linear direction, the method includes forming a first linear beam array and a second linear beam array, both linear beam arrays comprising a plurality of laser beams; forming a mixed illumination by aligning the first linear beam array and the second linear beam array in the linear direction and directing the first and second linear beam arrays along a propagation path; magnifying the mixed illumination from the propagation path in the linear direction and relaying the magnified mixed illumination toward the linear array light modulator; and focusing the mixed illumination in the cross-array direction that is orthogonal to the linear direction onto the linear array light modulator.

Abstract: A video calibration device comprising an elongated image tube having a length, a first opening at one end of the image tube and a second opening at the opposite end of the image tube. The device includes an elongated sensor tube having a length, a first opening at one end of the sensor tube and a second opening at the opposite end of the sensor tube. The first opening of the sensor tube is adapted to support a video calibration sensor. A video calibration sensor is disposed in the first opening of the sensor tube. The sensor tube is sealingly secured to the image tube at an angle whereby the second opening of the sensor tube and the second opening of the image tube are substantially juxtaposed.

Abstract: An image pickup apparatus capable of improving the image quality of a picked-up image at the time of closely picking up an image is provided. In an image processing section 14, after a process of clipping a central region 31 and an image reversing process are performed in each of image pickup regions 3 of microlenses on image pickup data D1 obtained by an image pickup device 13, an image synthesizing process using images is performed to obtain image-processed data (image pickup data D2). In the image pickup data D2, the process of clipping the central region 31 is performed in each of the image pickup regions 3 of the microlenses, so even if a living organism 2 as an object subjected to image pickup is closely placed, an overlap region 32 between the image pickup regions 3 by adjacent microlenses is removed.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus includes a light source, a polarization splitter disposed facing the light source at about 45 degrees with respect to its light emission direction, a first reflector reflecting and condensing one of the polarization light components polarized and split by the polarization splitter, a quarter wave plate disposed between the polarization splitter and the first reflector, a second reflector reflecting and condensing the other of the polarization light components polarized and split by the polarization splitter, a third reflector disposed around the light source and reflecting the other polarization light reflected by the second reflector and the polarization splitter and proceeding in the light source direction, and a quarter wave plate disposed between the polarization splitter and the third reflector and around the light source, the light reflected at the first reflector and reflected at the polarization splitter being used to illuminate a predetermined surface.

Abstract: A light guiding device is operable to receive incident light emitted by a light source through a capture surface. The received light exits the light guiding device through an exit surface provided adjacent to and aligned with an aperture of light receiver. In this manner, light from the light source can be inserted into the receiver where it may be combined with additional incident light captured by the receiver. The light source might be a projector and the light projected may correspond to operational data relating to the operation of the receiver or images corresponding to data captured by a further receiver device operating with a different form of sensor or in a different region of the spectrum. In order to improve the composite image observed by a user of the light receiving device, the operation of the light source can be controlled to vary the intensity of the light emitted. In one example, this variation can be in response to the ambient light level, as sensed by a suitable sensor.

Abstract: An optical compensation film includes: a first layer having positive birefringence; a second layer on the first layer and having negative birefringence; and a third layer on the second layer and having positive birefringence. A retardation value of the optical compensation film for incident light having a wavelength of about 550 nm is about 135 nm to about 145 nm, and a ratio of a thickness of the first layer or of the third layer to a thickness of the second layer is about 1.1 to 2.2.

Abstract: An apparatus that includes a silicon-based support member and a silicon-based alignment structure is provided. The silicon-based alignment structure is received on a receiving surface of the support member. The alignment structure includes a first surface and a second surface parallel to and facing the first surface with a gap defined therebetween and configured to receive a light-emitting device inside the gap with the first surface and the second surface in contact with the light-emitting device such that, when a collimating rod lens is disposed on the alignment structure and over the gap, a longitudinal center line of the collimating rod lens is not aligned with a mid-point of the gap.

Abstract: A transflective display device includes a display panel and a light-gathering unit. The display panel includes a plurality of transmission regions and reflection regions, and has an upper surface and a lower surface. The light-gathering unit is directly disposed and positioned on the upper surface of the display panel, and includes a plurality of light-gathering elements, which are corresponding to the reflection regions respectively.

Abstract: Provided is a head-mounted display element, including: a first casing (11) which incorporates therein at least a display element (21), and has a light projection window (11a) for projecting image light from the display element (21); a second casing (12) which incorporates therein an eyepiece optical system (31) with a refractive power, and has a light receiving window (12a) for receiving incident image light projected through the light projection window (11a) and an eyepiece window (12b) for emitting the image light that has passed through the eyepiece optical system (31); and a coupling portion (13) for coupling the second casing (12) to the first casing (11) so as to make adjustable a length of an optical path between the light projection window (11a) and the light receiving window (12a).

Abstract: Light from an optical fiber is incident on a frequency dispersion element. The frequency dispersion element disperses the incident light into light beams in different directions according to their frequencies and directs the dispersed light beams to a lens. The lens develops the incident light beams over an xy plane according to their frequencies in a strip-like form. A frequency selective element has pixels arranged in a frequency dispersion direction and brings pixels located at positions corresponding to the frequency to be selected into a reflective state. A light beam selected by the frequency selective element is emitted from an optical fiber through the same path. By changing reflection characteristics of the frequency selective element according to each pixel, optical filter characteristics can be desirably changed so as to achieve change of passband width and frequency shift.

Abstract: The invention relates to sources of optical radiation wherein polarized radiation from first and second rows of light emitters is first collimated and combined into two combined beam using first and second rows of collimating and beam re-directing elements, respectively, and then polarization multiplexed to form a polarization-multiplexed output beam. In order to reduce the footprint, emitters of the first and second emitter rows are disposed in an interleaved, staggered arrangement, and the second row of collimating and beam re-directing elements is disposed in a space between the first emitter row and the first row of collimating and beam re-directing elements.

Abstract: The invention relates to sources of optical radiation wherein polarized radiation from first and second rows of light emitters is first collimated and combined into two combined beam using first and second rows of collimating and beam re-directing elements, respectively, and then polarization multiplexed to form a polarization-multiplexed output beam. In order to reduce the footprint, emitters of the first and second emitter rows are disposed in an interleaved, staggered arrangement, and the second row of collimating and beam re-directing elements is disposed in a space between the first emitter row and the first row of collimating and beam re-directing elements.

Abstract: Disclosed are a wafer-level lens array, a method of manufacturing a wafer-level lens array, a lens module, and an imaging unit capable of preventing the permeation of air into a substrate unit or a lens unit to be molded when a wafer-level lens array having the substrate unit and the lens units integrated with each other is molded. There is provided a method of integrally manufacturing a wafer-level lens array including a substrate unit and a plurality of lens units arranged on the substrate unit using a transfer mold having a plurality of concave portions corresponding to at least the plurality of lens units provided in a surface thereof. The method includes: supplying a resin to each concave portion, the amount of resin supplied being more than the volume of the concave portion; and performing molding to integrate the resin overflowing from the concave portions, thereby forming the substrate unit.