Abstract: A sheeting includes a layer of a shape-memory polymer material having a surface of microlenses, wherein each of the microlenses is associated with one of a plurality of images within the sheeting. The layer of the shape-memory polymer material is responsive to an external stimulus; e.g., temperature, solvent, or moisture; by transitioning from a first state in which an optical property of the microlenses has a first value to a second state in which the optical property of the microlenses has a second value. The microlenses have refractive surfaces that transmit light to positions within the sheeting to produce a composite image from the images formed within the sheeting when the layer of the shape-memory polymer material is in one of the first state and the second state. At least one of the images is a partially complete image, and each of the images is associated with a different one of the microlenses.

Abstract: A process for making a microlens array or a microlens array masterform comprises (a) providing a photoreactive composition, the photoreactive composition comprising (1) at least one reactive species that is capable of undergoing an acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction, and (2) at least one multiphoton photoinitiator system; and (b) imagewise exposing at least a portion of the composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of microlenses, each of the microlenses having a principal axis and a focal length, and at least one of the microlenses being an aspherical microlens.

Abstract: Device for splitting a light beam (1), including at least one lens array (3) with a plurality of lenses (3a-3i) of which at least two have a mutually differing, positive focal length, wherein the light beam (1) that is to be split can pass through the at least one lens array (3) and form at least some mutually separated, at least partially convergent subbeams (1a-1i) after passing through the plurality of lenses (3a-3i), and deflecting means (4) with a plurality of deflecting elements that are arranged downstream of the at least one lens array (3) and can deflect at least some of the subbeams (1a-1i), wherein at least two of the deflecting elements have a different spacing (da-di) from the at least one lens array (3).

Abstract: A micro lens array and method of fabricating the micro lens array. The micro lens array includes: a substrate; a plurality of holes penetrating the substrate; and a plurality of lens units on a first surface of the substrate, each lens being at a respective one of the plurality of holes. When the micro lens array is applied to a display device, a high contrast ratio can be obtained, and the light can be transmitted in a single direction.

Abstract: An image sensor having a plurality of micro-lenses disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A first micro-lens has a different focal length, height, shape, curvature, thickness, etc., than a second micro-lens. The image sensor may be back side illuminated or front side illuminated.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an optical sheet includes: discharging a liquid droplet discharged to one side surface of a sheet substrate; and curing the liquid droplet so that a protrusion is formed in the one side surface to allow light from the one side surface to be refracted and emitted, wherein a supporting substrate that supports the sheet substrate is adhered to another side surface of the sheet substrate before the liquid droplet is discharged.

Abstract: A line head, includes: a lens array that includes a first lens, a second lens and a light transmissive substrate on which the first lens and the second lens are arranged in a first direction; and a light emitting element substrate on which light emitting elements are arranged in the first direction, wherein the first lens is formed such that, in a cross section in the first direction including an optical axis of an imaging optical system comprised of the first lens, a curvature of the first lens at an outer peripheral portion has a sign opposite to that of a curvature of the first lens on the optical axis or has a smaller absolute value than the curvature of the first lens on the optical axis.

Abstract: A method for forming an image of a beam source that during operation provides a beam, and wherein the beam is split so as to divide the beam into beamlets, wherein a redirecting organ is used with which each individual beamlet is redirected to a predetermined degree with the extent of redirection of each beamlet by means of the redirecting organ depending on the distance of that beamlet to a central axis of the beam, such that the beamlets converge in a common point with the beamlets from the beam source being focused to foci located in the redirecting organ, and with the beamlets originating from these foci being focussed in the common imaging point.

Abstract: A micro-optical device includes a plurality of minute optical elements each having a curved surface operable to condense incident light. The minute optical elements are arranged at constant intervals. The curved surface is expressed by two or more F values. Each of the minute optical elements is a transmission lens element having the curved surface including a substantially flat part at a center of the transmission lens element, wherein the curved surface is convex or concave.

Abstract: An optical device includes a refracting surface refracting light, a flat surface transmitting light, and a prism group including prism elements having at least the refracting surface. Here, the prism elements are arranged with a plurality of pitches therebetween on a straight line parallel to a reference surface on which the prism elements are disposed.

Abstract: An illumination homogenizing optical element is disclosed that includes at least one optical surface having a plurality of refractive structures formed as either grooves or protrusions that, individually, are wider than the wavelength of light incident onto said illumination homogenizing optical element. At least part of the light incident onto the illumination homogenizing optical element is removed from the optical path by refraction of said light so as to provide even illumination on an illuminated surface. The illumination homogenizing optical element is advantageous over prior art illumination homogenizing optical elements in that it is easy and inexpensive to manufacture while providing sufficient optical performance.

Abstract: A system for providing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation comprises a laser source arranged to produce a laser beam having a focus; and a carrier movable relative to the laser source for carrying a surface material, the surface material when carried by the carrier providing a renewable target edge. The focussed beam is arranged to impinge on the target edge to produce an EUV radiation emitting plasma. The system is cooperable with a mirror for harnessing the EUV radiation by reflecting EUV radiation impinging thereon. The mirror comprises a substantially aspheric surface and means for supplying a reflecting liquid to at least partially coat the aspheric surface, the mirror being rotatable to centrifugally confine the liquid to the aspheric surface.

Abstract: A method and device for influencing light, include a first array of lens systems through which the light to be influenced can at least partially pass. A first phase-modifying array modulates the phases of the light which has passed through the individual lens systems of the first array. A second array of lens systems is provided through which the light phase-modified by the phase modifiers can at least partially pass. The second array of lens systems causes a plurality of local intensity maxima of the light to be created in the propagation direction of the light in the region of the second array of lens systems. A first lens system is disposed between the first array of lens systems and the second array of lens systems and a second lens system is disposed between the first lens system and the second array of lens systems. The first phase-modifying array is disposed between the first and second lens systems.

Abstract: An image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified.

Abstract: A device for homogenizing light has at least two cylindrical lens arrays which are placed one behind the other in a direction of diffusion of the light to be homogenized and which each have convex and concave cylindrical lenses disposed next to one another in an alternating manner, the cylinder axes of these cylindrical lenses are aligned parallel to one another. In the direction, in which the cylindrical lenses are disposed next to one another, the concave cylindrical lenses of the first cylindrical lens array have a shaping, in particular, an extension or curvature different from that of the concave cylindrical lenses of the second cylindrical lens arrays.

Abstract: A lenticular assembly moveable to present a series of images to the viewer accompanied by a synchronized audible message. The assembly may be pivotal or on a slidable surface such as a door panel. The message may be pre-recorded or a sound loop for playback or may be on a programmable sound card so it can be changed or adjusted to the image speed.

Abstract: A lens, a lens array and imaging device and system containing a lens, and a method of forming a lens array and an imaging device and system containing a lens. Each lens has varying reflection indices in a radial direction.

Abstract: A solid state imaging device includes a substrate having a plurality of pixels and a plurality of on-chip lenses arranged above the substrate, each on-chip lens having a lens surface formed by subjecting a transparent photosensitive film to exposure using a mask having a gradation pattern and development so that the lens surface serves to correct shading in accordance with the gradation pattern.

Abstract: A microlens array having microlenses that correspond to more than one color filter and underlying pixel. In one particular embodiment, each microlens is formed to cover one Bayer pattern set, out of a plurality of repeated sets over an entire color filter and pixel array. A semiconductor-based imager includes a pixel array having embedded pixel cells, each with a photosensor, and a microlens array having microlenses that cover more than one embedded pixel cell.

Abstract: An optical plate includes a main body plate, and a plurality of lens patterns formed on a first surface of the main body plate, wherein the lens patterns are elongated in a first direction and arranged in parallel with each other in a second direction crossing the first direction, wherein a cross section of the lens patterns form a part of an ellipse shape, the ratio of a semi-major axis to a semi-minor axis of the ellipse shape ranging from about 1.65 to about 1.75.

Abstract: A compound eye is provided. The compound eye includes a microfluidic device defining a plurality of wells therein. A plurality of lenses are disposed in corresponding wells of the microfluidic device. Each lens has a tunable focal length. A tuning structure tunes the focal length of each lens in response to a predetermined stimulus.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microlens device by depositing a microlens material layer over a substrate that includes photo-sensors. The microlens material layer is then exposed and developed to define microlens material elements, including first microlens material elements and second microlens material elements. Each second microlens material element is substantially greater in thickness relative to each first microlens material element. The microlens material elements are then heated to form a microlens array that includes first microlens array elements, each corresponding to a first microlens material element, and second microlens array elements, each corresponding to a second microlens material element. Each first microlens array element has a substantially greater focal length relative to each second microlens array element. For example, each second microlens array element is substantially greater in thickness relative to each first microlens array element.

Abstract: In an optical lens including a lens portion having a convex or concave lens surface on each side, each lens surface of the lens portion has a convex portion of a small projection centered on the optical axis thereof, and the convex portion has the height which is approximately less than four times the used wavelength so as not to have an effect on an optical characteristic of the lens portion.

Abstract: An optical media is constructed by superimposing a Fourier transform lens film 3 including a Fourier transform lens 2 on which optical image 10 is formed, and a light permeating sheet 5 provided with a plurality of light permeating portions 4 through which light can pass in a point-like manner. Viewing incident light coming from the side of the light permeating sheet 5 through light permeating portions 4 with eyes on the side of Fourier transform lens film 3. Due to this, an optical image 10 can be formed on the Fourier transform lens 2.

Abstract: According to embodiments, scanned beam source may include a first beam shaping optical element aligned to receive a composite beam of light carrying a plurality of wavelength components and a second beam shaping optical element aligned to receive the composite beam of light from the first beam shaping optical element and configured to modify the first plurality of wavelength components of the composite beam to a plurality of dimensions proportional to wavelength. The first beam shaping optic may be, for example, a top-hat converter. The second beam-shaping optic may be, for example, a polarization-sensitive clipping aperture, a wavelength-dependent clipping aperture, and/or an achromatic corrector.

Abstract: A lens array sheet, a transparent screen using the same, and a rear-projection display device are provided in which it is possible to control a perspective angle for the image in both a horizontal direction and a vertical direction without causing a problem in that a gain of a light is reduced by an optical absorption and an S/N ratio is reduced by an increased white dispersion. First lens and second lens arrays are formed by disposing a plurality of half-cylindrical lenses in parallel on a common plane such that longitudinal directions of the cylindrical lenses should be orthogonal to each other. A unified lens array layer and a shading layer in which a section through which a light does not transmit is formed on a focal plane of the lens array layer form a lens array sheet. Furthermore, fresnel lenses are combined so as to form a transparent screen.

Abstract: There is provided an optical substrate. The optical substrate includes at least one surface. The at least one surface includes at least one optical structure having a shape and dimensions, wherein the shape and dimensions of each optical structure represents in part a modulation of a corresponding idealized structure. The shape and dimensions of each of the at least one optical structure are determined in part by at least one randomly generated component of modulation wherein the modulation of each of the at least one optical structure is limited by a neighboring optical structure comprised by the surface.

Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.

Abstract: A variable focus system that includes an electrovariable optic (EVO) and a controller operatively configured for changing the focal configuration of the EVO. The EVO includes a plurality of movable optical elements that may be moved substantially in unison with one another so as to change either the focal length of the EVO, the direction of the focal axis of the EVO, or both, depending upon the needs of a particular application. The variable focus system may be used in conjunction with an image source to construct a 3D floating image projector that projects a series of 2D image slices of a 3D image onto corresponding respective image planes in succession rapidly enough that a 3D floating image is perceived by a viewer.

Abstract: A lenticular device for displaying interlaced images. The device includes an interlaced image and a lens array. The lens sets each have two or more adjacent lenticules and are paired mapped to sets of the image elements such that two or more lenses are used to visually display a set of image elements rather than a single lenticule. The number of lenses is a non-integral multiple of the number of image elements in the image set such that the rays exiting from the lens sets are at unique viewing angles associated with each of the image elements. The image sets include interlaces from sequential images, and the interlaces are provided in the interlaced image so as to have an order that differs from the sequential ordering of the images to provide a sequential output of the images.

Abstract: A micro lens array includes a plurality of convex micro lenses formed on a transparent substrate in an array. The micro lenses are convex toward a surface of the substrate in a position inward of the surface of the substrate and the top of the convex surface of the micro lenses is lower than the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A backlight module and an illumination device thereof. The illumination device of the backlight module comprises a light source and a lens, disposed over the light source with a predetermined gap therebetween. The lens comprises a bottom surface as an incident surface, a pair of upper refracting surfaces, and a pair of lateral refracting surfaces. The upper refracting surfaces form an included angle substantially in a range of about 80° to about 120°.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide an illumination optical system. The optical system can include a first surface and a second surface. Each of the first and second surfaces can further comprises a multiplicity of corresponding Cartesian-oval lenticulations such that each lenticulation of the first surface focuses a source upon a corresponding lenticulation of the second surface and each lenticulation of the second surface focuses a target upon a corresponding lenticulation of the first surface.

Abstract: Am image presentation system employing microstructured icon elements to form an image. In one form a synthetic optical image system is provided that includes an array of focusing elements, and an image system that includes or is formed from an array or pattern of microstructured icon elements, such as those described below, wherein the microstructured icon elements are designed to collectively form an image or certain desired information, and wherein the array of focusing elements and the image system cooperate, for example through optical coupling, to form a synthetic optical image which image may optionally be magnified.

Abstract: A lithography apparatus comprising variable lenses is described. These variable lenses are included in a microlens array. At least some of the lenses have two or more immiscible liquids whose optical properties can be varied, for example, by an application of a voltage.

Abstract: There is provided an image sensor having micro lenses of which pitches decrease by different ratios according to left side and right side ratios, which are arranged in different ratios according to upper side and right side ratios, and of which pitches in the edge area are equal to a pixel pitch to arrange the micro lenses in a predetermined interval, thereby capable of preventing ambient sensitivity from deteriorating and suppressing crosstalk.

Abstract: The invention includes an optics array for beam shaping, which uses a micro lens combination, whose polygonal micro lenses are arranged in a level, whereby the geometric arrangement of the individual lenses and their diameters follow a distribution pattern. It is characterized by the fact that the number of corners as well as the length of the lens rims of each of the individual lenses of the micro lens combination is defined by a point distribution (P) of Voronoi points (2), which define a Voronoi Region (VR(p)) which can be described by the following equations for a Voronoi lens (1).

Abstract: Disclosed are an imaging device and a display device which both have a simple structure without any need of an image conversion. The imaging device includes a lens component group including multiple lens component systems, each of which focuses incident light from the object, thereby creating a non-inverted image of the object, the lens component systems being arranged in an array form and on the same level, and an image capturing mechanism for picking up the created image. In addition, each of the lens component systems includes an afocal optical system and an image-forming system. The afocal optical system includes at least one optical element for inverting an externally incident light ray relative to its optical axis and outputting the light ray. The optical element has uniform refractive index. The image-forming system includes at least one optical element having uniform refractive index throughout its interior.

Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.

Abstract: A film material utilizing a regular two-dimensional array of non-cylindrical lenses to enlarge micro-images, called icons, to form a synthetically magnified image through the united performance of a multiplicity of individual lens/icon image systems. The synthetic magnification micro-optic system includes one or more optical spacers (5), a micro-image formed of a periodic planar array of a plurality of image icons (4) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes and positioned on or next to the optical spacer (5), and a periodic planar array of image icon focusing elements (1) having an axis of symmetry about at least one of its planar axes, the axis of symmetry being the same planar axis as that of the micro-image planar array (4). A number of distinctive visual effects, such as three-dimensional and motion effects, can be provided by the present system.

Abstract: A microlens array includes plural powered microlenses or microlens elements for tilting different light-emitting elements or portions of a light-emitting device. Each microlens or microlens element both has optical power, and adjusts the tilt of the wavefront so that in combination the individual microlenses act like a more complex multiple-element optic where each element shifts light from only a portion of the light-emitting device. Such an optical device may be incorporated into eyewear for projecting subtitles or other information above or below a far-away image, such as on a movie screen. Another potential use of the microlens array is for use in a heads-up display. Still another potential use for the microlens array to provide soft focusing of emitted laser light to achieve a target light spot of a desired diameter.

Abstract: A flexible substrate having a plurality of lenses disposed in an array on a surface of the substrate wherein the lenses are formed by etching the substrate.

Abstract: A system constructs a composite image using focus assessment information of image regions.

Abstract: An assembly for displaying an interlaced image. The assembly includes an interlaced image, which may be digitally or web printed for example, with sets of elongate image elements or slices. A lens arrays is provided with a first side proximate the interlaced image such as a planar surface and a second side distal the image with numerous lens sets. Each of the lens sets is paired with one of the sets of the image elements and includes a number of linear or elongate lenses that are each mapped to one to three image elements. The lenses are each configured to focus light from the subset of image elements to a viewer along a focus direction or line. The lenses are configured to provide a lens-specific viewing angle with a focus line, and the focus line to the paired image element subset differs from other lenses or is unique.

Abstract: Ellipse-shaped microlenses focus light onto unbalanced photosensitive areas, increase area coverage for a gapless layout of microlenses, and allow pair-wise or other individual shifts of the microlenses to account for asymmetrical pixels and pixel layout architectures. The microlenses may be fabricated in sets, with one set oriented differently from another set, and may be arranged in various patterns, for example, in a checkerboard pattern or radial pattern. The microlenses of at least one set may be substantially elliptical in shape. To fabricate a first set of microlenses, a first set of microlens material is patterned onto a support, reflowed under first reflow conditions, and cured. To fabricate a second set of microlenses, a second set of microlens material is patterned onto the support, reflowed under second reflow conditions, which may be different from the first conditions, and cured.

Abstract: A compound-eye imaging device comprises: an optical lens array with integrated optical lenses; a stop member for shielding unnecessary ambient light from entering the optical lenses; a photodetector array formed of a semiconductor substrate and placed at a predetermined distance from the optical lens array for imaging images formed by the optical lenses; a light shielding block placed between the two arrays; and an optical filter for transmitting light from the optical lenses in a specific wavelength range. The optical filter is a part of, and integral with, the photodetector array. The optical filter can be a deposited film formed by depositing silicon oxide and titanium oxide on a glass plate provided for protecting a surface of, and integrally formed on, the semiconductor substrate. This enables to easily omit an optical filter separately provided between the two arrays, thereby reducing the thickness of the imaging device.

Abstract: Laser beams emitted by a plurality of laser sources are divided into a plurality of sub-beams, which are irradiated onto selected portions of an amorphous semiconductor on a substrate to crystallize the amorphous semiconductor. A difference in diverging angles between the laser beams is corrected by a beam expander. The apparatus includes a sub-beam selective irradiating system including a sub-beam dividing assembly and a sub-beam focussing assembly. Also, the apparatus includes laser sources, a focussing optical system, and a combining optical system. A stage for supporting a substrate includes a plurality of first stage members, a second stage member disposed above the first stage members, and a third stage member 38C, rotatably disposed above the second stage to support an amorphous semiconductor.

Abstract: A line head, includes: an element substrate that includes luminous element groups as groups of a plurality of luminous elements; and a lens array that includes lenses which have an optical property of inverting or non-unity-magnification, focus light from the luminous element groups to form spot groups on an image plane, and are provided corresponding to the respective luminous element groups, wherein the plurality of luminous elements are two-dimensionally arranged in point symmetry in each luminous element group, a plurality of spots are formed as the spot group when the respective luminous elements of the luminous element group emit light, and an inter-point distance between an intersection of a line extending from a symmetry center of the luminous element group in an optical axis direction of the lens with the image plane and a center of gravity position of the spot group is shorter than a specified distance.

Abstract: A diffusing sheet, a surface light source unit, and a transmission type display that can attain uniform illumination so that the brightness of light on the display screen appears uniform regardless of the position from which the display screen is observed. The diffusing sheet includes, on its light-emerging side surface, a diffusion lens array having a plurality of unit lenses, each unit lens being in a shape equivalent to a part of an elliptic cylinder having an elliptical cross section. The surface light source unit includes the diffusing sheet and a convergent sheet 12 that has a plurality of unit lenses 121 having almost trapezoidal cross sections, formed on one surface thereof. It is possible to attain uniform illumination by diffusing light from cathode ray tubes in the surface light source unit, and, at the same time, to converge the light serving as backlight to enhance optical efficiency.

Abstract: A lens includes a surface that includes a seamless profile. The seamless profile is defined by at least one cubic polynomial function to provide a filtering surface that produces a controlled amount of spherical aberration.