Abstract: Microlens arrays (105) having high focusing efficiencies are provided. The high focusing efficiencies are achieved by accurately producing the individual microlenses making up the array at high fill factors. Arrays of positive microlenses are produced by forming a master having a concave surface-relief pattern (101) in a positive photoresist (21) using direct laser writing. Through this approach, the problems associated with the convolution of a finite laser beam with a desired profile for a microlens are overcome. The microlens arrays of the invention have focusing efficiencies of at least 75%.

Abstract: A lens array capable of effectively converging light entering from a light source and constituting a liquid crystal device of a high contrast includes liquid crystal of a twisted nematic type sandwiched between a TFT substrate and a counter substrate. A micro lens array is formed in the counter substrate. Lenses constituting the micro lens array respectively have a shape of a rotational aspheric surface, and an optical center axis F thereof is tilted in a bright vision direction of the liquid crystal.

Abstract: Microlens sheets include a first array of anamorphic micolenses on a face of a substrate. The microlenses in the first array are defined by a first parametric model along a direction of the first array. A second array of anamorphic micolenses is also provided on the face of the substrate, and interspersed with the first array. The microlenses in the second array are defined by a second parametric model that is different from the first parametric model, along the direction of the first array.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for shaping a light beam, having at least two optically functional boundary surfaces that are arranged one behind another in the propagation direction (z) of the light beam to be shaped, such that the light beam can pass through the at least two optically functional boundary surfaces one after another, and two groups of refractive or diffractive imaging elements that are arranged on at least one of the optically functional boundary surfaces, at least two of the imaging elements having different properties within at least one of the groups.

Abstract: A solid-state imaging apparatus allowing miniaturization in a structure having a lens provided between a substrate and a color filter layer is provided. This solid-state imaging apparatus comprises a photodetection part formed on the substrate, the color filter layer formed on the substrate and the lens formed between the substrate and the color filter layer for concentrating light on the photodetection part. The lens has an upwardly projecting upper surface portion, while the upper end of the upper surface portion substantially comes into contact with the lower surface of the color filter layer.

Abstract: It is an object of this invention to provide the structure of an image sensor capable of efficiently collecting light in the center and in the periphery of an imaging plane. To achieve this object, an image sensor includes a plurality of photoelectric conversion portions, a high refractive index portion having a first portion formed into the shape of a pillar and a taper shape portion whose aperture area increases toward a side close to a photographing lens, and a low refractive index portion placed around the high refractive index portion.

Abstract: Microlens sheetings with composite images are disclosed, in which the composite image floats above or below the sheeting, or both. The composite image may be two-dimensional or three-dimensional. Methods for providing such an imaged sheeting, including by the application of radiation to a radiation sensitive material layer adjacent the microlenses, are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a focusing screen master having a microlens array formed all over a flat substrate surface, the microlens array being constructed by arranging a plurality of types of microlenses that are different from each other in height, radius of curvature and surface configuration.

Abstract: A method for combining a first and a second ray bundle includes forming a first partial beam and a second partial beam by the first ray bundle interacting with a first beam-splitter layer, and forming a third partial beam and a fourth partial beam by the second ray bundle interacting with the first beam-splitter layer. The first, second, third and fourth partial beams are superimposed into an outgoing ray bundle by the first, second, third and fourth partial beams interacting with a second beam-splitter layer so that, in the outgoing ray bundle, the number of occurring reflections and transmissions of the first and second partial beams are basically the same as the number of occurring reflections and transmissions of the third and fourth partial beams.

Abstract: A three-dimensional image optical system including at least an elementary image optical subsystem constructed with plural afocal optical elements which include the first and the second optical components, wherein the plural afocal optical elements are aligned in a planar arrangement. The variety of the focal length to satisfy the afocal property is realized with the combination of the first optical components and the second optical components, that results in to provide the flexibility of the depth magnification, by which a remote observation is possible.

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 (brightness) of a light is reduced by an optical absorption and an S/N ratio is reduced by an increased white dispersion. A first lens array 18 and a second lens array 20 which are formed by disposing a plurality of half-cylindrical lenses 17, 19 in parallel on a common plain (a surface of a base member layer 13a) such that longitudinal directions of the cylindrical lenses 17, 19 should be orthogonal to each other. Unified lens array layer 13b and a shading layer 16 in which a section through which a light does not transmit is formed on a focal plain of the lens array layer 13b form a lens array sheet. Furthermore, fresnel lens are combined so as to form a transparent screen.

Abstract: To provide a micro-lens substrate wherein a higher contrast ratio can be obtained when used in a liquid crystal panel and the like. A micro-lens substrate 1A includes a first substrate 2 with concaves for microlenses having a plurality of first concaves 31 and first aligment marks 71 formed on a first glass substrate 29, a second substrate 8 with concaves for microlenses having a plurality of second concaves 32 and second aligment marks 72 formed on a second glass substrate 89, a resin layer 9, microlenses 4 consisting of doulbe convex lenses formed of a resin filled in between the first and second concaves 31 and 32, and spacers 5.

Abstract: A variable focus system (100) that includes an electrovariable optic (EVO) (108) and a controller (112) operatively configured for changing the focal configuration of the EVO. The EVO includes a plurality of movable optical elements (164) that may be moved substantially in unison with one another so as to change either the focal length (f) of the EVO, the direction of the focal axis (132) 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 (116) to construct a 3D floating image projector (500, 540, 560, 600) that projects a series of 2D image slices (IS1–IS7) of a 3D image onto corresponding respective image planes (IP1–IP7) in succession rapidly enough that a 3D floating image (120) is perceived by a viewer (104).

Abstract: An infrared device in accordance with the present invention includes an optical train for receiving incident radiation into the device, a focal plane array for receiving the incident radiation from the optical train, and an optical power limiter (OPL) that is positioned therebetween. To improve the overall optical gain for the device, the optical train initially focuses the incident radiation into an intermediate focal plane that is located within the OPL. With this configuration, however, the incident radiation begins to lose focus once it passes through the intermediate focal plane and exits the OPL. To prevent this, the infrared device includes a plurality of microlenses on the OPL surface that is facing the focal plane array. The plurality of microlenses re-focuses the incident radiation onto a final focal plane that is coincident with the focal plane array.

Abstract: A device for collimating light emanating from a laser light source, including a laser light source with a plurality of substantially linear emission sources arranged next to each other in at least one row, and collimation means with a plurality of collimation elements which can collimate the light emanating from the emission sources in a direction (X) corresponding to the direction of the row. The device also includes a beam transformer which can respectively transform the light emanating from at least two emission sources in such a way that the light emanating from the at least two emission sources impinges precisely upon a collimation element and is collimated. The invention also relates to a beam transformer for one such device.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the invention provide a spatial light modulator that is inexpensive, has a long life and a high light use efficiency, and with which can be obtained a high-contrast image, and a projector disposed with the spatial light modulator. Exemplary embodiments provide a spatial light modulator including a liquid crystal layer that includes plural aperture regions AP, modulates light in accordance with image signals and emits the modulated light; and microlens elements that are disposed at an incident side of the liquid crystal layer in correspondence to the aperture regions AP and condense the light made incident so that the light passes through the aperture regions AP. The microlens elements include plural focal positions f1 and f2 that are different per plural substantially annular portions R1 and R2 around an optical axis AX.

Abstract: Asymmetrical structures and methods are used to adjust the orientation of a microlens for a pixel array. The asymmetrical structures affect volume and surface force parameters during microlens formation. Exemplary microlens structures include an asymmetrical microlens frame, base, material or a combination thereof to affect the focal characteristics of the microlens. The asymmetrical frame alters the microlens flow resulting from the heating of the microlens during fabrication such that orientation of the microlens relative to an axis of the imager can be controlled.

Abstract: A component including a part having a concave and convex configuration for one of the enabling one of light convergence, light diffusion and light diffraction, being formed as a reflective film. The outline of the concave and convex configuration viewed from a right angle relative to a horizontal face has a half moon-shape, and a direction of a straight line part of the half moon-shape of each concave and convex configuration matches a direction of the horizontal face, and a plurality of the concave and convex configurations are combined.

Abstract: A transmittance overcoat with effectively planar top surface and specified optical and materials properties is applied above a microlens layer to extend the focal length and enhance the performance of long focal length microlenses for semiconductor array color imaging devices. The geometrical optics design factors and microelectric fabrication sequence to achieve optimized long focal length microlens performance are disclosed. The principal advantages of the adaptive process taught in the present invention is shown to enable real-time compensation adjustments for process and material variations. The overcoat process enables simplified single-layer integrated microlens optics for low-cost, high volume manufacturing of CMOS and CCD color video cameras.

Abstract: To provide a micro-lens substrate wherein a higher contrast ratio can be obtained when used in a liquid crystal panel and the like. A micro-lens substrate 1A includes a first substrate 2 with concaves for microlenses having a plurality of first concaves 31 and first aligment marks 71 formed on a first glass substrate 29, a second substrate 8 with concaves for microlenses having a plurality of second concaves 32 and second aligment marks 72 formed on a second glass substrate 89, a resin layer 9, microlenses 4 consisting of double convex lenses formed of a resin filled in between the first and second concaves 31 and 32, and spacers 5.

Abstract: A scanning module for scanning a document is provided. The scanning module comprises: a chassis; a light source on the chassis for emitting a light ray onto the document; a plurality of reflectors inside the chassis; a lens inside the chassis; an image sensing device inside the chassis, an image of the document being reflected by the plurality of reflectors and formed on the image sensing device, the image sensing device including a plurality of sensing cells; and a plurality of microlenses on the plurality of sensing cells, each of the plurality of microlenses having a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface having a plurality of notches as an input window for changing an incident angle of the light ray, the bottom surface having a plurality of round curves as an output window for further focusing the light ray.

Abstract: A condensing lens is integrally formed with collimator-lens portions which respectively collimate light beams and a condensing lens portion which makes the collimated light beams converge at a common point. In addition, an optically-multiplexed-laser-light source is constituted by semiconductor lasers, a multimode optical fiber, and the above condensing lens, where the collimator-lens portions in the condensing lens are respectively arranged in correspondence with the semiconductor lasers, and the condensing lens portion couples the light beams collimated by the collimator-lens portions, to the multimode optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a digitally imaged lenticular product comprising a lenticular lens having an array of lenticules defining a front surface, and a substantially flat back surface located opposite the front surface. The product further includes a digitally output interlaced image digitally printed and joined to the flat back surface of the lens so as to be in correspondence with the array of lenticules. The digitally output interlaced image includes at least one individually customizable element. The digitally imaged lenticular products can be part of a variety of consumer end products, such as a container, a cup, a label, and a package. This permits final digitally imaged lenticular products to have a wide range of variance and versions, both from one lenticular run to the next, as well as within a run, thereby accommodating individualized data.

Abstract: A method of producing a microlens array includes a patterning step of forming a first optical resin layer having a first refractive index on a transparent substrate and forming a plurality of microlens planes arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern on the front surface of the first optical resin layer; a planarizing step of forming a planarized second optical resin layer; a joining step of providing a support layer on which a transparent protective film is previously formed; and a removing step of removing the support layer in such a manner that only the protective film remains on the second optical resin layer. The planarizing step is performed by filling irregularities of the microlens planes with a resin having a second refractive index and planarizing the front surface, opposed to the microlens planes, of the resin, to form the planarized second optical resin layer, and the joining step is performed by joining the support layer to the planarized second optical resin layer.

Abstract: A method of producing a microlens array includes a patterning step of forming a first optical resin layer having a first refractive index on a transparent substrate and forming a plurality of microlens planes arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern on the front surface of the first optical resin layer; a planarizing step of forming a planarized second optical resin layer; a joining step of providing a support layer on which a transparent protective film is previously formed; and a removing step of removing the support layer in such a manner that only the protective film remains on the second optical resin layer. The planarizing step is performed by filling irregularities of the microlens planes with a resin having a second refractive index and planarizing the front surface, opposed to the microlens planes, of the resin, to form the planarized second optical resin layer, and the joining step is performed by joining the support layer to the planarized second optical resin layer.

Abstract: A resin lens plate has, on its planar surface, convex lenslets arranged in a regular pattern with adjacent lenslets being apart from each other by a specified center-to-center pitch. Each of the convex lenslets has a rectangular or hexagonal contour in a plan view of the plate, and the lenslets are arranged such that the direction in which the center-to-center distance between adjacent lenslets takes a maximum value is in parallel with the lengthwise side of the plate. A groove or a ridge is formed along the bisector of a center-to-center line drawn between each pair of adjacent lenslets, and a light absorbing film is formed over the groove or the ridge. The groove or ridge inhibits the entry of stray light to the lenslet from adjacent lenslets.

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: In a solid state imaging device, sensitivity deterioration (shading) of the periphery of the imaging region is planned to be improved. An on-chip micro lens 28 corresponding to each sensor portion 23 in an imaging region 42 is comprised and the center of the reduction magnification of the exit pupil correction which is performed for the on-chip micro lens 28 is set to a position O deviated from the center of the imaging region 42.

Abstract: In order to provide a micro-lens sheet in which unit lenses are disposed in highly accurate pitch so as to control the light diffusing characteristics of the light emission direction not only in a horizontal direction but also over 360 degrees by using the lens function of one piece of lens sheet, a micro-lens sheet has a micro-lens array section in which unit lenses are disposed in approximate matrix in a second dimensional manner on at least one surface of a base board, and the micro-lens array section is formed on only one surface of the base board, the micro-lens array section includes the unit lens having an aspherical shape, and disposition pitch of neighboring unit lenses is 200 ?m or shorter.

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

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a light controlling structure, generally referred to as a microlens or microlens array. For example, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a light controlling structure may be employed to provide a display screen.

Abstract: To reduce light passing through the gap between lenses. A plurality of lens sections L are provided on a substrate P with a gap therebetween by ejecting droplets. A control material is applied to the gap between the lens sections, the control material controlling rectilinear propagation of the light.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a light controlling structure, generally referred to as a microlens or microlens array. The method including providing a bundle of optically transparent members; cutting the bundle of optically transparent members to form at least one sheet of optically transparent member segments; and heating the at least one end of the at least one sheet of optically transparent member segments to form lens surfaces thereon.

Abstract: In a method and system for imaging using multiple apertures, the present invention uses an array of lens elements to form the aperture for a high resolution imaging system. The light from each lens element is properly phased and reduced in volume to form a compact imaging system that captures images with higher resolution possible with each individual element, potentially the resolution will correspond to an aperture equivalent to the size of the lens array.

Abstract: An optical beacon is comprised of a telescope having a primary focal plane or Coudé focal plane, a plurality of fiber coupled laser sources for generating a plurality of beams, a collimator for collimating the plurality of beams, and optics for combining and focusing the plurality of collimated beams onto the primary or Coudé focal plane of the telescope. The telescope propagates the optical beacon, which is arranged into a ring of incoherent plurality of collimated beams. The apparatus further comprises fiber splitters coupled to each laser source to provide at least eight beams from at least four laser sources. The optics comprises a prism assembly, a combiner lens, a focusing lens and a field lens for focusing the plurality of collimated beams onto the primary focal plane or Coudé focal plane of the telescope.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of an optical device comprises a process of forming a bank 11 which demarcates a region in which a functional material is distributed, and a process of distributing a lens material 12 in the liquid state in the region which is demarcated by the bank 11, and of thereby forming a lens 13 which is layered against the functional material 14, 15, 16.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical system that includes an array of opto-electronic devices, an array of micro lenses, and a fore optic. The array of opto-electronic devices lie substantially along a plane, but the fore optic has a non-planar focal field. To compensate for the non-planar focal field of the fore optic, each opto-electronic device has a corresponding micro lens. Each micro lens has a focal length and/or separation distance between it and it respective opto-electronic device, which compensates for the non-planar focal field of the fore optic. The focal lengths of these lenses may differ relative to one another. As a result, light that is provided by the fore optic is reconfigured by the micro lenses having various focal lengths to be substantially focused along the plane of the array of opto-electronic devices.

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 imaging arrangement for, and method of, imaging a target at one of a plurality of focal planes, includes a two-dimensional sensor having an array of pixels for converting incident light into electrical signals to be processed into an image of the target, and an optical assembly including a stationary optical element transmissive to the incident light en route to the sensor. The element is fixed relative to the sensor and has a plurality of optical portions respectively arranged in a plurality of patterns relative to a plurality of groups of the pixels. The assembly is operative for focusing the respective groups of the pixels in the respective patterns at respective focal planes spaced apart from one another away from the sensor.

Abstract: A multi-aperture beam integrator system/method for producing an polygon or other complex optical pattern on an image plane, which can be continuously varied in size, aspect ratio, or shape, is described. The integrator/method uses optical array elements having various phase functions, which can be combined to create optical patterns. Varying the location of the optical array elements with respect to each other and/or moving individual unit cells contained within the optical array elements can create continuously varying optical patterns at a desired location.

Abstract: A line producing system includes an input beam of radiant energy that enters a side of a low cost, radiant energy altering device. The radiant energy emerges from the light altering device radiating in a nearly 360 degree disc pattern forming a ring of ever expanding light.

Abstract: A lenticular display in association with a consumer article such as a beverage container positioned with respect to the container so that a series of images are presented to the user as the article is used in its normal manner such as when the user is engaged in drinking. The images may be accompanied by a synchronized audio message. In other embodiments, the image may be illuminated and may impart motion.

Abstract: An optical lens whose focal length is different on first and second planes perpendicular to each other is provided. The optical lens is configured such that a convex element, which is formed integrally with a substrate having a flat face, has a convex curved face that functions as an optical lens and is shaped such that the curvature on a first cross section and the curvature on a second cross section perpendicular to and intersecting with the first cross section are different from each other, whereby the focal lengths on the first and second cross sections are different from each other. A groove of a substantially elliptical shape or a substantially rectangular shape is formed along the boundary between the substrate and the convex element. The optical lens is used to produce a focus error signal or is incorporated into an optical pickup apparatus.

Abstract: A method of producing a microlens array includes a patterning step of forming a first optical resin layer having a first refractive index on a transparent substrate and forming a plurality of microlens planes arrayed in a two-dimensional pattern on the front surface of the first optical resin layer; a planarizing step of forming a planarized second optical resin layer; a joining step of providing a support layer on which a transparent protective film is previously formed; and a removing step of removing the support layer in such a manner that only the protective film remains on the second optical resin layer. The planarizing step is performed by filling irregularities of the microlens planes with a resin having a second refractive index and planarizing the front surface, opposed to the microlens planes, of the resin, to form the planarized second optical resin layer, and the joining step is performed by joining the support layer to the planarized second optical resin layer.

Abstract: A tunable laser formed using a plurality of vertical cavity surface emitting lasers. The output of the vertical cavity surface emitting lasers are re-directed by a moveable element to an optical output.

Abstract: There is disclosed a partially transparent, directional viewing sheet formed of plastic material with convex and concave lenses of elliptical cross-section, preferably lenticular lenses, formed respectively on the front and back surfaces of the sheet, there being intervening spaces with convex surfaces between the concave lenses which spaces are not transparent to images and may be imprinted with an image that is viewable through the sheet from some directions. Preferably the concave lens focal length is typically about one-half of the focal length of the convex lens. Elliptical cross-section of the lenses minimizes spherical aberration and sharpens the focus. The thickness of the sheet causes focal points of the lenses to substantially coincide producing the effect of a tiny Galilean telescope.

Abstract: Methods and apparatii are provided that use a photosensitive element that is photosensitive to light within a predetermined range of exposure levels to capture images including exposure levels that are outside of the predetermined range of exposure levels. The photosensitive element is exposed to light from a scene. The light from the scene is fractured into concentrated and residual portions with the concentrated portions being directed to form a pattern of concentrated image elements on the photosensitive element when light from the scene is within a first exposure range with the residual portion of the light being directed to form a residual image when light from the scene is within a second exposure range. The light from the scene is adapted also so that the pattern of concentrated image elements is formed in a predefined pattern of concentrated image areas on the photosensitive element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a focus-position compensator for reducing focus variations on a microlens array. The focus-position compensator comprises a plurality of tiles that are affixed to a structure disposed between the lenslets of the microlens array and the target of the collimated light from the lenslets. Each tile refractive index and tile thickness is chosen to obtain a tile focus-position correction that will apply to a region of the microlens array.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination system for microlithography with wavelengths?193 nm that includes a primary light source, a first optical component, a second optical component, an image plane, and an exit pupil. The first optical component transforms the primary light source into a plurality of secondary light sources that are imaged by the second optical component in the exit pupil. The first optical element and the second optical element are reflective. The first optical component includes a first optical element having a plurality of first raster elements that are imaged into the image plane, producing a plurality of images being superimposed, at least partially, on a field in the image plane. The first optical component includes a collector unit and a second optical element having a plurality of second raster elements.

Abstract: A lenticular imaging system for viewing printed images on a printed article, the lenticular imaging system creating the illusion of three-dimensional (3-D) images moving or floating across the printed article. The lenticular imaging system of the present invention comprises a substrate with a plurality of images preferably printed on at least one of the surfaces of the substrate and a plurality of spaced-apart convex lenses forming a lenticular lens array applied on top of the plurality of images. The images may be centered directly under each of the lenses of the lens array or shifted in relation to the lenses of the lens array creating the appearance of depth, three-dimensionality and motion to a viewer viewing the printed article.