Abstract: A device is proposed to symmetrize the radiation from one or from several linear optical emitters. The device possesses per emitter 1, 1a, 1b a cylindrical lens optical unit 2, 2a, 2b with one or more cylindrical lenses, which collimate each light beam in the y-direction, where by rotating at least one of the cylindrical lenses around the z-axis or by providing a discontinuous diffracting element, each light beam is diffracted at a different diffraction angle in the y-direction. The device additionally contains a director-collimator optical unit 3, which collimates each light beam in the x-direction and diffracts at different diffraction angles so that the main beams of the individual light beams in the x-direction converge at a specified distance from the emitter and run parallel in the y-direction. Finally, the device has a redirecting optical unit 4 which compensates for the diffraction of the light beam in the x-direction caused by the director-collimator optical unit 3.

Abstract: A scanning angle expander that includes a converting optics for receiving an input beam, the input beam being inclined with respect with an optical axis of the converting optics by an input scan angle, and for converting the input beam to multiple output beamlets, each output beamlet being inclined with respect to the optical axis of the converting optics by an output scan angle; and expanding optics, for converting the multiple output beamlets to an output beam that is substantially parallel to the output beamlets, whereas the output beam and the input beam have substantially a same size.

Abstract: A lens array of an erecting mode with unity amplification, which scarcely generates a stray light and a flare light, is provided. In the lens array of the erecting mode with unity amplification constituted by superposing a plurality of lens plates in which convex lenses are arrayed and formed on both sides, a lens pitch P of the array direction of the convex lenses is not less than two times the height of an inverted image formed inside the lens array of the erecting mode with unity amplification, and an aperture diaphragm is provided on individual lens elements in a position in which the inverted image is formed so that a light does not pass through the outside of the region of a circle having the height of the inverted image as a radius.

Abstract: An optical head comprising an array of laser diodes (LDA) where each member of the LDA having a fast axis direction and a slow axis direction of beam divergence, a spatial light modulator (SLM), an imaging lens, and a Micro-Scramblers array (MSA) where each member of the MSA has exit apertures and each member of the MSA is associated with a member of the LDA for scrambling the light only in the direction of the slow axis of the member of the LDA. The optical head can be incorporated into an external-drum electro-optical plotter or a flat bed electro-optical plotter.

Abstract: A microlens has a material composition gradient that varies along the z-axis of the microlens to provide desired refractive properties in conjunction with the surface shape of the microlens. A method for designing the microlens may include defining a microlens surface shape, defining desired refraction properties of the microlens, and determining a refractive index gradient of the microlens in the direction of the z-axis using the desired refraction properties and the defined surface shape of the microlens. A method for fabricating the microlens may include depositing a material having a material composition gradient that is determined based on a lens shape and desired refractive parameters, and forming the microlens having the desired surface shape in the material.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to provide a lens array in which the amount of light reaching the image forming surface is large and the variation in the amount of light is small. In order to achieve this object, the lens array comprises cylindrical graded index lenses of radius r0 wherein the refractive index continuously decreases from the center of the lens toward the periphery, said cylindrical graded index lenses are arranged in one line or plural lines with array pitch 2R, if R is R≧r0≧0.8R and if the refractive index profile of each graded index lens is approximated by n(r)2=n02{1−(g·r)2}, the overlapping degree m defined by m=X0/2R satisfies 1.05≦m≦1.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collimator assembly for use in an optical switch. The collimator assembly includes an integrated LED/photodiode plane disposed in a dual microlens array. The integrated LED/photodiode plane results in a relatively simple way to manufacture high port count collimator arrays with integrated monitoring capabilities. The LED/photodiode plane can be readily produced using standard electronics manufacturing technology.

Abstract: A microlens configuration having a substantially circular form is constituted of a part of one circle or aspheric curve at any section when a section is taken at a face which is vertical to a major axis or a minor axis of the microlens configuration. A laminate for transfer includes a concave and convex pattern having concave and convex forms of a transfer master pattern, in which a number of such configurations as mentioned above are arranged, transferred to a substrate to be transferred, and a thin film layer laminated on the concave and convex surface thereof wherein a surface of the thin film layer opposite to a surface in contact with a provisional support is used as a bonding face to an application substrate.

Abstract: An electro-optical device which includes a plurality of point light sources, a micro-lens array in which a plurality of micro-lenses are disposed, and a light modulation device including a plurality of light-transmissive windows. The electro-optical device is constructed so that, by the micro-lens array, light from the plurality of point light sources is focused at the light-transmissive windows.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical system for reshaping and spatially homogenizing light beams with variable cross-section output, comprising six optical components, with three components associated to each of two orthogonal transverse directions, wherein the first component operates as a Divider component (D; DO, DV) and is formed by a number n of cylindrical lenses (D1, . . . , Dn), where n is greater than 1, whose total dimension is not greater than the respective dimension of the light beam and whose center point lies upon the optical axis of the light beam, the second component operates as a Condenser component (C; CO, CV) and is formed by a cylindrical lens and the third component operates as a Zoom component (Z; ZO; ZV) and is formed by a cylindrical lens, and wherein, in the case the cylindrical lenses (D1, . . . Dn) have different sizes si (i=1, 2, . . . n), the ratio size/focal length si/fi must be constant for every i=1, 2, . . . n.

Abstract: The illumination optical system includes a lens array having a plurality of lenses for splitting the light emitted from a light source into a plurality of sub-beams, at least some lenses of the lens array being decentered. The thickness of each of the lenses constituting the lens array is adjusted such that the step difference at the boundaries between the lenses falls within a predetermined step difference.

Abstract: A lens array and a method for fabricating a lens array that is relatively flat and has useful lenses with relatively uniform sag heights are described herein. In one embodiment, the lens array includes a one-dimensional array of useful lens and two sacrificial lens each of which is formed next to an end of a row of the useful lenses to help maintain relatively uniform sag heights across the useful lenses. In another embodiment, the lens array includes a two-dimensional array of useful lens and a plurality of perimeter lens each of which is formed next to an end of a row or a column of the useful lenses to help maintain relatively uniform sag heights across the useful lenses. In yet another embodiment, the lens array includes an array of useful lenses and a glass region (including possibly a glass matrix) located within a opal border and outside a opal region that surrounds the useful lenses to help minimize warpage of the lens array.

Abstract: A device is obtained for converting the intensity distribution of a laser beam in particular into an intensity distribution which falls constantly along an axis from one side to the other in that a homogenizer (10), which mutually superimposes the sub-beams of the laser beam such that when a laser beam with a specific intensity distribution passes through the homogenizer, a homogenization of the intensity distribution of the laser beam is promoted, is combined with at least one inverter (24, 26) which inverts the intensity distribution of a sub-region, in particular a sub-beam or a plurality of adjacent sub-beams, along at least one axis along which the intensity is to be converted. The extent of the fall in intensity from one side to the other can be controlled by means of the number of the inverters.

Abstract: The present invention provides 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 includes a first substrate with concaves for microlenses having a plurality of first concaves and first alignment marks formed on a first glass substrate, a second substrate with concaves for microlenses having a plurality of second concaves and second alignment marks formed on a second glass substrate, a resin layer, microlenses comprised of double convex lenses formed of a resin filled in between the first and second concaves, and spacers.

Abstract: The mechanism of and a solution to the problem of vertical banding in projection systems is disclosed. An offset lens array includes a plurality of lens elements arranged in a plurality of rows that are offset with respect to one another. The offset lens array is incorporated in an illuminator for a projection system. The asymmetrical arrangement of the rows of lens elements in the array with respect to a seam in a color separation element of the projection system substantially reduces the vertical banding in the projected image.

Abstract: There is provided a structure for reducing optical loss in an optical apparatus (homogenizer) for making the intensity distribution of a laser beam uniform.

Abstract: A system and method generate lenticular slides or cards which are optimized for optical imaging by compatible optical systems such as lenticular viewers to generate images which may be reimaged without loss of desirable lenticular image properties. Such systems include optics positioned at a predetermined optical distance from such an optimized lenticular component, to reimage a plurality of images from the lenticular component without loss of desirable lenticular image properties. In one embodiment, a lenticular viewer includes an optical element providing a viewing distance of less than about 18 inches from the lenticular component. The lenticular viewer may also incorporate a virtual baffling method to enhance image contrast by eliminating undesirable background reflections.

Abstract: Lens systems and an array of lenses for reproduction, capture and display of three dimensional images. The arrays generally fall into two categories. The first type of array uses air as the low-index material. This type of array may be used, for example, in illuminated displays electronic image detection, machine vision, and real-time 3D video capture. A second type of array uses a fluoropolymer as the low-index material, and conveys a great preponderance all incident light to the image plane.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the display of autostereoscopic images, in which two or more perspective views are generated by a single transmissive display screen, such as an active matrix LCD, is provided. A structured light source behind the screen directs light through different sets of display elements to correspondingly different viewing zones. The structured source comprises, in addition to two crossed arrays of cylindrical convergent optical elements, two linear arrays of polarisation altering elements which, in conjunction with the convergent arrays and the first polariser of the LCD, prevent light from passing through a particular set of display elements and reaching the wrong viewing zone. In some embodiments one or both of the polarisation altering arrays may be programmed. Observer co-ordinate data permits the correct viewing zone to be co-located with each of the observer's corresponding eyes, including means for accommodating changes in the observer's distance from the display.

Abstract: A wavefront sensor is provided to determine characteristics of an incoming distorted energy beam. The sensor includes a plurality of multi-lens array and a beam detector, such as a CCD camera. The multi-lens array focuses the energy beam to a multiple focal spots forming a diffraction pattern on the CCD camera. The invention teaches a method to eliminate or substantially reduce a cross talk or interference in measuring the intensity of the focal spots. The beam detector or CCD detects the resulted focal spots and determines the characteristics of the incoming energy beam. The method and wavefront sensor according to this invention can be used in combination with an exposure apparatus in a semiconductor wafer manufacturing process.

Abstract: A backlit display device (118) for the automatic viewing of lenticular image cards (62) comprising an illumination source (56) which by design selectively illuminates individual images formed onto lenticular media. The display's illumination source (56) directs light through the lenticule side of the lenticular image card (62) in conformance to the card's viewing distance (54) and selected viewing angle (72) to sequentially illuminate each image in turn.

Abstract: Microlens arrays, especially useful for optical coupling in optical switches of fiber optic telecommunications systems are produced with optical quality requisite for such applications with a replicating tool. This tool is made using a form tool set up in a rotating spindle of a precision air bearing milling machine at an angle of inclination such that the point of zero surface velocity is maintained outside of the surface of substrate machined to make the tool for replicating the arrays. The tip of the form tool has a profile corresponding to the profile of the lenses of the array, such as a generally circular profile having a radius centered at the axis of rotation of the form tool. The form tool is reciprocated with respect to the surface so as to form cavities of the desired profile, radius and depth which corresponds each identical lens of the array. To provide arrays the form tool is raised and the substrate is translated to preprogrammed positions.

Abstract: The present invention is a translucent screen comprising a plurality of spherical lenses arranged in an orthohexagonal lattice structure or a tetragonal lattice structure on a two-dimensional plane, a supporting member disposed at the incident side of the spherical lenses, a diffusion plate which is disposed at the emission side of the spherical lenses where the surface at the side facing the spherical lenses is the diffusion surface, and a shield which connects the spherical lenses, defines the entrance aperture at the incident side and functions as a black matrix at the emission side, wherein the luminous flux entering diagonally is converted to the luminous flux which center is a direction approximately vertical to the main surface of the translucent screen, and are emitted.

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 that compensates for the non-planar focal field of the fore optic. As a result, light that is provided by the fore optic is reconfigured by the micro lenses to be substantially focused along the plane of the array of opto-electronic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination system including an illumination source, a beam conditioner placed in an optical path with the illumination source, a first diffractive array, a condenser system and a second diffractive array. The illumination source directs light through the beam conditioner onto the first diffractive array. The light is then directed to the condenser system placed in an optical path between the first diffractive array and second diffractive array. The condenser system includes a plurality of stationary optical elements and a plurality of movable optical elements. The plurality of movable optical elements are placed in an optical path with the plurality of stationary optical elements. The movable optical elements are capable of translation between the plurality of stationary optical element to zoom the light received from the first diffractive array.

Abstract: Apparatus for illuminating a spatial light modulator combines radiation from two or more multiple-emitter laser diode arrays. Brightness is conserved. The apparatus includes collecting optics which includes an array of microlenses. The microlenses steer beams of radiation which issue from individual emitters so that the beams overlap at a target plane to produce a desired beam profile.

Abstract: There is provided a structure for reducing optical loss in an optical apparatus (homogenizer) for making the intensity distribution of a laser beam uniform. In a multi-cylindrical lens (a glass substrate having a multiplicity of cylindrical lenses formed thereon) used in a homogenizer, convex cylindrical lenses and concave cylindrical lenses are arranged alternately, and the boundaries between the cylindrical lenses have a smooth structure. This makes it possible to reduce scattering of beams that has occurred at the boundaries between the cylindrical lenses.

Abstract: An apparatus for examining an object in three dimensions including an optical system having an illumination side and an observation side; an illumination grid located in an illumination plane on the illumination side of the optical system and which during use generates an array of illumination points that is projected by the optical system onto a focus plane at a site at which the object is located, the optical system in turn directing light from that site into an observation plane on the observation side of the optical system, the illumination grid being a first aperture plate having a first passive array of pinholes; a detector array of light-sensitive regions located on the observation side of the optical system; and a second aperture plate located between the detector array and the optical system, said second aperture plate having a second passive array of pinholes.

Abstract: A backlit display device (118) for the automatic viewing of lenticular image cards (62) comprising an illumination source (56) which by design selectively illuminates individual images formed onto lenticular media. The display's illumination source (56) directs light through the lenticule side of the lenticular image card (62) in conformance to the card's viewing distance (54) and selected viewing angle (72) to sequentially illuminate each image in turn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a lens array unit fabrication process. A lens array forming step produces a first and a second lens arrays each having linearly-arranged first or second lenses. In a lens array connecting step, the first array is connected to the second array so that the first lenses are axially aligned with the second lenses. The connecting step includes providing of ultrasonic vibration by e.g. an ultrasonic horn. In the forming step, a resin casting is used in which lens array regions, each including linearly-arranged first or second lenses, are integrally formed in a direction perpendicular to the rows of lenses. In the forming step, a multiple-blade rotary cutter, provided with rotary blades disposed at a pitch corresponding to the transverse dimension of each lens array region, is used to simultaneously make cuts flanking the lens array regions.

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 that compensates for the non-planar focal field of the fore optic. As a result, light that is provided by the fore optic is reconfigured by the micro lenses to be substantially focused along the plane of the array of opto-electronic devices.

Abstract: A wide angle directed reflector is disclosed. The directed reflector includes a lenticular layer including at least one array of lenslets, each of which having a focal length, The directed reflector further includes a reflective layer which is disposed relative to the lenticular layer. The lenticular layer and the reflective layer are constructed, designed and relatively disposed such that light incident at an angle of incidence on the lenticular layer is reflected by the reflective layer and redirected through the lenticular layer at a substantially constant angle relative to the angle of incidence.

Abstract: There is provided an illumination system for illuminating a field with an aspect ratio other than 1:1 in an image plane. The illumination system includes (a) a light source, and (b) an optical component for transforming the light source into a secondary light source, where the optical component produces an anamorphotic effect that splits the secondary light source into a tangential secondary light source and a sagital secondary light source. The optical component has a first mirror or a first lens, having a raster element. The raster element has an aspect ratio smaller than the aspect ratio of the field in the image plane, and the raster element is imaged into the image plane.

Abstract: The use of micro-optics on a substrate located in proximity to the detector focal plane array. The micro-optics are formed on the front-side and/or backside of the substrate and a micro-optic effect onto the detector elements without the need to apply micro-optics directly to the detector focal plane array.

Abstract: A maskless, extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography system uses microlens arrays to focus EUV radiation (at an operating wavelength of 11.3 nm) onto diffraction-limited (58-nm FWHM) focused spots on a wafer printing surface. The focus spots are intensity-modulated by means of microshutter modulators and are raster-scanned across a wafer surface to create a digitally synthesized exposure image. The system uses a two-stage microlens configuration to achieve both a high fill factor and acceptable transmission efficiency. EUV illumination is supplied by a 6 kHz xenon plasma source, and the illumination optics comprise an aspheric condenser mirror, a spherical collimating mirror, and two sets of flat, terraced fold mirrors that partition the illumination into separate illumination fields covering individual microlens arrays. (The system has no projection optics, because the image modulator elements are integrated with the microlens arrays.

Abstract: An image forming elements array includes a plurality of image forming elements which are integrated with each other and are arranged to extend in an arrangement direction so as to generate an image having common magnification. When the distance along the optical axis from an object plane to the incident surface of the image forming element is represented by L and the distance along the optical axis from the incident surface to the emerging surface is represented by T, a condition 0.20≦T/L≦0.50 is satisfied.

Abstract: A lens system which has a first optical boundary with a radius of curvature R, a second optical boundary located substantially a distance R from the first boundary, and a third optical boundary nearer to the second optical boundary than R. Secondly, a lens system providing optical field limitation using total internal reflection. Also, an array of lenses for reproduction, capture and display of three dimensional images discussed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a compact display device that can be used in small personal devices, such as head-mounted displays, mobile phones and personal digital assistants (PDA). The display device is provided with a light source and a reflective display for forming an object image, and an optical system for projecting a virtual image of the object image. In order to improve the illumination of the reflective display, the display device is provided with a light-guiding means for substantially perpendicular illumination of the reflective display via total reflection.

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: Lens systems and an array of lenses for reproduction, capture and display of three dimensional images. The arrays generally fall into two categories. The first type of array uses air as the low-index material. This type of array may be used, for example, in illuminated displays electronic image detection, machine vision, and real-time 3D video capture. A second type of array uses a fluoropolymer as the low-index material, and conveys a great preponderance all incident light to the image plane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical writing device and an image forming apparatus and method in which the optical writing device is provided. In the optical writing device of the invention, a light source array has an array of light sources emitting a plurality of light beams. A focusing lens array has a row of focusing lens elements focusing the light beams from the light source array onto a surface of a photosensitive medium, the focusing lens elements being arrayed in an array direction, each focusing lens element having a visual field radius X in the array direction and a diameter D in the array direction. The focusing lens array is configured to satisfy the condition: m>2.0 where m is an overlap ratio of each of the focusing lens elements defined by the equation m=X/D.

Abstract: An optical touch panel includes a plurality of light-emitting elements, reflectors for reflecting lights from the plurality of light-emitting elements, and a plurality of light-receiving elements for receiving reflected lights from the reflectors. The plurality of light-emitting elements and the plurality of light-receiving elements are arranged alternately along two adjacent sides of a rectangular position-detecting surface, and the reflectors are arranged along the other two adjacent sides of the position-detecting surface, respectively. A drive controller causes the plurality of light-emitting elements to light in a predetermined order to thereby cause ones of the light-receiving elements arranged on opposite sides of each of the plurality of light-emitting elements to receive reflected lights from the reflectors.

Abstract: There are disposed two homogenizers for controlling an irradiation energy density in the longitudinal direction of a laser light transformed into a linear one which is inputtted into the surface to be irradiated. Also, there is disposed one homogenizer for controlling an irradiation energy density in a width direction of the linear laser light. According to this, the uniformity of laser annealing can be improved by the minimum number of homogenizers.

Abstract: A computer-based three-dimensional image reconstruction method and system are presented. An elemental image array of a three-dimensional object is formed by a micro-lens array, and recorded by a CCD camera. Three-dimensional images are reconstructed by extracting pixels periodically from the elemental image array using a computer. Images viewed from an arbitrary angle can be retrieved by shifting which pixels are to be extracted. Image processing methods can be used to enhance the reconstructed image. Further, the digitally reconstructed images can be sent via a network. A system for imaging a three-dimensional object includes a micro-lens array that generates an elemental image array. The elemental image array is detected by a CCD camera to generate digitized image information. A computer processes the digitized image information to reconstruct an image of the three-dimensional object.

Abstract: Laser scanning optics for scanning a laser beam issuing from a laser in the main scanning direction while repeatedly steering it in the subscanning direction is disclosed. The laser scanning optics includes focusing optics for focusing the laser beam, a first deflector for steering the laser beam in the subscanning direction, and a second deflector for steering the laser beam in the main scanning direction. The focusing optics causes the laser beam to form an elliptical beam spot, which is elongate in the main scanning direction, in a scanning plane. The first deflector is driven such that the laser beam is scanned at a higher speed in the subscanning direction than in the main scanning direction. The first deflector is so controlled, based on a value input beforehand or data measured beforehand, as to correct the distortion of linearity in the main scanning direction by subscanning.

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: A sheeting having linear prisms and method for forming the same are provided in which the prism includes a base, a first side, and a second side. In one embodiment, the first side includes a first planar surface and the second side includes a second planar surface and a third planar surface. In another embodiment, the first side includes the first planar surface extending from the base plane to a fourth planar surface which extends to the second planar surface at an apex of the prism. In particular embodiments, at least three of the planar surfaces can have different cross-sectional lengths.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a high definition lenticular lens and a high definition lenticular image. The high definition lenticular lens can comprise a front surface having a plurality of lenticules and a substantially flat back surface opposite the front surface. Each lenticule has characteristic parameters that include a focal length, an arc angle, and a width. The arc angle is greater than about 90 degrees and the width is less than about 0.0067 inches. The lens has a gauge thickness that is equal to or substantially equal to the focal length. The high definition lenticular image comprises a precursor image joined to the high definition lenticular lens.

Abstract: Methods for measuring and automatically controlling the light distribution and overall brightness in electronic-based spatial light modulator projection display systems. One method takes a small fraction of the projected light from a partial turning mirror 407 in the projector's optics path and focuses this light on to a detector 420 for use in controlling the light distribution and brightness of the system. Another method uses an array of embedded light sensors 518-522 at chosen locations on the surface of a display screen 517 to control the light distribution and brightness parameters of the projection system. Both methods use a micro-controller, servomotors, and an adjustable power supply, controlled by the detector/sensor outputs, to maintain the desired light distribution and brightness in the projected image.

Abstract: A lenticular optical system is described in which a composite image is viewable through a lens sheet from a first angle and an object or image placed at a preselected distance beneath the composite image is viewable from a second angle. Optical designs and alignment processes are disclosed which make possible the economical production of thin materials which facilitate the manufacturing and utilization of the optical system in packaging and the like.