Abstract: Apparatus for homogenizing a laser beam includes a lenslet array. In some embodiments, the lenslets have a negative power. The lenslet array may include from 16 to 36 effective lenslets in some embodiments, or any other suitable number in alternative embodiments. Some embodiments additionally include a re-focusing lens for directing the beamlets onto a target so that the beamlets overlap and the energy distribution is homogenized. In an alternative embodiment, the lenslet array and re-focusing lens are combined in one optic.

Abstract: An embodiment of an optical manifold has first and second collimators, each arranged to receive light from a source and transmit the light to an exit port of the collimator, and a separator arranged to emit some of the light from the exit ports of the first and second collimators and to recycle some of the light into the collimators. Another embodiment has at least three collimators of substantially equal length and having central axes, respective light sources at entry ports of the collimators, the collimators being arranged with their central axes parallel and with their light sources in a common plane and reflectors positioned to direct light from exit ports of the collimators to a selectively reflective component that guides all the light into a common exit beam.

Abstract: The current invention describes the method of making symmetrical radiation of extremely asymmetrical light sources, e.g. laser diode bars, using the shaper of three optical elements that preserve the brightness of the initial light source. The first element of the shaper-collimator of the fast axis-images the light source in the direction of the fast axis directly into the output plain of the shaper. The second and the third element of the shaper are the multi-segment elements that separate and optimally redistribute different beams and focus these in the direction of the slow axis. The surfaces of the shaper optical elements are described by the surfaces of the second and higher order, which enables compensation of different distortions, for instance field curvature aberration, distortion caused by the light source bending, etc. The shaper offers optimal order of secondary beam redistribution that has the least possible impact on the initial beam brightness.

Abstract: In the micro-lens array substrate of the present invention, a micro-lens array formed of a plurality of consecutive concave lens-shaped micro-lenses is directly formed in a surface of a quartz substrate or glass substrate, and the micro-lens array is formed by a transfer method based on dry-etching. In the micro-lens array substrate of the present invention, a taper portion is formed toward the surface of the substrate in a peripheral portion of the micro-lens array in the quartz substrate or glass substrate.

Abstract: An optical sheet has a large number of cylindrical lens elements provided successively on one of principal faces thereof. The cylindrical lens elements have a finite focal distance on the emission side of illumination light and have an aspheric face of a leftwardly and rightwardly symmetric sectional shape. Where a Z axis is taken in parallel to a normal line direction to the optical sheet and an X axis is taken in a direction of the row of the cylindrical lens elements, a cross sectional shape of the cylindrical lens elements satisfies Z=X2/(R+?{square root over ( )}(R2?(1+K)X2))+AX4+BX5+CX6+ . . . (where R is the radius of curvature of a distal end vertex, K is a conic constant, and A, B, C, . . . are aspheric coefficients).

Abstract: A device for the homogenization of radiation, preferably light, using chirped microlens arrays (cMLA) from the established regular microlens arrays (rMLA), chirped microlens arrays are an arrangement of non-identical lenses in one array. Non-identical means that the lens parameters of the lenses of the array, such as e.g. the radius of curvature, the free diameter, vertex position, and others, can vary from lens to lens or cell to cell. The parameters of each lens or cell can be determined by functions (analytically, numerically), the functions preferably being dependent upon the position of the cell or the lens in the array.

Abstract: A multidimensional image and a method of producing a multidimensional image. A plurality of planar images is layered in a desired sequence. A matrical image file is formed from the layered planar images and then printed. The resolution of the final matrical image is separate in both the X- and Y-directions, which provides for a high level of resolution for both movement and 3-D effects in the image.

Abstract: A microlens having a plurality of lens material units separated by a plurality of trenches and a method of forming the same is disclosed. The relationship of the trenches to the lens material is such that an average index of refraction of the microlens decreases from a center to an edge of the microlens.

Abstract: A parabolic lenticular collimating film system includes at least one film which is at least partially transmissive and one or more parabolic structures on a surface of the film.

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: The invention relates to a total internal reflection micro lens array for a wide-angle lighting system. The micro lens array includes a plurality of Fresnel lens structures formed on a same optical incidence surface. Each of the Fresnel lens structure includes a plurality of grooves, each having a reflecting surface and a refractive surface. Incoming radiation incident through the incidence surface of the lens structure is internally totally reflected by the reflecting surface, refracted by the refractive surface and exits the lens structure.

Abstract: An optical apparatus comprises a light source, an optical member and a spatial light modulator. The optical member comprises optically transmissive material and has a textured major surface receiving light from the light source. The textured surface comprises first and second pluralities of non-intersecting elongate features. The pluralities are angled with respect to each other by less than about 90° and intersect each other so as to form total internal reflection structures. The spatial light modulator has rows or columns of pixels for receiving light from the optical member at a major surface. The light source may be (i) a light guide, or (ii) a source of light providing, to the optical member, light having a peak luminance that is shifted from a normal direction to the textured major surface by more than about 30°.

Abstract: A fly-eye lens includes multiple sub-lenses laid out in a matrix form, wherein a part of the lens surface of one sub-lens of the multiple sub-lenses has an oddly-shaped part having a different shape from the shape of the lens surface of the other sub-lenses.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing hybrid microlenses of a light guiding plate using a semiconductor reflow process, comprising: a first step of aligning a mask on a substrate coated with a photoresist, wherein the mask is formed with a first region through which light can be transmitted and a plurality of second regions through which light cannot be transmitted, and the second regions have different sizes and shapes to form hybrid arrays; a second step of performing slant light exposure and vertical light exposure at least once in such a manner that light radiated from the top to the bottom of the second regions forming the hybrid arrays has an unsymmetrical inclination angle in at least one direction; a third step of developing the slant light-exposed substrate to obtain hybrid photoresist posts with various sizes and shapes; a fourth step of performing a reflow process to allow the hybrid photoresist posts to be curved so that a hybrid microlens pattern can be obtained; a fifth step

Abstract: A beam shaping lens for shaping an incident beam having an elliptic cross section into an outgoing beam having a substantially circular cross section includes a first plane which is a cylindrical surface having a generating line curving to form a non-circular cylindrical surface as an incidence side of the incident beam and a second plane which is a circular cylindrical surface as an outgoing side of the outgoing beam. The distance between both ends of the generating line of the circular cylindrical surface is larger than the distance between both ends of the generating line of the non-circular cylindrical surface.

Abstract: In a system and method, the emitted beams of multiple diode bar array assemblies are combined to achieve an increase in the resulting power density in the combined output beam, while addressing the need for heat distribution in each of the individual assemblies. The present invention enables the combination of output planes of illumination, to form a single, merged beam of area Ag having intensity IM˜M*Istack and brightness BM˜M*Bstack, where Istack and Bstack refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the output plane of illumination of a single stacked array, and where IM and BM refer respectively to the intensity and brightness of the combined output plane of illumination of M stacked arrays. In this manner, the present invention is useful in applications where there is a need for high-intensity, high-brightness light energy.

Abstract: An optical module 1 comprises a first optical element F1, a first light receiving subassembly PD1, a second optical element F2, a second light receiving subassembly PD2, a light emitting subassembly LD3 for generating light, and a light transmitting part 3 optically coupled to the first optical element. The light emitting subassembly LD3, the first optical element F1, the second optical element F2 and the first light receiving subassembly PD1 are arranged along a predetermined plane S1. The light emitting subassembly LD3, the first optical element F1, the second optical element F2, and the second light receiving subassembly PD2 are arranged along another predetermined plane S2. The predetermined plane S1 intersects at a predetermined angle with the other predetermined plane S2.

Abstract: Apparatus for homogenizing a laser beam includes a lenslet array. In some embodiments, the lenslets have a negative power. The lenslet array may include from 16 to 36 effective lenslets in some embodiments, or any other suitable number in alternative embodiments. Some embodiments additionally include a re-focusing lens for directing the beamlets onto a target so that the beamlets overlap and the energy distribution is homogenized. In an alternative embodiment, the lenslet array and re-focusing lens are combined in one optic.

Abstract: A collimating device and a transflector for use in a system having a backlight is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the application, the collimating device and the transflector each include an immersing layer, a reflecting layer, and an optical element layer formed from a plurality of three-dimensional, optical elements. Each optical element is tapered such that a small area end has a horizontal plane cross-sectional area that is less than that of a wide area end. The optical elements of the collimating device are tapered towards the backlight and the optical elements of the transflector are tapered away from the backlight. The reflecting layer has apertures which correspond to the position and shape of the light input ends of the optical elements.

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: The present invention provides an optical lens plate, a backlight unit having the same, and a display device having the same. The optical lens plate includes a transparent plate, a plurality of optical lenses, and a plate fixing means. Each optical lens has an inner curved surface formed in a lower portion of the plate and an outer curved surface formed in an upper portion of the plate, wherein light enters the lens through the inner curved surface and is emitted from the outer curved surface and the plate fixing means fixes the plate.

Abstract: Apparatus for homogenizing a laser beam includes a lenslet array. In some embodiments, the lenslets have a negative power. The lenslet array may include from 16 to 36 effective lenslets in some embodiments, or any other suitable number in alternative embodiments. Some embodiments additionally include a re-focusing lens for directing the beamlets onto a target so that the beamlets overlap and the energy distribution is homogenized. In an alternative embodiment, the lenslet array and re-focusing lens are combined in one optic.

Abstract: An exemplary image sensor includes a micro lens arranged in a horizontal direction and a vertical direction, neighboring lenses in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in the micro lens array without having a gap, and a gap between the neighboring lenses in a diagonal direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical element array that enables lens mounting at low cost and high precision, a display device enabling stereoscopic display using the optical element array, and a method of manufacturing the display device. A lens sheet of the present invention is configured by a plurality of unit lenses and a non-periodic flat part, the non-periodic flat part functioning as a lens reference mark for positioning. A display device is configured using the lens sheet such that the non-periodic flat part of the lens sheet overlaps a positioning mark of a display panel. Since the non-periodic flat part serving as the lens reference mark is arranged on the positioning mark, observation shift of the positioning mark due to lens effect in time of alignment does not occur, and high precision alignment is realized.

Abstract: A plurality of microstructures is provided, with each microstructure having at least a first side and at least a second side terminating at a peak. At least some of the peaks can include an elevated portion to space the peaks away from adjacent optical sheets, surfaces, films, substrates, or other layers to minimize wet-out, Newton's rings, abrasions, moiré fringes, or other undesirable optical conditions. In other embodiments, an optical film is also provided that includes a first plurality of microstructures having a base, a first side, and a second side, and a second plurality of microstructures having a base, a first side, and a second side, the first side including a first planar surface, and the second side including a second planar surface and a third planar surface.

Abstract: A prism sheet, a backlight assembly having the prism sheet, and an LCD device having the prism sheet, the prism sheet includes a first surface, a second surface and a reflecting member. A light is incident upon the first surface. The second surface includes a prism pattern. The incident light exits through the second surface. The reflecting member is provided on the first surface to partially reflect irradiated light that is received on the first surface.

Abstract: A variety of structures and methods used to adjust the shape, radius and/or height of a microlens for a pixel array. The structures affect volume and surface force parameters during microlens formation. Exemplary microlens structures include a microlens frame, base, material, protrusions or a combination thereof to affect the shape, height and/or radius of the microlens. The frame, base and/or protrusions alter the microlens flow resulting from the heating of the microlens during fabrication such that a height or radius of the microlens can be controlled. The radius can be adjusted by the height differences between the microlens and frame. The bigger the difference, the smaller the radius will be.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a microlens array sheet of a projection screen including a lens sheet having a predetermined area, microlenses arranged on one surface of the lens sheet in the horizontal and vertical directions, a black matrix including apertures corresponding to the microlenses, and being adhered to the other surface of the lens sheet, an optical diffusing layer formed on the lens sheet to cover the black matrix, for widening a viewing angle, and a protecting film for protecting the optical diffusing layer. The microlens array sheet of the projection screen is manufactured by using a process for manufacturing a semiconductor device, a reflow process and a plating process for a mold, thereby improving luminance and definition of the projection screen at a low unit cost of production.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical film with array of microstructures, having a first optical surface and a second optical surface for receiving an incident light. The optical film comprises at least a transparent microstructure formed on the first optical surface, wherein the microstructure further comprises: a first side for scattering the incident light; and a second side for collimating the incident light.

Abstract: A light-redirecting optical structure includes a first side and a second side, the first side including plurality of linear prisms having a visibly random shaped surface on the prisms and a plurality of cross-cut prisms on first side which are oriented at an angle such that it is greater than zero degrees but less than 180 degrees. A backlight wedge includes a stepped structure on a bottom side that decreases in size traversing the wedge away from a light source which is positioned at an end and having a visibly random shaped surface on said wedge.

Abstract: Apparatus for homogenizing a laser beam includes a lenslet array. In some embodiments, the lenslets have a negative power. The lenslet array may include from 16 to 36 effective lenslets in some embodiments, or any other suitable number in alternative embodiments. Some embodiments additionally include a re-focusing lens for directing the beamlets onto a target so that the beamlets overlap and the energy distribution is homogenized. In an alternative embodiment, the lenslet array and re-focusing lens are combined in one optic.

Abstract: A light diffusion sheet or film including a plurality of unit lenses formed of a material having a refractive index N1, each unit lens having a trapezoidal cross-section. At least one between lens portion, having a triangular cross-section, positioned between two of the unit lenses. The between lens portion is formed of a material having a refractive index N2 that is less than N1. If ? represents an angle defined by a side of the trapezoidal cross-section and a line normal to a base of the trapezoidal cross-section, then sin(90??)>N2/N1 and N1<1/sin(2?).

Abstract: A beam shaping optical arrangement combines three incoming laser beams that are mutually laterally offset in two orthogonal directions (X and Y), including an incoming first central laser beam and second and third incoming beams laterally offset in the X direction on either side of the central beam, into one outgoing combined laser beam. The arrangement includes two lateral displacement optical units though which the laterally offset incoming beams are transmitted and that laterally displace the two laterally offset incoming beams along the X direction towards the incoming central beam but which do not laterally offset the incoming central beam.

Abstract: An illumination method and system use a light source and illumination optics to illuminate a pattern generator. The illumination optics can include at least two devices. For example, if first and second diffractive and/or refractive devices are used, one can be a pupil defining element (PDE) and one can be a field defining element (FDE). In another example, a third diffractive or refractive element can be used to make light entering the illumination system uniform. When only two are used, the PDE forms one or more light beams having a defined profile. The FDE directs the one or more light beams having the defined profile, such that each directed beam substantially corresponds in size and shape to a desired illumination area(s) on the pattern generator. The directed beams are directed to impinge substantially only on the desired illumination area(s).

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: A sheet shaped optical element package including a base film, plural sheet shaped optical elements on the base film, and a cover film formed on the plural sheet shaped optical elements, the plural sheet shaped optical elements being arranged on the base film in a row, each of the sheet shaped optical elements having the optical direction, the above surface of the plural sheet shaped optical elements being covered by the cover film in a manner such that the cover film covers the sheet shaped optical elements having a blank part on it.

Abstract: Structured screens for the controlled spreading, diffusion, or scattering of an incident beam are provided. The screens are composed of microstructures (1,2) whose configurations and distribution on the surfaces of the screen are precisely determined. In certain embodiments, the configurations and/or their distribution is randomized. The structured screens can be used as diffusing screens or display screens.

Abstract: A lens array is placed over a cover glass of a pixel based LCoS display device. The lens array is situated so that an individual lens in the array corresponds to an individual pixel in the display device. Each lens collects light and/or reflections from a high contrast portion of its corresponding pixel and forwards it to a viewing area. The lens array reduces effects of low contrast portions of the pixels (particularly, for example, perimeters of adjacent pixels having relatively large differences in electrical field strengths).

Abstract: An illumination method and system use a light source and illumination optics to illuminate a pattern generator. The illumination optics can include at least two devices. For example, if first and second diffractive and/or refractive devices are used, one can be a pupil defining element (PDE) and one can be a field defining element (FDE). In another example, a third diffractive or refractive element can be used to make light entering the illumination system uniform. When only two are used, the PDE forms one or more light beams having a defined profile. The FDE directs the one or more light beams having the defined profile, such that each directed beam substantially corresponds in size and shape to a desired illumination area(s) on the pattern generator. The directed beams are directed to impinge substantially only on the desired illumination area(s).

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric diffusion film exhibiting at least 50% transmissivity containing a thermoplastic polymeric material with internal microvoids and containing a plurality of complex lenses on a surface thereof. Such films are useful for diffusing light when it is desired to provide and even light distribution.

Abstract: A rear projection screen includes a first and second optical components. The second optical component includes a first surface on which a plurality of cylindrical convex portions are formed, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. In this case, a plurality of concave portions are formed on the second surface, and each concave portion is positioned respectively corresponding to the place between each cylindrical convex portion. A light absorbing material is applied to each concave portion. Furthermore, the invention also discloses an optical component and a method for manufacturing the optical component.

Abstract: A light guiding plate guides light from a light source and irradiates the light onto a display portion. The light guiding plate has an incidence plane, an opposite end plane opposite to the incidence plane, an exit plane facing the display portion, and a reflection-exit plane opposite to the exit plane. A plurality of grooves are formed on the reflection-exit plane. The depth of the grooves monotonously increases from the incidence plane toward the opposite end plane. Each groove is defined by intersecting first and second planes. In each groove, the angle defined by the first plane and the exit plane is substantially equal to that of the other grooves. In each groove, the angle defined by the first plane and the second plane is substantially equal to that of the other grooves. This waveguide increases the brightness and improves the uniformity of brightness distribution.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integral film comprising a base bearing a pattern of complex lenses on a surface thereof wherein the complex lenses comprise two or more distinct layers.

Abstract: Provided is a light diffusion sheet or film capable of preventing the reflection of an external light that has entered from a light emission surface and also capable of obtaining a high gain. Also provided is a projection screen using the light diffusion sheet or film. The light diffusion sheet or film has formed thereon, either one-dimensionally or two-dimensionally, a plurality of unit lenses. The unit lens is substantially trapezoidal in cross section. The lower bottom of the trapezoid is made to be a light incidence portion and the upper bottom thereof is made to be a light emission portion. The unit lens is formed using a material having a prescribed refractive index N1. One portion, the cross section of which is triangular and located between an adjacent two of the unit lenses, is formed using a material having a refractive index N2 lower than refractive index N1 and having added thereto light absorption particles.

Abstract: Disclosed is a color separation and color synthesis optical system provided between a light source portion and a projection optical system in a reflection type projection display apparatus, which color-separates a white color beam emitted from the light source portion into three primary color light beams of R (red), G (green) and B (blue), guides the three primary color light beams to a plurality of spatial light modulators corresponding to R, G and B, and color-synthesizes color light beams optically modulated by the respective spatial light modulators for the colors depending on video signals to emit a color-synthesized light beam, wherein at least one or more wavelength-selective polarization converting plates which rotate a plane of polarization of a specific color light beam by 90 degrees are located, and the wavelength-selective polarization converting plate is adhered to an incidence plane and/or an emission plane of a polarization beam splitter by adhesive with a slight gap.

Abstract: A photonic switch for an optical communication network includes a matrix of actuator-mirror assemblies and a corresponding matrix of optical ports. A first one of the actuator-mirror assemblies directs a beam of light received from an input optical port to a reference mirror, where it is reflected to a second actuator-mirror assembly that redirects the beam to an output optical port. Each of the actuator-mirror assemblies includes a mirror-coil assembly mounted to a gimbal, with stationary magnets being positioned adjacent a corresponding one of the coils such that when current flows through the coils a force is generated that causes the mirror-coil assembly to tilt. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Abstract: The present invention is aimed at providing a wavefront dividing type optical integrator which can yield a uniform illuminance distribution substantially over the whole illumination field formed thereby even when the size of each micro lens constituting the optical integrator is made smaller so as to set a large number of wavefront divisions. The optical integrator in accordance with the present invention is a wavefront dividing type optical integrator, having a number of micro lenses arranged two-dimensionally, for forming a number of light sources by dividing a wavefront of an incident beam; each micro lens having a rectangular entrance surface and a rectangular exit surface, and satisfying at least one of the following conditions: (d1/2)(D1/2)/(&lgr;·f)≧3.05 (d2/2)(D2/2)/(&lgr;·f)≧3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric film having a top and bottom surface comprising a plurality of complex lenses on at least one surface thereof. Such a film is useful for diffusing light such as necessary in an LC display device.

Abstract: An optical turning film has a first surface including an array of prisms. The array has a plurality of first prisms, with each of the first prisms having a first prism configuration, and a plurality of second prisms, with each of the second prisms having a second prism configuration different from the first prism configuration. The optical film also has a second surface opposing the first surface, and light rays incident to the first surface are directed by the plurality of first prism and the plurality of second prisms along a direction substantially parallel to a viewing axis.

Abstract: A transmission type liquid crystal display device includes: a liquid crystal display element including a pair of transparent insulating substrates placed to face each other with a gap therebetween, transparent electrodes being formed on inner surfaces of the substrates, and a liquid crystal material injected in the gap; a light source placed on a back side of the liquid crystal display element; and a light diverging element placed on a front side of the liquid crystal display element, wherein the liquid crystal display device satisfies an expression 0.