Abstract: A display device for displaying information is provided with an optical system for guiding the light of the display device to the eye, the optical system having, in the order in the proceeding direction of the light, an entrance face for receiving the light, a curved face for totally reflecting the light and a reflecting face concave to the eye side and adapted to reflect the light toward the eye. The reflected light is transmitted by the curved face and reaches the eye. Thus there is obtained a compact display device with satisfactorily suppressed aberrations.

Abstract: A projection assembly includes a dichroic beam splitter having first and second crossed dichroic surfaces, at least one interference type light modulator panel optically coupled to the dichroic beam splitter, and at least one filter at least partially between the light modulator panel and the dichroic beam splitter.

Abstract: An illumination system including at least one first light source, a prism and a light uniforming device is provided. The first light source is capable of providing a first beam. The prism is disposed on a transmission path of the first beam, and has four first facets. Two of the first facets are opposite to each other, and the other two first facets are opposite to each other. The first beam passes through one of the first facets and is totally internally reflected by another first facet opposite to the one of the first facets. The light uniforming device is disposed on the transmission path of the first beam from the another first facet. The cost of the illumination system is lower, and the illumination system has high flexibility of the light source design and can provide illumination with high brightness.

Abstract: A display device for displaying information is provided with an optical system for guiding the light of the display device to the eye, the optical system having, in the order in the proceeding direction of the light, an entrance face for receiving the light, a curved face for totally reflecting the light and a reflecting face concave to the eye side and adapted to reflect the light toward the eye. The reflected light is transmitted by the curved face and reaches the eye. Thus there is obtained a compact display device with satisfactorily suppressed aberrations.

Abstract: An optical component includes a prism element adjacent to a lens element, where the two elements are separated by a small air gap. Elements of the optical component have adjacent and parallel surfaces which are substantially planar and which, with the small air gap, operate through Total Internal Reflection (“TIR”) to direct light beams that strike the planar surfaces. Light beams that strike at less than the critical angle are internally reflected, while light beams which strike at greater than the critical angle pass through. The TIR surfaces thereby separate the desired optical signals from the spurious ones. The combined TIR prism lens operates as a single and integrated component which directs desired light beams to a reflective optical processing element such as a Spatial Light Modulator and which focuses the processed light beams as they leave the combined TIR prism lens.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy measurement apparatus and method for measuring first, second, and third wavelength components includes first and second coated optical elements having non-parallel surfaces. Proper selection of the parameters of the optical elements reduces the level of coma and astigmatism in the apparatus. Additionally, filters pass the first, second, and third wavelength components to first, second, and third sensors. Improvement in the alignment of the field of view between sensors is realized by applying an adjustable compressive force on the filters to individually adjust the field of view.

Abstract: A projection-type display device 1 including a light source 10, an optical integrator 20, dichroic mirrors 30 and 35, a reflecting mirror 36, a relay optical system 40, parallelizing lenses 50B, 50G and 50R, liquid crystal light valves 60B, 60G and 60R, incident side lenses 70B, 70G and 70R, a light-synthesizing cross dichroic prism 80, a relay lens 90, an emergent side lens 95, a liquid crystal light valve 100 and a projection lens 110, and liquid crystal light valve 100 is provided in the rear stage of liquid crystal light valves 60B, 60G and 60R.

Abstract: For the purpose of depositing deviation-free dichroic coatings of high plane rectitude, there is disclosed a method starting with preparation of glass assembly units each composed of first and second glass members of different lengths. A first dichroic coating 10A is deposited on a lateral side of one glass member, and the other glass member is joined on the first dichroic coating 10A on the one glass member to obtain a glass assembly unit 5. A lateral side of the glass assembly unit 5 is ground to one and same plane at an angle of 90 degrees, and then two edge lines on the opposite side are ground at an angle of 45 degrees to obtain a prism member. A second dichroic coating is deposited on the prism member, and joined with another prism member without a second dichroic coating to obtain a parental cross prism material to be cut into cubes for use as cross prisms.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a projector which includes several optical elements, reflective devices and beam splitters, arranged to reduce back reflection effects. At least one exemplary embodiment includes a mirror, two beam splitters, three reflection devices, and two optical elements affecting polarization of incident light upon the optical elements.

Abstract: An optical device for combining a first light beam and at least one second light beam includes a first beam splitting device, a second beam splitting device and a position detector. The first beam splitting device splits a first reference beam from the first light beam and a second reference beam from the second light beam. The second beam splitting device splits a third reference beam from the first light beam and a fourth reference beam from the second light beam. The position detector detects respective positions of the reference beams so as to enable a respective propagation direction and/or a respective position of the first and/or second light beams to be adjusted as a function of the detected positions of the reference beams.

Abstract: A microscope system having an objective lens (10) defining a central optical axis (14) of the microscope system; an optical beam hub unit (18, 20) having a center coinciding with the central optical axis, a plurality of optical beam ports (24, 26, 30, 32; 214) arranged radially around the central optical axis, a beam multiplexer system (22, 28, 222) arranged in the center of the hub unit, and a device for rotating the beam multiplexer system around the central optical axis for alternatively selecting at least one of the beam ports. The beam ports include at least two elements selected any one of input ports, output ports and dual input/output ports.

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

Abstract: A substantially neutral filter across the white-light spectrum is obtained by minimizing the wavelength-dependent effects of filtering components and of reflective coatings on surfaces. The incoming light is captured by a first prism and directed toward the interface formed by the optical contact of a second prism with a face of the first prism, where the light is partially reflected internally and partially transmitted into the second prism. The reflected light is further reflected internally and directed toward the image surface out of the first prism. The fraction of light transmitted into the second prism is reflected back and redirected out of the system toward the incoming beam. The amount of energy directed toward the image plane is controlled by the judicious selection of the refractive indices in the two materials at the contacting interface of the first and second prisms.

Abstract: An image projector system includes an LED controller and first and second LEDs, a dichroic mirror. The LED controller controls the first and the second LED to emit first and second color lights, respectively. The second color light is of high luminance and is decomposed by a dichroic mirror into third and forth color lights having luminance close to that of the first color light. Each color light is guided through a light valves to adjust the spectral transmittance of the color light. A light-combining device, such as an x-cube, receives and combines the first color light, the third color light, and the forth color light, to form light images, and transmits the images to a display through a projector lens.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention can provide a projector that includes three optical modulators which modulate respectively red light, green light, and blue light, a color-synthetic optical system which synthesizes the light modulated by the three optical modulators, and a projection optical system which projects the light synthesized by the color-synthetic optical system. The color-synthetic optical system can include a first reflection film that reflects the green light, and a second reflection film that reflects the blue light, the first reflection film and the second reflection film are arranged in the shape of an X character, and a wavelength in which a reflectance factor of the first reflection film comes to 50% can be longer than a wavelength in which a reflectance factor of the second reflection film comes to 50%.

Abstract: An absorptive layer is added to an image display system. The absorptive layer is selected to compensate for tint in a black state of a displayed image. In a Liquid Crystal On Silicon (LCOS) based light engine, blue wavelengths may cause a predominate tint in black portions of an image (or an entirely black image is tinted blue), and the absorptive layer is calculated to absorb an amount of blue equivalent to the tint. The absorptive layer is, for example, an unbalanced magenta dichroic, or a yellow filter. The yellow filter may be placed at any point in the light chain, including input/output of a kernel, input/output of a projection lens, or portions of a light engine or display screen. An unbalanced magenta may be constructed by adding a yellow filter to an existing magenta dichroic in the kernel design.

Abstract: An optical device that includes an optical element, an imager, and a prism bracket. The optical element includes an optical element having first and second prisms coupled together. The imager is arranged adjacent to the first prism and configured to receive light from or to transmit light to the optical element, wherein the first prism is spaced between the second prism and the first imager. The prism bracket is coupled between the second prism and the first imager to hold the first imager in a desired positional alignment relative to the optical element. The optical device may further include additional sets of an optical element, imager, and prism bracket, wherein all of the sets are coupled to a color light combiner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a lighting optical system, including: a lighting optical system, comprising, a light separating means for separating incident light into three colored lights according to wavelength bands, and progressing the three separate colored lights for the same amount of distance from a light source of the incident light through different optical paths, and emitting the three separate colored lights to a first, a second and a third LCD, a first, a second and a third LCD for respectively receiving the three colored lights from the light separating means, and forming images therefrom; and a light combining means for synthesizing the three colored lights emitted from the first, second and third LCD, and outputting the synthesized light outside.

Abstract: A method of reducing stray light contribution of a display system is described. Light rays are directed to at least one pixel of the display system and the light rays are modulated to form modulated light. In addition, the modulated light is directed to display optics, and the reflected light is directed away from the display optics.

Abstract: An optical film comprising: a transparent supporting (or base) layer; a prismatic layer consisting of a plurality of prisms integrally formed on the supporting layer; and a plurality of micro-lenses integrally formed on a plurality of prismatic faces of the prisms, whereby the incidence lights as refracted through the micro-lenses on the prisms will be refracted to be an outgoing light approximating the on-axes of the prisms, thereby increasing the on-axis brightness of the optical film.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polarization beam splitter including a multilayer film formed by laminating a first layer having a refractive index in a first range, a second layer having a refractive index in a second range which does not overlap the first range, and a third layer having a refractive index in a third range which does not overlap the first or second range in the order of the first layer, the second layer, the first layer, and the third layer in succession, wherein the transmittance of s-polarized light is 60% or more higher than the transmittance of p-polarized light in a first wavelength region, the transmittance of p-polarized light is equal to or higher than 70% in a second wavelength region different from the first wavelength region, and each of the first wavelength region and the second wavelength region has a bandwidth equal to or larger than 30 nm.

Abstract: An image projection system has two illumination beams of different colors. A first polarizing beamsplitter (PBS) has first and second input faces. Light of the first color is incident on the first input face and the light of the second color is incident on second input face. At least some of the light of the first color propagates from the first PBS to a first imager unit via a second PBS. The light of the second color propagates from the first PBS to a second imager unit via, in some embodiments, the second PBS and, in other embodiments, via a third PBS. One type of PBS includes a polarizing layer and a dichroic optical layer that is substantially transparent for light of the first color in a first polarization state and is substantially reflective for light of the second color in a polarization state orthogonal to the first polarization state.

Abstract: Various embodiments involving structures and methods for illumination can be employed, for example, in projectors, head-mounted displays, helmet-mounted displays, back projection TVs, flat panel displays as well as other optical systems. Certain embodiments may include prism elements for illuminating, for example, a spatial light modulator. Light may be coupled to the prism in some cases using fiber optics or lightpipes. The optical system may also include a diffuser having scatter features arranged to scatter light appropriately to produce a desired luminance profile. Other embodiments are possible as well.

Abstract: Some projection systems use a polarization beamsplitter (PBS) for coupling light to and from an image-forming device. The PBS is typically formed with a reflective polarizing layer disposed between glass covers. Stress birefringence in the glass cover lying between the reflective polarizing layer and the image-forming device can reduce the image contrast of the projection system. A quarter-wave retarding element positioned between the glass cover and the image-forming device is used to compensate for the birefringence, at least in part. This permits the PBS to use glass covers formed of a glass material having a higher stress optic coefficient than before, while still maintaining high image contrast.

Abstract: A prism assembly includes a first prism having a first front face, a first side face, and a first rear face, a second prism having a second front face parallel to the first rear face, a second side face, and a second rear face. The second prism is configured to direct a first component beam through the second side face. The prism assembly also includes a third prism having a third front face parallel to the second rear face, a third side face, and a third rear face. The third prism is configured to direct a second component beam through the third side face. The prism assembly also includes a fourth prism having a fourth front face parallel to the third rear face and a fourth rear face, the rear face being parallel to the first front face. The fourth rear face is configured to transmit a third component beam there through.

Abstract: A projection display system comprises an illumination device, a prism assembly, a projection lens and a reflective light valve. The prism assembly has a first light incident surface, a first light emitting surface and a second light emitting surface. The first light emitting surface is an optical curved surface. An illumination beam is incident on the light valve after it enters the prism assembly from the first light incident surface. A modulated beam is generated after it is processed through the light valve. Finally, the modulated beam is projected into the projection lens through the prism assembly. Because a surface of the prism assembly is set to be an optical curved surface to replace a lens in the projection lens or the illumination device, a back focal length of the system is shortened and the projection lens or the illumination device is simplified.

Abstract: A projection display with a common light source sharing system for improved illumination uniformity is described. The common light source is coupled through a light-dividing prism to multiple integrators. Each integrator is coupled to one or more imaging devices that project image tiles to form a larger composite tiled image.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical pickup corresponding to plural kinds of optical discs which can be downsized and simplified, and can compensate the spherical aberration. Optical path separation for separating the optical path of a first and a second optical beams as approaching beams to an optical disc 100 into optical paths directed to a first objective lens 51 and a second objective lens 52 corresponding to the optical beams, optical path combination for combining different optical paths of a first and a second reflected optical beams as returning beams which come in from the first and second objective lenses 51, 52, and approach-and-return optical path separation for separating the optical path of the approaching beam and the optical path of the returning beam are realized by the beam separation/composition prism 44.

Abstract: The invention includes a first incidence plane, a second incidence plane, a third incidence plane, a first synthesis plane and a second synthesis plane that are interiorly orthogonal to each other. The first synthesis plane reflects light of a first color component that enters the first incidence plane, and transmits light of a second color component that enters the second incidence plane, having the first color component and the second color component, at least a portion of which has the same color component, and light of a third color component that enters the third incidence plane. The second synthesis plane reflects the light of the third color component that enters the third incidence plane, and transmits the light of the first color component that enters the first incidence plane and the light of the second color component that enters the second incidence plane.

Abstract: A method for attenuating an unpolarized laser beam includes separating the laser beam into two plane-polarized beams. The plane-polarized beams are polarization rotated. Each of the polarization-rotated beams is separated into two plane-polarized portions. One of the portions of one polarization-rotated beam is combined with one of the portions of the other polarization-rotated beam to provide an attenuated output-beam.

Abstract: An light emitting apparatus which illuminates an illumination area has a first light source which emits a first light, a second light source which emits a second light, a wheel which is provided with a transmission filter area which transmits the first light, and a reflection area which reflects the second light, a wheel driving unit which controls a rotation of the wheel, and drives the wheel, a light emitting optical unit which leads the first light which transmits the transmission filter area, or the second light which is reflected by the reflection area to the illumination area, in which the light which is led to the illumination area by the light emitting optical unit is at least two colors of light which are successively changed over in the time series.

Abstract: An optical test head comprises a block of material with a plurality of optical paths extending therethrough. At least one of the optical paths is an input optical path for receiving laser light and holding a lens for focusing the laser light on a workpiece that is proximate the head. At least another of the optical paths is an output path for receiving light that is reflected off of the workpiece and providing that light to a detector. (In one embodiment, several detectors are provided to direct specularly reflected light, narrow angle scattered light, wide angle scattered light and back scattered light to associated detectors.) Other optical elements can be affixed within or to the block of material. The test head can be used without requiring the individual optical elements to be aligned or adjusted.

Abstract: An electronically adjustable, combinational color filter device is provided for generating color light. Incoming light is split in a polarizing beam splitter/combiner into a first and a second element of light. One or more wave plates operate to modify the polarization state of the first element of light, and one or more dichroic reflective filters reflect portions of the first element of light having a predetermined wavelength. Similarly, one or more wave plates operate to modify the polarization state of the second element of light, and one or more dichroic reflective filters reflect portions of the second element of light having a predetermined wavelength. Reflected portions of the first element and the second elements of light are combined in the polarizing beam splitter/combiner to create color light. A spatial light modulator may be used to create color images.

Abstract: A color separation prism assembly. The color separation prism assembly includes a polarizing beam splitter and a plurality of prism blocks. The polarizing beam splitter is coated with a polarizing beam splitter coating on a diagonal plane thereof. A first filter and a second filter, each corresponding to a specific color band, are respectively formed on two adjacent bounding surfaces of the polarizing beam splitter. A first prism block and a second prism block are connected to the polarizing beam splitter through the first filter and the second filter, respectively. The second prism block is a rectangular prism with a third filter formed on a base surface thereof. A third prism block is connected to the rectangular prism through the third filter. An angle formed by an inclined side of the rectangular prism and the base surface of the third filter is no more than 30°.

Abstract: An observation optical system has an entrance surface, a reflecting surface, and an exit surface. At least one of these surfaces is configured as a free-formed surface, to which a volume holographic optical element (HOE) is closely adhered. The observation optical system satisfies the following conditions: ?0.20<?x/Px<0.30 ?0.20<?y/Py<0.20 where ?x is the power of only the HOE in an x direction at the point of intersection of an axial principal ray with the surface of the HOE, ?y is the power of only the HOE in a y direction (parallel to the direction of decentration) at the point of intersection of the axial principal ray with the surface of the HOE, Px is the power of the whole of the observation optical system in the x direction, and Py is the power of the whole of the observation optical system in the y direction.

Abstract: A method for attenuating an unpolarized laser beam includes separating the laser beam into two plane-polarized beams. The plane-polarized beams are polarization rotated. Each of the polarization-rotated beams is separated into two plane-polarized portions. One of the portions of one polarization-rotated beam is combined with one of the portions of the other polarization-rotated beam to provide an attenuated output-beam.

Abstract: The lifetime of optical components used in deep-UV (DUV) excimer laser systems, including systems in a MOPA configuration, can be increased by reducing the intensity of pulses incident upon these components. In one approach, an output pulse can be “stretched” in order to reduce the peak power of the pulse. A pulse stretching component can be used, which can be mounted outside the laser enclosure with a horizontal beam path in order to provide a delay line with a minimum impact on the laser system footprint. The horizontal beam path also can minimize the number of optical components in the arm containing the high power beam. A beamsplitting prism can be used with the delay line to avoid the rapid degradation of coatings otherwise exposed to intense UV beams. The prism can expand the beam in the delay line in order to minimize beam intensity and losses due to reflection.

Abstract: A color prism capable of separating incident light into four color beams and synthesizing incident four-color beams, and a projection-type image display apparatus employing the color prism. The color prism includes: first through third triangular prisms each having two boundary surfaces which face the other two triangular prisms, and an outer surface which transmits or reflects incident light according to an incidence angle of the light; and first through third dichroic filters respectively interposed among the first through third triangular prisms and selectively transmits or reflects incident light according to wavelength so as to separate incident light into first through fourth light beams according to wavelength ranges and synthesize incident first through fourth light beams.

Abstract: A compact illumination system that is suitable for, e.g., projection systems, includes a plurality of light emitting diodes that are aligned along the same axis. The illumination system includes mirrors and a filter system for combining the light emitted by the different light emitting diodes. The light emitting diodes may be mounted within the same plane, e.g., on the same heatsink, which simplifies assembly and alignment of the system. Moreover, a collimator system with integrally formed refractive and/or reflective collimators, may be used. The use of an integrally formed collimator system advantageously reduces the number of piece parts and simplifies assembly.

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device to separate unwanted off-state and/or flat-state light from the projection ON-light bundle. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package, completely eliminating the package window.

Abstract: A reflection type projector apparatus uses polarized beam filters that are resistant to fluctuations in incident angle as the light beam splitting elements and in which are provided for the blue color beam a blue color use liquid crystal reflection panel, a polarized beam filter, a linear polarization plate, and a ½ wavelength plate arranged at one side face of a cross prism, with a blue color beam emitted toward the blue color use liquid crystal reflection panel. The blue color beam passes through the polarized beam filter, striking the blue color use liquid crystal reflection panel, and is modulated when reflected. The blue color modulated beam is reflected toward the cross prism at the polarized beam filter, and then passes through the linear polarization plate and the ½ wavelength plate, strikes the cross prism, and is projected to the screen by a projection lens.

Abstract: An electronic viewfinder with a reflective microdisplay and associated optical elements in a design that utilizes one or more folded optical paths to achieve a compact size and volume that may have a dimension of less than 10 millimeters per side. Moreover, the optical design may have an effective focal length that is greater than the spacing of the optical elements from the microdisplay. Various embodiments include a pancake window arrangement with reflective surfaces that are spaced apart from each other and cube beamsplitter eyepieces with folded paths.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a method and apparatus for polarizing electromagnetic radiation is provided. The electromagnetic radiation may be divided into first and second portions, substantially all of the first portion may be linearly polarized in a first direction and substantially all of the second portion may be linearly polarized in a second direction, the first direction being substantially orthogonal to the second direction. The linear polarization of at least one of the first and second portions may be changed such that substantially all of both of the first and second portions are linearly polarized in a third direction. At least one of the first and second portions may be redirected such that substantially all of both the first and second portions are propagating in a fourth direction.

Abstract: An attachment structure is used for attaching a solid-state imaging device to a light exit end face of a color-separating prism. When bonding the light exit end face on the color-separating prism side and the light entrance face on the solid-state imaging device side to each other, an adhesive is applied to a predetermined position between these faces outside a region through which a luminous flux incident on the imaging section of the solid-state imaging device passes.

Abstract: A surface emitting device includes a light guiding plate, a light source, and a prism sheet. The light guiding plate is provided with prism portions each having a slight inclined plane and a steep inclined plane arranged closer to one edge than the slight inclined plane. A plurality of light refracting portions each having a refractive surface and a reflective surface are provided on an incident surface of the prism sheet. Light introduced into the light guiding plate from the light source is emitted from the slight inclined plane and is then incident on the light refracting portion. The light is introduced into the prism sheet by the refracting surface and is then reflected from the reflective surface to be emitted.

Abstract: An eccentric optical system forming an optical path where an incident light beam is internally reflected three times to fold the optical path, and then emitted from a transmission surface and imaged on an image surface, and an optical path where the incident light beam is internally reflected two times to fold the optical path, and then emitted from a branching surface and imaged on an image surface. At least two surfaces of the optical operating surfaces are rotationally asymmetric surfaces.

Abstract: A polygonal prism receives at least one incident light and generates at least one outward light. The prism includes a plurality of planes, with the prism made from one piece of material.

Abstract: An optical combining device for combining the paths of two light beams having different polarizations is provided. The device includes a scroll direction change prism and a polarized beam splitter. The scroll direction change prism is disposed in the path of a first light beam and changes a scroll direction of the first light beam to as to be the same as that of a second light beam. The polarized beam splitter is disposed in the path of both the first light beam, reflected from the scroll direction change prism, and the second light beam and combines the first and second beams by selectively transmitting or reflecting them according to the polarization direction thereof.

Abstract: A cross dichroic prism as a color-combining optical device and optical modulators constituting an optical device body are fixed with insulating pins being interposed. The optical device body includes a base and reinforcing members, supporting surfaces for supporting and fixing the reinforcing members are formed at a heat conductive member constituting the base. The reinforcing members are supported by the supporting surfaces of the heat conductive member, and also support and fix the optical modulators so as to enhance fixing state of the optical modulators relative to the cross dichroic prism. With this arrangement, an optical device as well as a projector, in which the connecting state of the optical modulators relative to the color-combining optical device can be strengthened so as to form a fine optical image without pixel deviation, can be provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a holder frame, optical device and projector which can prevent the substrate from deviating in position, the substrate from being compressed at the outer periphery and color unevenness from occurring. More particularly, in the four sides of a luminous-flux incident surface of a holder frame, there can be formed a plurality of cutouts extending from a vicinity of an opening to an outer edge of the luminous-flux incident surface and nearly orthogonal to a lengthwise of each side. Also, in the four sides of an accommodating surface of the holder frame, there are formed a plurality of cutouts extending from a vicinity of an opening to an outer edge of the accommodating surface and nearly orthogonal to a lengthwise of each side. The cutouts in each side of the accommodating surface of the holder frame are formed in positions between the cutouts formed in each side of the luminous-flux incident surface of the holder frame as viewed from a side of luminance-flux incidence.