Abstract: A laser system may include a laser resonator configured to emit an input laser beam having an elliptical cross-sectional shape. The laser system also may include first reflective device configured to reflect the input laser beam to produce a first reflected laser beam. The first reflective device may include a spherical surface for reflecting the input laser beam. The laser system also may include a second reflective device configured to reflect the first reflected laser beam to produce a second reflected laser beam. The laser system also may include a coupling device configured to focus the second reflected laser beam to produce an output laser beam. The coupling device may include a spherical surface for receiving the second reflected laser beam. The laser system also may include an optic fiber configured to transmit the output laser beam for emission of the output laser beam onto a target area.

Abstract: Techniques are described for time-of-fly sensors with hybrid refractive gradient-index optics. Some embodiments are for integration into portable electronic devices with cameras, such as smart phones. For example, a time-of-fly (TOF) imaging subsystem can receive optical information along an optical path at an imaging plane. A hybrid lens can be coupled with the TOF imaging subsystem and disposed in the optical path so that the imaging plane is substantially at a focal plane of the hybrid lens. The hybrid lens can include a less-than-quarter-pitch gradient index (GRIN) lens portion, and a refractive lens portion with a convex optical interface. The portions of the hybrid lens, together, produce a combined focal length that defines the focal plane. The hybrid lens is designed so that the combined focal length is less than a quarter-pitch focal length of the GRIN lens portion and has less spherical aberration than either lens portion.

Abstract: A graded-index optical element may include a nanovoided material including a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface. The nanovoided material may be transparent between the first surface and the second surface. Additionally, the nanovoided material may have a predefined change in effective refractive index in at least one axis due to a change in at least one of nanovoid size or nanovoid distribution along the at least one axis. Various other elements, devices, systems, materials, and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention titled: “Method and apparatus of instrumenting converging and diverging flat lenses by sequential upright and inverted 3-D transparent anvils: pyramidal flat lens” is a transparent flat rectangular or circular with nozzle shaped without the addition of the outer 3-D anvil. The apparatus has a fixed height assembled from sequential 3-D anvils with one anvil adjacent to a reversed one. The 3-D anvils are arranged from the boundary to the center zone with gradual reduced volumes. The volumes of the 3-D anvils result from establishing inclined conjugate planes to the pyramidal planes. The converging and diverging pyramidal flat lenses have the same structure, but with the reverse order of the index of refractions of the filling transparent materials.

Abstract: A system for cutting a substrate that is transparent within a predetermined range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum is provided that includes: a laser capable of emitting light along a light path and of a predetermined wavelength that is within the range of wavelengths in which the substrate is transparent; an optical element positioned in the light path of the laser such that the laser in conjunction with the optical element is capable of generating induced nonlinear absorption within at least a portion of the substrate; and an interface block composed of a material that is transparent over at least a portion of the predetermined range of wavelengths in the electromagnetic spectrum in which the substrate is also transparent. The interface block is positioned in the light path and between the substrate and the optical element. Further, the substrate will include an edge when extracted from a sheet.

Abstract: A light guide lens includes a main body. The main body includes a light exiting surface, a light incident surface opposite to the light exiting surface, and a plurality of microstructure members formed on the light incident surface and extending radially and being oriented to a microstructure center. A light emitting module and a display apparatus is also included.

Abstract: The invention relates to infrared devices, which contain at least two optical elements that are bonded together by a low-temperature melting glass which possesses transparency in the infrared spectrum, and methods of preparation and use of said infrared devices.

Abstract: An electromagnetic black hole may be fabricated as concentric shells having a permittivity whose variation is at least as great as an inverse square dependence on the radius of the structure. Such a structure concentrates electromagnetic energy incident thereon over a broad range of angles to an operational region near the center of curvature of the structure. Devices or materials may be placed in the operational region so as to convert the electromagnetic energy to electrical signals or to heat. Applications included solar energy harvesting and heat signature detectors.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to optical devices comprising planar lenses. In one aspect, an optical device includes two or more planar lenses, and one or more dielectric layers. Each planar lens includes a non-periodic, sub-wavelength grating layer, and each dielectric layer is disposed adjacent to at least one planar lens to form a solid structure. The two or more planar lenses are substantially parallel and arranged to have a common optical axis so that light transmitted through the optical device substantially parallel to the optical axis is refracted by the two or more planar lenses.

Abstract: A multilayer coating has a substrate, an optical layer, and a buffer layer between the substrate and the optical layer. The buffer layer has a coefficient of thermal expansion between that of the substrate and the optical layer. The multilayer coating has properties that enable its use in deep ultraviolet (DUV) wavelengths, such as for a multilayer mirror or edge filter. This multilayer coating with a buffer layer provides improved thermal stability and lifetime.

Abstract: An imaging lens system includes, arranged in succession from an object side to an image side, an aperture stop S, a first lens L1 having a positive refractive power, a second lens L2 having a negative refractive power, a third lens L3 having a positive refractive power, a fourth lens L4 having a positive refractive power, and a fifth lens L5 having a negative refractive power. 0.70?f1/f?0.85; ?1.15?(R1+R2)/(R1?R2)??1.00; ?0.55?(R3+R4)/(R3?R4)??0.20; 0.09?d8/f?0.15; f/f1 is respectively a focal length of the lens system LA or lens L1; R1/R2 is respectively a curvature radius of the object/image side of the lens L1; R3/R4 is a curvature radius of the object/image side of the lens L2; d8 is an axial distance between the image side of the lens L4 to the object side of the lens L5.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an aspherical gradient refractive index lens includes co-extruding a first polymer material having a first refractive index and a second polymer material having a second refractive index different than the first refractive index to form multilayered polymer composite films, assembling the multilayered polymer composite films into a multilayer composite GRIN sheet and shaping the multilayered composite GRIN sheet into an aspherical lens.

Abstract: An image-pickup optical system includes: a first lens provided near an aperture stop and configured to correct aberration; and a second lens arranged between the first lens and an image sensor and configured to collect light, the first lens being a gradient index lens. The degree of freedom of design of a gradient index lens is higher than that of a lens having a constant refractive index, and a gradient index lens thus has a high potential as a device for a lens. Because such a gradient index lens is employed, it is possible to correct aberration without performing expensive processing such as polishing for example. In other words, as a result, costs may be reduced and image-forming properties may not be reduced at the same time.

Abstract: A consolidated multilayered GRIN optical material includes a multilayered composite GRIN sheet that includes a plurality of consolidated coextruded multilayered polymer films. Each of the multilayered polymer films includes a plurality of at least two alternating layers (A) and (B). Layer (A) includes a first blend of polymer components and layer (B) includes a second blend of polymer components. The multilayered composite GRIN sheet has an external optical transmission of at least 80% at a wavelength of 633 nm measured using UV-VIS spectroscopy and is free of intralayer polymer domains at least 1 micron size scale in any dimension.

Abstract: Gradient index lenses with no aberrations and related methods for making such lenses are described. In one aspect, a gradient index lens can be a substantially spherically-shaped lens that has at least one side that is flattened such that a locus of focal points resides on a plane. A method for making a gradient index lens can include forming material layers, each of the material layers defining an effective refractive index, and laminating the material layers together to form a substantially spherically-shaped lens having at least one side that is flattened to a substantially planar surface. The material layers can have a gradient refractive index distribution such that a locus of focal points resides on the substantially planar surface.

Abstract: The present embodiment relates to a metamaterial for deflecting electromagnetic wave, includes a functional layer made up by at least one metamaterial sheet layer, each of the metamaterial sheet layers including a substrate and a number of artificial microstructures attached onto the substrate. The functional layer is divided into several strip-like regions. The refractive indices in all the strip-like regions continually increase along the same direction and there are at least two adjacent first and second regions, wherein, the refractive indices in the first region continually increase from n1 to n2, the refractive indices in the second region continually increase from n3 to n4, and n2>n3. The metamaterial of the present invention that deflects electromagnetic wave has a number of regions disposed thereon. In each region, the refractive indices can continuously increase or decrease so that the electromagnetic waves within the regions will be slowly deflected.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a method for receiving parallel rays at a lens. A first surface of the lens can receive first substantially parallel rays incoming from a first direction. The first surface of the lens also can receive second substantially parallel rays incoming from a second direction that is substantially different than the first direction. The lens can focus the first substantially parallel rays onto a first focal point on a second surface of the lens and focus the second substantially parallel rays onto a second focal point on the second surface of the lens, the second focal point being different than the first focal point.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a metamaterial for converging electromagnetic waves, which comprises a plurality of metamaterial sheet layers stacked integrally in an x direction. Each of the metamaterial sheet layers comprises a plurality of metamaterial units. Each of the metamaterial units has an identical substrate unit and a man-made microstructure attached on the substrate unit. The metamaterial units of each row have a same refractive index. Refractive indices of the metamaterial units of each column satisfy particular relationships. The man-made microstructure is a non-90° rotationally symmetrical structure, and an extraordinary optical axis of a refractive index ellipsoid thereof is non-perpendicular to and unparallel to the y direction. The thickness of the metamaterial can be considerably decreased while the function of converging electromagnetic waves is achieved in the present disclosure. This is favorable for making the metamaterial product miniaturized and lightweight.

Abstract: Spherical gradient index (GRIN) lens that can achieve perfect imaging and maximum concentration is provided. Various refractive index profiles for the GRIN lens allow the lens to be manufactured by the currently available materials and fabrication techniques. Systems and methods for photovoltaic solar concentration are provided in which the optic tracks the sun and the photovoltaic cell remains stationary. The optic of such systems and methods can include perfect imaging spherical GRIN lens to provide high flux concentration.

Abstract: An optical element or module is designed to be placed in front of an optical sensor of a semiconductor component. At least one optically useful part of the element or module is provided through which the image to be captured is designed to pass. A method for obtaining such an optical element or module includes forming at least one through passage between a front and rear faces of the element or module. The front and rear faces are covered with a mask. Ion doping is introduced through the passage. As a result, the element or module has a refractive index that varies starting from a wall of the through passage and into the optically useful part. An image capture apparatus includes an optical imaging module having at least one such element or module.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical article including a transparent substrate of organic glass, preferably a substrate of an ophthalmic lens, an adhesive layer covering at least one of the faces of the transparent substrate, a transparent film of thermoplastic polymer fixed on the transparent substrate by means of the adhesive layer, an anti-abrasion hard coating covering the transparent film of thermoplastic polymer, and a multilayer antireflection coating formed from alternating mineral layers with high and low refractive index. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing said article.

Abstract: A microlens structure is provided. The microlens structure includes a microlens element having a first refraction index. A first film is disposed on the microlens element, wherein the first film has a second refraction index less than the first refraction index. A second film is disposed on the first film, wherein the second film has a third refraction index less than the second refraction index and greater than a refraction index of air. Further, a fabrication method of the microlens structure is also provided.

Abstract: One embodiment provides for a gradient lens having a first substantially hemispherical member comprising a first convex surface and a base and a second substantially hemispherical member projecting away from the base of the first hemispherical member and comprising a second convex surface. The gradient lens also includes a plurality of gradient layers disposed within the first hemispherical member, each gradient layer concentrically aligned to the first hemispherical member and comprising an index of refraction different than that of adjacent gradient layers.

Abstract: The lens contains a cup-shaped body with a lens bottom and a lens member extended upward from the lens bottom and forming a 49-degree included angle with the lens bottom. The lens member contains, from bottom to top, a number of layers, each having a number of refraction portions. Each refraction portion contains a number of refraction elements arranged in a concentric manner. According to the inclination angle of the lens member, dimensions of the refraction portions, and the distribution of refraction elements, the lens could be applied to various applications with enhanced coverage range and sensory effect.

Abstract: Authentication apparatus (1, 100) and methods which authenticate an item (4, 110) responsive to the detection that a portion of the item has one or more predetermined characteristics, the said predetermined characteristics comprising either or both the thickness of the said portion of the item, and the thickness of one or more layers within the said portion of the item, determined by optically-based thickness measuring apparatus (6, 102-108). The item may be a product and the portion of the item may be a sheet of packaging material. The item may be a security document and the portion of the item may be a sheet of security document substrate.

Abstract: An optical element Ggi1 includes a medium that has a refractive index distribution. This optical element satisfies conditions of |?gF(pmax)??gF(pmin)|?0.02, |??gFgi(p1)|?0.0272,|??gdgi(p1)|?0.0250, and |?gFgi(pmaxgi)??gFgi(pmingi)|?0.1.

Abstract: A method of generating a high precision optical surface profile includes obtaining a high precision optical surface profile which contains information of the optical path difference map of the profile. A substrate material has a known index of refraction, Ns, while a cover material has an index Nc that is more closely matched to the index Ns of the substrate material than the index of air Nair to Ns. An exaggerated surface profile is cut that is proportionally expanded from the high precision profile by a factor: (Ns?Nair) divided by (Ns?Nc). The cut surface profile is covered with the cover material.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device comprising a gradient index lens having an optical length, L, wherein L=P/4+NP/2, where N is an integer equal to or greater than 0 and P is the pitch of the gradient index lens. If the desired focus spot is spaced from the end face of the gradient index lens, the optical length L can be adjusted accordingly as a function of that distance and the index of refraction of the medium occupying that distance.

Abstract: Optical pickup 24 for operation in the far-field and in the near-field mode comprising a movable part 26 having an objective lens 2 comprising a solid immersion lens 4 and a multifocal lens 6, which are both disposed on a common optical axis A. The multifocal lens 6 comprises a central zone 8 and a peripheral zone 10 being circumferential to the central zone 8. The peripheral zone is adapted to constitute an optical system for a far-field mode. The central zone 8 of the multifocal lens 6 together with the solid immersion lens 4 are adapted to constitute an optical system for a near-field mode. The solid immersion lens and the multifocal lens are adapted to be moved in unison.

Abstract: A gradient lens capable of focusing electromagnetic rays received at a first lens surface onto a second lens surface. The first lens surface and second lens surface can include convex surfaces protruding in opposite directions from a substantially planar surface. The lens can include a gradient index between the first surface and the planar surface and a gradient index between the two convex surfaces. The lens can include two or more gradient layers, each gradient layer having an index of refraction different than that of adjacent gradient layers. The gradient layers can focus parallel electromagnetic rays incident on the first surface onto a focal point at the second surface of the lens. As the parallel electromagnetic rays pass from one gradient layer to the next, the rays are redirected toward the focal point.

Abstract: There is provided an optical member comprising: a first optical layer having: a first main face formed with a concave section having a concave curved surface, and a plurality of convex ridges having concave curved surfaces provided in concentric circular fashion around said concave section; and a second main face formed with: a convex section having a convex curved surface that is provided facing the concave section and constituting a second main face facing the first main face; and a plurality of convex ridges having convex curved surfaces provided facing the plurality of convex ridges having the concave curved surface, provided in concentric circular fashion around the convex section; and a second optical layer provided on the first main face of the first optical layer; and a third optical layer provided on the second main face of the first optical layer; wherein the refractive index of the first optical layer is higher than the refractive index of the second optical layer and is higher than the refractive

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a solid immersion lens includes meta-material slabs formed from multiple layers of at least two different compositions. Each meta-material slab has a first effective index of refraction. The meta-material slabs are adapted to propagate an evanescent wave in a direction parallel to an axis to form a cone-shaped wave along the axis. The solid immersion lens further includes a core sandwiched between the meta-material slabs along the axis and having a second index of refraction that is less than the first effective index of refraction. The core directs surface plasmons that are excited by the cone-shaped wave to a focused area coincident with the axis.

Abstract: A plastic rod lens having a cylindrical shape with a radius R including a central axis; and an outer peripheral portion, wherein a refractive index nD decreases from the central axis to the outer peripheral portion, and the following requirements (1) to (3) are met: 43??1?60??(1) |{nA×?A/(nA?1)}?{nB×?B/(nB?1)}|<5??(2) n0?n1?0.01??(3) wherein n1, n0, nA, and nB represent refraction index nD in the outer peripheral portion, at the center, and at arbitrary points A and B, respectively, and ?1, ?A, and ?B represent Abbe number ? in the outer peripheral portion, and at the arbitrary points A and B, respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a progressive lens comprising at least one area with gradually increasing optical power, the area having a first region where the gradient of the optical power decreases towards a second region with reduced gradient of optical power, and a third region following the second region where the gradient of the optical power increases. The present invention further provides a method for producing progressive lens, the method comprising computing location on the lens on which a second region with reduced gradient of optical power should be produced and a required optical power in the second region; producing based on the computations an area on the lens with gradually increasing optical power, the area having a first region where the gradient of the optical power decreases towards the second region, and a third region following the second region where the gradient of the optical power increases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing a graded refractive index optical element, the method being capable of easily forming a graded refractive index distribution in a desired portion of a glass substrate without the need for a specific treatment atmosphere, and without using a molten salt. More specifically, the present invention provides a method of producing a graded refractive index optical element comprising applying a paste containing a copper compound, an organic resin and an organic solvent to a glass substrate containing an alkali metal component as a glass component, and then performing heat treatment at a temperature below the softening temperature of the glass substrate.

Abstract: Microlenses are fabricated with a refractive-index gradient. The refractive-index gradient is produced in a microlens material such that the refractive index is relatively higher in the material nearest the substrate, and becomes progressively lower as the layer gets thicker. After formation of the layer with the refractive-index gradient, material is etched from the layer through a resist to form microlenses. The index of refraction can be adjusted in the microlens material by controlling oxygen and nitrogen content of the microlens materials during deposition. High-oxide material has a lower index of refraction. High-oxide material also exhibits a faster etch-rate. The etching forms the material into a lens shape. After removal of the resist, the microlenses have a lower relative refractive index at their apex, where the index of refraction preferably approaches that of the ambient surroundings. Consequently, light loss by reflection at the ambient/microlens interface is reduced.

Abstract: An optical article includes a plastic substrate, wherein a primer layer and a hard coat layer are formed on a surface of the plastic substrate, and the primer layer is formed from a coating composition containing the following components (A) to (C): (A) a polyurethane resin; (B) metal oxide fine particles; and (C) an organosilicon compound.

Abstract: An optical medium has a graded effective refractive index with a high maximum refractive index change. The medium is formed using alternating layers of two or more materials having significantly different refractive indices. The thickness of the layers of at least one of the materials is substantially less than the effective light wavelength of interest. The effective index of refraction in a local region within the medium depends on the ratio of the average volumes of the two materials in the local region. A graded index of refraction is provided by varying the relative thicknesses of the two materials.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to A retro focus optical system that is capable of sufficiently correcting and/or reducing various aberrations including the chromatic aberration. The optical system includes a refractive optical element including a solid material. The Abbe number ?d and the partial dispersion ratio ?gF of the solid material along with a shape of the refractive optical element can reduce various aberrations.

Abstract: An exemplary composite lens includes a main body and an embedding member. The main body has a first surface and an opposite second surface. The main body has an optical axis associated therewith. The embedding member is disposed in the main body between the first surface and the second surface. A main plane of the embedding member is perpendicular to the optical axis of the main body. A refractive index of a material of the embedding member is higher than that of the main body. The composite lenses can be made thinner. A method for manufacturing the composite lens is also provided.

Abstract: A method for making an optical compensating element for, e.g., correcting aberrations in human vision or other applications. A curable material is held between two plates, and based on the aberrations sought to be corrected, a desired curing contour is determined to establish a line below which a predetermined index of refraction will be obtained. A light beam is focused along the line to cure material along the line. Uncured material above the line can be removed and uncured material below the line then cured in bulk, to speed the manufacturing process.

Abstract: Optical field flattener and converter having an array of gradient index rod lenses. Each gradient index rod lens is substantially in proximity with at )east one other gradient index rod lens. The array is capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation and imaging the received electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A light concentrator for an optical antenna gradually narrows from the light receiving end to the end in contact with a light detector, and has a refractive index that gradually increases from the first to the second end, to afford a greater acceptance angle for the incoming optical signal. The increase may occur in stages of corresponding layers of the light concentrator, the layers being arranged in order of increase in refractive index from the first end to the second end.

Abstract: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to an optical system which includes a compound optical element including a lens element and a resin layer having different optical characteristics and having an aspherical interface therebetween. When Rref is a reference radius of curvature of the interface within an effective diameter, L is a distance from a diaphragm, ndg and ?dg are a refractive index and an Abbe number, respectively, of a material of the lens element at the d-line, and ndj and ?dj are a refractive index and an Abbe number, respectively, of a material of the resin layer at the d-line, the following expressions are satisfied: ?1.5<Rref/L<?0.3 one of 0.1<|ndg?ndj| and 5<|?dg??dj|.

Abstract: The light-emitting device includes a light source and a gradient index (GRIN) element. The GRIN element has a cylindrical refractive index profile in which the refractive index varies radially and is substantially constant axially. The GRIN element includes a first end surface opposite a second end surface and is characterized by a length-to-pitch ratio. The GRIN element is arranged with the first end surface adjacent the light source to receive light from the light source, and emits the light from the second end surface in a radiation pattern dependent on the length-to-pitch ratio. Since the radiation pattern depends on the length-to-pitch ratio of the GRIN element, LEDs with different radiation patterns can be made simply by using GRIN elements of appropriate lengths.

Abstract: A variable field of view optical system and method comprising providing a forward curved optical element, providing a rearward optical element comprising an axially gradient index material, providing a curved focal surface, and conveying an image on the curved focal surface to a flat detector surface.

Abstract: Disclosed are axial, radial or spherical gradient index (GRIN) lenses fabricated by layering composite polymer films into an hierarchical structure.

Abstract: The wavefront aberrator of the present invention includes a pair of transparent windows, or plates, separated by a layer of monomers and polymerization initiator, including a broad class of epoxies. This monomer exhibits a variable index of refraction across the layer, resulting from controlling the extent of its curing. Curing of the epoxy may be made by exposure to light, such as ultraviolet light. The exposure to light may be varied across the surface of the epoxy to create a particular and unique refractive index profile.

Abstract: An imaging optical system which images a line image extending in a main scanning direction in a two-dimensional image as an erected image at a unit magnification in the main scanning direction includes an erecting unit optical system consisting of a plurality of refractive index profile type optical elements, each having a refractive index profile where the refractive index is reduced toward opposite ends in the main scanning direction from the center thereof, arranged in the main scanning direction, and a condenser optical system which is disposed along the main scanning direction on the light incident side or on the light incident side and the imaging side of the erecting unit optical system and has a power only in a sub-scanning direction. The numerical aperture in the main scanning direction the optical elements is smaller than the numerical aperture in the sub-scanning direction of the condenser optical system.

Abstract: A micro prismatic structure is formed inside the light transmission face of a gradient-index lens, in which the projections have a height of at least 0.25 ? and the distance between the neighboring projections is at most ?, based on the applied wavelength ?. Preferably, the micro prismatic structure has conical projection units that are aligned in the light transmission face of the lens in a mode of hexagonal, tetragonal or orthorhombic arrangement. The conical projections may be in any form of circular cones, polygonal cones, flat-headed circular cones (circular cones of which the apex has been cut horizontally) or flat-headed polygonal cones .