Abstract: The present invention is directed to an achromatic capsule endoscope with diffractive optics. A micromotor (or a broadband rotary joint) and a custom 800 nm SD-OCT system make ultrahigh-resolution 3D volumetric imaging over a large area possible. The diffractive microlens is used directly with other miniature lens including but not limited to a GRIN lens, making the capsule endoscope design simpler and cost effective. Preliminary ex vivo 3D intraluminal imaging was performed with the distal-scanning capsule endoscope in conjunction with a home-built broadband spectral-domain OCT system, demonstrating the performance of the diffractive capsule.

Abstract: A negative lens, for an oblique-view endoscope objective, has a first face with a first optical surface and a second face with a second optical surface opposing the first optical surface, the second optical surface being a concave optical surface, wherein a recess is formed in the second face adjacent to the concave optical surface. An endoscope objective, that includes a deflection prism having an entrance face and further including a negative lens, the negative lens having a first face with a first optical surface and a second face with a second optical surface opposing the first optical surface, the second optical surface being a concave optical surface. The negative lens is mounted on a distal planar surface of the deflection prism such that a rim encompassing the concave optical surface abuts the distal planar surface of the deflection prism.

Abstract: A fixed-focus lens system includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens element having negative power, the first lens element having a convex surface opposite to an object, a second lens element having positive power, the second lens element having a concave surface opposite to the object, a third lens element having positive power, a fourth lens element having negative power, and a fifth lens element having positive power. A half angle of view of the fixed-focus lens system is 50 degrees or more, and a shape of the convex surface on the object side of the first lens element has at least one inflection point at a part except for the optical axis. With this configuration, a fixed-focus lens system capable of favorably correcting various aberrations can be provided.

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: The disclosure provides a collimating lens. In order from a laser transmitter side to a to-be-measured object side, the collimating lens includes a first lens, a second lens, a third lens and an aperture stop. The first lens is a lens with positive power and includes a convex object side surface. The second lens is a lens having negative power and includes a concave object side surface. The third lens is a lens having positive power and includes a convex image side surface. The change rate of the refractive index of the first lens with temperature in the range of 0 to 60° C. satisfies that (dn/dt)1>?10×10?6/° C. So, the aging of the lens can be effectively delayed. With the same size laser transmitter, the focal length of the system is larger, the field of view angle is smaller.

Abstract: A Light Adjustable Lens (LAL) comprises a central region, centered on a central axis, having a position-dependent central optical power, and a peripheral annulus, centered on an annulus axis and surrounding the central region, having a position-dependent peripheral optical power; wherein the central optical power is at least 0.5 diopters different from an average of the peripheral optical power, and the central axis is laterally shifted relative to the annulus axis. A method of adjusting the LAL comprises implanting a LAL; applying a first illumination to the LAL with a first illumination pattern to induce a position-dependent peripheral optical power in at least a peripheral annulus, centered on an annulus axis; determining a central region and a corresponding central axis of the LAL; and applying a second illumination to the LAL with a second illumination pattern to induce a position-dependent central optical power in the central region of the LAL.

Abstract: A small observation optical system having a high resolution, an observation imaging device that includes the observation optical system, an observation imaging system, an image forming lens system, and a method of adjusting the observation optical system. The observation optical system includes an objective lens system G1 and an image forming lens system G2, sequentially from the observation object side, and the image forming lens system G2 forms an observation object image forms through the objective lens system G1, on an image plane IP of an image sensor, and satisfies predetermined condition.

Abstract: In general, the present invention relates to optical elements, which can be modified post-manufacture such that different versions of the element will have different optical properties. In particular, the present invention relates to lenses, such as intraocular lenses, which can be converted into aspheric lenses post-fabrication. Also, the present invention relates to a method for forming aspheric lenses post-fabrication.

Abstract: An apparatus and an improved method of combining multiple laser beams into a single output beam, using a Gradient-Index (GRIN) rod with a negative, radial gradient. Using a rod of sufficient diameter and length, the input angle of a laser could be increased to allow room for a second laser to be placed beside the first laser, such that the beam enters the rod at any point within a certain acceptance cone, and at an angle determined by its place within that cone, ranging from zero degrees to the maximum acceptance angle. This can be used to allow an almost unlimited number of lasers to be use to boost the energy, power, or altering the apparent color of lasers by combining multiple beams along a single axis.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a center portion and a plurality of spoke portions that are in contact with the center portion and that extend to a perimeter region. The plurality of spoke portions include at least a first monolithic spoke portion extending from the center portion to the perimeter region, and the center portion and the plurality of spoke portions define a plurality of cavity regions among the plurality of spoke portions. The center portion, the plurality of spoke portions, and the plurality of cavity regions are included in a gradient index (GRIN) lens having a plurality of effective dielectric constants that are based on a radial distance from the center portion.

Abstract: A lighting and/or signalling device, in particular for the automotive sector, comprising: at least two LED light sources, powered and activated separately, each facing a respective light input wall of a corresponding light guide, wherein the light guides emit the light of the LED light sources through at least two separate lighting portions at a front wall. The light guides are equipped with diffuser elements arranged on a rear wall opposite to the front wall. At least one reflector element is associated with each light guide directly facing the respective diffuser elements so as to reflect the light towards the front wall. The light guides are juxtaposed and adjacent to each other at at least one respective inner wall. The light guides are mechanically and optically separated by barrier elements which prevent the passage of light between the light guides at the at least one inner wall.

Abstract: A telecentric optical apparatus that is capable of suppressing an increase in the number of components as well as achieving high precision optical axis alignment, is provided. The telecentric optical apparatus of the present invention is characterized in that it is provided with: a first telecentric lens surface that is provided on an object side; a second telecentric lens surface that is provided on an image side and that shares a focus position with the first telecentric lens surface; and an optical path trimming part that is provided, between the first telecentric lens surface and the second telecentric lens surface, in an outside region, which is located on a side further out than a light passing region having a center thereof located at the focus position, and that changes an optical path such that a light beam incident on the outside region is prevented from contributing to image formation.

Abstract: A portrait lens configuration for meeting handheld device form factor constraints. First and second meniscus lenses each have a reflective surface to provide internal reflections for transmitting light toward a focal plane. A third lens is positioned between the meniscus lenses and the focal plane. The first lens includes an anterior concave surface having a reflective material extending over a portion thereof. Light received by the first meniscus lens can be transmitted therethrough. The reflective material is positioned along the anterior concave surface to receive light transmitted therethrough and reflected back from the second lens. In an associated method the first meniscus lens is positioned to receive light through a first of two opposing refractive surfaces. After each lens provides an internal reflection, reflected light is transmitted through the second of the two opposing surfaces and then through a bore positioned within the second lens to the third lens.

Abstract: Coordinate measuring machine, comprising an optical sensor for capturing image data of a workpiece. The optical sensor comprises a lens, which defines an optical axis, and an illumination device for illuminating the workpiece. The illumination device comprises a diffusely radiating luminous body and an optical filter having a plurality of separate light passages. Light emitted by the luminous body enters the filter on an underside thereof, passes through the light passages and emerges again from the filter on an opposite top side thereof. Each of the light passages transmits only light rays that form an angle smaller than a predefined limiting angle with a longitudinal axis of the respective light passage. The lens and the filter are inclined relative to one another in such a way that a normal vector aligned perpendicularly to the top side of the filter forms an inclination angle other than 0° with the optical axis.

Abstract: An innovative design for a compact objective lens for use with a digital image intensification camera is described, which uses lenses made with gradient index materials to reduce the number of lens elements required, length and weight over conventional objective lens systems.

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: An optical coupling may involve orienting a waveguide and a lens such that light rays are focused on a surface. The lens may involve the use of a material having a variable refractive index to focus rays of light along first axis and a curved surface to focus the rays of light along a second axis.

Abstract: An optical fiber structure according to the present application includes a cylindrical resin body, and a plurality of circumferential arrays of optical fiber bare wires disposed within the resin body and extending along a longitudinal direction of the resin body. The resin body includes a linear slit provided at a location intermediate the length of the resin body. The linear slit extends from an outer surface to an inner bore of the resin body and extending substantially parallel to the bare wires.

Abstract: A numerical aperture (NA) controlling unit and a variable optical probe including the same are provided. The NA controlling unit includes: an aperture adjustment unit which controls an aperture through which light is transmitted; and a focus control unit that is disposed in a predetermined position with respect to the aperture adjustment unit, that focuses light transmitted through the aperture, and that has an adjustable focal length. The variable optical probe includes: a light transmission unit; a collimator that collimates light transmitted through the light transmission unit into parallel light; an NA controlling unit that focuses light on a sample to be inspected; and a scanner that varies a path of light transmitted through the light transmission unit such that a predetermined region of the sample is scanned by light that passes through the NA controlling unit.

Abstract: A device is provided, which includes at least one optical area sensor having an optical semiaxis and an entrance pupil. The device also includes an optical element including at least one pair of parallel surfaces. The device is characterized in that the optical element has a refractive index which decreases as the distance from the center increases at least along a direction in parallel to the surfaces at least between one edge of the optical element and a center of the optical element. The optical element is situated with respect to the area sensor in such a way that the surfaces are situated perpendicularly to the optical semiaxis. The increase of the refractive index perpendicular to the optical semiaxis makes it possible to situate the optical element having the parallel surfaces perpendicular to the optical semiaxis, so that the block requires minimal installation space.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for making germanium-based glass polyalkenoate cements. Also disclosed are methods for their use as bone cements for bone augmentation procedures.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a rod lens array, which has a deep depth of focus and a small depth of focus spot. The present invention provides a rod lens array that is equipped with at least one line of rod lenses between two substrates, said line of rod lenses having a plurality of columnar rod lenses wherein the refractive index decreases toward the outer periphery from the center, said rod lenses being arranged in such a manner that the center axes of the rod lenses are substantially parallel to each other. The rod lens array is characterized in that the average value (DOFave) of the depth of focus (DOF) is at least 0.9 mm, and the depth of focus spot (DOFcv) in the scanning direction of the line of rod lenses is not more than 12%.

Abstract: An optical coupling may involve orienting a waveguide and a lens such that light rays are focused on a surface. The lens may involve the use of a material having a variable refractive index to focus rays of light along first axis and a curved surface to focus the rays of light along a second axis.

Abstract: Micro-optical imaging is facilitated. According to an example embodiment, a micro-optical probe arrangement includes a GRIN-type lens probe to direct light to and from a specimen. Compensation optics tailored to the probe and aberrations introduced by the lens are located in a light path through the lens, and compensate for the introduced aberrations. A light detector detects light from the specimen, as facilitated by the compensation optics, and generates data characterizing an image of the specimen.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for making germanium-based glass polyalkenoate cements. Also disclosed are methods for their use as bone cements for bone augmentation procedures.

Abstract: In an optical system including a front lens unit having negative refractive power, a stop, and a rear lens unit having positive refractive power in order from an enlargement side to a reduction side, the front lens unit has a combination lens in which a negative lens and a positive lens are adjacently arranged in order from the enlargement side to the reduction side, and a focal length of the negative lens fN, an Abbe number ?N and relative partial dispersion ?N of a material of the negative lens, an Abbe number ?P and relative partial dispersion ?P of a material of the positive lens, and a focal length of the entire optical system fW are appropriately set.

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: The present invention provides a refractive index variable lens and a camera module using the same, the refractive index variable lens including a disc-shaped first medium, and a second medium formed at a periphery of the first medium and having a refractive index higher than a refractive index of the first medium, wherein a periphery of the second medium is sequentially formed with at least one medium having a refractive index higher than a refractive index of the second medium.

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: A zoom lens includes an aperture diaphragm, and a plurality of lens units including a negative lens unit arranged on a light incident side of the aperture diaphragm, the zoom lens being configured to make variable a focal length by changing an interval in the plurality of lens units. The negative lens unit includes a negative lens having a radial type refractive index distribution and a concave surface on the light incident side. The negative lens has a wavelength dispersion distribution in which a differential value is negative on an optical axis of the zoom lens, and the differential value increases at a position that is more distant from the optical axis.

Abstract: A method for processing a material for a die for molding an objective lens which is formed with a multilevel structure on the curved surface thereof, wherein the transfer surface of the objective lens is cut by a tool having a cutting face, the outline of which includes a linear first edge portion, a linear second edge portion extending in a direction which intersects the first edge portion at an acute angle thereto, and a third edge portion which joins the ends of the first and second edge portions, while the die material is rotated around the axis thereof, in a state in which at least the first edge portion and the second edge portion of the tool is inclined with respect to the axis and while the tool is moved only in the axial direction and in the direction which intersects the axis.

Abstract: A projection optical system for projecting an image on a surface is provided. The image is an enlarged image of an image which is formed on an image forming element. The projection optical system includes a coaxial optical system having an optical axis; and a non-coaxial optical system including a rotationally asymmetric curved-surface mirror. The non-coaxial optical system does not share the optical axis with the coaxial optical system. The coaxial optical system includes a first lens having a positive refractive power and being an aspheric plastic lens; and a second lens having a negative refractive power and being an aspheric plastic lens. The first lens has a first refractive index distribution, and the second lens has a second refractive index distribution.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention include methods and apparatus for modification of electromagnetic waves, including lenses with generally parallel flat surfaces. Lenses may comprise metamaterials, dielectric materials (such as glass), plastics, and the like. Lenses may have an index profile corresponding to a coordinate transformation for the desired effect on the electromagnetic waves.

Abstract: Provided are an optical system and a laser processing apparatus with which spattering can be suppressed by reducing an evaporation reactive force at a workpiece by forming two focal points on the optical axis, using a simple configuration. An optical system is provided with a convex lens that focuses laser light; and a concave lens that is disposed on the same optical axis as the laser light that passes through the convex lens, wherein the concave lens has a first region that has a through-hole, that is positioned on the optical axis, and that does not have lens properties, as well as a second region that surrounds the first region and that diverges the laser light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a refractive index variable lens and a camera module using the same, the refractive index variable lens including a disc-shaped first medium, and a second medium formed at a periphery of the first medium and having a refractive index higher than a refractive index of the first medium, wherein a periphery of the second medium is sequentially formed with at least one medium having a refractive index higher than a refractive index of the second medium.

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: A transparent plastic rod lens which has a cylindrical shape with a radius r in which a refractive index nD is reduced from a center thereof to an outer periphery thereof, the plastic rod lens includes a polymer mixture (I), in which the polymer mixture (I) includes, as constitutional units, an aromatic ring-containing monomer (a) unit and at least one monomer unit selected from a group consisting of a (meth)acrylate (b) unit which has a branched hydrocarbon group having 3 or more carbon atoms, a fluorine-containing monomer (c) unit, and an alicyclic ring-containing (meth)acrylate (d) unit, and a glass transition temperature is higher than or equal to 100° C.

Abstract: In a gradient-index optical element, there is a difference in an abnormal partial dispersion characteristic of a medium between a position on an optical axis of the radial gradient-index optical element and a position on an effective beam diameter.

Abstract: A zoom lens includes an aperture diaphragm, and a plurality of lens units including a negative lens unit arranged on a light incident side of the aperture diaphragm, the zoom lens being configured to make variable a focal length by changing an interval in the plurality of lens units. The negative lens unit includes a negative lens having a radial type refractive index distribution and a concave surface on the light incident side. The negative lens has a wavelength dispersion distribution in which a differential value is negative on an optical axis of the zoom lens, and the differential value increases at a position that is more distant from the optical axis.

Abstract: The method includes first and second steps of placing an object in first and second media whose refractive indices are lower than that of the object, and of causing the reference light to enter the object to measure first and second transmitted wavefronts. When light rays entering a peripheral portion of the object and passing through a same point of the object are defined as first and second light rays, the method causes these light rays to proceed in directions mutually different to change an NA of the reference light such that the reference light after being transmitted through the object is brought closer to collimated light than that before entering the object. The method calculates an effective thickness of the object using geometric thicknesses thereof and calculates a refractive index distribution thereof using the first and second transmitted wavefronts and the effective thickness.

Abstract: A projection optical system for projecting an image on a surface is provided. The image is an enlarged image of an image which is formed on an image forming element. The projection optical system includes a coaxial optical system having an optical axis; and a non-coaxial optical system including a rotationally asymmetric curved-surface mirror. The non-coaxial optical system does not share the optical axis with the coaxial optical system. The coaxial optical system includes a first lens having a positive refractive power and being an aspheric plastic lens; and a second lens having a negative refractive power and being an aspheric plastic lens. The first lens has a first refractive index distribution, and the second lens has a second refractive index distribution.

Abstract: A plastic lens includes a first surface and second surface that each have an optical function; and a peripheral surface formed at a periphery of the first surface and the second surface; and has a central portion of a thickness that is thinner than that of a peripheral portion of the plastic lens. The second surface includes an optically functional concave aspect, a recess formed along an outer perimeter of the concave aspect, a first protruding portion formed at a boundary of the concave aspect and the recess, a second protruding portion formed at a boundary of the recess and the peripheral surface, and a gate portion formed on the peripheral surface, at a position where a resin injection outlet is arranged during formation of the plastic lens.

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 light-collecting device includes at least one first annular region having a first refractive index, and at least one second annular region having a second refractive index different from the first refractive index, the at least one first annular region and the at least one second annular region are adjacently and alternately arranged in a concentric manner, and at least one of the at least one first annular region and the at least one second annular region includes a gap at a portion where a width of the annular region gradually decreases.

Abstract: In a gradient-index optical element, there is a difference in an abnormal partial dispersion characteristic of a medium between a position on an optical axis of the radial gradient-index optical element and a position on an effective beam diameter.

Abstract: An article for performing a subjective refraction includes a lens having a mean power that varies across the lens in a first direction and a cylindrical power that varies across the lens in a second direction, orthogonal to the first direction, wherein the mean power varies by four diopters or more and the cylindrical power varies by four diopters or more.

Abstract: Providing for a fixed focus optical system exhibiting extended depth of field is provided herein. By way of example, a compact and fast optical system that yields an asymmetric modulation transfer function (MTF) is disclosed. In some aspects, the asymmetric MTF results in extended depth of field for near field objects. Such a response can be particularly beneficial for small handheld cameras or camera modules having high resolution. According to some disclosed aspects, the resolution can be about 8 mega pixels. Additionally, the optical system can comprise four lenses in one aspect and five lenses in another, while remaining below about 5.3 mm total track length (TTL) for the respective systems. In at least one application, the disclosed optical systems can be employed for a high resolution compact camera, for instance in conjunction with an electronic computing device, communication device, display device, surveillance equipment, or the like.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens includes a first light-pervious plate, a second light-pervious plate opposite to the first light-pervious plate, a liquid crystal layer sandwiched between the first light-pervious plate and the second light-pervious plate, a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer and a driving voltage chip. The first electrode layer includes a plurality of concentric, annular electrodes arranged on a surface of the first light-pervious plate. A material of the first electrode layer is carbon nanotube. The second electrode layer is arranged on a surface of the second light-pervious plate. The driving voltage chip is configured for providing voltages between each of the annular electrodes and the second electrode layer in radial gradient distribution. A lens module is also provided in the present invention.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens includes a first light-pervious plate, second light-pervious plate opposite to the first light-pervious plate, a first electrode layer on the first light-pervious plate, a second electrode layer on the second light-pervious layer, a liquid crystal layer and a driving voltage unit. The first electrode layer includes a plurality of concentric, annular electrodes and is comprised of carbon nanotubes. The liquid crystal layer is sandwiched between the first and second light-pervious plates. The liquid crystal layer includes a plurality of annular regions spatially corresponding to the respective annular electrodes. A density of liquid crystal in the annular regions of the liquid crystal layer is different from each other. The driving voltage unit is configured for providing voltages between each of the annular electrodes and the second electrode layer for creating a gradient distribution of refractive index of the liquid crystal layer in radial directions.