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 tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present.

Abstract: A tunable acoustic gradient index of refraction (TAG) lens and system are provided that permit, in one aspect, dynamic selection of the lens output, including dynamic focusing and imaging. The system may include a TAG lens and at least one of a source and a detector of electromagnetic radiation. A controller may be provided in electrical communication with the lens and at least one of the source and detector and may be configured to provide a driving signal to control the index of refraction and to provide a synchronizing signal to time at least one of the source and the detector relative to the driving signal. Thus, the controller is able to specify that the source irradiates the lens (or detector detects the lens output) when a desired refractive index distribution is present within the lens, e.g. when a desired lens output is present.

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: The invention relates to a transparent optical element including an assembly of cells having variable respective depths as measured in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the element having said cells. The cells can be filled with a gas or with mixtures of at least two components having different light refraction index values. The variation of the cell depth increases the variation of an equivalent value of the light refraction index associated with each cell, and reduces the roughness of a lens equivalent to the optical element.

Abstract: A lens device includes a substrate having a channel and a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path. The first and second fluid flow paths at least partially in communication with the channel. A light emitting device is positioned adjacent to the channel. At least one first fluid source is in communication with the first fluid path such that a first fluid is moveable along the first fluid path and at least one second fluid source in communication with the second fluid path such that a second fluid is moveable along the second fluid path. The first second fluid paths are configured so the first fluid and second fluid move through the channel to define an adjustable liquid gradient refractive index distribution in the channel. Adjustment of the liquid gradient refractive index distribution permits a change of liquid lens focal distance or an angular adjustment of light emitted by the light emitting device.

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: Examples of the present invention include a gradient index element formed from a material such as a metamaterial, the material having an index profile and an index gradient profile, where the index profile includes at least one discontinuity and the index gradient profile is substantially continuous.

Abstract: An optical component (10) comprises a transparent set of cells (15; 25) juxtaposed in parallel to a surface of the component. Each cell is hermetically sealed and contains a substance with an optical property. The set of cells comprises cells of several sizes. The size of the cells can be varied between various locations of the surface of the component (10), for making it possible to cut out the component without altering its optical properties. Furthermore, the variation in size of the cells serves to prevent diffraction or scattering from being visible in certain zones of the component.

Abstract: An apparatus for examination of chemical and/or biological samples, comprises a sample support (14) for receiving the samples (16). Further, the apparatus comprises an objective (10) for observation of the sample (16) through a sample support wall (18). A gap (22) is formed between an outer surface (20) of the sample support wall (18) and an exit lens (12) of the objective (10). According to the invention, an automatic supply device (24) for automatic supply of immersion medium (46) is provided between the outer surface (20) of the sample support wall (18) and the exit lens (12) of the objective (10).

Abstract: A coupling optical system for coupling light into an optical fiber of an optical communications system includes a liquid that includes a dispersion of microscopic particles and two transparent media that hold the liquid between them along an optical axis. The refractive power of the liquid is variable according to the electromagnetic field applied to the liquid to vary the migration of the microscopic particles of the dispersion within the liquid. The position of a light collecting point of the coupling optical system is adjustable based on the variation in the refractive power of the liquid so that light can be efficiently coupled into optical fibers at different distances along the optical axis from the coupling optical system. At the light collecting point, the end surface of an optical fiber collects light from a light source or another optical fiber. One or more collimator lenses may help converge the light.

Abstract: Optical elements are made using micro-jet printing methods to precisely control the type, position and amount of polymer deposited onto a substrate. In preferred embodiments, the proportions of two or more different polymer compositions are varied over the course of the deposition process to deposit adjoining polymer pixels in the form of a film on the substrate surface. The optical properties of each adjoining polymer pixel can be selected to provide a predetermined optical property, including a specific value of index of refraction. Preferably, the film has a radially non-monotonic refractive index profile and/or an angularly non-monotonic refractive index profile.

Abstract: A reflector turret for an inverted microscope, having a cover which is water-tight at least at the top and substantially light-tight outside the microscope beam path, wherein a protective glass is fitted into the upper part of the cover in the light path so as to be tight against liquid, and the protective glass is removable and/or exchangeable.