Abstract: An oblique plane microscope includes a detection optical unit having an image sensor which has a sensor surface formed from sensor lines arranged in parallel, and a transport optical unit having an objective arranged for specimen illumination by a light sheet tilted relative to an optical axis of the transport optical unit and for imaging a specimen plane illuminated with the light sheet onto the sensor surface. An optical axis of the detection optical unit is tilted relative to the optical axis of the transport optical unit. The sensor lines each extend in an orthogonal direction with respect to the optical axis of the transport optical unit. The detection optical unit has an anamorphic magnification system. A magnification of an anamorphic magnification system of the detection optical unit, in a direction lying orthogonal to the sensor lines, is less than in a direction lying parallel to the sensor lines.

Abstract: A multi-wavelength laser module including a base plate, a plurality of radiation sources mounted on the base plate, at least one telescope including a first lens and a second lens wherein the second lens is arranged at a distance from the first lens along a radiation beam path, thereby creating a telescopic effect. A beam angle correction plate is arranged between the first lens and the second lens in the radiation beam path, the beam angle correction plate being angled in relation to the radiation beam path so as to parallel shift the radiation beam inside the telescope and thereby adjust the pointing direction of the radiation beam after passage of the telescope. Further, a method for assembling a multi-wavelength laser system provided with telescopes with such beam angle correction plate.

Abstract: A three-dimensional display device having an imaging space, wherein an up-conversion material is disposed inside the imaging space, a first light source that emits light toward the imaging space in a first direction, and a second light source that emits light toward the imaging space in a second direction. When the three-dimensional display device is operating, the light from the first light source and the light from the second light source intersect in the imaging space to form a convergence line or light convergence plane, such that the up-conversion material on the convergence line or in the convergence plane is excited to emit light.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dispersing an optical beam are disclosed. In one implementation, an optical system includes a first double Amici prism and a second double Amici prism. The first and second double Amici prisms are aligned along an optical axis of the system and configured to transmit the optical beam. At least one of the first and second double Amici prisms is rotatable relative to the other around the optical axis. Advantageously, the disclosed systems and methods allow for efficient and versatile adjustment of the magnitude and/or orientation of the dispersion of the optical beam.

Abstract: Optical systems are provided. In an embodiment, the optical system includes a first anamorphic optic having a first focal length and a first focal line, where the first focal line is parallel to a cross track direction. A second anamorphic optic has a second focal length and a second focal line, where the second focal length is different than the first first focal length. The second anamorphic optic is positioned such that the first focal line and the second focal line are in about the same location. The first and second anamorphic optics are aligned along an optical signal path, and are configured to provide afocal magnification to a signal beam along an along track direction to produce a magnified beam. A line scan imager includes an objective lens and a linear detector, and the second anamorphic optic is configured to direct the magnified beam at the objective lens.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing high frequency dynamically focused oblique laser illumination for a spinning wafer inspection system. The focus is changed by changing the beam direction incidence angle so as to bring focal spot onto the wafer surface. Disclosed herein is a system and method for automatic beam shaping (i.e., spot size) and steering (i.e., position) for a spinning wafer inspection system, combined into a single module. Also disclosed is a method and system for measuring the beam position/size/shape and angle with sufficient resolution to make corrections using feedback from the monitor.

Abstract: A laser projector includes a laser source module for generating an input light beam, a deflection component that deflects the input light beam to mutually orthogonal first and second scanning directions to form a scanning light beam, a first prism and a second prism both used for allowing the scanning light beam to pass therethrough for performing two-dimensional scanning on an imaging surface and formation of an image. By adjustment of the angle between the first prism and the second prism, various conditions are satisfied to achieve image distortion correction and image lift.

Abstract: A surface inspection method for a steel sheet coated with a resin, includes irradiating the steel sheet with sheet-like light, which has been linearly polarized at a predetermined polarization angle, at an incidence angle different from Brewster's angle of the coating by a predetermined angle or greater; and imaging linearly-polarized light of a polarization angle of 0 degrees at an acceptance angle different from a regular reflection angle of incident light by a predetermined angle. Accordingly, it is not necessary to change the incidence angle and the acceptance angle depending on resin components and it is possible to inspect a substrate steel surface of the steel sheet highly accurately without observing abnormalities in the coating itself.

Abstract: A window of an electronic device includes a shooting region at a position corresponding to a camera lens assembly. The window includes a front surface, a rear surface, and an inclined surface. The front surface includes the shooting region and is formed in a curved shape. An inclined surface is disposed to have a slope corresponding to a curvature of the front surface in at least a portion of the rear surface corresponding to the shooting region. Therefore, deterioration of image capture quality such as distortion by the camera lens assembly and internal reflection is effectively prevented by the inclined surface.

Abstract: A projector includes an anamorphic prism optical system for converting an aspect ratio of an irradiation region on which the video light is irradiated. The anamorphic prism optical system includes a first prism set and a second prism set. The first prism set is obtained by combining a first prism and a second prism, and the second prism set is obtained by combining a third prism and a fourth prism. The first prism, the second prism, the third prism, and the fourth prism are respectively rotatable around rotation axes thereof, and a space between the first and second prism sets is adjustable in association with the rotation of the first prism, the second prism, the third prism, and the fourth prism.

Abstract: A decentered optical system includes a decentered prism which is located in opposition to the image display device, in which there are at least three optical surfaces mutually decentered with at least two thereof being in rotationally asymmetric shape, and which is filled inside with a medium having a refractive index of greater than 1, and a decentered lens which is interposed between the viewer's eyeball and the decentered prism, and is made up of mutually decentered two surfaces and filled inside with a medium having a refractive index of greater than 1, and in which on the image display device side with respect to an on-axis chief ray incident from the center of the image display device on the center of an exit pupil, there is a lens portion having positive power, and on an opposite side thereof, there is a lens portion having negative power.

Abstract: A projection apparatus capable of projecting an image on a screen including a light valve and a projection lens is provided. The light valve is capable of generating an image beam. The projection lens is disposed in a transmission path of the image beam and disposed between the light valve and the screen to project the image beam to form the image on the screen. The projection lens has an optical axis. The light valve deviates an offset of X % from the optical axis in a first direction, and the image deviates an offset of Y % from the optical axis in a second direction. The first direction is opposite to the second direction. The projection lens includes a lens group and an anamorphic device. The anamorphic device is disposed in a transmission path of the image beam and disposed between the lens group and the screen to make X %<Y %.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical film comprising a substrate having a first optical surface and a second surface and a micro structure layer on the first optical surface of the substrate, wherein the micro structure layer comprises a plurality of first light-adjusting structures selected from the group consisting of prism columnar structures, conical columnar structures, solid angle structures and orange-segment like structures and a combination thereof and a plurality of second light-adjusting structures selected from the group consisting of arc columnar structures, lens-like structures, and capsule-like structures and a combination thereof, wherein at least a portion of the second light-adjusting structures has a height greater than those of all the first light-adjusting structures. The optical film of the present invention will not suffer the damage caused on the microstructure layers while achieving a light-gathering effect and effectively reducing optical interference.

Abstract: A decentered optical system includes a decentered prism which is located in opposition to the image display device, in which there are at least three optical surfaces mutually decentered with at least two thereof being in rotationally asymmetric shape, and which is filled inside with a medium having a refractive index of greater than 1, and a decentered lens which is interposed between the viewer's eyeball and the decentered prism, and is made up of mutually decentered two surfaces and filled inside with a medium having a refractive index of greater than 1, and in which on the image display device side with respect to an on-axis chief ray incident from the center of the image display device on the center of an exit pupil, there is a lens portion having positive power, and on an opposite side thereof, there is a lens portion having negative power.

Abstract: A pair of optical prisms arranged in a complementary relationship provides for anamorphic magnification and cooperates with a refractive or diffractive cylindrical lens element, the later of which generates an aberration that at least partially compensates an aberration generated by the pair of optical prisms. The refractive or diffractive cylindrical lens element is rotated out of normal with respect to the optic axis of the system so as to provide for reflecting stray light away from the optic axis.

Abstract: An optical assembly uses a plastic prism with one flat surface and a collimating lens optic to provide the capability of imaging a color micro-display to the eye. The collimating optic and flat prism surface can allow for aberration-free diopter adjustment and an image with very low-magnitude, nearly-symmetric distortion. The collimating optic can also provide environmental protection of the prism involving an optical plastic device. The input illumination from the micro-display enters the prism, is reflected two times within the prism, exits the prism, and passes through the collimating optic before being viewed by the eye. Such an optical assembly can provide a field of view with eye-relief and exit pupil when viewing a full-color micro-display.

Abstract: A pair of optical prisms arranged in a complementary relationship provides for anamorphic magnification and cooperates with a refractive or diffractive cylindrical lens element, the later of which generates an aberration that at least partially compensates an aberration generated by the pair of optical prisms. The refractive or diffractive cylindrical lens element is rotated out of normal with respect to the optic axis of the system so as to provide for reflecting stray light away from the optic axis.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for transforming a laser beam to a polarized shaped beam in, for example, a frequency converted laser system. In one embodiment, an anamorphic optical system includes a first prism and a second prism that can be configured to form a Brewster telescope, the first prism and second prism each having an input surface and an exit surface, and wherein at least one surface of the input or exit surfaces are coated with a polarization selective coating. The optical system can include an adjustment system configured to change the position of one or both of the first prism and the second prism to adjust the transformation of the shape of the laser beam. In some embodiments of the optical system, a configuration of the first prism, the second prism, and the polarization selective coating produce a laser beam having a polarization ratio of about 100:1 or higher.

Abstract: Systems and methods for shifting the phase of incident light to induce a continuous phase variation in an azimuthal direction. A phase mask assembly has a first surface and a second surface. The first surface and the second surface are configured such that the distance between the first surface and the second surface varies continuously in an azimuthal direction around the phase mask. This mask can be used in a coronagraph system to effectively suppress the on-axis star image for the detection of off-axis planets.

Abstract: A full or partial air-to-water de-anamorphoser and method of air-to-water de-anamorphosis is provided. A housing has a planar transparent window in one end thereof adjacent to a defined air space. The housing is placed under the water's surface with an acute angle being formed between the window and the water's surface to thereby define a virtual prism whose center leads its apex. An optical prism having an apex and a center is positioned in the housing's air space and is spaced apart from the housing's window such that the prism's apex leads its center as measured along a line parallel to light exiting the prism. The light exiting the prism was originally incident on the water's surface, subsequently traveled through the water, and then was passed sequentially through the housing's window, the housing's air space and the prism.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to groups of anamorphic prisms that are configured to reduce smile in a multi-beam optical system are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for transforming a laser beam to a polarized shaped beam in, for example, a frequency converted laser system. In one embodiment, an anamorphic optical system includes a first prism and a second prism that can be configured to form a Brewster telescope, the first prism and second prism each having an input surface and an exit surface, and wherein at least one surface of the input or exit surfaces are coated with a polarization selective coating. The optical system can include an adjustment system configured to change the position of one or both of the first prism and the second prism to adjust the transformation of the shape of the laser beam. In some embodiments of the optical system, a configuration of the first prism, the second prism, and the polarization selective coating produce a laser beam having a polarization ratio of about 100:1 or higher.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light redirecting film comprising a thin optically transparent substrate having opposite sides, one side of the substrate substantially covered by elongated individual optical elements whose longest dimensions are substantially aligned in a lengthwise direction, wherein the shape of at least some of the optical elements have a visually significant difference, and wherein the layout of optical element shapes and locations is such that objectionable patterns are not visible in the film under standard LCD backlight viewing conditions.

Abstract: Various embodiments and methods relating to groups of anamorphic prisms that are configured to reduce smile in a multi-beam optical system are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure features an optical system configured to create from a beam of light an intensity distribution on a surface, whereby the optical system comprises at least a first optical element which splits the incident beam into a plurality of beams some of which at least partially overlap in a first direction on said surface and whereby the optical system further comprises at least a second optical element which displaces at least one of said beams in a second direction on said surface.

Abstract: According to particular embodiments, an illumination system includes a light source that generates light for use in illuminating a spatial light modulator and an assembly of two optical elements spatially separated by a gap that receives the light from the light source, changes the shape of the light, and transmits the light onto the spatial light modulator.

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: At least one exemplary embodiment is directed to a zoom lens which includes, in order from an object side to an image side, a first lens unit with a negative refractive power, a second lens unit with a positive refractive power, and a third lens unit with a positive refractive power. A first gap between the first and second lens units when the zoom lens is at a wide-angle end is smaller than the first gap when the zoom lens is at a telephoto end, where a second gap between the second and third lens units when the zoom lens is at the wide-angle end is larger than the second gap when the zoom lens is at the telephoto end. The second lens unit includes at least one positive cemented lens.

Abstract: A light modulator device includes a top plate and an angled extender coupled to the top plate. The angled extender includes an incident portion and an exit portion that is relatively thicker than the incident portion.

Abstract: An optical system includes a plurality of separate light sources with a number M of the light sources arranged in a first direction and a number N of the light sources arranged in a second direction. Each of the light sources has an asymmetric light emission area. The light sources are arranged so that a light beam passing a collimator optical element has a beam width in the first direction greater than a beam width in the second direction. An anamorphic optical element is arranged to have a beam-size reduction rate in the first direction greater than a beam-size reduction rate in the second direction and converts the plurality of light beams from the light sources into a light beam having a symmetric beam cross-section. A light-condensing optical element condenses the light beam having the symmetric beam cross-section into a light receiving element, and the anamorphic optical element includes an array of a number of prisms integrally arranged.

Abstract: A color image is generated as a composite of images from different image modulators, each modulating a different color, and chromatic aberration of at least one optical element in the associated optical system is compensated by scaling or shifting images from different image modulators differently.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an achromatic phase shift device (1) for introducing a wavelength independent optical phase shift in a first optical beam (40) during operation, comprising at least one dispersive element (55k) formed by first refractive means (2k) and second refractive means (4k), the first refractive means (2k) having a first refractive means input plane (6) for receiving the first optical beam (40) and a first refractive means output plane (8) being at a predetermined angle (&bgr;) to each other, the second refractive means (4k) having a second refractive means input plane (10) and a second refractive means output plane (12) being positioned parallel to the first refractive means input plane (6). The device may comprise further pairs (55k) of respective first and second refractive means (2k, 4k). The present invention also relates to an interferometer comprising at least one achromatic phase shift device.

Abstract: A pair of prisms arranged in a complementary relationship provides for anamorphic magnification and cooperates with a curved refractive element, the later of which generates an aberration that at least partially compensates an aberration generated by the pair of prisms. Examples of the curved refractive element include, but are not limited to, a cylindrical lens, a curved substrate of optical material, a pair of counter-rotatable cylindrical lenses, a fluid-filled cylindrical lens with variable power incorporating a substrate that is deformed by a clamp mechanism over a fulcrum or curved surface, and at least one curved surface of fixed or variable curvature of the prisms, the later of which may be fluid-filled. In one embodiment, a color image is generated as a composite of images from different image modulators, each modulating a different color, and chromatic aberration is compensated by electronically scaling or shifting images from different image modulators differently.

Abstract: The invention provides a numerical aperture limiter for an optical thermal imaging system, comprising at least one pair of wedge-like prisms made of a transparent material having a known index of refraction, the prisms of the pair being disposed in close mutual proximity and in opposite orientation with the narrow end of one prism adjacent to the wide end of the other prism, the prism surfaces facing one another of the pair of prisms being spaced apart from one another by a distance at least equal to the wavelength of the light used by the imaging system, with the vertex angle of each one of the prisms being a function of the desired numerical aperture and the index of refraction.

Abstract: A beam shaping optical system which is provided with a first wedge prism having two refractive surfaces defining a first principal section, and a second wedge prism having two refractive surfaces defining a second principal section that is parallel to the first principal section, wherein a reference ray of light forms incident angles at each of the refractive surfaces of the prisms satisfying the following condition (1): &LeftBracketingBar; ∑ j = 1 L ⁢ α j &RightBracketingBar; < 0.020 .

Abstract: A beam deflector has first and second wedge prisms having refractive indices and geometries which are similar (in the case of the geometry to within arc minutes). The prisms are rotatable about an optical axis O defined by the direction of propagation of the incident light beam, to adjust the angle through which the incident beam is deflected. A third prism has a wedge angle which is greater than that of the first and second prisms by a factor of 2. When the directions in which the first and second prisms refract the beam away from the optical axis are aligned about the optical axis at notional angles of 0° and 90° respectively, and the third prism is aligned with its direction of refractive deviation at a notional angle of 225° about the optical axis, the light beam will pass undeviated through the deflecting device.

Abstract: A bar code reader having two reading windows, i.e., a bottom window and a side window. An increased number of scanning lines are used for constituting scanning patterns for scanning bar codes, and the arrangement of the optical system is contrived to decrease the whole size of the bar code reader and, particularly, to decrease the depth of the bar code reader. A source of laser light, a splitter for splitting the laser beam emitted from the laser light source into two, a reflection mirror for transmitting one beam from the splitter to a polygon mirror, the polygon mirror which rotates to scan the incident laser beam, a mirror system for emitting the beam reflected by the polygon mirror through the reading window, and a focusing member for focusing the beam reflected by the bar code onto a detector that detects the beam reflected by the bar code, are arranged on the same line in the bar code reader. By using a concave mirror, furthermore, the beam reflected by the bar code is folded back to one detector.

Abstract: A counter-rotating anamorphic prism pair assembly with variable spacing allows the simultaneous adjustment of a prism pair using an adjustment member to circularize in cross section a range of elliptical laser beam cross sections. A first prism rotates and translates towards or away from an incident laser beam while a second prism simultaneously rotates towards or away from the laser beam in a fixed counter-rotating relationship with the first prism. The degree of rotation and translation is determined by a mechanical linkage connecting the two prisms.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for optically transforming at least a radiation beam having a width extending in the plane X-Y. The device including optical elements provided with optically active interfaces, arrange in the radiation path. So as to obtain a more homogeneous intensity distribution in the output radiation beam and minimize internal losses, the invention includes at least one optical element in the form of a continuous angular transformation element including an optical interface having, along the x axis, an inclination continuously varying in the radiation direction, relative to the Y axis. The invention further concerns a method for continuously transforming a beam width extending in the X-Y plane, at least in the direction X, with defined divergence distribution.

Abstract: An optical device includes a substrate 60 and three prisms 10, 20 and 30. The first prism 10 is disposed adjacent to an upper surface of the substrate 60. An incoming beam aperture 65 is positioned adjacent a first surface 12 of the first prism 10, the first surface 12 extending away from the upper surface of the substrate 60. The second prism 30 is disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the substrate 60 and is spaced from the first prism 10 by a first distance. The third prism 20 is also disposed adjacent to the upper surface of the substrate 60. The third prism 20 may be spaced from the second prism 30 by the same first distance. An outgoing beam aperture 66 is positioned adjacent a first surface 22 of the third prism 20. The substrate 60 has phase changing reflective surfaces 40 and 50 along the upper surface between the first prism 10 and the second prism 30 and between the second prism 30 and the third prism 20.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for focusing a substantially elliptical laser beam comprising:

Abstract: A beam shaping optical system which is provided with a first wedge prism having two refractive surfaces defining a first principal section, and a second wedge prism having two refractive surfaces defining a second principal section that is parallel to the first principal section, wherein a reference ray of light forms incident angles at each of the refractive surfaces of the prisms satisfying the following condition (1): &LeftBracketingBar; ∑ j = 1 L ⁢   ⁢ α j &RightBracketingBar; < 0.020 .

Abstract: An array of graduated prisms disposed in a circle for rotating an incident image, the prisms are disposed with their end faces at the periphery of the circle and their apices at the center. The end faces are all oriented in the same direction either clockwise or counterclockwise, depending on the direction of rotation.

Abstract: A beam shaping optical system which is provided with a first wedge prism having two refractive surfaces defining a first principal section, and a second wedge prism having two refractive surfaces defining a second principal section that is parallel to the first principal section, wherein a reference ray of light forms incident angles at each of the refractive surfaces of the prisms satisfying the following condition (1): ##EQU1##

Abstract: A beam projecting apparatus includes a light source that emits a laser beam and a colliminating lens that renders the emitted laser beam a substantially parallel beam. A beam projecting device includes a beam projecting portion from which the laser beam is projected outwardly so that the laser beam has a beam waist located at a predetermined position spaced from the beam projecting apparatus. The beam projecting apparatus further includes a system that detects a curvature of wavefront of the substantially parallel beam at the predetermined position.

Abstract: A segmented GRIN anamorphic lens and a lens array using such lenses are provided. The lens has an optical axis and is composed of a plurality of segments. The interfaces between the segments are planes or wedges inclined at an angle to the optical axis. At least one segment has a predetermined axial index of refraction profile while the other segment may have either a predetermined homogeneous index of refraction or a predetermined radial index of refraction profile. The planar interface geometry and the index of refraction profiles are chosen to provide lenses with desirable optical properties. Spherical and cylindrical aberrations can be reduced or eliminated by appropriate choice of the index of refraction profile. The front and rear surfaces of the lens assembly can also be ground and polished into spherical shapes which act with the axial gradient interface to yield an anamorphic lens functionality.

Abstract: A beam projecting apparatus has a light source and a reflecting device for reflecting and rotating a bundle of light emitted from the light source for forming a reference plane. A shape converting optical system is provided in an optical path from the light source to the reflecting device for converting the bundle of light from an elliptical sectional shape to a circular sectional shape.

Abstract: A focused laser beam is provided using a multimode laser of a type that generates a diverging beam with an asymmetric cross section. A collimation lens receives and substantially collimates the diverging asymmetric beam. An anamorphic beam expander enlarges a width of the substantially collimated beam in a first, multimode axis without substantially affecting the width of the beam in a second, single mode axis orthogonal to the first axis. Demagnification optics are arranged to receive and demagnify the enlarged width beam to produce a focused spot. The demagnification optics can include a cylindrical lens ("rod lens") having a longitudinal axis and arranged to receive the enlarged width beam in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis. The demagnification optics are merged with scanning optics to produce a scanned spot imaging system. The apparatus is particularly useful for exposing images, e.g., in a dye sublimation printer.

Abstract: An image display apparatus which enables observation of a clear image at a wide field angle, and which is extremely small in size and light in weight and hence unlikely to cause the observer to be fatigued. The image display apparatus has an image display device (7) and an ocular optical system for projecting the image of the image display device and leading the projected image to an observer's eyeball (1). The ocular optical system has, in the order of backward ray tracing, a first surface (3) which is a refracting surface, a second surface (4) which is a decentered reflecting surface of positive power, a third surface (5) which is a decentered reflecting surface, and a fourth surface (6) which is a refracting surface. At least two of the four surfaces have a finite curvature radius. A space formed by the first to fourth surfaces (3 to 6) is filled with a medium having a refractive index larger than 1.

Abstract: A beam shaper device for an optical read/write head on an optical disc drive is provided. This beam shaper device is particularly useful for shaping a laser beam originally emitted with an elliptical cross section, into having a substantially circular cross section. The beam shaper device includes only one prism and one plane mirror. The shape of the prism and the orientation of the plane mirror are specifically devised in such a way as to allow the output beam shaper device to have a circular cross section and to have its propagation axis orthogonal to that of the input laser beam.