Abstract: A lens for chromatic aberration compensation is provided. The lens includes a lens body and a plurality of color filter films. The lens body has a light incident plane, a light exit plane and an optical axis. The light incident plane and/or the light exit plane comprises a plurality of discrete area, wherein the area comprises, for example but not limited to, a plurality of annular areas, fan-shaped areas, or polygon areas. The color filter films are disposed over the areas of the lens body respectively, and comprise red color filter films, green color filter films or blue color filter films. Accordingly, the lens for chromatic aberration compensation of the invention can eliminate the aberration effectively.

Abstract: A backlight module for a liquid crystal display includes a reflective sheet, at least one light source above the reflective sheet, and a lens above the light source. The lens has a light-permeable surface at the bottom, a light-reflecting surface formed on the top of the lens, two side surfaces connecting the light-reflecting surface and the light-permeable surface, and a diffusion surface formed at the center of the light-reflecting surface. Profiles of the light-permeable surface and the light-reflecting surface are concave. The diffusion surface is convex. The lens of the invention allows light emitted by the light source to diffuse more uniformly.

Abstract: An observation optical system is disclosed with which the Fresnel reflection at the surfaces of optical members can be reduced, the transmittance can be improved, and the surface reflection ghost that occur among a plurality of optical surfaces can be suppressed. The observation optical system of the present invention comprises a plurality of optical surfaces, and a fine periodic structure, with a period smaller than the wavelength of incident light, is provided at an effective optical region of at least one surface among the aforementioned plurality of optical surfaces.

Abstract: Structured screens for the controlled spreading, diffusion, or scattering of an incident beam are provided. The screens are composed of microstructures (1,2) whose configurations and distribution on the surfaces of the screen are precisely determined. In certain embodiments, the configurations and/or their distribution is randomized. The structured screens can be used as diffusing screens or display screens.

Abstract: A diffusing film comprises a transparent resin in which scatterers are dispersed. The difference between the refractive index of the transparent resin and that of the scatterers is in the range of 0.04 to 1.5. The scatterers are flat particles having sizes of 0.1 to 50 ?m.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical device for focusing a laser beam, comprising a source of emission of a laser beam, for example a substantially elliptic and astigmatic laser beam, a focusing lens of the laser beam and first aperture adapted to select a central portion of the laser beam. The first aperture is directly applied on the focusing lens, and comprises a coating made of a substantially opaque material which are applied (for example, by spraying, sputtering, evaporation, printing, painting) on a peripheral portion of a front surface of the focusing lens so as to allow the propagation of the central portion of the laser beam and obstruct the propagation of a surrounding portion of beam. The device of the invention is extremely simple from the constructive point of view, and is inexpensive and small-sized.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element containing a rough surface having a roughness average equal to at least 5 micrometers wherein the rough surface contains at least two roughness populations in which the roughness average of the at least two populations varies by at least 8 micrometers. The invention provides an optical element containing an integral optical spacer while simultaneously providing scratch and impact resistance.

Abstract: A solution for fabricating a light diffusing sheet-like device capable of emitting light with superior brightness, that is a high brightness diffuser. The high brightness diffuser mainly includes at least two light diffusing pieces with ridge-shape structure arranged thereon, which can be either convex or concave. The convex ridge-shape structure having a plurality of large convex ridges and a plurality of small convex ridges, which are associated with a ridgeline existing in between two adjacent ridges where the large ridge and small are interlace-arranged, and the ridges along with the associated ridgelines can be longitudinally extended to the same direction. The concave ridge-shape structure is constituted the same way as the convex ridge-shape structure is, but having concave ridges. The high brightness diffuser is fabricated by stacking up the two light diffusing pieces and enabling an included angle to be formed between the two ridge-extending directions of the two light diffusing pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for focusing electromagnetic radiation comprises a planar solid immersion mirror including edges for reflecting an electromagnetic wave toward a focal point adjacent to a truncated end of the planar solid immersion mirror, and an interface for diverting a portion of the electromagnetic wave from a central portion of the planar solid immersion mirror to the edges for subsequent reflection toward the focal point.

Abstract: A rod lens with one or more optically active surfaces and one or more inactive surfaces, in which one part of the optically inactive surface or surfaces, especially a lens facet and/or radial peripheral surface of a lens, is smooth, and a method for smoothing one part of one or more optically inactive surfaces of a lens, especially of a lens facet and/or radial peripheral surface of a lens. As a result, the occurrence of fissures in the lens is prevented or reduced.

Abstract: A surface configuration obscures an object from detection by night vision devices, ultraviolet devices and infrared devices. The surface configuration is three dimensional, having spaced inner and outer surfaces. A wall defines a plurality of enclosed cells, and projections extend from the inner surface within the cells. The cells can be hexagonal, round or otherwise shaped. The projections can be flat sided or curved. The shapes of the cells and materials used provide sound muffling.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a method and apparatus to generate a laser probe beam free of speckles. The present invention employs a holographic phase plate inserted in a laser beam path to modulate the relative phase across the beam. The holographic phase plate is designed to optimize the phase modulation across the beam while to minimize the degradation of the beam quality. The modulated laser beam has only a small and confined divergent angle and can then be refocused or collimated into a narrow and near collimated probe beam. The present invention further rotates the holographic phase plate to randomize the speckles in a time sequence. As a result, the probe beam preserves substantially the beam quality of a laser and produces substantially no speckles on image of its, intersection with a surface or material.

Abstract: The invention provides a light diffuser comprising a macro diffusion efficiency variation wherein at least part of the diffuser is colored. The invention also provides light diffuser comprising a macro diffusion efficiency variation wherein at least part of the diffuser is colored for rear projection displays, back-lighted imaging media, and a liquid crystal display component and device. The invention further provides a process for preparing such a diffuser.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffuse reflector comprising a macro reflection efficiency variation. The invention provides improved light reflection for a back lit display while simultaneously diffusely reflecting specular light sources.

Abstract: An anti-glare protection device, for example a pair of welding goggles, a welding mask or a welding helmet, includes a supporting part with a sight opening (3), an optical filter element arranged in the sight opening, and a protective plate (1), which is mounted or can be mounted on the supporting part such covering the optical filter element. For the protection of the filter element against contamination with dirt and in order to protect the wearer of the anti-glare protection device against undesirable gases, smoke and dirt, a seal (4) made out of an elastically compressible material is disposed either between the supporting part and the protective plate (1) or between the filter element and the protective plate (1). The seal extends substantially around the sight opening and is advantageously affixed either to the supporting part, to the protective plate (1), or to the filter element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric diffusion film exhibiting at least 50% transmissivity containing a thermoplastic polymeric material with internal microvoids and containing a plurality of complex lenses on a surface thereof. Such films are useful for diffusing light when it is desired to provide and even light distribution.

Abstract: A reflector has a transparent film, an adhesive layer disposed on one surface of the transparent film, a groove structure provided on the other surface of the transparent film, the groove structure having a plurality of grooves including optical path changing slopes aligned in a substantially constant direction at an inclination angle in a range of from 35 to 48 degrees with respect to a plane of the transparent film, a transparent cover film formed so as to cover an outer surface of the groove structure, and a light diffusing type reflection layer disposed on an outer surface of the cover film. A lighting-external light double mode liquid-crystal display device comprising the above reflector and a transmission type liquid-crystal panel, wherein the reflector is bonded to aback side (opposite to a viewing side) of the transmission type liquid-crystal panel through the adhesive layer of the reflector.

Abstract: High spatial frequency optical noise in the form of intensity contrasting picture elements in the display of a projected light image on a bead-oriented image-enhancing filter is significantly reduced by interposing light-scattering material in the optical path between a source of the projected light image and the display in order to inhibit formation and interference of coherent light waves, and to mask the appearance of separate or discrete beaded apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides a light source device that is safe for human eyes and whose switching is performed at high speed. The light source device comprises one or more laser light sources (1) for emitting a monochromatic or polychromatic light beam, a diffuser (3), which may be transmissive, reflective, or a mixture thereof, for diffusing the light beam received directly from the laser light source or via an optical focusing system (2), and an optical collimator (4), which collimates the diffused light bundle emitted from the diffuser (3).

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric film having a top and bottom surface comprising a plurality of complex lenses on at least one surface thereof and containing as its primary ingredient a polymer sufficient to impart to the film a light transmission of at least 92% based on a film thickness of 125 micrometers.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a light diffusing sheet that has a less tendency to be deflected due to heat generated by a lamp and a back light unit using this. The light diffusing sheet of the present invention comprises a base sheet and a light diffusing layer provided on a surface of the base sheet. The light diffusing layer is formed by dispersing resinous beads and a fine inorganic filler into a binder. It is preferable that the fine inorganic filler has an averaged particle diameter of not smaller than 5 nanometers and smaller than 1 micrometer. It is preferable that the amount of the fine inorganic filler to be mixed is 10 parts to 500 parts by weight for 100 parts by weight of a polymer component in the binder. As the fine inorganic filler, colloidal silica is used.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the transmission of a free-space optical communications signals through windows having surface imperfections. A void-filling material is applied to one or both surfaces of the window to fill any non-flat surface voids on those surfaces in areas through which an optical communications signal passes. In one embodiment, one or two substantially perfect optically translucent plates are mounted to the imperfect surface(s) of the window so as to capture the void-filling material between an inside surface of each optically translucent plate and the imperfect surfaces of the window. The void-filling material is selected to have an index of refraction that substantially matches an index of refraction for the window at an optical wavelength corresponding to the free-space optical communication signal.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element comprising in order a light source, air, at least one thin layer having a thickness of 80 to 200 nm, and a thick layer, each layer varying in refractive index (RI) by at least 0.05 from the next adjacent layer, in an alternating manner.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light management film containing a substrate, light shaping elements with a roughness average of at least 3 micrometers, and a layer capable of receiving a colorant density of at least 0.5.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffuse reflector comprising a reflective layer and a transparent polymeric film comprising a plurality of complex lenses on a surface thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed is a reflection media comprising a polymer layer having a Tg of less than 75° C. and containing machine scannable information in the form of matte and glossy areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prism diffuser for diffracting and spreading light, and in particular to a prism diffuser for diffracting and spreading light which is capable of spreading light in a certain direction at a wider angle based on a structure combined with a prism capable of diffracting light on a surface of a medium formed of a glass which transmits or reflect light, a film formed of a transparent synthetic resin material or a metallic plate and a diffuser capable of spreading light and diffracting, spreading and transmitting light into two directions or diffracting, spreading and reflecting light in one direction.

Abstract: A surface configuration obscures an object from detection by night vision devices, ultraviolet devices and infrared devices. The surface configuration is three dimensional, having spaced inner and outer surfaces. A wall defines a plurality of enclosed cells, and projections extend from the inner surface within the cells. The cells can be hexagonal, round or otherwise shaped. The projections can be flat sided or curved.

Abstract: An optical device such as an overlay panel for a LCD display, comprises an element of light-transmitting material having a surface configured to form a stepped Fresnel prismatic structure. The light-transmitting material itself or ribbed light refracting element, said element incorporates an array of graded refractive index features adapted to impart light dispersing of diffusing characteristics to the light-transmitting material. In an alternative arrangement, the element of light-transmitting material has a layer configured to form a stepped Fresnel-type surface and an additional layer incorporating such an array of graded refractive index features.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric film having a top and bottom surface comprising a plurality of complex lenses on at least one surface thereof. Such a film is useful for diffusing light such as necessary in an LC display device.

Abstract: A diffusing film comprises a transparent resin in which scatterers are dispersed. The difference between the refractive index of the transparent resin and that of the scatterers is in the range of 0.04 to 1.5. The scatterers are flat particles having sizes of 0.1 to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a sidelight type backlighting apparatus having high brightness, which is yet reduced in uneven brightness, and to provide a reflector substrate having a surface profile necessary for obtaining such apparatus and a reflector having high brightness and long durability in which the reflector substrate is implemented. A buffer against strain is formed by providing space by protrusions or the like between a light guiding plate of a planar light source apparatus and a reflecting surface of a reflection sheet provided on one main surface of the light guiding plate. Further, a base layer, a metallic layer mainly containing silver, and a light transmitting oxide layer are laminated on the substrate in this order to form a reflection layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light diffuser comprising a macro diffusion efficiency variation. Also disclosed is a light diffuser for rear projection displays, back-lighted imaging media, a liquid crystal display component and device, and a process for diffusing light.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical element containing a rough surface having a roughness average equal to at least 5 micrometers wherein the rough surface contains at least two roughness populations in which the roughness average of the at least two populations varies by at least 8 micrometers. The invention provides an optical element containing an integral optical spacer while simultaneously providing scratch and impact resistance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffuse reflector comprising a macro reflection efficiency variation. The invention provides improved light reflection for a back lit display while simultaneously diffusely reflecting specular light sources.

Abstract: The invention provides a light diffuser comprising a macro diffusion efficiency variation wherein at least part of the diffuser is colored. The invention also provides light diffuser comprising a macro diffusion efficiency variation wherein at least part of the diffuser is colored for rear projection displays, back-lighted imaging media, and a liquid crystal display component and device. The invention further provides a process for preparing such a diffuser.

Abstract: An optical surface substrate. The optical substrate features a three-dimensional surface having a correlation length of about 1 cm or less. The optical substrate is defined by a first surface structure function modulated by a second surface structure function, the first surface structure function producing at least one specular component from a first input beam of light. The optical substrate is suitable for use in a variety of applications, including brightness enhancement and projection devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light diffuser comprising a perimeter area and a central area wherein the perimeter area contains a light director that directs at least a portion of the light incident on it toward the central area.

Abstract: There is provided a protective, diffusive film for use in a surface light source device provided with a lens film, said protective, diffusive film comprising: a transparent substrate layer; and a resin layer provided on the top surface and the under surface of the transparent substrate layer, the resin layers being free from fine particles and having fine concaves and convexes on the surface thereof, the difference in coverage between the resin layer provided on the top surface of the transparent substrate layer and the resin layer provided on the under surface of the transparent substrate layer being in the range of −20% to +20% in terms of the percentage of the coverage of one of the resin layers to the coverage of the other resin layer.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffusion film comprising a transparent polymeric film base bearing a plurality of integral contiguous layers, each layer having a pattern of complex lenses on a surface thereof, at least two such contiguous layers comprising material having an index of refraction differing by at least 0.1.

Abstract: A diffusing adhesive layer has a light-transmissible adhesive layer dispersively containing colorless light-transmissible particles so as to exhibit light diffusing characteristic. The light diffusing characteristic of the diffusing adhesive layer is not higher than 10% in terms of a light diffusion factor which is defined as 100×I30/I10 when I30 is the intensity of light transmitted in a direction inclined by 30 degrees relative to a direction of perpendicular transmission of perpendicularly incident light, and I10 is the intensity of light transmitted in a direction inclined by 10 degrees relative to the direction of perpendicular transmission of perpendicularly incident light. Another diffusing adhesive layer has a total light transmission factor of not lower than 85% and a direct transmission factor of not higher than 30%. In an optical member, one of the diffusing adhesive layers is provided on an optical material having at least a polarizing plate or a retarder plate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffusion film comprising a transparent polymeric film base bearing a plurality of integral contiguous layers, each layer having a pattern of complex lenses on a surface thereof, at least two such contiguous layers comprising material having an index of refraction differing by at least 0.1.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric film having a top and bottom surface comprising a plurality of complex lenses on at least one surface thereof and containing as its primary ingredient a polymer sufficient to impart to the film a light transmission of at least 92% based on a film thickness of 125 micrometers.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integral film comprising a base bearing a pattern of complex lenses on a surface thereof wherein the complex lenses comprise two or more distinct layers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a transparent polymeric film having a top and bottom surface comprising a plurality of complex lenses on at least one surface thereof. Such a film is useful for diffusing light such as necessary in an LC display device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a diffuse reflector comprising a reflective layer and a transparent polymeric film comprising a plurality of complex lenses on a surface thereof.

Abstract: A diffusing film comprises a transparent resin in which scatterers are dispersed. The difference between the refractive index of the transparent resin and that of the scatterers is in the range of 0.04 to 1.5. The scatterers are flat particles having sizes of 0.1 to 50 &mgr;m.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a sidelight type backlighting apparatus having high brightness, which is yet reduced in uneven brightness, and to provide a reflector substrate having a surface profile necessary for obtaining such apparatus and a reflector having high brightness and long durability in which the reflector substrate is implemented. A buffer against strain is formed by providing space by protrusions or the like between a light guiding plate of a planar light source apparatus and a reflecting surface of a reflection sheet provided on one main surface of the light guiding plate. Further, a base layer, a metallic layer mainly containing silver, and a light transmitting oxide layer are laminated on the substrate in this order to form a reflection layer.

Abstract: A display apparatus, includes a laser light source for emitting a light beam; a beam expander for expanding the light beam; a spatial light modulator; beam shaping optics for shaping the expanded laser beam to provide uniform illumination of the spatial light modulator, the beam shaping optics including a fly's eye integrator having an array of lenslets; and a moving diffuser located in the laser beam between the laser light source and the spatial light modulator.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light diffuser comprising a thermoplastic layer containing thermoplastic polymeric material and microvoids having a substantially circular cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the direction of light travel and having a diffuse light transmission efficiency of at least 65%.