Abstract: A support structure for a display system includes at least one pentagon-shaped lens, at least two hexagon-shaped lenses, and at least two hexagon-shaped supports. The at least two hexagon-shaped supports support the at least one pentagon-shaped lens and the at least two hexagon-shaped lenses. Each of the hexagon-shaped supports is securely attached to one of the hexagon-shaped lenses and one edge of the pentagon-shaped lens.

Abstract: A Fresnel lens base sheet is provided which is suitable for the formation of a lens layer of an ultraviolet-cured resin and has excellent impact resistance and environmental resistance. The Fresnel lens base sheet comprises a specific rubber-modified styrene resin comprising a rubber-like elastic material as dispersed particles and a copolymer of a styrene monomer with an acrylic (methacrylic) ester monomer as a continuous phase.

Abstract: A tail/stop lamp assembly is disclosed that uses as a light source light emitting diodes, specifically SnapLEDs™. The tail/stop lamp assembly is composed of housing, a lens, and a SnapLED™ array. The lens is composed of six different optical units surrounded by Fresnel rings. The housing is of a very slim design. The combination of optics and housing is a stylish, sturdy and efficient tail/stop lamp assembly that complies with Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) standards.

Abstract: A method for designing a diffractive lens that separates an incident light beam into a plurality of beams and condenses the respective separated beams is provided. The method includes: defining an expression of a diffractive surface having a beam converging function based on given focal length; defining an expression of a diffractive surface having a beam separating function that separates a light beam into plural orders of diffractive light based on said given focal length, a given number of separated light and a given distance between focusing points; and superimposing the defined expressions of the diffractive surface having the beam converging function and the diffractive surface having the beam separating function to determine a shape of the diffractive lens having a plurality of optical functions.

Abstract: A stationary solar photovoltaic array module design, which constitutes four steps of optical concentrations of photovoltaic electric power generation systems. A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is mounted under a first and second optical concentrating fresnel lenses that concentrates the intensity of sunlight. Then the focused sunlight is further concentrated twenty times by the third optical concentrator CPC. The high mirror quality of CPC allows 98% of the reflected rays to be focused at the bottom of the CPC. At this point, the intensified sunlight is homogenized as it passes through a fourth optical concentrator glass lens, which with anti-reflection coating on the top of the glass lens' surface, incident on the multi-junction solar cell accomplish the fourth optical concentration for the photovoltaic electric energy conversion.

Abstract: Disclosed are a base plate for use for a lens sheet that can realize the unlikeliness to be cracked while the self-sustenance of the lens sheet is being maintained, the lens sheet, and a projection screen comprising that lens sheet. In a base plate, the base plate constructing a lens sheet as a base sheet for a UV-curable resin layer by being bonded to the UV-curable resin layer and being made of ductile materials, the breaking flexure by bending of the ductile material is 0.08 or more; and the Izod impact value thereof is 5 KJ/m2 or more. Also, in a base plate consisting of fragile material, there is used a material that has respective physical properties wherein when it is assumed that F (MPa) represents the shearing force of the UV-curable resin; h (m) represents the thickness of the base plate; E (MPa) represents the bending modulus of elasticity of the fragile material; and &ohgr; (dimensionless quantity) represents the breaking flexure by bending, the relationship of F/hE&ohgr;<1.5 holds true.

Abstract: A multi-faceted concentrator apparatus for providing ultra-accelerated natural sunlight exposure testing for sample materials under controlled weathering conditions comprising: facets that receive incident natural sunlight, transmits VIS/NIR and reflects UV/VIS to deliver a uniform flux of UV/VIS onto a sample exposure plane located near a center of a facet array in chamber means that provide concurrent levels of temperature and/or relative humidity at high levels of up to 100× of natural sunlight that allow sample materials to be subjected to accelerated irradiance exposure factors for a significant period of time of about 3 to 10 days to provide a corresponding time of about at least a years worth representative weathering of sample materials.

Abstract: A collimating lens and a collimating system which condense light emitted from a light source with directivity at a high efficiency and a projection type image displaying apparatus using the same. The collimating system includes a light source having at least one dominant emitting angle at which light having a relatively great intensity distribution is emitted and a collimating lens including at least one prism portion having an exit surface sloping at a prism angle corresponding to the dominant emitting angle.

Abstract: A screen of a projection television may include a Fresnel lens for converting an incident light beam emitted from an image source into a parallel beam, a lenticular lens formed by sequentially arranging multiple lens elements having a column shape parallel to one another for forming an image from the parallel beam output from the Fresnel lens and spreading the formed image, and a protective panel installed on the front surface of the lenticular lens for protecting the lenticular lens. The Fresnel lens may include a base substrate and a lens unit contacting one side of the base substrate, patterns having a saw-toothed shape formed on a surface of the lens unit facing a lenticular lens, and portions of each pattern corresponding to a sharp portion of a sawtooth may be a processed curved surface having a predetermined curvature.

Abstract: A reflective projection screen has in a first aspect a plurality of reflective elements. The upper surface of the reflective elements is either coated or textured to interfere with reflection of light from the upper surface to an adjacent reflective element. In a second aspect of the invention, a screen is provided that reflects light in the vertical direction like a plane surface, while reflecting light in the horizontal direction back toward the light source. In a third aspect of the invention, a projection system projects a three-dimensional image.

Abstract: By proposing a diffractive optical element having optical functions of a random phase plate and a lens array in combination, and an illumination apparatus employing this lens element, reduction of speckles, and improvements in energy efficiency and light utilization efficiency are achieved simultaneously.

Abstract: The solar energy collector comprises a solar energy converter, a base member which carries the solar energy converter and a domed fresnel lens including a transparent hemispherical shell mounted on the base member over the solar energy converter with a diametrical line across the base of the shell being in register with a long axis of the solar energy converter, and fresnel lens prism elements on the inner surface of the shell which are each parallel to a plane which passes through the pole of the shell and the long axis of the solar energy converter and which focus parallel ray solar radiation which passes through the shell on either side of the plane into a line focus on the solar energy converter irrespective of the position of the sun relatively to the lens shell while the sun is situated in the plane.

Abstract: A flat luminescent lamp and a method for manufacturing the same are disclosed, in which light weight and high luminance can be obtained and discharge efficiency can be maximized. The flat luminescent lamp includes first and second substrates each having a plurality of concave and convex portions on an opposing surface, first and second electrodes alternately formed in the convex portions on the first substrate at constant intervals, a dielectric layer formed on the first substrate including the first and second electrodes, and first and second phosphor layers respectively formed on the dielectric layer and the second substrate.

Abstract: This project encompassed design and fabrication of a single pixel for a solar concentrator photovoltaic monolithic microarray. Photovoltaic concentrators offer a competitive electricity cost. Such concentrating microarrays may enable photovoltaic cells with 40-50% efficiency using III-V compound heterostructures. The main components of the design include a thin film solar cell, an array of soft polymer microlenses to optimally concentrate solar radiation, and a heat sink to manage the heat dissipated. Microlens arrays were fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using soft lithography techniques and the optical properties (absorbance, lens magnification, aberrations, etc) were characterized. The results indicate that such microarrays can be used for a monolithic concentrating photovoltaic array.

Abstract: A multidirectional single surface optically shaped film is disclosed. The optically shaped film may include a film having only one surface structure with two or more different, overlapping Fresnel patterns formed in the structured surface for use as thin, decorative film.

Abstract: In the lens embodiment, the invention described herein incorporates a first fluid with a first refractive index in a first series of concentric surfaces and a second fluid with a second refractive index in a second series of concentric surfaces. The two surfaces being adjacent to one another alternating between a concentric circle of the first then a concentric circle of the second then the first and etc. Wherein each circular surface in the series of first and second fluid surfaces are separated by a transparent barrier with elasticity. Additionally, fluid can be added or subtracted to each concentric circle as desired through ports in their otherwise sealed chambers. The structure and process described produces a refractive and/or diffractive optical component which is predictably and reliably variable as to its focal length and transmittance direction.

Abstract: A night vision system 10 is provided for detecting objects at relatively low visible light levels. The system 10 includes an infrared light source 14. The system 10 further includes a thin sheet optical element 16 extending along a first axis 27 receiving light from the infrared light source 14 and reflecting the light generally in a first direction. Finally, the system 10 includes an infrared camera for receiving the light reflected off objects in the environment and generating a video signal responsive to the received light.

Abstract: Disclosed is an objective lens of an optical pick-up that converges light beams of two different wavelengths onto recording layers of optical discs of two different standards, respectively. The objective lens includes a refractive lens having a positive power and a diffractive lens structure formed on one surface of the refractive lens. The diffractive lens structure has a plurality of concentric ring areas with minute steps at the boundaries therebetween. The diffractive lens structure maximizes the diffraction efficiency of the third order diffracted light at the shorter wavelength and maximizes the diffraction efficiency of the second order diffracted light at the longer wavelength. This enables the diffractive lens structure to correct the chromatic aberration at the respective wavelengths with keeping high diffraction efficiency.

Abstract: An objective lens comprises an inner optically functional region an inner optically functional region allowing a light flux to pass through for conducting recording and/or reproducing information for a first and second optical information recording mediums, an outer optically functional region allowing a light flux to pass through for conducting recording and/or reproducing information for the first optical information recording medium; and a diffractive structure provided on the outer optically functional region. The objective lens satisfies the following formulas: &lgr;>700 nm, NA1>0.65 and t1<t2 wherein &lgr; is a wavelength, NA1 is a numerical aperture, t1 and t2 are a thickness of a transparent base board of the first information recording medium and the second information recording medium.

Abstract: An optical system includes a diffractive optical element in which a phase given to incident light from an optical axis toward the peripheral part in the radial direction is not reversed in an effective area and an absolute value of optical power on the optical axis is made minimum. In the optical system, chromatic aberration of magnification of a high order is satisfactorily corrected and flare caused by additional diffraction light (unnecessary diffraction light) is suppressed to as minimum as possible while maintaining a high imaging performance up to peripheral part of a field angle.

Abstract: A high resolution lens is provided as a condensing lens for collecting light made incident from a light source, of which one face is plane and the other face is curved. The curved face of the lens is coated with a reflecting material except for its central apex portion, and incident light is made incident through the plan portion of the lens. The curved face of the high resolution lens may be spherical or is a parabolic face to reduce aberration. When a parallel light is made incident on the plane face of the high resolution lens, it is reflected in the lens and totally reflected, and then is transmitted through the uncoated apex to an external object.

Abstract: A novel thin infrared lens comprising an infrared lens and a hard and thin substrate that allows infrared lights to penetrate, is disclosed. The infrared lens may be a Fresnel refraction lens, prepared as a thin film by injection or casting. The infrared lens is attached to the thin substrate to form a lens assembly. The infrared lens may be pressed or adhered to the thin substrate or enveloped by the thin substrate to form the assembly.

Abstract: A lens system is particularly designed for use in an image reading device, essentially including three lenses elements, wherein two or three of them are plastic lenses.

Abstract: In the vehicle surrounding viewing system 1A, the light shielding member 27, that is coated on the areas other than the effective area of the surface of the prism 4 provided in the case 3, can transmit only the ray of light 18L, that enters into the transmit window 2L of the case 3, then passes through the prism side surface 8L, and then internally reflects at the prism side surface 8R, and subsequently is focused by the focusing lens 9 to be guided to the left half plane 10L of the image pick-up plane of the image pick-up element 10, and also the ray of light 18R, that enters into the transmit window 2R of the case 3, then passes through the prism side surface 8R, and then internally reflects at the prism side surface 8L, and subsequently is focused by the focusing lens 9 to be guided to the right half plane 10R of the image pick-up plane of the image pick-up element 10.

Abstract: A multi-beam optical systems forms a plurality of beam spots on an object surface to be exposed. The system includes a light source that emits a light beam having a plurality of peak wavelengths, a diffraction beam-dividing element that divides the light beam into a plurality of light beams exiting at the different diffraction angles, and a compensating optical system whose lateral magnification is inversely proportional to the wavelength of the light beam to compensate deviation of the diffraction angle of the diffracted light beams caused due to wavelength dependence of the diffraction beam-dividing element. The compensating optical system includes a diffractive lens component.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises an object for display, a retro-reflector receiving light from the object, a beam-splitter in a path for light from the object to the retro-reflector, and a Fresnel lens (having no point of central symmetry) between the beam-splitter and the retro-reflector. The beam-splitter makes an oblique angle to the direction of propagation of the light, such that it transmits some light and reflects the rest. Light from the beam-splitter passes through the lens to the retro-reflector, which reflects it back through the lens to the beam-splitter. This retro-reflected light is reflected and/or transmitted by the beam-splitter to form a real image suspended in space. The type of Fresnel lens used in the apparatus improves viewability because unwanted reflections from the surfaces of the lens are shifted such that they are no longer visible when viewing the suspended image.

Abstract: A solar concentrator includes high concentrating reflective or refractive optics concentrating collected solar light along a first axis and includes spectrum splitting reflective or refractive optics splitting collected solar light along a second axis for illuminating photovoltaic solar panels with spectrum split light having a plurality of frequency components respectively illuminating horizontally aligned subarrays of cells of associated bandgaps forming a panel matrix of cells for high concentration spectrum splitting solar power collection for efficient solar power conversion.

Abstract: A shaping optic for diode light sheets. The Fresnel cylinder lens has a plurality of facets that channel multiple light sheet output from a diode stack having arbitrary pitch and diode bar number into a gaussian pump light deposition profile within a laser gain medium. In a specific embodiment, the lens is formed of fused silica or BK7 glass covered with broad angle anti-reflection coating, and the vertical extent of the facets is matched to the pitch spacing of the diode.

Abstract: Viewing aids useful for doors and windows, especially in aeroplanes, comprising as an essential element a pane made of a transparent material, which pane has at least one optically active surface comprising a plurality, i.e. at least two, of prisms, or a Fresnel lens, or a combination of both.

Abstract: In the lens embodiment, the invention described herein incorporates a first fluid with a first refractive index in a first series of concentric zones and a second fluid with a second refractive index in a second series of concentric zones. The two zones being adjacent to one another alternating between a concentric circle of the first then a concentric circle of the second then the first and etc. Wherein each circular zone in the series of first and second fluid zones are separated by a transparent barrier with elasticity. Additionally, fluid can be added or subtracted to each concentric circle as desired through ports in their otherwise sealed chambers. The structure and process described produces a refractive and/or diffractive optical component which is predictably and reliably variable as to its focal length and transmittance direction.

Abstract: A micro relief element which comprises

Abstract: A vehicle (10) includes an infrared imaging system, which has a collection device (22) that collects infrared radiation and supplies it through a cable (24) to a head-up display (27). The head-up display includes an image generator (41) which produces a visible image corresponding to information collected by the collecting device, a lens (43) through which the visible image passes, and a reflector (46). The reflector is a portion of the vehicle windshield (14), and reflects the visible image toward the eyes of a driver (11). The lens has on one side a Fresnel lens surface (56) with a rotationally symmetric power, and has on the opposite side a Fresnel lens surface (57) with a cylindrical power that compensates for asymmetric factors such as the curvature and tilt of the windshield.

Abstract: A flow cell 2, a composite lens 15, and first to third detectors 16 to 18 are arranged in this sequence in the light pathway of light emitted from a laser light source 1. The composite lens 15 is configured by a convex lens 15a, and lens elements 15b and 15c. These lenses have different focal lengths. When the posture of the composite lens is correct, light impinging on the convex lens forms an image on the first detector. Therefore, the positioning of the composite lens is enabled. When particles in the flow cell are irradiated with laser light, forward scatter is produced. Forward small angle scatter having a small scattering angle impinges on the first lens element 15b to be collected thereby, and is then received by the second detector 17. Forward large angle scatter having a large scattering angle impinges on the second lens element 15c in the outermost periphery to be collected thereby, and is then received by the third detector 18 which is remotest from the composite lens.

Abstract: The present invention is a screen, such as is used in back-lit projection screens, having a Fresnel lens laminated to another layer for support. The screen includes a Fresnel lens having an output surface, and a dispersing screen supportingly attached on a first side to the output surface of the Fresnel lens.

Abstract: Disclosed is a working method of a die which can prevent the decrease in the service life of a cutting tool due to the chip-off of a tip thereof and add an additional value to the Fresnel lens. The working method is the one for working a die for use for a Fresnel lens, the method being intended to work in an original die plate a Fresnel molding groove having wall surfaces corresponding to a lens surface and a non-lens surface of the Fresnel lens, wherein there is used a cutting tool wherein one piece of edge line continuing to a blade end is constructed as a cutting edge; and the blade end has formed therein a notched portion which connects the one piece of edge line and another piece of edge line.

Abstract: A solar concentrator having a housing that supports at least one photovoltaic cell therein. A heat sink underlies the photovoltaic cell and a transparent cover, preferably glass, protects the surface of the cell. Positive and negative contacts are operatively connected to the cell to transmit the electrical energy generated thereby. A primary optical concentrator is provided in the form of a Fresnel lens. The Fresnel lens has a central facet and a plurality of adjacent facets of varying widths, the width of each successive adjacent facet decreasing in the direction away from the central facet. The radius of curvature of each successive adjacent facet increases in the direction away from the central facet. All of the facets have a peak of the same height and a valley of the same height. The Fresnel lens has a predetermined focal distance and the photovoltaic cell is supported within the housing within the focal range of the lens and at a distance from the lens that is less than the focal distance.

Abstract: The object of the prevent invention is to provide an optical system for producing variable refraction with minimized dispersion. A first material with a first apex angle in a first state and a second material with a second apex angle in a first state produce a first net refraction angle in at least two frequencies of electromagnetic radiation such that the beams that entered parallel exit parallel (to within a controllable tolerance). Said first material with said first apex angle in a second state and said second material with said second apex angle in a second state produce a second net refraction angle in at least two frequencies of electromagnetic radiation such that the beams that entered parallel exit parallel (to within a controllable tolerance).

Abstract: In an image pickup lens including a lens body, at least one of faces of the lens body is formed into an aspherical shape, and at least one of a first face of the lens body adjacent an object and a second face of said lens body adjacent an image pickup surface is a Fresnel face. Thus, the image pickup lens can be reduced in size, and the optical characteristics of the image pickup lens can be enhanced remarkably in a simple structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a solar compound concentrator of an electric power generation system. A compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) is mounted under an acrylic concentrating fresnel lens that concentrates the intensity of sunlight to five to ten times above normal level. Then the focused sunlight is further concentrated twenty to fifty times by the CPC collector. The intensified sunlight is focused on the bottom of the CPC. The high mirror quality of CPC allows 98% of the reflected rays to be incident on the bottom of the CPC. A cermet coating is spattered onto the top of a stainless steel heat pipe (heat exchanger) allowing for an absorptivity of 96%.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical arrangement comprising at least two optical elements, such as Fresnel lenses or linear prism sheets arranged with their structured surfaces pointing toward one another, and to the use thereof for various projectors and displays. The solution according to the invention seeks to reduce light losses and allows a large intercept distance on one side. This object is achieved by the active edges of the two optical elements that are designed and oriented with respect to one another in such a way that light enters or emerges from the active edges of one of the two optical elements at least in a virtually orthogonal manner.

Abstract: A novel system and method for viewing optical images with enhanced apparent depth is disclosed. The present invention utilizes the combined effects of a polarizing layer and a magnifying layer to achieve the enhanced apparent depth of the images being viewed. In a preferred embodiment, a polarizing layer is used in combination with a Fresnel layer having concentric circles to enhance the apparent depth of the images being viewed.

Abstract: An image magnifying/reducing optical device includes a base member having first and second surfaces which are approximately parallel to one another; and a plurality of high-refractive-index regions formed in the base member. The plurality of high-refractive-index regions continuously extending from the first surface to the second surface of the base member; and a sectional area of each of said plurality of high-refractive-index regions around the second surface being larger than that around the first surface.

Abstract: A luminous flux diameter variable type objective lens having a wavelength selectivity is disposed within a luminous flux. Arranged on a surface of the lens are a first region 11 with no diffraction gratings, and a second region 12 with diffraction gratings. The diffraction gratings each having a rectangular cross section are linearly arranged in the second region 12. The thickness (height) h of the diffraction grating 12A is set to such a value that the ratio of ± first-order diffracted light becomes much greater for the light having a wavelength of 780 nm used for CD-R, whereas the ratio of zero-order diffracted light becomes substantially 100% for the light having a wavelength of 635 nm used for DVD.

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

Abstract: A magneto optic or optical disk drive comprises a laser source for providing laser beam, and a lens or compound lens for focussing the laser onto a currently inserted recording disk with specific overcoat thickness. In one embodiment, the lens is a compound lens that can focus aberration-free spots on different types of disk media having recording layers located under overcoats of different thicknesses. When a specific disk is inserted, only one spot in focussed onto the current recording layer. Furthermore, if the disk spins rapidly, it can wobble. The lens or compound lens comprises different regions where the focal length may vary slightly and continuously or discretely. Because of this, as the disk wobbles, the lens can nonetheless continue to focus laser light onto a small spot on the recording media, providing increased depth of focus in the vicinity of the currently inserted recording media.

Abstract: An optical element includes a first substrate having a diffractive surface or a surface structure with a surface level difference, a second substrate for covering the diffractive surface or the surface structure to provide a shield therefor, and a groove provided at the diffractive surface or the surface structure, and extending from a central portion to a peripheral portion thereof, for discharging or replacing a gas at the diffractive surface or the surface structure therethrough.

Abstract: A glass lens for an automotive, high intensity, high temperature lighting device. More specifically, the glass lens combines a sealed-beam lamp lens design with a Fresnel lens shaped portion that is integrally formed on the inner surface of the lens. This combined glass lens configuration removes the current need and practice to provide a second lens or cover to protect an inner, light converting and focusing lens. A single-piece, exterior glass lens construction that comprises a focusing Fresnel lens portion with a smooth peripheral portion is useful to reduce costs and simplify manufacture of lamp components for automotive lighting devices, such as headlamps or fog lamps, to which the present invention is directed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a photovoltaic module including a plurality of concentrators each having a light-incident plane and a reflection plane, and photo detectors. Each photo detector is in contact with one of the concentrators. The module is capable of effectively trapping light and effectively generating power throughout the year even if the module is established such that sunlight at the equinoxes is made incident on the light-incident planes not in a perpendicular manner but instead obliquely, for example, in the case where the module is established in contact with a curved plane of a roof, or the like.

Abstract: A rear projection screen is used for a projection optical system where projected lights perpendicularly enter the screen from the rear face of the screen includes a Fresnel lens sheet incorporating a prism and a lenticular lens sheet that horizontally disperses lights emitted from the Fresnel lens sheet incorporating a prism. The Fresnel lens sheet incorporating a prism has a linear prism, which acts as a linear Fresnel lens for converging image lights in the screen height direction, at the projection light source side, and has a circular Fresnel lens, which acts to converge image lights in the direction of the screen center, at the observer side. According to the rear projection screen, the peak screen gain is increased and the peripheral luminance ratio is improved without degrading light utilization efficiency.

Abstract: A monolithic element has a substrate body and at least one macro-optical characteristic integral in a first portion of the optical element. A plurality of surface micro-structures are integral in a portion of the optical element. The micro-structures are designed to homogenize light passing through the optical element to produce a predetermined pattern of smoothly varying, non-discontinuous light exiting the optical element. The light exiting the optical element is therefore altered according to both the macro-optical characteristic of the optical element as well as the homogenizing characteristics of the micro-structures.