Abstract: A light-source device comprising: a rod integrator having an injection end and an emitting end; a lens unit for collecting a luminous flux emitted from the emitting end; and, a diaphragm. The rod integrator forms a plurality of imaginary light-source points, each of which virtually emits the luminous flux toward the emitting end. The diaphragm is disposed in the vicinity of a plane on which the lens unit forms the images of the imaginary light-source points, and selectively blocks luminous flux emitted from each of the images of the imaginary light-source points.

Abstract: An afocal zoom lens comprising, in order from an object side, a first lens group having a positive refractive power, a second lens group having a negative refractive power, a third lens group having a positive refractive power and a fourth lens group having a negative refractive power; the second lens group being movable in a fixed direction from the object side to an image side and the third lens group being movable in a fixed direction from the image side to the object side at the time of the zooming of from the low magnification end state to the high magnification end state. The afocal zoom lens fulfills specific conditions. The afocal zoom lens has a zoom ratio of 14 magnifications or higher and has a good optical performance. Also disclosed is a microscope having such a lens.

Abstract: The light-weight clinical viewer includes a two-element objective lens and a single-element eyepiece lens. Use of multiple lenses allows for a more compact package. The doublet objective serves to reduce vignetting while providing a wide field of view and reduced chromatic aberration. Image quality is further enhanced, while keeping the weight of the viewer down, through the use in the objective of light-weight high index glass. Moreover, the invention permits the use of a single mounting barrel assembly for different eyepieces to reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: There is provided an improved night vision goggle having a housing containing an objective lens assembly, an image intensifier tube, a collimator assembly, a splitter member, and a pair of afocal telescopes. The optical axis of the afocal telescopes are offset from the optical axis of the collimator and objective lens assemblies. A pair of achromatic doublet lens assemblies are mounted side-by-side on the exit side of the collimator and near the entrance pupils of the telescopes. The optical axes of the doublet lens assemblies are coaxial with the optical axes of the telescopes. The achromatic doublet lens assemblies thus collect light from a sub-diameter, decentered aperture of the collimator assembly, and correct axial chromatic aberration in the telescopes.

Abstract: An optical viewfinder system comprising two optical elements, and a field stop or a reticle, to provide an image of a scene to a viewer, and further comprising a diffractive optical element to provide a clear, stationary image of the field stop or reticle to the viewer.

Abstract: A magnification viewer system includes a pair of magnification viewers adapted to be inserted into apertures in a pair of spectacle lenses to provide a relatively wider field of view and a lighter viewer system. Each magnification viewer includes a two-element objective lens and a single-element eyepiece lens. The doublet objective lens serves to reduce vignetting while providing a wide field of view and reduced chromatic aberration. Image quality may be further enhanced while keeping the weight of the viewer down through the use of light-weight high index glass for the objective lens. Moreover, the invention permits the use of interchangeable eyepiece lenses to provide a series of working distances, as well as interchangeable eyepiece segments to enable the magnification viewers to be corrected to the user's ophthalmic prescription. In order to reduce the criticality of the interpupillary distance, eyepiece lenses are formed with a 16 millimeter (mm) diameter.

Abstract: An afocal telescope operating in the thermal infra-red waveband has a three-element objective comprising a positively-powered central lens element disposed between positively powered and negatively powered lateral lens elements, the positively powered lateral lens element being located proximal to the inter-mediate image and incorporating a hybrid surface simultaneously to correct longitudinal and field colour, and wherein one of the positively powered lens elements of the objective is made of a material having a negative temperature refractive index co-efficient and has an optical power selected to render the telescope athermal.

Abstract: An afocal lens system is provided between two different mediums having dirent indices of refraction and dispersion values, and is used in such devices as diver-masks. The lateral chromatic aberration inherent in the usual flat-surface of a transparent protecting mask is greatly reduced. This is done by an arrangement which combines a positive low dispersion lens with a negative high dispersion lens in various arrangements with each other.

Abstract: An optical system for a view finder reduced in the overall length without aggravation of the optical performance has a negative power object lens and a positive power eyepiece lens each of which has an asphrical surface at at least one side respectively. The negative power object lens having a concave object side lens surface is comprised of a rectangular-shaped solid lens base with its four corners cut away along periphery of the concave lens surface.

Abstract: An illumination optical system having an afocal optical system includes a first group of lenses having negative refracting power, a second group of lenses having positive refracting power and being positioned further away from a light source than the first group of lenses, and a third group of lenses having positive refracting power and being positioned further away from the light source than the second group of lenses, wherein the afocal optical system expands a parallel beam of light emitted from the light source or converts the parallel beam of light into a parallel beam having equivalent magnification.

Abstract: The light-weight high-magnification clinical viewer includes a three-element objective lens and a two-element eyepiece lens. Use of multiple lenses allows for a more compact package. The doublet eyepiece lens serves to reduce chromatic aberration at high magnification. The triplet objective serves to avoid vignetting while providing a wide field of view and reduced chromatic aberration. Image quality is further enhanced, while keeping the weight of the viewer down, through the use in the objective of light-weight high index glass.

Abstract: A viewfinder having an optical axis and comprising a negative lens component including a lens element having a first diffractive surface which introduces a phase modification .phi.(r) into a light wavefront passing through this diffractive surface and a positive lens component receiving phase modified light from the negative power lens component.

Abstract: A mounting adapter for coupling a TV lens or other type of lens to a night vision device is provided. The mounting adapter is a longitudinal tubular member that has an exterior surface that tapers from a wider first end to a narrower second end. The interior surface of the wider first end includes a first threaded region to removably couple the mounting adapter to a night vision device. A second threaded region is located on the interior surface of the narrower second end for removably coupling a TV lens or other optical device to the mounting adapter. The mounting adapter defines a cavity for receiving a portion of an image intensifier tube, this cavity being located just past the first threaded region. At the end of the cavity there is defined an annular-shaped seat which abuts against the image intensifier tube when the mounting adapter is coupled to the night vision device.

Abstract: A reverse Galilean finder in which a front frame, preferably associated with a front element is projected away from the eye by the finder optics without separate frame projection optics to a position such that the distance between the apparent position of the frame to the eye and the rear vertex of the finder divided by the length of the finder is at least 2.2.

Abstract: The light-weight clinical viewer includes a two-element objective lens and a single-element eyepiece lens. Use of multiple lenses allows for a more compact package. The doublet objective serves to reduce vignetting while providing a wide field of view and reduced chromatic aberration. Image quality is further enhanced, while keeping the weight of the viewer down, through the use in the objective of light-weight high index glass. Moreover, the invention permits the use of a single mounting barrel assembly for different eyepieces to reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A telescope includes a master telescope whose aberration has been independently corrected and which has an objective lens and an ocular lens. A rear conversion lens is provided on the image side of the objective lens of the master telescope and is made of a single lens having a concave surface that faces an object side. The rear conversion lens meets the requirements defined by the following relationships: f.sub.o '/f.sub.o >1 and 0.5<(dx.sub.2 /dh.sub.2)/(dx.sub.1 /dh.sub.1)<1.3, wherein "f.sub.o " represents the focal length of the objective lens of the master telescope; "f.sub.o '" represents the resultant focal length of the objective lens of the master telescope and the rear conversion lens; "dx.sub.1 /dh.sub.1 " represents an inclination of an incident surface of the rear conversion lens at an incident point thereof, upon which light is incident at a height h.sub.1 ; "dx.sub.2 /dh.sub.

Abstract: A re-imaging objective optical system provides superior optical performance while having a short overall length and a relatively simple composition. The system has, in order from the object side of the optical system, a front lens group (G1) composed of a first lens group having a positive lens component (L1), a second lens group having a biconcave negative lens component (L2) and a third lens group having a positive lens component (L3); and a back lens group G2 composed of a cemented double lens element with components (L4 and L5) and a positive lens component (L6). The spatial or primary image I.sub.1 from the objective optical system is formed on the optical path between the first lens group and the second lens group.

Abstract: The light-weight high-magnification clinical viewer includes a three-element objective lens and a two-element eyepiece lens. Use of multiple lenses allows for a more compact package. The doublet eyepiece lens serves to reduce chromatic aberration at high magnification. The triplet objective serves to avoid vignetting while providing a wide field of view and reduced chromatic aberration. Image quality is further enhanced, while keeping the weight of the viewer down, through the use in the objective of light-weight high index glass.

Abstract: A reversed Galilean finder optical system includes the first lens unit with a negative refracting power and the second lens unit with a positive refracting power. The second lens unit consists of a single positive lens in which the refracting power of the surface on the pupil side is higher than that of the surface on the object side. At least one surface of the positive lens is aspherical. Thus, the reversed Galilean finder optical system is constructed as the finder which has compact design and good performance.

Abstract: A light-weight clinical viewer includes a two-element objective lens and a single-element eyepiece lens. Use of multiple lenses allows for a more compact package. The doublet objective serves to reduce vignetting while providing a wide field of view and reduced chromatic aberration. Image quality is further enhanced, while keeping the weight of the viewer down, through the use in the objective of light-weight high index glass. Moreover, the invention permits the use of a single mounting barrel assembly for different eyepieces to reduce manufacturing costs.

Abstract: A coupling device and associated method for coupling an unassociated afocal optical assembly to a night vision apparatus in order to alter the optical power normally associated with the night vision. The coupling device includes two separate adapter rings that threadably connect to each other. The first adaptor ring is sized and shaped to threadably engage the night vision apparatus proximate the objective lens of the night vision apparatus. The second adaptor ring is sized and shaped to screw onto the output end of the afocal optical assembly. Accordingly, when the first adaptor ring is joined to the second adaptor ring, the output end of the afocal optical assembly is optically aligned with the objective lens of the night vision apparatus. Consequently, the afocal optical assembly enhances the optical power associated with the night vision apparatus.

Abstract: An afocal optical system is formed by a paraboroid mirror and an optical element having a stereographic projection characteristics which is defined by the following equation:hi'=2.multidot.f.multidot.tan (.theta.i/2)where hi' is a height of a light beam, leaving the optical element, taken from the optical axis or a heigh of an image taken from the optical axis, f is a focal length of the optical element and .theta.i is an angle of incidence with respect to the optical element. The focal point of the optical element coincide with that of the first paraboroid mirror. Thus, a compact afocal optical system which satisfies hi'=m.multidot.hi is manufactured at low costs.

Abstract: A telemicroscopic lens configuration for high quality optical imaging applications which provides high magnification of a work area with a wide field of view. The telemicroscopic lens configuration is a Galilean-type configuration having a positive-power objective lens and a negative-power eyepiece lens separated by an air space. The focal length of the objective lens and the air space distance are optimized to provide the magnification and overall effective focal length of the instrument. The focal length of the eyepiece lens is chosen so that the object being magnified appears in front of the viewer. Different lens materials are selected to minimize polychromatic aberrations. The shape of the objective lens, including radius of curvature and thickness of each lens element, is optimized to minimize monochromatic aberrations, which principally include spherical aberration and coma.

Abstract: A unibody viewfinder for use in a single use camera includes a pair of optically aligned lenses integrally connected to a support structure which may, for instance, be the top surface of such a camera. A mold and method for making the viewfinder in a single molding process includes means for retracting the lens-forming elements to allow release of the viewfinder despite the presence of undercuts in the finished product.

Abstract: An optical rotation device with infinite depth of field for transmitting optical images along an optical axis and selectively rotating the image about the optical axis, while preserving all of the three dimensional characteristics of the image. The optical rotation device consists of two optical elements optically coupled in series, each of which produces an inversion of the image about an axis orthogonal to the optical axis. Rotation of the image by any angle in the plane normal to the optical axis is achieved by rotating the two optical elements relative to one another about the optical axis.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for magnifying the image of distant objects which has the unique feature that, unlike the Galilean telescope, the magnification is largely determined by how far the eye is located from the apparatus. Furthermore, unlike the Loupe, objects to be viewed can be at any arbitrarily large distance from the apparatus. In addition, the apparatus does not require positioning of the eye at the exit pupil of the instrument; it does not require centering of the eye on the optic axis of the instrument; and it does not require refocusing for different object distances. Still, it provides erect, non-inverted images to the viewer. The includes a positive optical element defining an optic axis for the apparatus and having a positive focal length for converging an incoming bundle of rays of electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A variety of optical systems can be formed from select configurations of micro-optic multiplets (MOM) comprised of two or more microlens modules (MLM). The MLMs themselves are formed from planar arrays of microlenses. An optical system configured in accordance with the present invention forms a single primary image, together with a set of images transversely displaced from an optic axis and is characterized by the property that the image distance and the object distance move in the same direction, in stark contrast to known lens systems. For example, when an object distance decreases, the corresponding image distance also decreases with the present optical system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved collimator assembly that includes two separate optical paths. Each optical path passes through a corrector lens arrangement substantially centered and aligned with one of two eyepiece lens assemblies. Each corrector lens arrangement is constructed so as to selectively refract light passing through it, in such a manner so as to counteract and reduce the axial chromatic aberrations that occur in the eyepiece lens assemblies.

Abstract: A doorscope comprising an inner tube which encases two sets of lenses, the one set being the object lens set, encased in the outer, or external portion of the doorscope, and composed of two opposed and adjacent concave lenses, and the other lens being an ocular lens of a convex design, and encased in the internal portion of the inner tube. An outer tube is screwed onto the inner tube, and, having a retaining flange on its outer end, holds the doorscope firmly against the outer surface of the door. An adjusting tube, having an enlarged diameter, milled surface area, is screwed onto the inner, or interior end of the inner tube, and is tightened against the inner surface of the door, using the milled gripping surface, thereby requiring no tools To prevent danger to the viewer when placing their eye against the doorscope, a rubberized hood is affixed onto the inwardly protruding end of the adjusting tube, thereby allowing the viewer to place their eye against the doorscope without danger to the eye.

Abstract: There is provided an improved night vision goggle having a housing containing an objective lens assembly, an image intensifier tube, a collimator assembly, a splitter member, and a pair of afocal telescopes. The optical axis of the afocal telescopes are offset from the optical axis of the collimator and objective lens assemblies. A pair of achromatic doublet lens assemblies are mounted side-by-side on the exit side of the collimator and near the entrance pupils of the telescopes. The optical axes of the doublet lens assemblies are coaxial with the optical axes of the telescopes. The achromatic doublet lens assemblies thus collect light from a sub-diameter, decentered aperture of the collimator assembly, and correct axial chromatic aberration in the telescopes.

Abstract: Telescopes, both Galilean and astronomical, are mounted to small arms such as rifles, shotguns, pistols and bows. These telescopes are miniature in size mounted into the aiming mechanism of the small arm. The telescope imagery is engineered to produce simultaneous viewing of target and sight. Objects, including a barrel end post, at varying distances from the scope are all observed clearly, sharply and simultaneously on the image or exit pupil of the scope. This imagery may be enhanced with the use of glare control structures. Galilean scopes are herein described as being used with a reticle structure on the scope eyepiece or on, or beyond, the objective lens for calibrating/aiming guns and bows. The reticle figures are most accurately employed at eye relief distances of from near point (approximately 25 cm) to arms length (approximately 56 cm).

Abstract: A fiberoptic wide-angle illuminating device includes a fiberoptic cable providing a bundle of optical fibers for conducting light, a yoke having a C-shaped head receiving and supporting output ends of the optical fibers arranged in a splayed-out fashion in a row and defining a single elongated aperture aligned with the output ends of the optical fibers for receiving and passing light emitted from the optical fibers, and a single wide-angle optical lens which is preferably spherical or cylindrical aligned in a predetermined relationship with the single aperture for receiving light emitted from the optical fibers through the aperture and for projecting the light in a desired beam pattern. The single aperture has a configuration of an arc such that the lens projects the light in an arcuate beam pattern.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved collimator assembly that includes two separate optical paths. Each optical path passes through a corrector lens arrangement substantially centered and aligned with one of two eyepiece lens assemblies. Each corrector lens arrangement is constructed so as to selectively refract light passing through it, in such a manner so as to counteract and reduce the axial chromatic aberrations that occur in the eyepiece lens assemblies.

Abstract: A door viewer includes two prisms of rectangular isosceles triangle shape in cross section whose hypotenuse surface abut horizontally, a front convex lens and a plano-convex eyepiece lens. The front convex lens has a front concave surface and a rear convex surface to correct chromatic aberration. The convex surfaces of the front and eyepiece lens are positioned face to face with each other to correct barrel distortion. The view casts an image onto a ground glass section formed on or provided abutting the eyepiece lens.

Abstract: A telemicroscope has a light absorbing and blocking annular baffle within the telemicroscope barrel. The baffle is positioned between the front and rear lenses and reduces glare in the telemicroscope by blocking and absorbing light which would ordinarily reflect off the inner surfaces of the telemicroscope barrel. The baffle has a knife-edge inner diameter and its surfaces are given a dull finish to enhance its light absorbing properties.

Abstract: A door-mounted security peephole providing an undistorted view over a relatively large area by use of a beam splitter optical system. The peephole comprises a door-mounted housing containing a beam splitter and light source arranged so that light is reflected from the beam splitter and toward the area exterior of the door. An observer behind the door may view the door exterior area including a visitor at the door entrance. The visitor, however, cannot see the observer through the beam splitter, because of the light reflected therefrom, thus increasing the overall security aspect. The design exploits the contrast sensitivity of the human eye as a function of field brightness.

Abstract: A system of matching optics for gaussian beams. The matching optics system is positioned between a light beam emitter (such as a laser) and the input optics of a second optics system whereby the output from the light beam emitter is converted into an optimum input for the succeeding parts of the second optical system. The matching optics arrangement includes the combination of a light beam emitter, such as a laser with a movable afocal lens pair (telescope) and a single movable lens placed in the laser's output beam. The single movable lens serves as an input to the telescope. If desired, a second lens, which may be fixed, is positioned in the beam before the adjustable lens to serve as an input processor to the movable lens. The system provides the ability to choose waist diameter and position independently and achieve the desired values with two simple adjustments not requiring iteration.