Abstract: Methods for fabricating an optical film characterizable by a relationship between gain and thickness to prism pitch ratio (S/p) that varies cyclically are described. The thickness and the prism pitch of the optical film are selected based on the relationship between gain and S/p ratio, to obtain a desired gain. The optical film is formed having the S/p ratio that provides the desired gain.

Abstract: A variable attenuator is provided for selectively attenuating a radiation beam in a lithographic apparatus. The attenuator is generally planar and comprises two wedge shaped prisms formed of refractive material located adjacent to each other, arranged so that the radiation beam passes through both prisms. The attenuator is rotatable to vary the angle at which radiation strikes the prisms, thus varying the transmission at each surface.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-panel color management system for projection display applications, wherein color sequencing is accomplished using achromatic beam switching and static color separation. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid-crystal polarization switch alternates a polarization of an input light beam between two orthogonal states. A polarization beam splitter directs the beam comprising three primary color components alternately along a first and second paths, wherein first and second different secondary color filters are disposed for forming first and second secondary colored beams, each having two different primary color components. A dichroic color separator alternately receives the first and second secondary colored beams, separates their primary color components and directs them to first and second imager panels. A beam combiner combines the first polarized primary color beam from the first imager and the second polarized primary color beam from the second imager to form a projection beam.

Abstract: An optical device for combining a first light beam and at least one second light beam includes a first beam splitting device, a second beam splitting device and a position detector. The first beam splitting device splits a first reference beam from the first light beam and a second reference beam from the second light beam. The second beam splitting device splits a third reference beam from the first light beam and a fourth reference beam from the second light beam. The position detector detects respective positions of the reference beams so as to enable a respective propagation direction and/or a respective position of the first and/or second light beams to be adjusted as a function of the detected positions of the reference beams.

Abstract: A disclosed optical window member includes a transparent synthetic resin plate comprising a surface with a protruding/recessed pattern of a predetermined fineness that causes light diffusion; and an optical thin film formed on the surface of the transparent synthetic resin plate with the protruding/recessed pattern. The optical thin film determines a component of light transmitted through the optical thin film and light reflected from the optical thin film.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a light source, a light guide disposed on one side of the light source, a reflector disposed under the light guide, a lower diffuser disposed on the light guide, and a brightness enhancement film, which is disposed on the lower diffuser and includes a main part and several prism structures disposed side by side on a main part plane of the main part. Each prism structure includes first to third triangular prisms. The second triangular prism is adjacent to one side of the first triangular prism, and an adjacent angle adjacent to a base angle of the first triangular prism is a right angle. The third triangular prism is adjacent to another side of the first triangular prism, and an adjacent angle adjacent to another base angle of the first triangular prism is a right angle.

Abstract: A color-splitting optical element is disclosed that includes a first prism having a first transmissive curved outer side, a second transmissive curved outer side and an inner side. The color-splitting optical element also includes a second prism having a first transmissive curved outer side, a second side and an inner side. A dichroic element is disposed between the inner side of the first prism and the inner side of the second prism. The first transmissive curved outer side of the first prism is disposed generally opposite the first transmissive curved outer side of the second prism along a first direction and the second transmissive curved outer side of the first prism is disposed generally opposite the second side of the second prism along a second direction. Also disclosed are optical systems utilizing such color-splitting optical elements.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a dermatological device that comprises a optical mask that is adapted to receive a radiation beam, e.g., from an external radiation source via an optical fiber, and to transform the beam into a plurality of beamlets. A zoom lens system is optically coupled to the optical mask so as to receive the beamlets, wherein zoom lens system is capable of focusing the beamlets into a plurality of separate skin portions. The zoom lens system can provide adjustable magnification while substantially preserving the locations of the focused spots within the skin. By way of example, the zoom lens system can be a parfocal inverting optical system.

Abstract: An optic film has a surface on which a plurality of rib-like micro light guides is formed. Each light guide includes a plurality of ridges, which are of different height and shows variation of height. Either a high ridge or a low ridge of the light guide is made a continuous left-and-right wavy configuration and/or a continuous up-and-down height-variation configuration. Thus, light transmitting through the optic film and converged by the light guides leaves the optic film in a form that is not very regular so as to facilitate subsequent use of the light in for example a liquid crystal panel.

Abstract: A prism assembly for use in optical devices, which includes a total internal reflection (TIR) assembly for redirecting an incoming lightbeam, a color prism assembly for splitting the incoming lightbeam into spectral bands, and at least one reflection light valve for redirecting and recombining the spectral bands to form an outgoing lightbeam, wherein the total internal reflection assembly has a back surface and said color prism assembly has a frontal surface facing said back surface and being parallel therewith, and wherein said back surface forms an angle with a general plane defined by the incoming and the outgoing lightbeams, which is different from 90°.

Abstract: A light guide device comprises: a light guide plate made of transparent materials; and a light concentrating and diffusing structural portion integrally formed on an upper or outer portion of the light guide plate adjacent to a light-outgoing surface of the light guide plate in order to enhance the light concentrating effect and the light diffusing effect of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An optical zoom system has two prisms to form an optical path loop for increasing the optical pathlength in a small device. The optical path loop is effectively introduced into the light path of the image sensor. The prisms are arranged such that the optical paths bounded by the internal reflecting surfaces form a rectangular loop. A reflecting module is inserted in the optical loop to direct the incoming light beam into the loop, and to direct the light beam exiting the other prism toward an image sensor for image formation. As such, a zooming lens group and a focusing lens group can be inserted into the loop to carry out the zooming and focusing functions.

Abstract: An optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer between the first and second transparent layers. The above-described three layers are integrally formed, with the first transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer. The first transparent layer defines many of micro protrusions protruding from an outer surface thereof. Each micro protrusion has at least three flat side surfaces connected to each other, and a transverse width of each side surface decreases along a direction away from the light diffusion layer. The second transparent layer defines many of V-shaped protrusions at an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: An optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer between the first and second transparent layers. The first transparent layer, the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent layer are integrally formed, with the first transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer. The first transparent layer defines a plurality of V-shaped protrusions protruding out from an outer surface distalmost from the first transparent layer. The second transparent layer defines a plurality of conical frustum depressions at an outer surface thereof distalmost from the first transparent layer.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate (20) includes a first transparent layer (21), a second transparent layer (23) and a light diffusion layer (22). The first transparent layer includes an outer surface (210) and a plurality of spherical protrusions (211) protruding out from the outer surface. The second transparent layer includes an outer surface (230) and a plurality of micro protrusions (231) protruding out from the outer surface. The light diffusion layer is integrally formed with the first and second transparent layers and is between the first and second transparent layers. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin (221) and a plurality of diffusion particles (222) dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. An exemplary backlight module (200) employing the optical plate is also provided.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer, a second transparent layer and a light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer is between the first and second transparent layers. The light diffusion layer, the first and second transparent layers are integrally formed. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin and a plurality of diffusion particles dispersed in the transparent matrix resin. The first transparent layer includes a plurality of V-shaped protrusions at an outer surface distalmost from the second transparent layer. The second transparent layer includes a plurality of spherical protrusions at an outer surface distalmost from the first transparent layer.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer (21), a second transparent layer (23) and a light diffusion layer (22). The first transparent layer includes an outer surface (210) and a plurality of spherical protrusions (211) protruding out from the outer surface. The second transparent layer includes an outer surface (230) and a plurality of conical frustum protrusions (231) protruding out from the outer surface. The first transparent, the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent are integrally formed, with the first transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin (221) and a plurality of diffusion particles (222) dispersed in the transparent matrix resin.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer (21), a second transparent layer (23) and a light diffusion layer (22). The first transparent layer includes an outer surface (210) and a plurality of semi-spherical protrusions (211) protruding out from the outer surface. The second transparent layer includes an outer surface (230) and a plurality of conical frustum-shaped depressions (231) defined at the outer surface. The first transparent, the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent are integrally formed, with the first transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin (221) and a plurality of diffusion particles (222) dispersed in the transparent matrix resin.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate includes a first transparent layer (21), a second transparent layer (23) and a light diffusion layer (22). The first transparent layer includes an outer surface (210) and a plurality of semi-spherical protrusions (211) protruding out from the outer surface. The second transparent layer includes an outer surface (230) and a plurality of semi-spherical depressions (231) defined at the outer surface. The first transparent, the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent are integrally formed, with the first transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer, and the second transparent layer in immediate contact with the light diffusion layer. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin (221) and a plurality of diffusion particles (222) dispersed in the transparent matrix resin.

Abstract: An illumination system includes a beam splitting unit, a first lamp, a second lamp and a reflective component. The beam splitting unit has a splitting interface. One of the first lamp, the second lamp and the reflective component is disposed at one side of the beam splitting interface, and the others are disposed at the other side of the splitting interface. Moreover, a first beam and a second beam are respectively provided by the first lamp and the second lamp. The beam splitting unit is adapted to pass through a portion of the first beam and the second beam and reflect the other portion of the first beam and the second beam. The reflective component, the first lamp and the second lamp are adapted to reflect the collected portions of the first beam and the second beam back to the beam splitting unit.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate (20) includes a transparent layer (21) and a light diffusion layer (22). The transparent layer includes a light input interface (211), a light output surface (212) on an opposite side of the transparent layer to the light input interface, and a plurality of recesses (213) defined at the light output surface. Each of the recesses has a flat innermost end and is conical frustum-shaped. The light diffusion layer is integrally formed in immediate contact with the light input interface of the transparent layer. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin (221) and a plurality of diffusion particles (222) dispersed in the transparent matrix resin.

Abstract: An exemplary optical plate (20) includes a transparent layer (21) and a light diffusion layer (22). The transparent layer includes a light input interface (211), a light output surface (212) opposite to the light input interface, and a plurality of depressions (213) defined at the light output surface. The depressions including at least three sidewalls connecting with each other, wherein a transverse width of each sidewall of each depression progressively increasing along a direction away from the light input interface. The light diffusion layer is integrally formed in immediate contact with the light input interface of the transparent layer. The light diffusion layer includes a transparent matrix resin (221) and a plurality of diffusion particles (222) dispersed into the transparent matrix resins. A method for making an optical plate is also provided.

Abstract: A compact spotting scope includes a housing with an outer surface having a grasping region sized and shaped to fit in the palm of a user's hand so that the spotting scope can be held at eye level with one hand in an ergonomic arm and wrist position for steady support. An optical element positioned within the housing is adjusted by manually rotating a side-mounted adjustment knob that extends laterally from the outer surface of the housing opposite the grasping region. The side-mounted position of the adjustment knob allows the arm and wrist of the focusing hand to be maintained in an ergonomic position during manipulation of the adjustment knob, thereby further facilitating steady support. An internal support member of the spotting scope includes a frame portion and a generally tubular portion, which are preferably formed together of unitary one-piece construction for aligning optical elements of the spotting scope.

Abstract: An optical link module of the present invention for connecting light beams by deflection and including light-emitting devices arranged in a planar manner; an optical fiber bundle that is an optical waveguide for receiving the light beams from the light-emitting devices, and an optical turn which includes a plurality of aspherical lenses which are disposed between the light-emitting devices and the optical fiber bundle and are formed while corresponding to the number of the light-emitting devices and the number of optical fibers.

Abstract: To improve the front brightness of the light emitted from a surface light emitter having a surface light emitting device. In the surface light emitter to which a light control sheet having depressions is provided, the surface of the light control sheet having the depressions is adhered to a light emitting side surface of a surface light emitting device, and the transparent material whose refractive index is lower than the refractive index of the light control sheet is arranged in the spaces formed between the depressions and the light emitting side surface of the surface light emitting device.

Abstract: Optical structures and methods for manufacturing the same includes, in one embodiment, a substrate and a plurality of two-sided optical components disposed along the substrate. Each component includes optical microstructures on each side. At least a portion of one side of at least some of the components is air-backed and the other side of the at least some of the components is substantially wetted-out by a material. Retroreflective optical structures, threads, or fibers and manufacturing methods for forming same are also provided. Optical structures are provided that include a plurality of microstructures enclosed within an outer layer that is formed from a single substrate. An apparatus and method are also provided for forming an optical structure comprising injecting a material into a mold to form the optical structure, forming the optical structure into a desired geometric shape, and sealing ends of the optical structure.

Abstract: A brightness enhancement film including a substrate and a brightness enhancement structure disposed on the substrate is provided. A surface of the brightness enhancement structure has a plurality of first grooves along a first direction and a plurality of second grooves along a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, so as to define a plurality of pyramid-shaped prism units. A part of the first grooves have a first groove depth, and a part of the second grooves have a second groove depth which is not equal to the first groove depth.

Abstract: A fixing structure for an optical element includes a first element face of the optical element, a second element face of the optical element which is orthogonal to the first element face, a first positioning plane of a fixed member which abuts with the first element face of the optical element and is fixed on the first element face with an adhesive, and a second positioning plane of the fixed member which is orthogonal to the first positioning plane and abuts with the second element face of the optical element. The second positioning plane is defined by a small projecting part which protrudes from the fixed member perpendicularly with respect to the first positioning plane to abut with the second element face. The fixing structure for an optical element is preferably applied to an optical head device.

Abstract: An image display apparatus includes a polarization conversion element which converts second color light of unpolarized light emitted from a light source into a first linear polarized light, and a light path separation element which separates the second color light emitted from the first and third color light; and performs image display by illuminating a first, a second and a third liquid crystal display elements with the first, second and third color light that pass through the light path separation element, wherein the light path separation element leads a first linear polarized light component of the second color light to the second liquid crystal display element, and wherein the light path separation element leads a second linear polarized light component whose direction of polarization is orthogonal to the first linear polarized light component of the second color light, in a direction different from any of the liquid crystal display elements.

Abstract: An anti-glare optical film which reduces in whitening of a screen without sacrificing anti-glare property, and a process for preparing the same. There is provided an anti-glare optical film has an irregular surface, wherein a ratio of areas of the surface having an inclination angle of 1° or less is 20% or less, a ratio of areas of the surface having an inclination angle of 5° or more is 20% or less, and a standard deviation of a height of the surface is 0.2 ?m or less. There is also provided a process for preparing an anti-glare optical film.

Abstract: A planar light source device has a primary light source (1), a light guide (3) having a light incident surface (31) on which light emitted from the primary light source (1) is incident and a light emitting surface (33) for emitting light guided in the light guide, and a light deflector (4) opposed to the light emitting surface of the light guide. The light deflector (4) has a light input surface (41) to which light is inputted and a light output surface (42) which is disposed on the opposite side of the light input surface and outputs the inputted light. Elongated prisms each having two prism faces are arranged in parallel to each other on the light input surface (41). At least one of the two prism faces is a non-single planar surface. The vertex split angle ? of one of the prism faces is 2 to 25 degrees, and the vertex split angle ? of the other prism face is 33 to 40 degrees. The difference (|???|) between the vertex split angle ? and the vertex split angle ? is 8 to 35 degrees.

Abstract: An inspection system is provided. The system includes a rotating prism having a first end and a second end. The first end receives a first image area, such as a circular view, and rotates about a center point so as to cover a field of view area that is larger than the first image area, such as a larger circle that is defined by the smaller circle of view as it rotates around the center point. The second end remains centered on the center point and provides a viewing area that does not change in dimension. An image data system at the second end of the rotating prism generates image data as the prism rotates so as to generate two or more sets of image data that are contained within the field of view area.

Abstract: The cap device contains a number of prisms housed inside a closed space formed by a transparent cover, a ring, and a base. Gear teeth are provided along the inner circumference of the ring, which engage a gear member of the cap device to drive a passive gear located at an end of one of the prisms. As the other ends of the prisms are connected by a shaft of the cap device, all prisms are rotated synchronously. For every 120° spin of the prisms as the ring is turned, the faces of the prisms are aligned to face upward, and the images on the faces jointly form a complete image. As such, three complete images are revealed sequentially and continuously as the ring is turned in one direction.

Abstract: A system, method, and method of manufacturing directed to an optical device with an efficient optical illumination. The optical illumination can be provided by tilting a light source and using a refractive lens to direct the light onto a surface. Alternatively, the optical illumination can be provided using total internal reflection with a conical light pipe and a curvatured entrance and exit surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical sheet having one generally planar surface and composed of transmissive material, wherein on the other surface of the optical sheet, a concavo-convex pattern formed of a convex portion having a triangular top portion and a concave portion of a surface parallel to the one surface of the optical sheet is formed alternately in a generally parallel array.

Abstract: Compact beam manipulators employ one or more Risley prism sets with or without a parallel plate translator. One beam manipulator contains a plate mounted to permit pitch and yaw adjustments and a prism set mounted to permit rotations. The rotations of the prisms adjust a beam direction, and adjustment of the plate adjusts the beam position. Another beam manipulator contains a prism set mounted to permit rotations and pitch and yaw adjustments of the prisms. The rotations and pitch and yaw adjustments provide coupled changes in the position and direction of a beam, and iterative adjustments alternate between rotating prisms to change the beam direction and the adjusting pitch and yaw to change the beam position. The iterative adjustments are complete when the beam has a target position and a target direction to within required tolerances. Gluing elements to optic holders minimizes stress-induced birefringence and temperature and humidity effects.

Abstract: Molded silicone rubber sheets with optical quality surfaces and methods for making the same. The silicone rubber sheets are made by molding liquid silicone rubber in a mold. In embodiments, the mold forms parallel optical quality flat surfaces. In one embodiment, a stiffening plastic is molded in the middle of the silicone rubber sheet between the parallel optical quality flat surfaces. In another embodiment, the mold forms one optical quality flat surface while the surface parallel to the optical quality flat surface is bonded to a prism.

Abstract: A multiple-layer optical film comprising: a transparent base layer, a diffusion layer formed on the base layer, and an upper prismatic layer formed on the diffusion layer having a plurality of root portions protruding downwardly from the upper prismatic layer to be respectively engaged with a plurality of recesses as recessed in the diffusion layer for firmly interlocking the upper prismatic layer with the diffusion layer. The diffusion layer includes nano or micron particles homogeneously dispersed in a resin matrix to obtain a composite layer having better light diffusibility; and the upper prismatic layer having nice light concentrating effect, thereby cooperatively synergetically forming a multiple-layer optical film having enhanced brightness, light uniformity, and dimensional stability.

Abstract: Thermally stable GRISMs comprise a substrate and cover plate composed of a first material keeps the spatial frequency of the grating stable with temperature, and a prism composed of a second material having lower thermal coefficient of refractive index than that of the first material. In the preferred embodiment, the first material is fused silica, and the second material is BK7 glass.

Abstract: A projecting device includes a light source, a lens-mirror, a panel and a projection lens. The light source is for generating a light. The lens-mirror made of transparent material has a first convex surface and a reflective surface both of which are positioned relatively to the light. The lens-mirror refracts and reflects the light to the panel. The panel reflects the light from the lens-mirror to the projection lens. The projection lens receives the light from the panel and projects the light onto the screen to form an image.

Abstract: A multiple-layer optical film comprises: a base layer; a middle alternating protrusion and recess pattern layer formed on the base layer; and an upper prismatic layer formed on the middle pattern layer, thereby forming a multiple-layer optical layer having its optical property and mechanical property simultaneously enhanced as effected by the middle pattern layer as interlocked in between the upper prismatic layer and the base layer.

Abstract: A light directing film and an optical system incorporating same are disclosed. The light directing film includes a first major surface and a microstructured second major surface. The microstructured second major surface has at least two periodic microstructured patterns. The first periodic pattern is arranged along a first direction. The second periodic pattern is arranged along a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical disc drive with an explosion proof structure comprising a frame, a first guiding member pivoted to the frame, a second guiding member pivoted to the first guiding member, and a rotating member pivoted to the frame corresponding to an access opening on a side of the frame. When the rotating member rotates to a first position, the access opening is covered by a stopping flange of the rotating member, and when the rotating member rotates to a second position and a compact disc is inserted into the access opening, the compact disc drives the first guiding member and then to drive the second guiding member rotate the rotating member from the second position to the first position. Therefore, a fragment of a cracked compact disc inside the optical disc drive is prevented from jetting out of the optical disc drive effectively.

Abstract: An optical film comprises: a transparent supporting layer, and a plurality of multi-story prisms having multiple peaks formed thereon and juxtapositionally integrally formed on the supporting layer, each peak of the prism tapered or narrowed upwardly towards a light output direction for increasing a light concentrating effect of the prism in order to increase the brightness of the optical film.

Abstract: An optical device is provided which includes a plurality of optical modulation devices, plurality of optical elements, and a prism having a plurality of luminous flux incidence surfaces positioned on a luminous flux irradiation-side of each optical element. The optical device includes a holding member which holds at least one of the plurality of optical modulation devices and a pair of light-transmissive substrates. In one implementation, an irradiation-side substrate disposed on the luminous flux irradiation-side of the optical element has a dimension larger than that of the optical element, and the irradiation-side substrate is secured to the luminous flux incidence surface of the prism, an aperture is formed in the holding member, and the holding member is attached to the irradiation-side substrate so as to cover the optical element. Detailed information is provided in the Description of Exemplary Embodiments below, and the inventions are defined by the appended claims.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a light source, a light guide disposed on one side of the light source, a reflector disposed under the light guide, a lower diffuser disposed on the light guide, and a brightness enhancement film, which is disposed on the lower diffuser and includes a main part and several prism structures disposed side by side on a main part plane of the main part. Each prism structure includes first to third triangular prisms. The second triangular prism is adjacent to one side of the first triangular prism, and an adjacent angle adjacent to a base angle of the first triangular prism is a right angle. The third triangular prism is adjacent to another side of the first triangular prism, and an adjacent angle adjacent to another base angle of the first triangular prism is a right angle.

Abstract: A tilting system for an observation device, in particular for a microscope, with at least one objective device and at least one optical device for passing at least one beam path from an entrance region to an exit region of the tilting system is described, wherein the optical device has at least one optical element in the form of a prism for tilting and for image reversion of the beam path as well as for guiding it further into at least one ocular device. According to the invention, a particularly cost-favorable and structurally simple configuration of the tilting system with a mechanical structural length that is simultaneously as small as possible is provided by configuring the optical elements for tilting the beam path as well as at least one prism for image reversion in a special way and by arranging them in a specific manner relative to one another in the beam path. In addition, an observation device with a corresponding tilting system is described.

Abstract: A prism device includes: a prism material having substantially the same index of refraction at first and second wavelengths; a first anti-reflection coating for reducing reflection of a first signal beam at the first wavelength; and a second anti-reflection coating for reducing reflection of a second signal beam at the second wavelength. The prism material can be silicon, which has substantially the same index of refraction at IR and RF wavelengths. In this case, the RF anti-reflection coating can be a layer of silicon dioxide (fused silica), which can be sandwiched between two IR anti-reflection coatings designed to minimize IR reflections between the surrounding air and the RF anti-reflection coating and between the RF anti-reflection coating and the prism material, respectively. Two or more of the prism devices can be used in a beam steering system to simultaneous direct the first and second signal beams in substantially the same direction.

Abstract: At least one of four rectangular prisms in a dichroic prism is made longer than the other rectangular prisms. Parts of the rectangular surfaces of the long rectangular prisms partially protrude from the rectangular surfaces of the other rectangular prisms in the longitudinal direction. The protruding parts of the rectangular surfaces of the long rectangular prisms are not provided with a dichroic film. Such a construction makes it possible to prevent return light, which returns from the light emitting surface side of the dichroic prism and the dichroic prism, from emitting again from the light emitting surface.

Abstract: A thin, flexible film made of a transparent polymeric material including a structured surface and an opposite smooth surface, wherein light striking either surface, within certain angular ranges, is totally internally reflected. The structured surface includes a linear array of miniature substantially right angled isosceles prisms arranged side-by-side to form a plurality of peaks and grooves. In addition, the perpendicular sides of the prims make an angle of approximately 45° with the smooth surface, and when the film is curled the smooth surface lies in a smooth continuous arcuate curve without materially affecting the performance of the film. Because of the film's flexibility and its ability to totally internally reflect light, it may be utilized in a variety of ways, for example, as a collector of solar energy or as a light conduit. The performance of the film may be manipulated to permit controlled light leakage.