Abstract: An objective lens assembly suitable for use in helmet-mounted applications. The objective lens assembly comprises two prisms that collectively are configured, oriented and bonded relative to each other to separate and allow simultaneous imaging of two separate spectral bands (such as VNIR and LWIR bands) received from the same object scene via a common window such that the object scene may be viewed from the same perspective without the effects of parallax.

Abstract: An optical guidance device for optical guidance of a light beam has a first part, in a transparent material, adapted for propagating the light beam by successive reflections. This first part comprises an extraction section comprising at least one microstructure comprising a plane surface adapted to enable the rays of the light beam striking the plane surface to emerge from the guidance device. The device also comprises a second part, in a material substantially identical to that of the first part, comprising a section comprising at least one microstructure with a shape complementary to that or those of the extraction section. The device also has a layer of adhesive assembling the first and second parts in such a way that any microstructure of the extraction section is separated from its complementary microstructure by a transparent medium of substantially constant thickness.

Abstract: A reflector array optical device includes two dihedral corner reflector array optical elements each having a substrate and a plurality of prism bodies arranged regularly on and each protruding from one main surface of the substrate. Each prism body includes at least two sides of orthogonal planes. The two optical elements are adhered so that top faces of the prism bodies are directly confronted respectively so as to make two coplanar planes in which the two orthogonal planes exist respectively.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention provide for an optical microscope apparatus including a light source, a base unit, a rotary monochromatic dispersion unit, a condenser, a stage, an objective, a tubular assembly and an ocular assembly. In a preferred embodiment, light travels from the light source sequentially through each of these seven components, producing an image of the contents of a slide on the stage to a user looking through the ocular assembly. In the base unit, in place of a standard mirror which would direct the light vertically up into the scope along the z-axis, a right angle piece of single crystal Calcite, known as Iceland Spar is used, which has a birefringent affect upon the light as it passes up through the scope.

Abstract: An image display device capable of maintaining continuity of images of adjacent image display elements on a display screen that is composed of a plurality of image display element includes image display elements (1, 2) and a prism (3). The prism (3) is an L-shaped prism having two planar surfaces, and image display elements (1, 2) are arranged on the portion of the prism that corresponds to the rear side as seen from the viewing direction (9). Image display elements (1, 2) are arranged such that the virtual images (5, 6) of the image display portions of each are optically continuously connected in the prism (3).

Abstract: In order to achieve a high brightness optical source with both spatial size and numeric aperture ideal for fiber coupling, an assembly of multiple individually collimated laser diode chips on submount (COS) are mounted onto a common flat surface and redirected through a series of optical components. This is done in such a manner which allows for active reduction of both overall spot size and numeric aperture. This optical stacking technique achieves a high brightness source which is also suitable for directly coupling into an optical fiber, or can achieve enhanced brightness through the use of existing polarization or wavelength combining schemes prior to fiber optic coupling.

Abstract: An image projecting device, including an image forming element for forming an image, a light source for generating light, and an imaging optical system for imaging an image formed by the image forming element on a screen, a first prism having a first transmission surface for transmitting light generated from the light source therethrough, a reflection curved surface being a curved surface for directly reflecting light having transmitted through the first transmission surface, a reflection-transmission surface for directly reflecting light reflected from the reflection curved surface to the image forming element and transmitting light reflected from the image forming element therethrough, and a second transmission surface for transmitting light reflected from the reflection-transmission surface and light reflected from the image forming element therethrough, and a second prism for directing light having transmitted through the reflection-transmission surface of the first prism to the imaging optical system.

Abstract: An objective of an oblique viewing, rigid endoscope, including a prism arrangement consisting of distal and proximal prisms contacting with planar contact surfaces that are oblique to an axis of the objective, the distal prism includes a distal front face toward the viewing direction of the objective, from which the rays entering there enter through the distal prism and through a passage area of the contact surfaces into the proximal prism and after double reflection in the proximal prism on a first mirror on a diagonal surface and a second mirror on the contact surface exit in the direction of the axis of the objective through a surface perpendicular to the direction of the axis of the objective, wherein the second mirror is arranged outside the penetration area, and an absorption layer is arranged in the plane of the second mirror between this and the penetration area.

Abstract: An image display device capable of maintaining continuity of images of adjacent image display elements on a display screen that is composed of a plurality of image display element includes image display elements (1, 2) and a prism (3). The prism (3) is an L-shaped prism having two planar surfaces, and image display elements (1, 2,) are arranged on the portion of the prism that corresponds to the rear side as seen from the viewing direction (9). Image display elements (1, 2) are arranged such that the virtual images (5, 6) of the image display portions of each are optically continuously connected in the prism (3).

Abstract: The invention provides a prism optical system comprising at least four optical surfaces, each having optical functions. At least two of the four optical surfaces are each a rotationally asymmetric surface, and one of two surfaces on which light is incident or from which light exits out is capable of one transmission and two internal reflections.

Abstract: A vehicle interior material of the present invention is a vehicle interior material that is disposed in a lower side of windshield glass inside a compartment and includes a grain structure including a concavity and a convexity on the upper face thereof, the vehicle interior material including at the convexity of the grain structure, a diffuse reflection face that is inclined with respect to a general upper face of the grain structure.

Abstract: A prismatic glass laminate comprising: (a) a substrate; and (b) a plurality of prismatic glass elements mounted on said substrate, each element comprising: (i) a mounting surface to which a laminating interlayer is applied, said laminating interlayer providing adhesion of said element to the substrate; and (ii) a lateral surface to which a laminating interlayer is applied, said laminating interlayer providing adhesion of said element to the lateral surface of an adjacent element.

Abstract: An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.

Abstract: Optical devices for guiding illumination are provided each having a body of optical material with staircase or acutely angled ramp structures on its top surface for distributing light inputted from one end of the device from the front exit faces of such structures along certain angular orientations, while at least a substantial portion of the light is totally internally reflected within the body until distributed from such front exit faces. Optical devices are also provided each have a body of optical material having a bottom surface with acutely angled ramp structures and falling structures which alternate with each other, such that light is totally internally reflected within the device until reflected by such ramp structures along the bottom surface to exit the top surface of the device or transmitted through the ramp structures to an adjacent falling structure back into the device.

Abstract: A projector is provided, including a first light source, a second light source, a splitting unit, a first modulating element, a second modulating element, a projection lens unit, a projection screen and a combining unit. The first light source provides a first beam in a first state. The second light source provides a second beam in a second state. The splitting unit receives the first beam and the second beam, splitting the first beam into a first sub-beam and a second sub-beam, and splitting the second beam into a third sub-beam and a fourth sub-beam. The first modulating element receives the first sub-beam and the third sub-beam from the splitting unit. The second modulating element receives the second sub-beam and the fourth sub-beam from the splitting unit. The combining unit respectively combines the first sub-beam and the second sub-beam, and combines the third sub-beam and the fourth sub-beam.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical apparatus allowing images in multiple directions to be simultaneously taken with simple construction using a prism optical system yet with high definitions even at wide angles of view. Specifically, the invention provides an optical apparatus using a prism optical system which has three optical surfaces: a first surface having transmission, a second surface having internal reflection plus transmission and a third surface having reflection and is formed of a medium having a refractive index of 1.3 or greater and in which light enters the medium through the first surface, is totally reflected at the second surface, and then reflected at the third surface 13, and finally leaves the medium this time through the second surface.

Abstract: An objective lens assembly suitable for use in helmet-mounted applications. The objective lens assembly comprises two prisms that collectively are configured, oriented and bonded relative to each other to separate and allow simultaneous imaging of two separate spectral bands (such as VNIR and LWIR bands) received from the same object scene via a common window such that the object scene may be viewed from the same perspective without the effects of parallax.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosed subject matter includes a method of reducing the laser absorption of a beam reverser prism consisting of at least one of the following: increasing a first distance between a first incident point and a chamfered corner, wherein the first incident point is on a first reflective surface of the prism and the chamfered corner is formed between the first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the prism, wherein the chamfered corner has a chamfered surface; increasing a second distance between a second incident point and the chamfered corner, wherein the second incident point is on the second reflective surface of the prism; and increasing a reflectivity of the chamfered surface of the chamfered corner of the prism. A method of determining a prime cut for an optical component is also disclosed. A laser including at least one prime cut optical component is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosed subject matter includes a method of reducing the laser absorption of a beam reverser prism consisting of at least one of the following: increasing a first distance between a first incident point and a chamfered corner, wherein the first incident point is on a first reflective surface of the prism and the chamfered corner is formed between the first reflective surface and a second reflective surface of the prism, wherein the chamfered corner has a chamfered surface; increasing a second distance between a second incident point and the chamfered corner, wherein the second incident point is on the second reflective surface of the prism; and increasing a reflectivity of the chamfered surface of the chamfered corner of the prism. A method of determining a prime cut for an optical component is also disclosed. A laser including at least one prime cut optical component is also disclosed.

Abstract: A beam splitter includes a first surface and a second surface. The first and second surfaces are linearly offset from one another along an axis. The first and second surfaces are positioned to receive an optical beam projected in a first direction that is generally perpendicular to the axis. The first surface is configured to redirect a first portion of the optical beam in a second direction that has a first rotational offset with respect to the first direction and a second rotational offset with respect to the axis. The second surface is configured to redirect a second portion of the optical beam in a third direction that has a third rotational offset with respect to the first direction and a fourth rotational offset with respect to the axis.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of designing a grooved reflector comprises selecting two given wavefronts; and designing two surfaces meeting at an edge to form a groove such that the rays of each of the given wavefront become rays of a respective one of the given wavefronts after a reflection at each of the surfaces. Multiple grooves may be combined to form a mirror covering a desired area. A mirror may be manufactured according to the design.

Abstract: A prism unit includes a prism having at least one optical surface in its inside, and a prism base disposing the prism, the prism base including at least three seating surfaces that are attached to a surface orthogonal to the optical surface of the prism, a seating surface bonded part that is bonded to the prism by an adhesive. At least the three seating surfaces and the seating surface bonded part are symmetrically arranged on the optical surface of the prism.

Abstract: An adjustment device including an enhanced underwater viewfinder having, in use, a substantially watertight body and including a plurality of prisms within the body, at least one of the prisms being moveable by element of a control mechanism operable from a position exterior of the body.

Abstract: An optical assembly for double passing a transmission grating may include a prism having first, second and third surfaces. A transmission grating may be bonded to the first surface. A first mirror coating may be bonded to the second surface and a second mirror coating to the third surface. The first, second and third surfaces, the transmission grating and the first and second mirror coatings are configured such that light of a predetermined wavelength entering the prism that is incident on the transmission grating is diffracted a first time by the transmission grating towards the second surface, reflected from the second surface to the third surface, reflected from the third surface back to the transmission grating, and diffracted a second time by the transmission grating as the light exits the prism.

Abstract: An optical pickup apparatus comprising: a collimating lens configured to convert laser light emitted from a laser diode, from diffused light into parallel light; an objective lens; and a prism configured to guide the laser light emitted from the collimating lens to the objective lens, the prism including: a first face that the laser light emitted from the collimating lens enters; a second face that reflects the laser light entering the first face; and a third face that reflects the laser light reflected from the second face in a direction of the second face, and emits the laser light reflected again from the second face in a direction of the objective lens.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of designing a grooved reflector comprises selecting two given wavefronts; and designing two surfaces meeting at an edge to form a groove such that the rays of each of the given wavefront become rays of a respective one of the given wavefronts after a reflection at each of the surfaces. Multiple grooves may be combined to form a mirror covering a desired area. A mirror may be manufactured according to the design.

Abstract: A prism includes a light incident portion that has first and second convex portions, the first and second convex portions each are a convex portion that refracts rays of light incident to a prism body and reduces a spread angle after incidence to the prism body via the convex portion to be smaller than that before the incidence, the spread angle is an angle between a given two of the rays, a first reflecting surface, provided on the prism body, that can reflect a first ray of light that has entered the prism body via the first convex portion, a first emitting portion, provided on the prism body, that emits, to the outside, the first ray reflected by the first reflecting surface, and a second emitting portion that emits, to the outside, a second ray of light that has entered the prism body via the second convex portion.

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

Abstract: Device for sampling a plurality of parts of a light beam, comprised of at least one optical component which comprises a plate made of a material which is transparent to the light beam, where this plate has first and second faces which are flat and parallel, and a third face which is flat and which forms a dihedron with the first face, where the angle of this dihedron is equal to ?-? where 0<??Arcsin(1/n) where n if the refractive index of the material, so that by sending the light beam onto the first face, at an angle of incidence equal to Arcsin(n·sin(?)), a first sampled part (44) and a second sampled part are recovered, as well as the greater part of the light beam. The device is applicable in particular to the diagnostics of a laser beam.

Abstract: An encoder system and method are provided, that is designed to improve 2D encoder systems and methods in areas such as accuracy, compactness, stability, resolution, and/or light efficiency. Moreover, the system and method of this invention provides a new concept in a retroreflector that while particularly useful in applicants' system and method, is believed to have more general utility in optical imaging systems and methods.

Abstract: To facilitate seeing of the image on a peripheral region which may become difficult to see as the screen size increases. A stereoscopic two-dimensional image display device includes a display unit 1 including an image display plane 1a on which an image is displayed; an image transfer panel 3 arranged apart from the image display plane, for imaging light emitted from the image display plane on an imaging plane 2 in a space, thereby displaying a stereoscopic two-dimensional image; and an optical path changing member (not shown) arranged between the image display plane and the imaging plane, for changing the optical path of the light emitted from the peripheral edge having a predetermined region constituting the image display plane. The optical path of light emitted from the peripheral edge is changed by the optical path changing means so that the light can be reached the eyes of a viewer 100 who sees at a near position.

Abstract: An embodiment of a method of designing a grooved reflector comprises selecting two given wavefronts; and designing two surfaces meeting at an edge to form a groove such that the rays of each of the given wavefront become rays of a respective one of the given wavefronts after a reflection at each of the surfaces. Multiple grooves may be combined to form a mirror covering a desired area. A mirror may be manufactured according to the design.

Abstract: An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module comprises: a plurality of prisms, each having an inclined surface that is formed by one of the four orthogonal corners of a transparent rectangular solid glass plate being cut and removed at a 45° angle with respect to the end surface; a frame for housing said plurality of prisms; and a plurality of collimator units that convert light having a different wavelength for each prism to collimated light, and inputs the light to the respective prism. When light a having different wavelength is input to a respective prism, the input light is reflected two times, by the inclined surface and a second end surface, after which the light is output from the respective prism.

Abstract: Provided is an endoscope optical system including first deflecting means that deflects light incident along an incident optical axis in a direction along a first axis perpendicular to the incident optical axis and emits the light; second deflecting means having two reflecting faces that fold back the light emitted from the first deflecting means along a second axis separated from the first axis by a gap; and third deflecting means that deflects the light folded back by the second deflecting means in a direction perpendicular to the first axis and along a plane including the incident optical axis, wherein the first deflecting means is provided so as to be capable of swiveling about the first axis relative to the second deflecting means, and the two reflecting faces of the second deflecting means are disposed to form an obtuse angle therebetween.

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device to separate unwanted off-state and/or flat-state light from the projection ON-light bundle. The TIR critical angle of these prisms is selected to affect either the off-state light or additionally, any portion of flat-state light reflected from the SLM. These TIR surfaces limit the contamination of light along the projection path, which tends to degrade the system contrast. To further improve the optical performance of the system, these TIR prisms can be attached directly to the SLM package, completely eliminating the package window.

Abstract: Beam steering apparatus is presented having a Risley double-prism pair with first and second double-prisms disposed along an optical path, where one or more of the prisms are made from a chalcogenide glass material.

Abstract: A prism (10) is in the form of a polygonal prism and has a first optical surface (11), a second optical surface (12) and a third optical surface (13) formed on different surfaces of the prism. A light entrance region (11a) is provided at the center of the first optical surface (11), a light exit region (12a) is provided at the center of the second optical surface (12) and a substantially flat light reflecting region (13a) is provided at the center of the third optical surface (13). Suppose that there is a virtual surface between the light reflecting region (13a) and the first optical surface (11), the virtual surface is positioned more inward in the prism than a peripheral region of the third optical surface (13) extending from the light reflecting region (13a) to an edge (14) between the third optical surface (13) and the first optical surface (11).

Abstract: In one aspect of the present invention, a method is provided for communicating radiation pressure provided by a light wave. The method entails positioning a reflective prism (606, 607) having a near total reflective surface, including an initial transparent surface (614A, 614B) and a pair of reflective surfaces (612) each positioned at an angle relative to the initial transparent surface. Then, a light wave is directed toward the reflective prism, such that the light wave is generally normal to the transparent surface and passes therethrough. The light wave further reflects from the first and then the second reflective surface and exits the prism through the transparent surface. In this way, radiation pressure communicated by the relecting light wave acts on the prism.

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

Abstract: A composition for forming a prism layer and a prism film manufactured using the same. The composition for forming a prism layer includes a UV-curable monomer A, including a fluorene derivative diacrylate monomer represented by Formula 1 or 2; a UV-curable monomer B, including at least one acrylate monomer; a photoinitiator; and an additive, and thus is excellent in surface strength, adhesion to a substrate film and anti-yellowing properties, with a viscosity suitable for formation of the prism layer.

Abstract: A reflector for the lighting device and an illumination system of the projection apparatus are provided. The reflector comprises a first reflecting structure and a second reflecting structure disposed on the portion of the first reflecting structure. The reflecting surfaces of the first and second reflecting structures are formed with a distance therebetween. After the first portion of the light is reflected from the first reflecting surface and the second portion of the light is reflected from the second reflecting surface, the second portion of the light is adapted to remove the centrally dimmed area at the opening of the lighting device. Thus, the luminance performance can be improved.

Abstract: An x-prism provides four triangular prisms each of which includes a hypotenuse side, a first side surface adjoining the hypotenuse side surface, a second side surface perpendicular to the first side surface, a first end surface and an opposite second end surface, the first and second end surfaces being at opposite sides of each of the triangular prisms, the triangular prisms being attached to each other with the hypotenuse side surfaces thereof facing outward. The four triangular prisms includes at least two triangular prisms with the first end surfaces thereof being coplanar with each other, and at least one triangular prism with the first end surface thereof being non-coplanar with the first end surfaces of the other triangular prisms.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a family of image-rotation prisms. Each image-rotation prism has the property that as an image-rotation prism is rotated, an image passing through the image-rotation prism rotates at twice the angular rate of the image-rotation prism. Embodiments of the present invention include optical systems that can be used for board-to-board communications and employ the image-rotation prisms to compensate for arbitrary axial rotations and misalignment of optical signals and can be used to direct optical signals output from transmitters on one board to particular detectors of a detector arrangement located on an adjacent board.

Abstract: Device for sampling a plurality of parts of a light beam, comprised of at least one optical component which comprises a plate made of a material which is transparent to the light beam, where this plate has first and second faces which are flat and parallel, and a third face which is flat and which forms a dihedron with the first face, where the angle of this dihedron is equal to ?-? where 0<??Arcsin(1/n) where n if the refractive index of the material, so that by sending the light beam onto the first face, at an angle of incidence equal to Arcsin(n·sin(?)), a first sampled part (44) and a second sampled part are recovered, as well as the greater part of the light beam. The device is applicable in particular to the diagnostics of a laser beam.

Abstract: An image display apparatus 100 that displays an image using a light modulated according to an image signal includes a projection optical system 90 that includes a projection lens 20, a first mirror 30 that reflects a light from the projection lens 20, and a second mirror 40 that widens an angle of a light from the first mirror 30 by reflecting the light, and projects the light modulated according to the image signal from an optical engine unit 10; a third mirror 50 that reflects a light from the projection optical system 90; and a screen 50 that transmits a light from the third mirror 50. The projection lens 20 and the second mirror 40 are arranged in such a manner that an optical axis of the projection lens 20 substantially matches an optical axis of the second mirror 40, and shift the light from the optical engine unit 10 to a specific side from the optical axis of the projection lens 20.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for providing illumination in a head mounted display. In one embodiment a method includes emitting light from a plurality of sources at a plurality of wavelengths and transmitting the light from the plurality of sources to a first device. The method further includes combining the light, utilizing the first device, from the plurality of sources into a combined light signal and creating telecentricity in the combined light signal. The method also includes receiving a telecentric light signal on a display surface. In one embodiment the system includes a light source, a hybrid reflective structure configured as a truncated pyramid and further configured to transmit light emitted by the light source and an optics device configured to create telecentricity in light that was transmitted through the hybrid reflective structure to a display surface.

Abstract: A backlight assembly includes a light source and an optical member disposed over the light source and including a surface that has a plurality of lens-shaped portions and at least one prism-shaped portion.

Abstract: An Abbe prism lens and lens array are disclosed. The lens comprises front lenses disposed on a front surface of the Abbe prism, rear lenses disposed on a rear surface of the Abbe prism, a front bottom reflecting surface, a rear bottom reflecting surface, a left top reflecting surface, and a right top reflecting surface. An aperture cover is positioned over the front surface of the Abbe prism lens and a field cover is positioned over the rear surface of the Abbe prism lens. The aperture cover comprises aperture holes encircling the aspherical front lenses. The field cover comprises field holes encircling the aspherical rear lenses. Light enters the Abbe prism lens and reflects off the front bottom reflecting surface, reflects off the left top reflecting surface and the right top reflecting surface, reflects off the rear bottom reflecting surface, and exits the rear lens of the Abbe prism lens.

Abstract: A camera unit having an imaging optical unit having a plurality of free-curved surface prisms for forming subject images; a single imaging device for photoelectrically-converting the subject images from a plurality of directions formed by the imaging optical unit; a signal processing unit for processing the photoelectrically-converted signals from the imaging device and outputting image signals; a communication unit for performing communication with an external unit; and a control unit for controlling operation of the imaging device and the signal processing unit and transmitting the image signals output from the signal processing unit from the communication unit to the external unit, and a camera system using the camera unit.

Abstract: An optical imaging system and method for producing panoramic images exhibiting a substantial field of view.