Abstract: The present invention provides a technology that makes it possible to display high-quality images by reducing a reflection loss of the image light entering the upper left and right ends of a transmissive screen. At the image generation source side of the Fresnel lens sheet, a totally reflective prism section (10) is provided that totally reflects incident rays of light and causes the light to exit toward the image-watching side. At the image-watching side of the Fresnel lens sheet (6), a refractive prism section (11) is also provided that refracts the light entering from the totally reflective prism section (10) and causes the light to exit toward the image-watching side. The refractive prism section (11) has a roughed refractive face.

Abstract: An optical arrangement for pre-processing primary illumination light is proposed, wherein a provided spectral processing section (P) comprises a multi-prism assembly (10) consisting of a plurality of sequentially/consecutively connected prisms (21, 22). Pairs (20) of adjacent and connected prisms (21, 22) form a respective spectral separating face (20c). The spectral separating face (20c) is adapted in order to perform a process of spectral separation/splitting with respect to said primary illumination light (L1).

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, an optical system includes two tilted planar elements each having two surfaces for which the sign of the slopes of at least three of the four surfaces that an incident beam encounters are the same and which, when inserted into the path of the incident beam produces an output beam having no angular deviation and essentially no lateral deviation from the incident beam path.

Abstract: An image display optical system which achieves a small size and display at a wide angle of view as well as maintains a required level of optical performance and allows suppression of occurrence of various aberrations at the same time. The optical system includes a first optical element and a second optical element in order from the side of an exit pupil of the optical system to the side of a display device. A combined negative optical power is provided by an emergent surface of the second optical element and an incident surface of the first optical element, and the optical system forms an intermediate image with the displaying luminous flux in the first optical element.

Abstract: A Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS kernel for a light engine is configured in a kernel having light paths in three dimensions (3D kernel). The 3D kernel allows for designs that do not require Wavelength Dependent Waveplates (WDWs) (or Wavelength Specific Retarders) for managing light polarizations within the 3D kernel. In one embodiment, the 3D kernel includes a Polarizing Beam Splitter (PBS) that is positioned to direct lightpaths within the 3D kernel in the 3rd dimension (e.g., light path planes perpendicular to planes of input light provided to the 3D kernel). The 3rd dimension is, for example, an output light path perpendicular to an input light plane. The 3D kernel allows for designs that incorporate reflective LCOS microdisplays and management of light paths without WDWs. The kernel is suitable for use in High Definition (HD) LCOS Rear Projection Televisions (RPTVs) and other projector applications.

Abstract: A projector includes an illumination device, a color separation system, a light combining system, a projection system, and an optical adjustment portion. The color separation system separates the light emitted from the illumination device into blue light, red light, and green light. The light combining system can have a first dichroic filter reflecting one of blue light or red light, and a second dichroic filter reflecting green light which are placed in a crossed state and can combine image lights of respective colors exiting from the first through third light modulation devices. The projection system can project a combined light exiting from the light combining system while correcting chromatic aberrations of magnification of blue light and red light with respect to green light. The optical adjustment portion can adjust a size of an image light corresponding to the green light of the combined light exiting from the light combining system.

Abstract: An light emitting apparatus which illuminates an illumination area has a first light source which emits a first light, a second light source which emits a second light, a wheel which is provided with a transmission filter area which transmits the first light, and a reflection area which reflects the second light, a wheel driving unit which controls a rotation of the wheel, and drives the wheel, a light emitting optical unit which leads the first light which transmits the transmission filter area, or the second light which is reflected by the reflection area to the illumination area, in which the light which is led to the illumination area by the light emitting optical unit is at least two colors of light which are successively changed over in the time series.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a retroreflective sheeting that exhibits proper retroreflection even at a small incident angle with no or less halation, and has superior incident angularities and superior direction characteristics, as well as a film for use in the retroreflective sheeting. The retroreflective sheeting with the above characteristics is obtained by forming reflective elements of a specific triangular pyramidal frustum configuration in a close-packed state on one surface thereof.

Abstract: A prism sheet, a backlight assembly having the prism sheet, and an LCD device having the prism sheet, the prism sheet includes a first surface, a second surface and a reflecting member. A light is incident upon the first surface. The second surface includes a prism pattern. The incident light exits through the second surface. The reflecting member is provided on the first surface to partially reflect irradiated light that is received on the first surface.

Abstract: A 2×2 opto-mechanical switch is disclosed. A first embodiment of the present invention utilizes a transmitting compact parallel prism and four or two pieces of the 45-degree prism to increase the beam separation. The compact parallel prism keeps a much smaller load to the relay arm. This makes the current invention less sensitive to the ambient shock and vibration. A second embodiment of the present invention utilizes a similar transmitting compact parallel prism and two wedge prisms which has similar advantages. The compact prism applies a small loading force to the relay arm. Both of these embodiments also feature superior thermal and mechanical stability. An opto-mechanical switch in accordance with the present invention utilizes a transmitting design and thus is more stable to ambient thermal or mechanical change. The embodiments of the present invention also feature much better repeatability than the conventional 2×2 optical switches.

Abstract: Asymmetry of output beams from a laser diode bar is significantly reduced by internally reflecting the beams from an array of roof prisms positioned and oriented to rotate the cross-sectional shape of each beam by 90°. An elongated retro prism is positioned to received all of the reflected beams and to redirect them away from the laser diode bar.

Abstract: A beam distribution apparatus includes a stack of parallelogram prisms and beam-splitting coatings each located between opposing parallel faces of adjacent parallelogram prisms. The stack is mounted on an entrance face of a triangular prism. The triangular prism includes the entrance face, a reflective face, and an exit face. The reflective face has optical surfaces for shaping output beams from the stack and reflecting the output beams through the exit face.

Abstract: A reflective optical system for projectors comprises a single integral piece of transparent optical molding having at least an incident surface, an exit surface, and two or more internal reflection surfaces between the incident surface and the exit surface, each reflection power having a power, positive or negative. The reflective optical system is provided with grooves, desirably blackened grooves, formed between the internal reflection surfaces so as to block out undesirable light proceeding therein. The internal reflection surfaces are formed by coating an aluminum film on an outer wall of the transparent optical molding. The reflective optical system reflects incoming image bearing light through the incident surface on the internal reflection surfaces in turn and projects the image bearing light through the exit surface so as thereby to project an image on a remote screen.

Abstract: A projection system includes a light source, a beam splitter module, a projection lens, and an optical combiner module includes at least one light valve for forming the image. A light beam emitted from the light source is split by the beam splitter module into three color lights and such three color lights are thereafter combined by the optical combiner module. The optical combiner module comprises a combiner and a plurality of prisms disposed adjacent to the combiner. The combiner comprises at least a pared-corner, and one side of at least one prism is leant adjacent to the pared-corner of the combiner so as to minimize the size of the optical combiner module and shorten the back focal length between the light valve and the projection lens. In addition, the projection quality of the digital light projection system is not easy to be influenced by heat temperature.

Abstract: A display device for displaying information is provided with an optical system for guiding the light of the display device to the eye, the optical system having, in the order in the proceeding direction of the light, an entrance face for receiving the light, a curved face for totally reflecting the light and a reflecting face concave to the eye side and adapted to reflect the light toward the eye. The reflected light is transmitted by the curved face and reaches the eye. Thus there is obtained a compact display device with satisfactorily suppressed aberrations.

Abstract: The depolarizer utilizes a commonly available BK7 glass corner cube to transform linearly polarized light into depolarized light with 100% conversion efficiency. The low-cost corner cube is a unique optical element that greatly simplifies the means for producing completely depolarized light as compared to other current methods and techniques. The corner cube is irradiated uniformly, but at non-normal incidence for a tilt angle of about 9° with respect to the input light beam path. The polarization orientation angle of the input beam in combination with the tilt angle and tilt-axis orientation of the corner cube must be optimized in order to make the Stokes polarization parameters equal to zero, and thereby generating the depolarized light beam A bidirectional beam director steers the retro-reflected depolarized light beam from the corner cube to the output port of the depolarizer.

Abstract: A prism includes a plurality of internal surfaces that reflect a beam incident on the prism.

Abstract: Two reflective surfaces disposed in a predetermined angular orientation inside the optical tube assembly of a telescope intercept the optical beam and deliver it from the objective to the eye-piece. By translating these surfaces simultaneously along the axis bisecting the angle between them, the separation between the focal points of the objective and the eye-piece is adjusted as required to re-focus the telescope in a continuous and reversible fashion without changing its overall dimensions.

Abstract: A substantially neutral filter across the white-light spectrum is obtained by minimizing the wavelength-dependent effects of filtering components and of reflective coatings on surfaces. The incoming light is captured by a first prism and directed toward the interface formed by the optical contact of a second prism with a face of the first prism, where the light is partially reflected internally and partially transmitted into the second prism. The reflected light is further reflected internally and directed toward the image surface out of the first prism. The fraction of light transmitted into the second prism is reflected back and redirected out of the system toward the incoming beam. The amount of energy directed toward the image plane is controlled by the judicious selection of the refractive indices in the two materials at the contacting interface of the first and second prisms.

Abstract: A grism based upon a grating with a given line frequency is configured such that a design wavelength will undergo either a specific total bend angle, a zero-degree total bend without lateral displacement, or a zero-degree total bend with a lateral displacement. Each configuration exhibits the same dispersion characteristics. Other design wavelengths, bend angles and displacements are possible through appropriate adjustment of grating frequency, prism geometry, and/or material(s). A specific design is disclosed using light with a +/?delta wavelength around a design wavelength of 795 nm. The invention may be used to disperse light at different wavelengths, including wavelengths associated with optical communications bands.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for optically combining light beams is disclosed. The apparatus includes a set of prism shaped doorways configured to receive output beams from at least one optical device. Each of the plurality of doorways has a common refractive index. The apparatus also includes a set of spherical mirrors disposed substantially parallel to the plurality of doorways. Each mirror is associated with one of the plurality of doorways. The apparatus further includes a boundary layer disposed between the set of doorways and the set of mirrors. The boundary layer has a refractive index greater than the common refractive index of the plurality of doorways. The common refractive index of the set of doorways and the refractive index of the boundary layer are configured to change the angle of each of the received output beams to combine the set of received output beams into a single output beam.

Abstract: A color prism capable of separating incident light into four color beams and synthesizing incident four-color beams, and a projection-type image display apparatus employing the color prism. The color prism includes: first through third triangular prisms each having two boundary surfaces which face the other two triangular prisms, and an outer surface which transmits or reflects incident light according to an incidence angle of the light; and first through third dichroic filters respectively interposed among the first through third triangular prisms and selectively transmits or reflects incident light according to wavelength so as to separate incident light into first through fourth light beams according to wavelength ranges and synthesize incident first through fourth light beams.

Abstract: Provided is a compact optical element that secures an optical path length and improves manufacturing precision economically. The optical element includes a transparent member having a first and second refracting surface, and reflecting surfaces. Light entering the transparent member from the first refracting surface is reflected by the reflecting surfaces to the second refracting surface. An optical path from the first to second refracting surface crosses itself inside the transparent member seen from a direction perpendicular to light entering the first refracting surface and exiting the second refracting surface. The transparent member guides the incident light from the first to the second refracting surface while reflecting the light alternately by at least one first and one second reflecting surface is in a first and second region respectively. The first and second regions and, respectively, are on opposite sides of a plane passing through the transparent member taken as a boundary.

Abstract: An eccentric optical system forming an optical path where an incident light beam is internally reflected three times to fold the optical path, and then emitted from a transmission surface and imaged on an image surface, and an optical path where the incident light beam is internally reflected two times to fold the optical path, and then emitted from a branching surface and imaged on an image surface. At least two surfaces of the optical operating surfaces are rotationally asymmetric surfaces.

Abstract: A polygonal prism receives at least one incident light and generates at least one outward light. The prism includes a plurality of planes, with the prism made from one piece of material.

Abstract: An optical pickup including a many-sided reflection prism formed as a single body with a plurality of reflection faces to guide a light beam incident through a transmission face in a horizontal direction perpendicular to a height direction by reducing a size of the light beam in the height direction, by using a difference in angles between the reflection faces, and to reflect the guided light beam in the height direction by one reflection face of an angle less than 45° with respect to the horizontal direction. By using the many-sided reflection prism, the height of an optical system can be reduced regardless of the wavelength used without reducing light beam size. Thereby, slim-sized optical pickups can be implemented.

Abstract: An image-taking optical system for forming an optical image of an object on the light-receiving surface of an image sensor includes a plurality of optical blocks. The optical blocks each have a prism unit provided with a curved surface and an optical unit composed of a member different from a member composing the prism unit. The prism unit uses the curved surface as a total reflection surface and also as a transmission surface. The optical unit has near the curved surface a curved surface identically or substantially identically shaped therewith.

Abstract: A lithographic projection apparatus is equipped with a device for manipulation and routing of at least one portion of a metrology beam of radiation. The device includes a first and a second optical wedge, wherein the second optical wedge and the first optical wedge having a relative position with respect to each other. The at least one portion of the metrology beam enters the device along an incoming optical axis at a first major surface of the first optical wedge, passes through the first and second optical wedges, and exits at a second major surface of the second optical wedge. The first and second optical wedges are arranged to at least one of rotate and translate the at least one portion of the metrology beam relative to the incoming optical axis by changing the relative position of the first and the second optical wedges.

Abstract: An optical interleaver for use in a range of telecommunications applications including optical multiplexers/demultiplexers and optical routers. The optical device includes an optical processing loop which allows multi-stage performance characteristics to be achieved with a single physical filtration stage. Optical processing on the first leg and second legs of the loop is asymmetrical thereby improving the integrity of the optical signals by effecting complementary chromatic dispersion on the first and second legs. A fundamental filter cell within the interleaver filters optical signals propagating on each of the two legs of the optical loop which intersects the fundamental filter cell.

Abstract: A beam shaping optical arrangement combines three incoming laser beams that are mutually laterally offset in two orthogonal directions (X and Y), including an incoming first central laser beam and second and third incoming beams laterally offset in the X direction on either side of the central beam, into one outgoing combined laser beam. The arrangement includes two lateral displacement optical units though which the laterally offset incoming beams are transmitted and that laterally displace the two laterally offset incoming beams along the X direction towards the incoming central beam but which do not laterally offset the incoming central beam.

Abstract: A system for the laser beam deflection for optical measuring systems includes an optical element for the deflection of an incident laser beam and a driving unit for generating a rotational movement between the optical element and the incident laser beam in order to deflect the laser beam in different successive directions. The optical element includes at least two segments for the deflection of the incident laser beam by one fixed deflection angle respectively. During the rotational movement, the laser beam successively impinges on the different segments. The optical element has a disk-shaped or ring-shaped design, and the segments are wedge-shaped with inclined surfaces. In the case of a method for the laser beam deflection, a laser beam impinging in an offset manner with respect to the axis of rotation is deflected during a time period by each segment into precisely one defined direction.

Abstract: A display system includes a single image-projection device, and a reflective surface optically coupled to the image-projection device, wherein the reflective surface is configured to reflect a plurality of images projected by the image-projection device onto a plurality of display surfaces, the projection being along a same path as a collection of the plurality of images.

Abstract: An optical prism 100 for reflecting light incident on its light incidence surface 12 suited for incidence of light from an LCD 20 at least twice within itself and emitting the reflected light as emitted light from a light emission surface 14 to the outside. The optical prism is coupled in use with a display element support 30 adapted to suit it. The side surfaces of the optical prism crossing the light incidence surface 12 and light emission surface 14 have projections 90L and 90R for mounting the optical prism on the display element support.

Abstract: An image display apparatus is capable of recycling the “OFF” state light to increase the image brightness and contrast. The image display apparatus includes a light source, a spatial light modulator, a total internal reflection (TIR) prism, a projection lens set, and a reflector. The spatial light modulator selectively modulates a light beam from the light source to a first path to form a first path light beam or to a second path to form a second path light beam. The TIR prism disposed between the light source and the spatial light modulator is configured to allow the light beam to travel therethrough in a first direction and to be incident on the spatial light modulator. The projection lens set disposed between the modulator and a screen is configured to project the first path light beam to form an image on a screen. The reflector is configured to reflect the second path light beam to form a reflected light beam that is incident on the TIR prism in a second direction as a recaptured light beam.

Abstract: A reflection type compound prism and an optical pickup apparatus employing the same. As a light beam is passed through the compound prism, a size of the light beam in a direction perpendicular to a reference plane is reduced by a first reflection surface, propagated toward an objective lens by second and third reflection surfaces and the size restored by reflecting the light beam from a fourth reflection surface forming an angle less than 45° with respect to the reference plane so that a height of an optical system is reducible to obtain a small thin optical pickup with a desired NA. The second and third reflection surfaces are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the reference plane by an amount close to a diameter of the light beam at a point of incidence of the light beam with the compound prism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device including a color separation prism, comprising at least two image sensors whose sensor surfaces are substantially of the shape of a rectangular parallelogram, and a color separation prism whose front surface of a functional part is planar and substantially of the shape of a rectangular parallelogram, whereby the front surface of the functional part of the color separation prism has a first side length and a second side length perpendicular thereto. In the device of the invention, the first side length of the front surface of the functional part of the color separation prism is substantially shorter than the second side length.

Abstract: A device for shaping the cross-section of a light beam, has at least one beam shaping unit with a beam splitter, beam deflector and beam combiner. The beam splitter can split a light beam which is incident on the beam shaping unit into two partial beams. The beam deflector can deflect at least one of the partial beams onto the beam combiner which can combine the two partial beams in such a manner that the cross-section of the light beam emerging from the beam shaping unit is reduced in size in one direction compared to the light beam incident on the beam shaping unit. The beam combiner is a polarisation-selective beam splitting and beam combination unit that comprises at least two elements with an interface interposed in between. The two split partial beams can be incident on the interface from different directions.

Abstract: A prism is produced by the steps of feeding a glass base material into a heating furnace, the glass base material having surfaces to be prism surfaces after forming, the Ra value of the surface roughness of the surface being less than the Ra value corresponding to #170, the glass base material having a predetermined dimensional ratio, grasping the glass base material with feeding means, and feeding the glass base material into a heating furnace to heat the glass base material to a temperature so that a minimum viscosity of the glass base material becomes equal to or more than 104 Pa·s and less than 106 Pa·s, drawing and forming the lower portion of the glass base material, and then cutting the glass base material to obtain a longer body having a desired dimension and prism surfaces with the Ra value of the surface roughness equal to or less than a quarter of the wavelength of incident light, and cutting the longer body into desired length.

Abstract: A cross dichroic prism for color decomposition includes a blue-reflecting dichroic film for reflecting a blue light component and a red-reflecting dichroic film for reflecting a red light component. Each dichroic film comprises lower and higher refractive index materials alternately laminated on a prism base. The cross dichroic prism satisfies 1.105?Nh/Nl?1.450 if Ng?Nl, or 1.118?Nh/Nl?1.150 if Ng>Nl, where Ng is the refractive index of the prism base, Nh is the refractive index of the higher refractive index material, and Nl is the refractive index of the lower refractive index material.

Abstract: A interferometer that has no moving parts and can acquire an interferogram in a single exposure is disclosed. Embodiments according to the invention can be used for polychromatic and/or monochromatic detection and include a fixed-position element that divides a beam segment into a plurality of parallel sub-beams of successively increasing path lengths. Embodiments according to the invention can be constructed from separate elements or can be combined into a one-piece device to provide increased stability and ruggedness.

Abstract: A brightness enhancement article for improving luminance from a light source includes a light-collecting prism surface forms a series of longitudinal trapezoidal prism elements in which each has a face plane disposed toward the light source and first and second legs extending back from the face plane, forming first and second base angles? with the face plane wherein both first and second base angles? satisfy: 90 degrees<base angle ?<120 degrees.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a multipass retroreflector and to a method for its operation. In a preferred embodiment, the retroreflector comprises three reflecting surfaces arranged at an angle to each other in the form of a prism that is triangular in cross-section and 1 to 2 ports through which an optical beam enters and/or exits. The method includes the step of admitting an optical beam into the retroreflector where the optical beam is reflected from the reflecting surfaces and exits parallel to the path of the incoming optical beam. The method also includes the steps of spacing and adjusting angular disposition and dimensions of the reflecting surfaces in order to change path length of the optical beam passing through the retroreflector. This spacing can be continuously scanned causing a large change in optical path length due to a small change in the position of the moving surface.

Abstract: Prism elements having TIR surfaces placed in close proximity to the active area of a SLM device 302 to separate unwanted off-state 324 and/or flat-state 326 light from the projection ON-light bundle 322. 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 are placed to immediately reflect the unwanted light as it comes off the SLM, thereby preventing 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 300, completely eliminating the package window.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for optically combining light beams is disclosed. The apparatus includes a set of prism shaped doorways configured to receive output beams from at least one optical device. Each of the plurality of doorways has a common refractive index. The apparatus also includes a set of spherical mirrors disposed substantially parallel to the plurality of doorways. Each mirror is associated with one of the plurality of doorways. The apparatus further includes a boundary layer disposed between the set of doorways and the set of mirrors. The boundary layer has a refractive index greater than the common refractive index of the plurality of doorways. The common refractive index of the set of doorways and the refractive index of the boundary layer are configured to change the angle of each of the received output beams to combine the set of received output beams into a single output beam.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include a system, method and apparatus for combining light paths of multiple colored light sources through a common integration tunnel.

Abstract: A light beam receiver for a laser beam (2) of a laser positioning device comprising a diffuse reflection surface (3) embodies a reflection surface (3) and at least one reflector surface (4a, 4b) facing the laser beam (2) inclined at an angle (?)<45°.

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: The invention includes a color projection system comprising having a light source optically coupled to a light management device. The light management device being optically coupled to a polarizer. The color projection system also includes a projection lens optically coupled to the polarizer. Additionally, a plate is disposed between the polarizer and the projection lens. The plate has quarter-wave properties. The light management device has a number of polarizing beamsplitter (PBS) cubes, with one or more subsets of which are optically coupled to each other, and at least one light blocking region disposed between a first and a second PBS cube of the number of PBS cubes. As result reduction of stray light in a reflective projection system is facilitated.

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.