Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: The present invention provides an ultra-lightweight and highly precise electromagnetic wave concentrator having a high rigidity and also flexibility, which is suitable as a solar ray concentrate device and for communications, this concentrator being produced by a molding process using the effect of stress relaxation in a thin-film material. An ultra-lightweight electromagnetic wave concentrator 10 having a high rigidity and also flexibility is obtained by conducting processing that increases the rigidity by forming a thin-film curved body comprising an electromagnetic wave reflective surface 11 that has the surface shape that is part of a paraboloid of revolution or of a curved surface modeling same by the effect of stress relaxation in a thin-film material, and also forming a structure of reinforcing grooves 13-15 in the reflective surface 11 for increasing the regidity.

Abstract: An optical apparatus includes a nonplanar light-reflecting surface having a shape referenced relative to an orthogonal axial system having an x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis. The light-reflecting surface has a non-circular conic profile with a conic axis and a distance f from a conic vertex to a finite focal point of the conic, wherein the non-circular conic profile is determined in a yz-plane containing the y-axis and the z-axis. The light-reflecting surface has a circular profile with a circular center and a radius of curvature r numerically equal to the distance f from the conic vertex to the finite focal point of the conic, wherein the circular profile is determined in an xz-plane containing the x-axis and the z-axis. A point light transceiver is at a transceiver location, wherein the transceiver location lies on the conic axis in the yz plane, and also at the circular center in the xz plane.

Abstract: A structure and method for providing a broken symmetry reflector structure for a solar concentrator device. The component of the optical direction vector along the symmetry axis is conserved for all rays propagated through a translationally symmetric optical device. This quantity, referred to as the translational skew invariant, is conserved in rotationally symmetric optical systems. Performance limits for translationally symmetric nonimaging optical devices are derived from the distributions of the translational skew invariant for the optical source and for the target to which flux is to be transferred. A numerically optimized non-tracking solar concentrator utilizing symmetry-breaking reflector structures can overcome the performance limits associated with translational symmetry.

Abstract: The present invention is an optical mirror assembly comprising; a mirror disc tapered on its a rear surface to a reduced thickness at the outer perimeter, a puller attached to the central region of the rear surface, a tensioner applying axial tension to the puller, and a perimeter support engaging the perimeter of the disc and reacting the axial tension into an axial compression force on the perimeter of the mirror disc and flexing it into a desired shape.

Abstract: A focusing-device for the radiation from a light source, in particular a laser plasma source, has a collector mirror which collects the light from the light source at a second focus in virtual or real terms, in particular for micro-lithography using EUV radiation, and a routing unit and downstream beam formation in an illuminating system. The collector mirror can be displaced in the z-direction (optical axis) and is designed and/or mounted in such a way that the position of the second focus remains unchanged in the event of temperature changes.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: The method of designing a reflective surface of a reflector in a vehicle lamp according to the present invention comprise (1) a segment creating step of sectioning a free curved surface and creating a plurality of segments having a plurality of vertexes, and (2) a curved surface generating step of deciding the light reflecting direction at each one of the plurality of vertexes, and generating curved surfaces to be assigned to the segments based on the reflecting direction for each one of the plurality of segments. The present invention provides a method of designing a reflective surface of a reflector in a vehicle lamp whereby the controllability of the luminous intensity distribution pattern is improved.

Abstract: A no base coat vehicle headlamp reflector can be improved with a plasma deposited layer of a siloxane material. The siloxane layer acts as an barrier layer formed directly on the vehicle reflector. The vehicle headlamp reflector with no base coat, but an barrier layer yields a resin lamp interior protected from upsets in the reflective layer and from outgasing condensate. The lamp reflector coated with plasma polymer of methanol yields a plastic lamp reflector resistant to condensation forming thereon, and resistant to attach by water vapor.

Abstract: Various configurations of a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator in combination with a mirror to compensate for chromatic dispersion. A VIPA generator produces a light traveling from the VIPA generator. In some embodiments, a variable curvature mirror is positioned to reflect the light back to the VIPA generator. A rotation axis around which the mirror is rotated and a translation path for the rotation axis are provided, to change the curvature of the mirror where the output light is reflected. In other embodiments, a plurality of mirrors have different surface curvatures. A holder has a rotation axis and holds the plurality of mirrors equidistantly from the rotation axis. The holder is rotatable around the rotation axis to bring a different, respective mirror in position to reflect light produced by a VIPA generator back to the VIPA generator. In other embodiments, a rotating mirror is rotatable about a rotation axis to reflect light produced by a VIPA generator to a respective fixed mirror.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the: apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light. The modified cone shape of the mirror can be designed so that the apparatus provides a uniform chromatic dispersion to light in the.

Abstract: A non-imaging optical system for operating on light using broken symmetry reflector surfaces (30). The theoretical upper limit for concentration of direct solar radiation at low latitudes with stationary concentrators is determined from the projected solid angle sampled by the apparent motion of the sun. Based on the fact that the solar radiation is not uniformly distributed within this projected solid angle, we derive higher concentrations which apply when rejecting the lower density radiation. Trough type systems, which have translational symmetry, cannot be ideal stationary concentrators. Efficiency is improved by using broken symmetry for surfaces of the reflector (30) and the light source or concentrator. We note that what applies to concentrators applies equally to reflectors for illumination.

Abstract: A vehicle lamp can include a tube-like lamp element that has an aperture, a reflector having a focus located approximately at the aperture, and a front lens. The lamp can be disposed in a vehicle body space that has a small width from the front view and a small depth from a side view of the vehicle body. A blind or shade is not necessary to cover non-aesthetic portions of the lamp. The lamp can be tube-like in shape and can include an optical system that has at least two ellipse group reflecting surfaces that are combined to form a multi-reflex optical system. An aperture can be formed by the reflecting surfaces to allow light rays to be guided outside of the lamp. A light source is preferably located on a common first focus of the at least two ellipse group reflecting surfaces. One of the ellipse group reflecting surfaces can have a longer focal distance than, and a different longitudinal direction from, those of other ellipse group reflecting surface(s).

Abstract: Light distribution characteristics are defined which define a correspondence relation between the position of a reflection point on a reference plane and the position of an image of a light source. In accordance with the light distribution characteristics, a path line in the reference plane is determined. A profile curve for each of a plurality of sampling points dispersibly distributed on the path line, is determined in accordance with the light distribution characteristics, the profile curve passing through the sampling point and corresponding to the topological shape of a reflecting surface to be determined. As the reflection point moves along the profile curve, the image of the light source moves in the direction crossing the reference plane in accordance with the light distribution characteristics. The topological shape of the reflecting surface is determined in accordance with the profile curve determined for each sampling point.

Abstract: An automobile external wide-angle rearview mirror, which is integrated with a main zone disposed at an inner side thereof and multiple upper and lower outer zones respectively disposed at an outer sides thereof and border upon the main zone at first and second tangent lines, wherein the main zone is defined with a predetermined curvature and symmetrical about a horizontal central line thereof, the multiple upper and lower outer zones are defined with curvatures gradually changed from inner sides to outer sides thereof; whereby the integrated rearview mirror of the invention provides a continuous image reflected therefrom with minimal blind spots, distortion and interferences.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: Various configurations of a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator in combination with a mirror to compensate for chromatic dispersion. A VIPA generator produces a light traveling from the VIPA generator. In some embodiments, a variable curvature mirror is positioned to reflect the light back to the VIPA generator. A rotation axis around which the mirror is rotated and a translation path for the rotation axis are provided, to change the curvature of the mirror where the output light is reflected. In other embodiments, a plurality of mirrors have different surface curvatures. A holder has a rotation axis and holds the plurality of mirrors equidistantly from the rotation axis. The holder is rotatable around the rotation axis to bring a different, respective mirror in position to reflect light produced by a VIPA generator back to the VIPA generator. In other embodiments, a rotating mirror is rotatable about a rotation axis to reflect light produced by a VIPA generator to a respective fixed mirror.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: A light energy efficient and low cost optical system for providing uniform illumination of a light valve. The light source is an extended source generally emitting a non-uniform spatial distribution of light power. The source light is focused into the entrance end of a light transmitting tunnel having reflecting interior wall surfaces and having cross sectional and length dimensions chosen to deliver, at the exit end of the tunnel, light which is substantially uniform is power distribution, over the surface area of the exit end, due multiple reflections from the tunnel walls. The exiting light is advantageously used to uniformly illuminate a light valve. The invention includes a combination of mirrors arranged about the source light to most effectively collect and direct the light.

Abstract: A diffractive optical element includes a pair of diffraction gratings. The pair of diffraction gratings differ in dispersion from each other and confront each other through a space of a refractive index of 1. A maximum optical path length difference occurring in the pair of diffraction gratings with respect to each of at least two wavelengths is integer times the associated wavelength. Further, peak portions and valley portions of the pair of diffraction gratings are chamfered.

Abstract: A mirror for viewing the face at different magnifications selectable by the user includes a first, oval primary mirror comprised of a front mirror plate having a first magnification and a rear mirror plate concavely curved to provide a second, greater magnification, the front and rear primary mirror plates being held in a back-to-back arrangement within a bezel ring. The ring is pivotably supported within a yoke attached to the upper end of a stanchion which protrudes upwardly from a base, allowing the primary mirror to be pivoted about a horizontally disposed minor axis of the primary mirror, or about a vertical axis through the stanchion, thus presenting either the front or rear reflecting surface to a person located in front of the mirror.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a passive, fiber-optic day-lighting system collects and transports sunlight as a cost-effective technology solution for day-lighting applications. The system utilizes a low concentration ratio sunlight collection system, in expensive optical fibers, and an inexpensive passive solar thermal tracker. The sun-light collection system uses an array of conical compound parabolic concentrators with concentration ratio in the range of 50-500. The sun-light collection system may also use an array of square or rectangular shaped Fresnel lenses with circular concentric grooves. The array of Fresnel lenses can be formed on a single sheet of plastic, which will minimize the cost of manufacturing and reduce the cost of assembly of individual lenses into an array. The sun-light collection may also use arrays of two concentrators in tandem.

Abstract: An optical apparatus for producing chromatic dispersion. The apparatus includes a virtually imaged phased array (VIPA) generator, a mirror and a lens. The VIPA generator receives an input light at a respective wavelength and produces a corresponding collimated output light traveling from the VIPA generator in a direction determined by the wavelength of the input light, the output light thereby being spatially distinguishable from an output light produced for an input light at a different wavelength. The mirror has a cone shape, or a modified cone shape. The lens focuses the output light traveling from the VIPA generator onto the mirror so that the mirror reflects the output light. The reflected light is directed by the lens back to the VIPA generator. In this manner, the apparatus provides chromatic dispersion to the input light.

Abstract: A left hand and right hand sideview mirror system for vehicles to provide an adequate display of vehicles in the regular view area, the overtaking area, and the blind spot area in one single contiguous mirror. This is all done with three flat plane mirror sections with different degree planes connected with multiple narrow flat plane transition sections with degree changes of ½ to 1 degree each to avoid noticeable view gaps and distortion. This produces a large mirror display area and positioned so that the driver instantly understands the situation in the entire area behind his frontal view including the blind spot area along with overtaking vehicles and the regular viewing area. The driver can then make instant accurate judgmental decisions about making a lane change or moving into a lane thus avoiding the danger caused by overlooking the vehicles in the danger area which did not show up in prior sideview mirrors or showed up in a distorted misleading or confusing manner.

Abstract: A lens circumscribing rays of light incident thereupon from various directions within a fixed region, the system condensing light therewith, and the lighting therewith, are provided. Plural circumscribing ray route lenses 1 characterized by; a refraction condensing light means for transmitting the incident light within a fixed region by refraction in accordance with the region of the incidence angle, and a total reflection condensing light means for transmitting the incident light within a fixed region by total reflection in accordance with the region of the incidence angle: are arranged in a state of transmitted light being emitted within the energy receiver section 12 as a elected region for condensing the sunlight in accordance with the arrangement location of each said lens (FIG.

Abstract: A projection type display apparatus is arranged to be able to implement both brightness-priority display and color-reproduction-priority display by itself. In the display apparatus, white light from a light source 1 is separated into beams of three colors by a color separation optical system comprised of a combination of dichroic mirrors DM1, DM2, total reflection mirrors M1, M2, M3, etc., and the beams of the three colors are made incident to liquid-crystal display units 8R, 8G, 8B. After that, the beams are combined by a dichroic prism 9 and images of the liquid-crystal display units 8R, 8G, 8B are projected by a projection lens 10. In this display apparatus, a dichroic filter DF for transmitting light in a region not less than a certain wavelength (for example, about 600 nm) but intercepting light in the other region is arranged so as to be able to be put into or out of an optical path immediately before the liquid-crystal display unit 8R.

Abstract: A gap between absorber and reflector of a solar concentrator. A gap is required in a solar concentrator for thermal isolation reasons and the position of the receiver relative to reflector and a notch are optimized for best solar collection efficiency.

Abstract: A deconcentrating optic has an input aperture positioned near a point of minimum focus of a reflector, and has an output aperture which is larger than the input aperture. An inner surface connects the two apertures of the optic. The surface is reflective to visible light, and is shaped to decrease the angles of incident light rays from the reflector so that an emerging light beam is bounded by a cone the angle of which is less than or equal to the acceptance cone of a projection lens. The size and shape of the output beam is such that the object lying in the projection plane of the lens is fully illuminated but not overfilled. The inner surface of the reflecting optic may be selectively perturbed so that the object plane of the projection lens is uniformly illuminated. The general shape of the reflecting optic's inner surface may be parabolic, elliptical, hyperbolic, circular, conical, or combinations of these shapes.

Abstract: A reflector (R) for a lighting device having a light source elongated in one direction has a three-dimensional curved shape which provides a maximum efficiency of the device with the required control on the direction of the light beam at the output.

Abstract: An anamorphic system and method having first and second reflective anamorphic surfaces producing different magnifications in orthogonal directions in a collimated beam of radiation incident on the first anamorphic surface. The anamorphic surfaces have parabolic cross-sections in the two orthogonal directions. The parabolic cross-sections have base radii of curvatures and the magnifications in the first and second directions are determined by the ratio of the base radii of curvatures in the first and second directions.

Abstract: A nonimaging concentrator (or illuminator) of light. The concentrator (or illuminator) has a shape defined by dR/d.phi.=Rtan.alpha. where R is a radius vetor from an origin to a point of reflection of a light edge ray from a reflector surface and .phi. is an angle between the R vector and an exit aperture external point of the concentrator (illuminator) and coordinates (R, .phi.) represent a point on a reflector curve and .alpha. is an angle the light edge ray from an origin point makes with a normal to the reflector curve. The reflector surface allows the light edge ray on the reflector curve to vary as a function of position. In the concentrator an absorber has a shape variable which varies with position along the absorber surface.

Abstract: A process for the production of coaxial and confocal mirrors having grazing incidence consists essentially of a support element or a carrier made of ceramic material, a layer reflecting X-rays and intermediate layer which is a buffer and which avoids the transfer of the rough surface of the carrier or support element to the reflecting layer. The support element or carrier is prepared by deposition involving the spraying of the ceramic material in the form of plasma (plasma spray deposition).

Abstract: A reflection mirror includes a main reflection portion including a region close to a main optical axis of the reflection mirror, and circumferential wall portions surrounding the main reflection portion. An inner surface of the circumferential wall portions of the reflection mirror is formed into an inclined surface with respect to the main optical axis of the reflection mirror, and such an inclined surface is made to be smoothly continuous to an inner surface of the main reflection portion to thereby form a fundamental surface of a reflection surface. Then, a group of paraboloids of revolution consisting of many paraboloids of revolution whose focal distances are different from one another is prepared. Then, intersecting lines between the fundamental subrace of the reflection surface and the group of paraboloids of revolution are obtained. Further, many reflection steps are formed on the main reflection portion and the circumferential wall portion.

Abstract: A rapid and linear scanning optical delay line was attained by the use of a helicoid reflecting mirror which was spun by a DC servo motor for bringing about a periodic change in the optical path length of the reflected light beam. The double-pass scanning range of the delay time as large as 80 picosecond was attained by the scanning optical delay line having a helicoid reflecting mirror having 12 mm in pitch distance. The scanning optical delay line was used in an optical second-harmonic generation autocorrelator, which was thus capable of scanning successfully a picosecond optical pulse train. A real-time scanning of the picosecond laser pulse of a mode-locked Titanium:Sapphire was verified.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a compound elliptical concentrator having an illumination source at an entry aperture and having an exit aperture directed to project light onto the surface of an object. The compound elliptical concentrator includes first and second reflective surfaces that are arcs of different ellipses. The ellipse that defines the arc of the first reflective surface has one focus that is proximate to an entry end of the second reflective surface. The ellipse that defines the arc of the second reflective surface has a focus that is proximate to the entry end of the first reflective surface. The other foci of the ellipses are at or beyond the exit aperture of the compound elliptical concentrator and are preferably symmetrically aligned with respect to the surface to be imaged. The reflective surfaces are on the opposite sides of a plane of symmetry and are configured such that multiple reflections of extreme rays from the illumination source are deterred.

Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface. The DMT is generally fabricated using a two-level partitioning process. Several prepared glass substrates, i.e., one for each mirror type, are initially sliced into bars having predetermined geometries. A bar from each substrate is sequentially aligned to a master reference and bonded to adjacent bars to form an intermediate bar stack. The stack is then segmented into a plurality of DMT components, each having a plurality of prism members.

Abstract: In order to suppress generation of the line bow phenomenon created when light from a light source is collected into a linear form on the surface of an original document by a toric mirror, for example, and in order to obtain uniform lighting, the optical axis of the light source is made to be in a common plane with a line normal to the surface of the toric mirror. Accordingly, the light travelling to the toric mirror, between the light source and the toric mirror, and the light reflected by the toric mirror, travelling between the toric mirror and the second mirror, is not inclined relative to the toric mirror normal line. The second mirror, the optical path conversion mirror, can be a half-mirror positioned between the light source and the toric mirror. Alternatively, a separate light source can be provided on opposite sides of the second mirror. As another alternative, the second mirror can be divided into two portions, with the light source being provided between the two portions.

Abstract: The line bow phenomenon is reduced by appropriately setting the reflective surface and/or the external shape of an optical element (e.g., a toric mirror) thereby realizing approximately linear illumination of the surface of the original document that is being read. In order to do this, optical elements can be formed so that the external shape of the reflective surface of the optical element is bow-shaped. Alternatively, the optical element can be arranged so that the optical axis of the reflective surface is parallel to the axis of the light reflected from the reflective surface.

Abstract: A light reflecting plate includes a thermoplastic polyester foam containing fine cells with a mean cell diameter of 50 .mu.m or less and having a thickness of 200 .mu.m or more and a specific gravity of 0.7 or less. This light reflecting plate exhibits a high diffuse reflectance of visible light without adding a pigment or fine particles for improving the light scattering properties.

Abstract: A deflection mirror tower (DMT) of a multiple-disk array, optical storage system includes a plurality of prism members, each having an angular mirror surface, arranged along a vertical axis of the DMT and configured at a predetermined angular orientation to deflect a laser beam to a respective disk surface. The DMT is generally fabricated using a two-level partitioning process. Several prepared glass substrates, i.e., one for each mirror type, are initially sliced into bars having predetermined geometries. A bar from each substrate is sequentially aligned to a master reference and bonded to adjacent bars to form an intermediate bar stack. The stack is then segmented into a plurality of DMT components, each having a plurality of prism members.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an LCD projector illumination system that optimizes the illumination through a liquid crystal screen as well as through the aperture of the system's objective, wherein the shape Zr,.beta. of the reflector is described by a set of elementary surfaces dS each of which is associated with a function Z(.rho.), corresponding to a median plane (r,.beta.) to be illuminated, defined by the distance r between the center and the edges of said screen and the angle .beta. between the horizontal plane and this median plane, the inclination of each elementary surface dS being computed by interpolating said functions Z(.rho.) with a function Z(x,y).

Abstract: A reflection mirror has reflection steps formed as portions of respective paraboloids of revolution and disposed between adjacent ones of closed curves formed as lines of intersection of a group consisting of the paraboloids of revolution with different focal distances and a fundamental surface for the reflection surface. The fundamental surface for the reflection surface includes a first curved surface portion and a second curved surface portion connected to the first curved surface portion in the n-th order continuity (N.gtoreq.1). The first curved surface portion is shaped such that when a light beam, which is emitted from a point light source supposed to lie on the principal optical axis of the reflection mirror, is reflected at a reflection point on the first curved surface portion, the light beam reflected thereat is directed substantially parallel to the principal optical axis of the reflection mirror.

Abstract: A device for directing light longitudinally forwardly, that comprises a lens body having a front face facing forwardly, rearward body extent, and a curved sidewall extending between the rearward body extent and the front face; a rear cavity in the body, the cavity having a sidewall and a front wall defining a corner; and a light source in the cavity, and characterized in that light rays transmitted by the light source toward the curved sidewall, and toward the corner are collimated forwardly.

Abstract: A laser beam is projected from a laser oscillator 1 and converged by a condenser lens 2. The laser beam converged by the condenser lens 2 is reflected in any arbitrary direction by a scanning mirror 4 which is rotated by scanning means 3. The laser beam is linearly moved. The laser beam is reflected by a curved surface reflecting mirror 5 which is formed in a spherical surface in the primary scanning direction of the laser beam and an ellipsoid in the secondary scanning direction so that the scanned surface is scanned at a substantially predetermined speed.

Abstract: An optical illumination system according to the present invention is provided with an optical reflector for illuminating a surface to be illuminated in the shape of arc or annulus. A reflective plane of the optical reflector is shaped in a special curved surface. Specifically, an arbitrary parabola with a first axis passing through the vertex and the focus of the parabola is rotated about a second axis passing through a point located on the opposite side of the directrix of the parabola with respect to the focus and being parallel to the directrix. The rotation of the parabola yields a parabolic toric surface. The reflective plane of the optical reflector has the curved surface constituting at least a part of the parabolic toric surface. The reflective plane so shaped reflects a light source image emitted from a light source system to illuminate the surface to be illuminated in the shape of arc or annulus.

Abstract: An apparatus for installing a curved mirror used in a scanning optical system is provided. The apparatus his a curved mirror assembly that includes a wall and a reference surface which is formed on a surface of said wall. The apparatus also has a stationary member with which the scanning optical system is provided and to which the curved mirror assembly is secured. The curved mirror assembly is secured to the stationary member by using the reference surface without the reflecting surface coming in contact with the stationary member.

Abstract: The distance between the base point of the light source and the curvature start point of the virtual reflection mirror is preset. Then the distance between the curvature start point of the virtual reflection mirror and the start point of the object being illumined is set. The ray of light striking the entire object is determined by the fourth straight line. As the fourth straight line is progressively moved, the third straight line is also progressively moved from the curvature start point of the virtual reflection mirror to describe the locus of the curvature of the virtual reflection mirror. This locus is obtained as the light distribution data for the object.

Abstract: A technique is disclosed herein in which a circular optical beam, for example a copper vapor laser (CVL) beam, is converted to a beam having a profile other than circular, e.g. square or triangular. This is accomplished by utilizing a single optical mirror having a reflecting surface designed in accordance with a specifically derived formula in order to make the necessary transformation, without any substantial light loss and without changing substantially the intensity profile of the circular beam which has a substantially uniform intensity profile. In this way, the output beam can be readily directed into the dye cell of a dye laser.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a mirror mounted near the roof for reflecting an image generated by a display source. The display source and mirror are shaped and positioned to provide a virtual image of the image generated by the display source which is focused at infinity.