Abstract: The present disclosure refers to an interior rearview device adapted for use with a motor vehicle, comprising: a rearview element comprising at least one of a reflective element and a display element; a bezel surrounding the rearview element and being surrounded by a housing; a mount assembly which is configured to attach the housing to the vehicle; and an human machine interface (HMI) for controlling at least one function of the interior rearview device, with the HMI comprising at least one ToF sensor, between the housing and the rearview element, and at least a part of the bezel, preferably at the bottom of the interior rearview device.

Abstract: A base assembly, capable of restricting an edge part of a cover from moving, includes: a base, a gasket and a cover, in which the base includes a fixing part and an attaching part, the gasket is attached to the fixing part, the cover is attached at the fixing part and the attaching part, and a lower edge part of the cover facing lower edge parts of the fixing part and the gasket has a vertical edge part, the lower edge part of the gasket has a horizontal edge part, stopper parts to restrict the vertical edge part from moving with respect to the lower edge part of the base are provided at the base and the cover, respectively, and the stopper part on the base's side is provided vertically, and the stopper part on the cover's side is provided horizontally.

Abstract: An actuator for a rear view device of a vehicle, a rear view device and a vehicle with such an actuator includes a body defining a folding axis for a rear view device of a vehicle, an actuator housing being rotatably and axially displaceably borne by the body and a drive assembly being supported by the actuator housing and being configured for automatically rotating the actuator housing relative to the body about the folding axis between a first angular position and a second angular position and for axially displacing the actuator housing relative to the body along the folding axis between a first axial position and a second axial position.

Abstract: An optical unit according to one embodiment including: a reflection portion which reflects an incident light flux, which is made incident from outside, in a reflection direction toward an imaging element from an incident direction; a movable body provided with the reflection portion; a fixed body; a movable mechanism which allows the movable body to move relative to the fixed body; a gimbal mechanism provided with a first support portion which supports the movable body swingably about a first axis; and a bearing mechanism which supports the gimbal mechanism swingably relative to the fixed body about a second axis intersecting the first axis direction.

Abstract: An arrangement is provided for monitoring the plantar temperature of the foot having a platform with at least two multi-layer temperature sensitive pads that measure the temperature of a sole of a user's feet. The platform has a scanner for scanning the bottom of the user's feet that produces a digital image thereof. A printed circuit board supports remote connectivity to a mobile application that transmits the scanned digital image of the users' feet to the mobile application for storage and delivery to a physician. The arrangement includes the mobile application that provides a series of diagnostic questions and prompts to the user and is configured to transmit data including the scanned images of the user's feet to a physician.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a mirror assembly having an image viewing surface which resists fogging caused by condensation of water vapor on the viewing surface and a fogless mirror system comprising such a mirror assembly and an attachment system as well as methods and uses for such mirror assembly and fogless mirror system.

Abstract: Described examples include a micromechanical device having a substrate. The micromechanical device includes a MEMS element and a via between the MEMS element and the substrate, the via having a conductive layer extending from the substrate to the MEMS element and having a structural integrity layer on the conductive layer.

Abstract: In an image guidance method, a stream of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of an anatomical organ is acquired using a CBCT imaging device (34). For each CBCT image (44), the surface of the organ in the CBCT image is segmented to generate a segmented surface (70) of the anatomical organ in the CBCT image. Occluded shape reconstruction (66) using a statistical shape prior (68) may be used to reconstruct a missing or occluded surface portion. A pre-operative medical image (12) of the anatomical organ and the CBCT image are spatially registered by warping one of the images to the other of the images using point set registration of a segmented surface (30) of the organ in the preoperative medical image and the segmented surface of the organ in the CBCT image. A fused image (82) is displayed that combines the warped image and the other image.

Abstract: An actuator for a rear view device of a vehicle, a rear view device and a vehicle with such an actuator includes a body defining a folding axis for a rear view device of a vehicle, an actuator housing being rotatably and axially displaceably borne by the body and a drive assembly being supported by the actuator housing and being configured for automatically rotating the actuator housing relative to the body about the folding axis between a first angular position and a second angular position and for axially displacing the actuator housing relative to the body along the folding axis between a first axial position and a second axial position.

Abstract: A single arm telescoping mirror apparatus comprising a mirror base and mirror head. In one embodiment, a mirror base having a wear plate secured to a single support arm which frictionally engages a single telescoping tube of the mirror head. Furthermore, a mirror base having a roller assembly which frictionally engage the inner wall of a single telescoping tube of the mirror head. Frictional forces created minimize the telescopic or vibrational movement of the mirror head during use of a vehicle. In another aspect, a wear plate is secured to a single telescoping tube while, roller assemblies are attached to a support arm which frictionally engage ridges of the telescoping tube.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining, using a first set of resulting signals from various proximity sensor electrodes, positional information regarding a location of an input object in a sensing region. The method may include obtaining, using a second set of resulting signals from various force sensor electrodes, force information regarding an input force that is applied to an input surface. The method may include loading, using a loading actuator and in response to the positional information or the force information, energy in a spring element coupled to a buckling element. The spring element may apply a compression force to the buckling element based on the energy in the spring element. The method may include generating, using a buckling actuator and in response to the positional information or the force information, a haptic event by applying a force to the buckling element to trigger the haptic event.

Abstract: A wavelength conversion module, a manufacturing method of wavelength conversion module and a projection device are provided. The wavelength conversion module includes a substrate, an anodized layer and a wavelength conversion layer. The anodized layer is located on the substrate, wherein the anodized layer has a rough surface. The anodized layer is located between the substrate and the wavelength conversion layer, and the rough surface faces the wavelength conversion layer. A projection device having aforesaid wavelength conversion module and a manufacturing method of aforesaid wavelength conversion module are also provided. The wavelength conversion module of the invention has good conversion efficiency and reliability. The projection device of the invention has good optical quality and reliability. The manufacturing method of the wavelength conversion module of the invention can form the wavelength conversion module with good conversion efficiency and reliability.

Abstract: A rearview device attachment assembly includes a mount having a periphery that defines first and second recesses. The mount is configured to engage a windscreen button. An attachment clip is coupled to the mount at a central portion of the attachment clip. The attachment clip includes first and second opposing loading members that abut the first and second recesses. A flex portion extends from each of the first and second opposing loading members. A connection portion extends inwardly from each flex portion. Each of the first and second loading members of the attachment clip is pre-loaded during coupling of the attachment clip to the mount, but prior to rotational engagement of the attachment clip with engagement surfaces of the windscreen button.

Abstract: Illuminated vanity mirror assemblies are disclosed. In one example implementation, an illuminated vanity mirror assembly includes a front panel having a front face and a rear face. The front face can include a reflective surface. The illuminated vanity mirror can include a mirror housing and at least one light source positioned within the mirror housing. The illuminated vanity mirror can include a first mount attached to the rear face of the front panel at or adjacent to the first edge of the rear face of the front panel. The first mount can have a downward facing lip. The mirror housing can define a cavity configured to receive at least a portion of the downward facing lip.

Abstract: A micro-electro mechanical system (MEMS) scanner has a backside reinforcement structure configured to concentrate stress which is exerted against the reinforcement structure at contour points. The reinforcement structure is attached to an underside of a mirror to maintain mirror flatness. Characteristics and features of the contour points are variable based on the specific application, including considerations for the design of the MEMS scanner, mirror, and reinforcement structure. The contour points are configured for concentration of stress to relieve stress from relatively weaker areas on the reinforcement structure, thereby increasing reliability and performance of the MEMS scanner. For example, a point of failure on the reinforcement structure may be where a top silicon layer and transition layer (e.g., silicon oxide layer) adjoin. Implementation of the contour points can concentrate stress at the contour points and thereby relieve stress from the weaker areas.

Abstract: A light source unit includes: a light source; a color conversion film containing an organic luminous material that converts incident light made incident from the light source into light with a longer wavelength than that of the incident light; and a laminated film comprising a constitution in which 11 or more layers of different thermoplastic resins are alternately laminated with each other.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a camera module for a vehicle and a monitoring system provided with the same capable of conveniently identifying circumstances around a vehicle by photographing the circumference of the vehicle in various directions. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the camera module includes a camera module including a plurality of lenses which is mounted in different directions to form each image, one image sensor unit which is mounted to be movable to corresponding positions of each image formed by the plurality of lenses, a guide part which selectively moves the image sensor unit, and an image processor which processes an image signal output from the image sensor unit.

Abstract: An electro-optical device is configured by a laminated body of a second conductive layer and a reflective layer for a mirror. The second conductive layer includes a mirror support post facing a concave portion at a side opposite to a substrate, and a flat plate which extends from an end portion of the mirror support post and faces the substrate. The concave portion is filled with the resin. Surfaces of the flat plate and the resin configure a continuous plane. The reflective layer for a mirror is laminated on a surface of the resin at a side opposite to the substrate, and a surface of the flat plate of the second conductive layer at a side opposite to the substrate.

Abstract: An external side mirror is pivotable relative to a vehicle to which it is attached. The external side mirror includes an outer cover, and a housing bracket within the outer cover. The housing bracket is mounted or attached to the outer cover. A gasket is removably attached to the underside of the housing bracket. The gasket has a plurality of hooks that extend upwardly and attach to the housing bracket. Support ribs extending from the outer cover trap the hooks against the housing bracket. This allows the gasket to pivot along with the external side mirror relative to the vehicle to keep the gasket hidden from view even when the external side mirror is pivoted.

Abstract: In a door mirror device for a vehicle, a stopper groove of a case and a stopper of a stand are provided so as to be superposed with a restricting ring in an axial direction of a support shaft of the stand. Therefore, in comparison with a structure in which the stopper groove of the case and the stopper of the stand are provided at the outer side in an axis-orthogonal direction (radial direction) of the support shaft of the stand relative to the restricting ring and an engaging ring, an increase in size of the case and stand to a side in the axis-orthogonal direction of the support shaft may be suppressed.

Abstract: A single arm telescoping mirror apparatus comprising a mirror base and mirror head. In one embodiment, a mirror base having a wear plate secured to a single support arm which frictionally engages a single telescoping tube of the mirror head. Furthermore, a mirror base having a roller assembly which frictionally engage the inner wall of a single telescoping tube of the mirror head. Frictional forces created minimize the telescopic or vibrational movement of the mirror head during use of a vehicle. In another aspect, a wear plate is secured to a single telescoping tube while, roller assemblies are attached to a support arm which frictionally engage ridges of the telescoping tube.

Abstract: A display device for a motor vehicle includes: a projection module fix generating an image for a projection in a direction of gaze of a user of the display device along an optical path; a reflection and/or display element; a support element for the reflection and/or display element; and a holding element, configured such that the reflection and/or display element is held, without deformation of the reflection and/or display element, between the support element and the holding element and in a fixed position relative to the support element.

Abstract: The invention proposes an arrangement for optically capturing a space from a plurality of directions, having first deflection elements for deflecting optical rays, a second deflection element, and a camera arranged downstream from the second deflection element, wherein at least three first deflection elements are provided that are arranged so as to be mutually spaced apart on a plane and are aligned such that they direct optical rays, referred to as partial images, that are incident in parallel from different directions to the second deflection element, referred to as a splitter, and wherein the splitter is embodied such that it deflects the partial images back substantially in their original direction of radiation and into the capture range of the camera.

Abstract: This side mirror device includes: a mirror base; a housing a bearing mechanism; a mirror; an inclining mechanism; an internal housing; and a cover, wherein the bearing mechanism and the inclining mechanism are contained in an interior of the housing, and wherein the bearing mechanism and the inclining mechanism are formed so as to face each other across the mirror base along an axis line of the bearing mechanism, wherein the housing has an upper cover and a lower cover that are disposed so as to face each other, wherein the upper cover and the lower cover whose outer surface shapes form an mirror-image symmetry with each other, wherein the cover forms, on a rear side, an opening edge portion that exposes the mirror, wherein the opening edge portion is made of an involuted recess portion that is a rear-side end portion of the cover being bent inwardly toward the mirror, and wherein with the rear-side end portion of the internal housing is inserted into the involuted recess portion, the rear-side end portion of

Abstract: A micromechanical device includes a tiltable structure that is rotatable about a first rotation axis. The tiltable structure is coupled to a fixed structure through an actuation structure of a piezoelectric type. The actuation structure is formed by spring elements having a spiral shape. The spring elements each include actuation arms extending transversely to the first rotation axis. Each actuation arm carries a respective piezoelectric band of piezoelectric material. The actuation arms are divided into two sets with the piezoelectric bands thereof biased in phase opposition to obtain rotation in opposite directions of the tiltable structure about the first rotation axis.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a head-up display device with which the display quality of a display object can be improved. A mirror holder 30 supporting a concave mirror is equipped with a protruding piece that protrudes from the approximate center of the holder width, which is defined along a rotational axis, and this protruding piece is moved by a position adjustment means. Stress acting on the mirror holder from the protruding piece is uniform in the left and right directions from the center of the mirror holder. Consequently, twisting at the location of the mirror holder is significantly reduced, so the driver is able to view a display object for which distortion has been suppressed, and the display quality of the display object is improved.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning unit including a rotatable polygonal mirror and a detecting portion; and a controller. A rotation center of the rotatable polygonal mirror is made eccentric with respect to a center of gravity of the rotatable polygonal mirror by 7.5 ?m or more. The controller identifies one of reflecting surfaces of the rotatable polygonal mirror as a reference surface by using a signal outputted from the detecting portion for each of the reflecting surfaces of the rotatable polygonal mirror and a period of signals from light beams reflected by consecutive two reflecting surfaces with respect to a rotational direction of the rotatable polygonal mirror.

Abstract: A primary mirror mount assembly includes a body including a mirror surface and a mount surface, with the mount surface having at least one feature formed therein. The mount assembly further includes a hub configured to be secured to the body. The hub includes at least one corresponding mating feature configured to receive the at least one feature of the mount surface of the body therein. The at least one feature and the at least one corresponding mating feature are configured to be welded together. A method of assembling a primary mirror mount assembly is further disclosed.

Abstract: An interior side mirror with multiple legs supporting device for side blind spot of a car. Which comprises a side mirror; a multiple legs supporting means, which is constructed by a connecting seat for fixing the side mirror with the multiple legs supporting means; a neck section made by half-solid metal wire; legs made by half-solid metal wire, ends of legs are connected with the neck section; adhesive components for fixing the legs on a place of interior surface of a car; the half-solid metal wire means the metal wire is flexible and is able to keep a bended shape after bending. This interior side mirror with a multiple legs supporting device can be used for any vehicle conveniently and get well side blind spot.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes an optical scanning unit including a rotatable polygonal mirror and a detecting portion; and a controller. A rotation center of the rotatable polygonal mirror is made eccentric with respect to a center of gravity of the rotatable polygonal mirror by 7.5 ?m or more. The controller identifies one of reflecting surfaces of the rotatable polygonal mirror as a reference surface by using a signal outputted from the detecting portion for each of the reflecting surfaces of the rotatable polygonal mirror and a period of signals from light beams reflected by consecutive two reflecting surfaces with respect to a rotational direction of the rotatable polygonal mirror.

Abstract: A mounting fixture used for mounting a ring-shaped elastic seal member between a ring-shaped side surface of an optical component and a holder which holds the optical component. The mounting fixture has a first abutting surface which can abut against a top surface of the optical component which intersects the side surface, a projecting part which is arranged so as to surround the first abutting surface and which projects out from the first abutting surface in a direction vertical to the first abutting surface, and a second abutting surface which is provided at the front end of the projecting part and can abut against the elastic seal member.

Abstract: A rearview device having a rearview display. A rearview device attachment assembly is connected with the rearview display and includes a mount and an attachment clip coupled to the mount. The attachment clip includes a base and first and second opposing flex members extending from the base, each including an arcuate flex portion extending from the base. A connecting portion extends from the arcuate flex portion at an angle toward the base. An engagement portion extends away from the connecting portion at an angle away from the base. First and second protrusions project from the mount, each extending through first and second slots, respectively, in the base. The first and second protrusions are in abutting contact with the engagement portion of the first and second opposing flex members, respectively, thereby forcing the first and second opposing flex members at least partially away from the base.

Abstract: An exterior rear view mirror assembly for a motor vehicle has a reflecting element, a clamping plate, a first adhesive element fixing the reflective element to the clamping plate, and a watertight illumination module. The watertight illumination module has a printed circuit board arranged within the watertight illumination module at an angle of 1 to 90 degrees relative to the clamping plate, at least one light emitting diode arranged on the printed circuit board, an inner reflective surface having a reflectivity coefficient of at least 30% and at least partially exposed to the light emitted by the at least one light emitting diode, and an outer portion with at least one hole with a sealing element engaged therein.

Abstract: There is provided a facet mirror device comprising a facet element and a support unit, the support unit supporting the facet element. The support unit comprises a first support element and a second support element, the second support element being connected to the facet element to support the facet element. The first support element is connected to the second support element to support the second support element, the first support element being connected to the second support element via at least one flexure unit, the flexure unit comprising at least one flexure.

Abstract: A vehicle mirror assembly has a mirror retention plate having two parallel free edges and a replaceable mirror plate having a first surface to which the mirror is attached and a second surface opposite said first surface. The second surface has two parallel edges which includes projections on one of said edges able to retain one of said edges of the retention plate. On the second edge of said second surface of the mirror plate is a releasable locking mechanisms engageable with the other of said free edges of the retention plate. This allows the mirror plate to be simply snapped into position and released by triggering the release mechanism.

Abstract: A mirror mount that mounts a mirror to a vehicle fender. The mount can include a base that faces a vehicle fender exterior without extending upwardly and under a hood of the vehicle. A support arm extends from the base and includes a distal end that joins with a mirror. One or more pillars extend away from the base. The pillars can be sized and shaped to extend through holes in the fender to a frame member of the vehicle disposed inwardly relative to the fender. The pillars are associated with a fastener to join with the frame member so that weight of the mirror, the base, the support arm and/or the pillars are substantially born by the frame member. This can reduce transmission of vibration inherent in the fender to the mirror, and/or can rigidly and structurally connect the mirror to the frame member, rather than the fender.

Abstract: A method of replacing an interior assembly includes removing a first interior assembly from a vehicle by detaching a first mounting base of the first interior assembly from a first mounting element adhesively attached at an in-cabin surface of the windshield of the vehicle. A second mounting element is provided and is attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield at or near or at least partially around the first mounting element. A second mounting base of a second interior assembly is mounted at the first and second mounting elements, whereby the first and second mounting elements cooperate to support the second interior assembly at the vehicle windshield.

Abstract: A semiconductor layer having an opening and a MEMS resonator formed in the opening is disposed between first and second substrates to encapsulate the MEMS resonator. An electrical contact that extends from the opening to an exterior of the MEMS device is formed at least in part within the semiconductor layer and at least in part within the first substrate.

Abstract: A side-view mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The mirror assembly may generally include a mirror housing configured to support a mirror. The mirror housing may define an airfoil shape have a first side surface and a second side surface extending between a forward edge and an aft edge. In addition, the mirror housing may be movable between a first position, wherein the mirror housing is aerodynamically aligned with an airflow flowing past the vehicle, and a second position, wherein the mirror reflects a rearwardly extending side-view of the vehicle.

Abstract: A mirrored photographing system is disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a mirrored photographing system comprises a back plate, a mirror, and a camera. The mirror is mounted to the back plate, which provides structural support. The mirror has a viewing aperture and a reflective surface covering at least a portion of the front surface of the mirror for self-viewing by a subject standing in front of the mirror. The camera is positioned between the back plate and the mirror and aligned with the viewing aperture for the camera to view the subject therethrough. The camera is configured for electronic wireless communication with a remote electronic device to at least one of (i) receive directions therefrom and (ii) to forward captured photographs thereto.

Abstract: A projection objective of a microlithographic projection apparatus has a wavefront correction device (42) comprising a mirror substrate (44; 44a, 44b) that has two opposite optical surfaces (46, 48), through which projection light passes, and a circumferential rim surface (50) extending between the two optical surfaces (46, 48). A first and a second optical system (OS1, OS2) are configured to direct first and second heating light (HL1, HL2) to different portions of the rim surface (50) such that at least a portion of the first and second heating light enters the mirror substrate (44; 44a, 44b). A temperature distribution caused by a partial absorption of the heating light (HL1, HL2) results in a refractive index distribution inside the mirror substrate (44; 44a, 44b) that corrects a wavefront error.

Abstract: A rearview assembly for a vehicle includes a rearview device having a peripheral edge. A carrier plate is operably coupled to the rearview device. The carrier plate includes a peripheral wall with a forward edge and a rearward edge. The forward edge is substantially aligned with the peripheral edge of the rearview device. A housing includes a forward lip configured to abut the rearward edge of the peripheral wall to provide a substantially smooth exterior transition from the housing to the peripheral wall to the rearview device.

Abstract: A camera mount with a base and a cantilever platform for attaching a camouflage blind assembly to a camera. The camera may be secured to the platform, while the blind assembly may be attached to the base. The base may be mounted atop a tripod or other support device, or may be held by the user. The camera mount allows the user to take images of wildlife without the wildlife seeing the user or the camera. This allows the user to approach the wildlife closer than would otherwise be possible, resulting in closer, clearer images.

Abstract: An image display device includes: an image generation unit that generates image display light based on an image signal; a projection unit that projects the image display light generated by the image generation unit; a combiner that presents the image display light projected by the projection unit as a virtual image; and a rotating unit that rotationally moves the combiner along at least one rotation surface, wherein the projection unit changes a direction in which the image display light is projected based on the rotational movement of the combiner.

Abstract: A side-view mirror assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The mirror assembly may generally include a mirror housing configured to support a mirror. The mirror housing may define an airfoil shape have a first side surface and a second side surface extending between a forward edge and an aft edge. In addition, the mirror housing may be movable between a first position, wherein the mirror housing is aerodynamically aligned with an airflow flowing past the vehicle, and a second position, wherein the mirror reflects a rearwardly extending side-view of the vehicle.

Abstract: An electrical connector includes a base seat, a plurality of contacts fixed in the base seat, and a shielding shell surrounding the base seat. The shielding shell defines a body portion retained in the base seat, a rear wall attached a rear face of the base seat and a plurality of soldering portions extending outside of the body portion. The electrical connector defines a mounting surface, a lower edge of the rear wall is higher than the mounting surface and defines at least one board-lock portion to improve the resonant frequency.

Abstract: An interior mounting system for a vehicle includes an interior assembly, a mounting assembly for mounting the interior assembly at a vehicle windshield, a first windshield mounting element adhered to an in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield, and a second windshield mounting element attached at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and at or at least partially around the first mounting element. A mounting base of the mounting assembly is configured to engage at least the second mounting element when the mounting base is mounted at the first and second mounting elements at the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield. The first and second mounting elements cooperate to support the mounting base and the interior assembly when the first and second mounting elements are adhered to the in-cabin surface of the vehicle windshield and when the mounting base is mounted at the first and second mounting elements.

Abstract: A socket joint for a mirror assembly having a first concave portion receiving a support tube that attaches to the vehicle. A pair of anchors disposed in the first concave portion extend through openings in the support tube. The anchors project outwardly from the first concave portion into the support tube. Each anchor engages an interior surface of the support tube. A fastener engages each anchor from a front side of the socket joint to clamp the support tube between the anchor and first concave portion. A central connecting post extends outward from the front side of the socket joint for cooperating with various assembly components to pivotally mount a mirror head. A second concave portion is disposed around the central connecting post which receives a complementary convex portion of the mirror head housing so that the housing can pivot on the second concave portion around the central connecting post.

Abstract: An illustrative mounting arm for a light fixture provides multiple tilt angles based on the selected orientation of components of the mounting arm. The mounting arm includes a first and second arm portion, each having opposite ends oriented at different relative angles to provide the multiple tilt angles for the light. A support end arm or second arm portion connects directly or indirectly to a wall or other support structure. An intermediate or first arm portion couples between the second arm portion and a mounting pad portion of the light fixture. Each of the first and second arm portions are rotatable in orientation, thus changing the orientation of the angle ends, each combination of possible arm portion orientations displacing the light fixture and therefore the illumination pattern at a different elevation angle relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A molded radome for the beam path of a radar device with low radio transmission loss and improved resistance to attack by the environmental elements comprises a base layer or body composed of a resin and a decoration layer bearing an image. The decoration layer is characterized with bright metallic looking coat disposed on the surface of the base layer or body. The decoration layer is composed of a metalloid such as germanium or a germanium alloy applied to the base layer by sputtering deposition.