Abstract: A rainbow wheel that colors light that is passed therethrough. The wheel can be formed using a photolithographic process. Another supermagenta wheel can be used to increase the number of colors that can be obtained.

Abstract: Spectral separation filters for channels of a 3D image projection incorporate passbands of primary colors. In at least one of the filters, passbands are present in more than 3 primary colors. A set of two filters include a first filter having passbands of low blue, high blue, low green, high green, and red, and a second filter having passbands of blue, green, and red. The additional primary passbands of the first filter allow for an increased color space in projections through the filters compared to filters only having red, green, and blue primaries. The added flexibility of the increased color space is utilized to more closely match a color space and white point of a projector in which the filters are used.

Abstract: A dimming system (300) for dimming electromagnetic radiation intensity of a radiating unit, such as e.g., an optical system. The dimming system (300) is adjusted to provide a constant electromagnetic radiation intensity over the cross-section of the impinging electromagnetic radiation beam by providing at least two dimming units (320, 330) each having a spatially variable position-dependent dimming behavior, such that the degree of dimming for the whole cross-section can be chosen to be a fixed selectable dimming factor. The dimming units (320, 330) may be based on spatially variable position-dependent dimming devices based on transparent substrates having a coating with a position-dependent varying transmission/reflection coefficient, on spatially variable position-dependent diffusing devices or on polarizer devices.

Abstract: A filter to improve contrast and shield electromagnetic waves, and a plasma display apparatus including the filter. The filter includes a base film, a first color pattern unit having strips disposed in parallel, at predetermined intervals, on both surfaces of the base film, and a second color pattern unit formed on one or both of the surfaces of the base film. The first color pattern unit and the second color pattern unit are conductive, and intersects one another.

Abstract: An optical filter that is provided at an optical path between a photoelectric conversion device which converts a subject image formed at a light-receiving surface thereof to an electrical signal and an optical system which forms the subject image with a light flux from the subject at the photoelectric conversion device, to filter the light flux, includes a stage formed at, at least, a portion of an external circumference of the optical filter.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical filter capable of removing an unnecessary component of incident light. The optical filter has a transparent body of a flat plate-like shape. A plural number of filtering layers, each with a function of separating an unnecessary polarization component of incident light from a necessary polarization component, are formed internally of the transparent body in series and at uniform intervals with an angle inclination relative to the travel direction of incident light, and a plural number of light-absorptive means are formed internally of the transparent body in series and at uniform intervals correspondingly between the filtering layers thereby to absorb an unnecessary component reflected off the filtering layers.

Abstract: A filter or lens for a star tracking telescope includes a clear center portion and an attenuating peripheral portion where the peripheral portion attenuation of off-axis images is nonidentical through any radial line extending from a center of the filter or lens to a circumference edge of the filter or lens for passing on-axis images with high signal to noise ratios and for attenuating off-axis images for attenuating but not completely blocking the off-axis images, which telescope with such a filter or lens is well suited for improved star tracking systems, and well suited for reducing off-axis glare in handheld optical apparatus such as binoculars, telescopes, cameras, and eyeglasses.

Abstract: Composite film structures exhibit a predetermined finished color tone comprised of a transparent film layer which exhibits a color deficiency as compared to the finished color tone, and a pigment which is visually associated with, and satisfies the color deficiency of, the film layer. Most preferably, the pigment is provided as a homogenous dispersion in a transparent color-matching layer positioned adjacent to the film layer. Thus, when the film and color-matching layers are viewed collectively as a unit, the perceived color tone will be that of the finished predetermined color tone. That is, the color-matching layer provides visually an additive effect on the perceived color of the composite film structure.

Abstract: Optical devices and related methods are provided. One example of the optical device includes two or more optical members joined together to form a stack. Each of the optical members in the stack includes a reflecting surface that has a corresponding slope, where the slope of each reflecting surface is different. In addition, disposed on each reflecting surface is a material that is reflective for a particular wavelength of light, so that each optical member reflects a different wavelength, and so that the optical members in the stack are able to collectively image the reflected signals onto a two dimensional detection plane.

Abstract: Composite film structures exhibit a predetermined finished color tone comprised of a transparent film layer which exhibits a color deficiency as compared to the finished color tone, and a pigment which is visually associated with, and satisfies the color deficiency of, the film layer. Most preferably, the pigment is provided as a homogenous dispersion in a transparent color-matching layer positioned adjacent to the film layer. Thus, when the film and color-matching layers are viewed collectively as a unit, the perceived color tone will be that of the finished predetermined color tone. That is, the color-matching layer provides visually an additive effect on the perceived color of the composite film structure.

Abstract: A protective optical filter assembly for thin film filters having two transparent substrates facing one another and separated by a resilient element, a sealed region is formed between the transparent substrates by applying a compressive force that compresses the resilient element. The thin film filter may be contained within a carrier. The compressive force may be generated by one or more interference-fit aperture rings or threaded apertures ring, a given aperture ring may be opposed by another such aperture ring or a fixed stop. Alternatively a snap fit carrier may be used to generate the compressive force. The sealed region may have a gas having a positive pressure or a liquid.

Abstract: A flexible medium for a scrolling color changer and method of making thereof. The medium is made by applying an ink using a Meyer Rod which has varying cell lengths along its length. This leaves varying size cells of ink at different locations along the length of the medium. The ink has special characteristics whereby its evaporation rate and viscosity are carefully controlled. The viscosity is such that an amount of levelling will occur will be equal to the distance between any cells, but that cell to cell levelling will not, in general, occur.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical elements whose optical properties can be repeatedly adjusted over time. Through the use of modifying compositions capable of stimulus induced polymerization coupled with a blend of stimulus absorbers and initiators, it is possible to repeatedly adjust the optical properties of the element by exposing the lens to a stimulus which exceeds the absorption capacity of the stimulus absorber.

Abstract: A multi-mode color filter 400 having an inner hub region 402 used to mount the color filter 400 to a motor shaft. A first track 404 and a second track 406 of color filter segments arc formed on the color filter, as is an optional clear track 406. The first and second tracks each have a different set of color filters. One set of filters is chosen to improve image brightness, another set is selected to improve color saturation. Typically, the set of filters used to improve brightness includes one or more clear segments, while the set of filters selected to improve color saturation does not. Depending on the image being projected, the user or the display controller moves the color wheel to select a particular filter set.

Abstract: A high intensity light projector for stage, architectural and similar applications includes a controllable image quality projection gate providing advanced visual effects. The projection gate, capable of selectively scattering or transmitting incident light, may be constructed of an array of scattering liquid crystal material in combination with infrared and ultraviolet reduction means which provide in the high intensity beam, a stable thermal environment by minimizing the absorption of light by the projection gate. Additional thermal efficiency is provided by supplemental cooling means. Color control is also provided in the form of dichroic filter wheels forming cooperating adjustable low, high and band width filters including saturation control. A color measuring feedback sensor is also provided. An intensity measuring feedback sensor controls a spatially-modulated, variable-density, reflectively-coated dimming wheel. A programmable gobo system has provisions for gobo selection, orientation, and rotation.

Abstract: The filtering of optical signals, and in particular the interleaving/de-interleaving of optical signals is becoming a necessary step in Dense-Wavelength Division Multiplexing (D-WDM), because of a requirement for smaller channel spacing due to higher levels of traffic. Finite Impulse Response (FIR) filters, including lattice and birefringent waveplate versions, are a particular type of optical filter used for interleavering/de-interleavering optical channels, which can be defined by their transfer function H(f). To ensure dispersion free filtering, the present invention provides a cascaded optical filter, comprising two optical filters, wherein the transfer function of the second filter is the complex conjugate of the first filter, i.e. H2(f)=H1*(f), or the complex conjugate of the first filter H1*(f) multiplied by the transfer function of a dispersion free optical filter G(f).

Abstract: Units for projection of profiled images and for floodlighting suffer from a tradeoff between the quality of the illuminated field and efficiency. The hue, saturation, and intensity must be continuously controllable, and the quality of the illuminated field must be even. According to the invention the optical components have been refined according to a general principle which enables the use of efficient elliptical reflectors without a reduction in quality for both purposes. Each color is controlled by relatively moveable filters having a comblike structure in which the design of the individual teeth compensates for the interaction of the many variables. The intensity is controlled by mechanical dimmers which are designed according to the same principles. This construction will also improve the quality of condenser type projection systems.

Abstract: An ND filter includes a substrate formed in a plastic sheet and a deposited film formed on a surface of the substrate. The plastic sheet has at least 120° C. of a glass transition temperature. In producing the ND filter, the deposited film is formed on the surface of the substrate at a temperature below the glass transition temperature of the plastic sheet to suppress deformation due to expansion and contraction and to prevent the plastic sheet from wrinkling.

Abstract: The invention provides a tunable filter that can minimize adjacent channel cross talk despite an increase of a number of available wavelengths and quickly switch a wavelength to be used, and manufacturing method thereof, and also an optical switching device comprising such tunable filter. In a tunable filter having a Fabry-Perot etalon structure, not less than two cavity gaps 114 to 116 are provided and separation between the cavity gaps is controlled by any of electrostatic drive, electromagnetic drive or piezoelectric drive. In this case, the cavity gaps can be formed through the steps of forming a sacrificial layer in advance where a cavity gap is to be formed; forming a plurality of optical multilayer films 100 to 103; and removing the sacrificial layer by etching. Substrates 107 and 109 are combined through a supporting column 108.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a manufacturing method of readily realizing an optical filter having a flat transmission characteristic and a superior cutoff characteristic relative to adjacent bands. To this end, with the manufacturing method of the present invention, a band-pass filter consisting of a dielectric multilayer coating is formed on one plane of a transparent substrate, and an antireflection coating is formed on the other plane of the substrate. The substrate is then divided into a plurality of segments, and adjacent two segments are selected and adhered to each other by a transparent adhesive with band-pass filter surfaces of these segments facing to each other, while interposing a glass spacer between the band-pass filter surfaces, to thereby obtain an optical filter.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for attenuating an incident optical beam comprises at least two attenuating devices, each having a polarization dependent attenuation characteristic with a preferred orientation. The attenuating devices are arranged in the optical beam in a way that the preferred orientations of the polarization dependent attenuation characteristics substantially compensate each other, at least partially in defined locations. At least one attenuating device provides an attenuation characteristic wherein the attenuation for the incoming light beam varies in a defined direction. The preferred orientation of the polarization dependent attenuation characteristic of the at least one attenuating device is substantially in the same direction as the varying attenuation characteristics or substantially perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for converting a monochrome night vision or other electro-optical device into one that provide a sensation of full color, including from red to blue with white and black. Preferred apparatus of the invention comprise an electro-optical viewing device, particularly a mono-chromatic night vision device, that comprises a plurality of light filters. A first light filter system is positioned at a light-input end of the device, and a second light filter system is positioned at a light-output end of the device, whereby the plurality of filters systems provide to a viewer a sensation of full color, including from red to blue with white and black.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an optical wavelength filter of band rejection type capable of reliably and stably blocking a light of a desired wavelength from passing through. To this end, the optical wavelength filter of the present invention comprises a plurality of optical filter sections each blocking the light corresponding to the selected wavelength from passing through, the respective optical filter sections being cascade connected to be in a multi-staged structure, wherein the selected wavelengths in the optical filter sections are deviated from one another, to form a blocking band having a wavelength band corresponding to a deviation amount.

Abstract: It is an object to provide an improved filter or illumination device. In order to achieve the above object, an illumination device is provided having multiple optical color filters wherein a first time period, required for at least one of the multiple optical color filters to pass across a light path, is different from a second time period, required for each of the other optical color filters to pass across the light path. According to another aspect of this invention, an illumination device has multiple optical color filters and an optical member wherein a boundary, which extends in a direction, is provided between one of the multiple optical color filters and another one of the multiple optical color filters, and the optical member includes an inlet for receiving light from the optical color filters, wherein the inlet extends in a first direction corresponding to the direction of the boundary when the boundary crosses the light path, for a greater distance than the inlet extends in a second direction.

Abstract: A surveying instrument includes an optical distance meter which has a light-transmitting optical system and a light-receiving optical system, the light-receiving optical system including a light-receiving element; a first wavelength selection filter and a second wavelength selection filter for allowing only light within a first wavelength range to pass therethrough, to be thereafter incident on the light-receiving element, wherein the first wavelength selection filter allows light with a wavelength equal to or greater than a first specific wavelength to pass therethrough, and a second wavelength selection filter allows light with a wavelength equal to or shorter than a second specific wavelength, which is longer than the first specific wavelength, to pass therethrough; and an angle adjusting device for adjusting an angle of inclination of the first and second wavelength selection filter with respect to an optical path thereof.

Abstract: It is an objective of the invention to reduce the technical complexity involved in the implementation of optical filters used in particular for the encoding and decoding of OCDM signals. It is also intended to simplify the tuning in order, on the one hand, to make the selection of the required transmission channels as simple as possible and, on the other, to be able at the receiving end to regulate the optical filter drift at the transmitting end for optimum reception. This object is achieved by an optical filter arrangement containing a first optical filter and a second optical filter connected in series or in parallel and with the second optical filter having an FSR adjustment range differing from the FSR adjustment range of the first filter. An advantageous effect is that the second optical filter facilitates fine tuning, with in particular the readjustment at the receiving end of optical filter drifts at the transmitting end being simplified.

Abstract: A bandpass filter containing specific red dyes alone or in combination with other dyes selectively transmits predetermined primary color wavelengths as well as selectively absorbs wavelengths other than the predetermined primary color wavelength. The filter is particularly useful for enhancing the contrast of color plasma displays by absorbing visible light emitted at 590 nm from the display.

Abstract: Optical devices using thin optical films to adapt the characteristics of a light radiation. An optical device includes an optical structure and thin optical films interposed in the path of a light radiation that gets propagated towards the optical structure. The optical films are placed in an enclosed space having dimensions that are greater than the dimensions of the optical films so that the latter are maintained by a float mounting that allows each of them freedom of movement. The device prevents mechanical strains created by differential thermal expansion. Such optical devices may find particular application to liquid crystal display screens.

Abstract: The effects of paper/substrate noise are significantly reduced in multi-focal zone laser scanning systems by processing analog scan data signals with a scan data signal processor having a plurality of pass-band filters and amplifiers that are automatically selected for passing only the spectral components of an analog scan data signal produced when a bar code symbol is scanned at a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. Two or more different pass-band filter structures can be provided for use in the scan data signal processor, wherein each pass-band filter structure is tuned to the spectral band associated with a particular focal zone in the laser scanning system. When a bar code symbol is scanned by a laser beam focused within the first focal zone or scanning range of the system, the pass-band filter structure associated with this focal zone or scanning range is automatically switched into operation.

Abstract: A transparent-reflective display constructed to be alterable so that reflected images are viewed upon a transparent surface that can alter to a darkened surface, thereby changing contrast of the reflection. An assembly consisting of a beamsplitter and an electronically adjustable contrast layer is constructed as a thin sheet and positioned to reflect an image source. The electronically adjustable contrast layer consists of a shuttering capable material, such as liquid crystal shutters and suspended particle devices, that can be electronically engaged to be in a transparent state and also a darkened (opaque) state. The electronically adjustable contrast layer enables images to been seen in a mode that best suits its video content as to the degree of contrast selected among the transparent to darkened states. An embodiment of the present invention synchronizes events in video content to one of the states of transparent, darkened and the increments between.

Abstract: A saturable optical absorber component is made of an inhomogeneous absorption material including a plurality of sets of quantum boxes formed in stacked layers. The sizes of the quantum boxes of each set define an absorption wavelength associated with the set.

Abstract: The present invention pretains to a device for protecting the human eye by means of a narrow bandwith interference filter which filters out one or more specific wavelengths of light emitted in the form of a coherent, concentrated beam that is laser radiation and in coherent light, an image intensifier for amplifying an image passing through the narrow bandwidth filter to an observable light level, and a neutral density filter which reduces image reflected illuminance to avoid detection.

Abstract: A two-layer coating system blocks ultraviolet radiation up to and including 400 nanometers, the upper end of ultra violet light. An inner layer blocks radiation from about 375 nanometers to 400 nanometers. An outer layer absorbs radiation up to 375 nanometers.

Abstract: A bandpass filter containing specific red dyes alone or in combination with other dyes selectively transmits predetermined primary color wavelengths as well as selectively absorbs wavelengths other than the predetermined primary color wavelength. The filter is particularly useful for enhancing the contrast of color plasma displays by absorbing visible light emitted at 590 nm from the display.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a manufacturing method of readily realizing an optical filter having a flat transmission characteristic and a superior cutoff characteristic relative to adjacent bands. To this end, with the manufacturing method of the present invention, a bandpass filter consisting of a dielectric multilayer coating is formed on one plane of a transparent substrate, and an antireflection coating is formed on the other plane of the substrate. The substrate is then divided into a plurality of segments, and adjacent two segments are selected and adhered to each other by a transparent adhesive with band-pass filter surfaces of these segments facing to each other, while interposing a glass spacer between the band-pass filter surfaces, to thereby obtain an optical filter.

Abstract: An optical film laminate which is less apt to have adhesive deficiencies or cause adhesive soils. The optical film laminate comprises an optical film layer 1 and a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer 3, wherein non-tacky powders 5 are adhered to edge surfaces of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.

Abstract: A combination color filter having at least two dual-hue color-changing absorptive substrates. A desired hue and saturation is achieved by using light absorbing gels for a plurality of selected hues, preferably the three subtractive primary colors. The unique arrangement of transparent part, saturation parts and continuously graded saturation parts allow fast color bumping between any two primary colors without flash of white and presence of other intervening colors.

Abstract: A camera has a rear cover part, and a rotatable counter dial with a numerical scale of exposure count indicia to be successively viewed. Each of the indicia has the same color. A label on the rear cover part is superimposed to the counter dial and has the same color as the indicia to render the indicia invisible in order to prevent them from being viewed. The label includes a viewing portion that is not the sane color as the indicia and is arranged to be superimposed successively to the indicia when the counter dial is rotated. As a result, the indicia are made successively visible in order to permit them to be successively viewed. Eye-readable information is imprinted on the label, and the counter dial is transparent to permit the information to be visible through the counter dial in order to be read.

Abstract: A camera has a rear cover part, a label on the rear cover part, and a numerical scale of exposure count indicia to be successively viewed. The numerical scale of exposure count indicia is located on the label, and each of the indicia has the same color. A color-absorbing optical filter is rotatable superimposed to the indicia and is a color that absorbs the color of the indicia to render the indicia invisible in order to prevent them from being viewed through the filter when light is reflected from the indicia to the filter. The filter includes a viewing portion that is arranged to be superimposed successively to the indicia when the filter is rotated and does not absorb the color of the indicia. As a result, the indicia are successively visible through the viewing portion in order to permit them to be successively viewed. Eye-readable information on the label is a color that is transmitted through the filter to permit the information to be read when light is reflected from the information to the filter.

Abstract: A photographic color effects lighting filter system made up of a series of lighting filters which are designed to be placed in front of one or more lighting sources. The lighting color effects filter series is made up of groups of filters wherein each of the filter groups is composed of a plurality of filters wherein each filter within a given group provides selective absorption of light having a color corresponding to one of the primary, secondary or intermediary colors. Each of the filters within a given group has a specific effective absorption density. The effective absorption densities are calibrated so that the selected absorption densities are the same for each of the different color groups.

Abstract: A fluorescent conversion filter includes a fluorescent conversion film which facilitates converting light from a wavelength region between near ultraviolet and green to light in the red region which can be finely patterned. A color display device can be produced which includes the fluorescent conversion filter. The fluorescent conversion filter includes a fluorescent conversion film and a light absorption film on the display side surface of the flourescent conversion film. The flourescent conversion film has an absorbance of 1 or less in the wavelength region between 450 nm and 520 nm. The light absorption film has an absorbance of greater than I in the wavelength region between 450 nm and 520 nm. The fluorescent conversion film contains a photo-curing resin or a photo- and thermo-setting resin, that contains an acrylate polymer, a methacrylate polymer or an acrylate-methacrylate copolymer as its main component.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the interaction of molecular species utilizes a sensor device comprising a substrate (1) with a waveguide (2) formed on the surface thereof. A grating (3) is formed in one of the surfaces of the waveguide (2). A beam of light (6) is incident on the grating (3) and the angle of incidence at which maximum reflection occurs is monitored. A first molecular species is immobilized on the waveguide (2). Changes in the angular position of the reflection maximum provide an indication of interaction of the first molecular species with a second molecular species contained in a sample brought into contact with the sensor device.

Abstract: An optical filtering device incorporates first and second prisms, the latter prism counteracting the angular dispersion of the former prism. A spatial light modulator provides a positionally variable optical stop located to block radiation within a wavelength interval and received from a location within a scene. Unobscured radiation from that and other scene locations passes to a camera, which produces an image on a display. Opaque pixels in the stop are positioned to block unwanted light sources. The invention attenuates potentially dazzling monochromatic radiation while retaining radiation at other wavelengths for imaging purposes.

Abstract: In a concentric ND filter in which multi-layered circular ND filter elements whose diameter is decreased stepwise toward the uppermost layer from the lowermost layer are concentrically provided on a first transparent substrate, a surrounding space of the concentrically multi-layered ND filter elements defined by and between the surface of the transparent substrate and the surface of the central ND filter layer of the smallest diameter is filled with a transparent adhesive.

Abstract: This invention provides a light absorber which can be used for optical equipment like optical-disk equipment and a liquid crystal display. The light absorber has a layered structure including a light absorbing layer and a transparent layer. The light absorbing layer absorbs a reflected light from the inside of the absorber as well as incident light into the absorber while the transparent layer helps attenuate the reflected light by interference of light. One of the light absorbing layers which is thicker than others may work as a shading layer for the incident light.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure for controlling the transmission laser radiation including an outer layer which is slightly absorbent to incident laser radiation and an intermediate layer which is substantially absorbent to incident laser radiation to achieve significant attenuation of on-axis transmission of laser radiation in an otherwise transparent structure.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure for controlling the transmission laser radiation including an array of polydispersing scatterers in an intermediate layer. The outer layer is made of a material which partially ablates when exposed to incident laser radiation, generating an irregular surface which initially scatters the incident laser radiation. The initially scattered radiation is transmitted to the intermediate layer containing the array of monofilament fibers which further scatters the laser such that combination achieves substantial attenuation of on-axis transmission of the laser radiation in an otherwise transparent structure.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure for controlling the destructive effects of laser radiation including means within the structure for conducting the heat generated in the outer layer by the incident laser radiation away from the outer layer to achieve significant mitigation of the destructive effects of the laser radiation in a transparent structure.

Abstract: A multi-layer structure for controlling the transmission of laser radiation including outer and intermediate layers absorbent to incident laser radiation. The outer and intermediate layers ablate under the influence of the incident laser radiation to achieve substantial attenuation of on-axis transmission in an otherwise transparent structure.

Abstract: A power limiter is provided consisting of two cells of optically transparent material having a low index of refraction, but a large third order susceptibility to electric polarization. The input cell has a positive susceptibility which self-focuses intense radiation beams (i.e., laser beams) and the output cell has a negative susceptibility which scatters the even more intense self-focused beam by self-defocussing.