Abstract: Optical devices such as backlight assemblies, according to the present invention include a multilayer optical film in which at least one of the layers comprises an oriented birefringent polymer. The multilayer optical film exhibits low absorptivity and can reflect light approaching at shallow angles as well as normal to the film.

Abstract: An optical module includes a package, which accommodates an optical system. A package main body has an opening. A lid is attached to the main body to close the opening of the main body. The lid seals the package. An anti-deterioration agent for preventing deterioration of the optical system is located inside the package at a position out of a light path of the optical system. The anti-deterioration agent includes at least one of desiccant and deoxidant.

Abstract: A monolithic optical pellicle and method of making used to protect a photomask during photolithography processing. The monolithic optical pellicle is comprised of a pellicle plate having a recessed central portion integrally formed with a perimeter frame of the pellicle plate such that it is a one-piece optical pellicle. The monolithic optical pellicle comprises a material of sufficient rigidity to minimize distortions in and maximize durability of the pellicle when used in combination with the recessed portion having a thickness that prevents sagging thereof due to applied forces on the resultant monolithic optical pellicle. This recessed central portion is the optical pellicle portion of the present monolithic optical pellicle, while the integral perimeter frame is used to attach the monolithic optical pellicle at the desired stand-off distance to a photomask. The monolithic optical pellicle preferably comprises a material that is transparent to an exposure field at about 157 nm wavelengths.

Abstract: An infrared sight glass for aftermarket fitment around an opening of an enclosure which enables thermal inspection of electrical equipment within the enclosure. The mounting of the sight glass is performed externally which avoids having to access the interior of the enclosure. The infrared sight glass comprises an infrared transmitting medium to facilitate use of an external infrared thermal imaging camera for monitoring the electrical equipment. A removable protective cover is locked into a closed position by security key screws and is easily removed by a slight twist when the key screws are loosened.

Abstract: The plastic optical component includes a main body and a transparent moisture-proof coating provided on all surfaces of the main body, the moisture-proof coating satisfying the following relation (1): (D1/d)×(L/D2)<10 ??(1) where D1 (mm2/s) is a water diffusion coefficient of a first material of which the moisture-proof coating is made, d (mm) is a thickness of the first material, D2 (mm2/s) is the water diffusion coefficient of a second material of which the main body is made, and L (mm) is an average thickness across an optical surfaces of the second material.

Abstract: A tubular body having a substantially rectangular cross-section is formed with a plurality of flat plates each having a surface with a light reflecting coating applied thereto. To form the tubular body, the flat plates are disposed in such a manner that the surfaces having the light reflecting coating applied thereto face inward and that an end surface of one of the flat plates at one end is held in contact with the surface of another flat plate. The flat plates are bonded by bonding the end portions thereof with each other on the outer side surfaces of a tubular body so as to form an optical rod.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composite diamond window (10) which includes a CVD diamond window pane (12) which is mounted to a CVD diamond window frame (14). The frame (14) is thicker than the pane (12) and has a radiation transmission aperature (16) therein across which the pane spans.

Abstract: An integrator and a display apparatus using the same simplify the structure of an optical system and minimize optical loss. The integrator homogenizes, polarizes and recaptures incident lights. The optical loss can be reduced by using a color drum and a color wheel engaged with the integrator. In order to minimize the optical loss, a polarization conversion device where a color bar filter or color switch is directly adhered to an integrator is used. The polarization conversion device can be applied to a projector for embodying small images into large ones.

Abstract: An iris diaphragm comprising an annular base, an annular rotatable element and a number of leaves which can be mounted to form a variable aperture, each leaf extending between the base and element and being connected thereto in a pivotal relationship, is characterised in that a first end of each of said leaves is pivotally connected to an opening provided on the element or base by means of a burst hole joint, and a second end of each of said leaves being rotatably secured in a sliding relationship to a slide provided on the base or the element by means of a slide pin secured to the leaf.

Abstract: An interchangeable low-backscatter aperture structure includes but is not limited to an aperture insert that is releasably engaged in a base. The aperture insert includes an aperture that may be of any shape. For example, the aperture may comprise a slit or it may be circular. The aperture insert may be held in the base by any securing mechanism capable of releasably securing the insert to the base. In one embodiment the securing mechanism includes a plurality of pressure clips.

Abstract: An improved window frame and window piece for a micromirror assembly is disclosed herein. The window frame includes a stress-relieving contour positioned in the middle of the frame that can absorb the mechanical stresses applied to the window frame from the ceramic base and from the window piece. The window frame may be comprised of a single piece of sheet metal that has been stamped to include a stress-relieving contour. The stress-relieving contour may be comprised of a variety of shapes, including a “U” shape, an inverted “U” shape, a curved step shape, or other combinations thereof.

Abstract: An optical element is disposed between cover glasses, and an optical coupling liquid is injected between the optical element and the cover glasses to form an optical package. An adhesive provides a liquid tight seal between the cover glasses. The optical element is a retarder, filter, polarizing film, or other optical element. Spacers are placed between the optical element and cover glasses to maintain space between the optical element and the cover glasses and assist in distribution of the optical coupling liquid. Applications include prism assemblies and other optical products. The invention may also be applied to joining optical components with liquid joints. For example, an optical switch includes a controllable retarder in a liquid filled joint.

Abstract: An optical configuration suited to the monitoring of a process flow through the wall of a containment vessel for producing a high-quality, high-NA sample focus and reduced residual positive spherical aberration. The invention includes an optical path with a window extending through, and sealed to, the wall of the containment vessel, and an optical surface disposed in the optical path associated with minimizing aberration, increasing numerical aperture, or both. The window has a surface facing into the process flow and a surface facing away from the process flow and, the surface facing away from the process flow is associated with minimizing aberration or increasing numerical aperture. A lens is disposed outside the containment vessel and in the optical path, with the surface of the window facing the lens being substantially spherical. With such an arrangement, the light rays of the optical path are generally normal to the surface of the window facing the lens.

Abstract: There is disclosed a light amount adjustment apparatus for adjusting a state of a flux passed through an aperture having a predetermined aperture diameter, the apparatus comprising: a light amount adjustment member in which a first region having a predetermined transmittance to the flux and a second region for blocking the flux are disposed on the same base material. In the light amount adjustment apparatus, although an optical filter is integrally constituted with a diaphragm blade, there is little positional shift of an ND filter, a shape of the ND filter has a degree of freedom, deterioration of resolution of an image is improved for use in optical apparatuses such as a photographing apparatus, optical properties are superior, the whole apparatus can be miniaturized, and cost reduction of a product can be achieved.

Abstract: An iris type light quantity adjusting device is disclosed that includes: a plurality of shading blades, each shading blade pivoting around each shaft provided around a fixed opening in a fixed member. At least one shading blade has extended portion overlapping the other shading blade in order to keep overlapping order with the other shading blade that pivots around the shaft not adjacent to the shaft as a pivot of the abovementioned at least one shading blade. Each of the shading blades has one or none intersection between an outer edge of the shading blade at an outside in the direction orthogonal to the optical axis and a peripheral edge of the fixed opening within an entire pivoting range, and one of a pair of shading blades approaching from substantially opposite directions during pivoting to a closing direction has, at the tip thereof, a shape not overlapping the other shading blade in a closed position.

Abstract: A system including but not limited to a low-backscatter aperture structure, where the system can include but is not limited to a camera, an optical communications system, an imaging system, a test system, and a measurement system.

Abstract: An optical unit (10) comprising a plurality of optical elements, a receiving structure (12) with a plurality of element supports (40, 41) for receiving the optical elements. The element supports (40, 41) are in the form of a plate or shell or tube, whose dimensions are greater than the dimensions of the optical elements to be received, and is connected to another element support. At least one element support (40, 41) comprises temperature elements (43-49) that can be heated and/or cooled. The optical unit (10) furthermore comprises a control unit for driving the temperature elements (43-49) in order to locally change the temperature of the at least one element support (40, 41) so as to influence in a controlled manner the shape of the at least one element support (40, 41).

Abstract: A training system and method for use of simulated night vision goggles (NVG) which provides the full dynamic range of NVG simulation including low intensity, medium intensity and high intensity irradiance images of night-time terrain. Each of three 12-bit video signals are allocated to a preselected portion or all of the total irradiance range representing scene elements corresponding to low, medium and high light intensity and a video camera scans and converts the resultant generated image to preserve its resolution and dynamic range. The image is viewable in the simulated goggles.

Abstract: An improved optical configuration suited to the monitoring of a process flow through the wall of a containment vessel is capable of producing a high-quality, high-NA sample focus that outperforms current options. One advantage is reduced residual positive spherical aberration to minimize window signal contamination. The invention broadly includes an optical path with a window extending through, and sealed to, the wall of the containment vessel, and an optical surface disposed in the optical path associated with minimizing aberration, increasing numerical aperture, or both. The window has a surface facing into the process flow and a surface facing away from the process flow and, according to one configuration, the surface facing away from the process flow is associated with minimizing aberration or increasing numerical aperture. One optical arrangement includes a lens disposed outside the containment vessel and in the optical path, with the surface of the window facing the lens being substantially spherical.

Abstract: An automotive transparency includes a first glass ply having a constant thickness, a second glass ply having a constant thickness, and an interlayer having a constant thickness in a first predetermined area and a decreasing thickness in a second predetermined area. The first and second plies are secured together by the interlayer to form a laminate having a first outer major surface, an opposing second outer major surface, a first predetermined area defined by the first predetermined area of the interlayer over which the outer major surfaces are substantially parallel to one another, and a second predetermined area defined by the second predetermined area of the interlayer over which the outer major surfaces are nonparallel to each other such that images reflected off the nonparallel surfaces of the laminate are substantially superimposed over each other to at least reduce double imaging of the reflected image.

Abstract: A process window unit for the spectroscopic study of process mixtures The process window is comprised of a window frame for holding a window, a screw cylinder, with a radiation passage in its core and an external thread for screwing the screw cylinder into the window frame as well as an elastic seal between the window and the screw cylinder, the window being designed with a conically tapering profile on the process side opposite the screw cylinder.

Abstract: The slotted peep of this invention is a device that eliminates diffracted light from its aperture. By surrounding an open space with the open ends of slots, a space is defined that has virtually no physical edges. A slot of the slotted peep is shaped to direct diffracted light parallel to or away from the perimeter of the open space. (FIG. 1) shows slotted peep (22). A user looking through the slotted peep would see, (20). Diffracted light darkens the slots. Since light is diffracted parallel to or away from the perimeter of the slotted peep's aperture, diffraction will have no effect on the aperture. The slotted peep's aperture will virtually free of diffracted light. The slotted peep should be made in a rigid material. There is a need for a peep that eliminates diffracted light from its aperture.

Abstract: An improved lower cost sight glass and a method for producing the same is disclosed, whereby the sight glass is made by placing a transparent component in secure s contact with a metallic ring. The contact may optionally be effectuated by temporarily altering the relative dimensions of the metallic ring and the transparent component, placing the transparent component into the inner space of the metallic ring, and then reversing the altered relative dimensions of the metallic ring and the transparent component. A hermetic seal is formed between the transparent component and the metallic ring is by the application of an inorganic sealing compound.

Abstract: An observation window of a hyperbaric oxygen chamber includes a frame, and a transparent member. The frame is fixedly joined to a wall of the chamber. The frame includes an outer annular connecting portion, and an inner annular holding portion, which is encircled by the outer portion, and which defines a central observation hole; an annular space is formed between the connecting portion and the holding portion to help reduce effects of deformation of the connecting portion on the holding portion so that the transparent member can still be fitted into the holding portion with precision after solder welding is used to secure the frame in position. An O-shaped ring is fitted between the transparent member and the holding portion to prevent compressed gas inside the chamber from leaking and to prevent the transparent member from falling off the frame.

Abstract: A windshield for a head-up display system has a pair of opposing major surfaces that are nonparallel to one another in selected areas. Light rays directed toward the nonparallel area of the windshield are reflected from the outer and inner major surfaces of the windshield and directed toward the eye of the observer as parallel or superimposed light rays to eliminate ghost images when viewing images projected by the head-up display system through the windshield. The interlayer blank utilized to make the windshield has a non-uniform thickness profile with a tapered thickness positioned in the selected areas of the windshield.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent panel (TS) for a display device (DP), especially for a mobile radio device (CP). The back of said panel is provided with one or more three-dimensional elevations and/or indentations in such a way that they are readable on the front (VS) of the panel as symbols.

Abstract: The slotted peep of this invention is a device that eliminates the detrimental effects of diffracted light from its aperture. Diffraction causes light to bend toward and perpendicular to an object's edge. In a current peep's aperture diffracted light is neither controlled nor eliminated. Diffracted light creates several shortcomings in current peeps which impair their accuracy and utility. The current aperture must be oversized to allow space for the diffracted light. The visual size and shape of the current aperture will vary with changes in the light diffraction. Under low light conditions, enough light may be diffracted within the current peep aperture that a user may not be able to see through the peep. A slotted peep is designed to eliminate detrimental effects of diffracted light from its aperture. By surrounding an open space with the open ends of slots, a space is defined that has virtually no physical edges. A slot of the slotted peep confines diffracted light within the slot. “(FIG.

Abstract: This invention relates to an accessory for incorporation into Raman and other spectroscopic instruments for combining shuttering and spectroscopic calibration functions. The accessory is comprised of an assembly with at least two positions that may be inserted into the light path, one position allowing light to be directed to and from the sample, and another position containing a reference standard that blocks the beam and provides a shuttering function. When the light strikes the reference standard, a reference spectrum is produced that may be used to calibrate the spectrograph. The device is especially useful in combination with compact sampling accessories for Raman spectroscopy.

Abstract: A process window unit for the spectroscopic study of process mixtures The process window is comprised of a window frame for holding a window, a screw cylinder, with a radiation passage in its core and an external thread for screwing the screw cylinder into the window frame as well as an elastic seal between the window and the screw cylinder, the window being designed with a conically tapering profile on the process side opposite the screw cylinder.

Abstract: A window has at least two surfaces oriented relative to each other at an angle greater than zero. A conductive path is disposed across the two surfaces and renders the window reflective or absorptive to a second predetermined bandwidth of energy, which can be radio frequency energy. The window utilizes window geometry, surface treatments, and bonding techniques to maintain electrical continuity across the surface. The window can be constructed from multiple segmented elements, such as sapphire, or from a unitary body. The window is transmissive to a desired wavelength of energy for the sensor while being reflective, refractive, or absorptive to a desired RF bandwidth of energy. The window provides RF signature management coupled with a substantial sensor Field of Regard and allows for full-time use of an embedded sensor.

Abstract: A method and a system for generating a beam of radiation in a target plane located in a near-filed region of a radiation emitting means. A beam of radiation having a substantially plane wavefront is emitted. A normal Bessel beam, having its transverse profile substantially in the form of a Bessel function, is produced from said emitted beam of radiation. The normal Bessel beam is produced in a first medium of a refraction index n1 and is directed towards the target plane located in a second medium having a refraction index n2, such that n2<n1. Passage of the normal Bessel beam from the first medium into the second medium results in the generation of an evanescent Bessel beam of radiation propagating in the second medium. The evanescent Bessel beam has a center lobe significantly smaller in size than the wavelength of radiation in the second medium, and basically retains its shape in the second medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical guide fixture for coupling visual information on a surface to a viewer. The optical guide fixture of the invention can be coupled to an optical receiver, such as a digital camera, operably connected to a head-mounted display unit to provide a device according to the invention for viewing a surface. Such a device, in one application, provides magnified images of visual information on a surface, such as a page of a book, to a patient with a visual impairment.

Abstract: A nonimaging light concentrator system including a primary collector of light, an optical mixer disposed near the focal zone for collecting light from the primary collector, the optical mixer having a transparent entrance aperture, an internally reflective housing for substantially total internal reflection of light, a transparent exit aperture and an array of photovoltaic cells disposed near the transparent exit aperture.

Abstract: A scanning projection light source for a barcode device includes a laser diode, a converging lens located in front of the laser diode, a first photo mask located in front of the converging lens having a round aperture formed therein, and a second photo mask located in front of the first photo mask having a second aperture formed therein. The second aperture has two arched light blocking tabs located at two lateral sides for partly covering the round aperture. The laser diode emits a light spot to the converging lens which transforms the light spot to a parallel light beam. The parallel light beam is projected to the first photo mask through the round aperture to become a round light spot which passes through the second aperture and become an output light spot having arched tangent sides. The arched tangent sides are approximate to straight lines at a close distance and will result in a high resolution, and become arched tangent sides at a longer distance for scanning a lower resolution barcode.

Abstract: An interceptor missile including an infrared radiation detection subsystem and a window assembly in the hull of the missile optically coupled to the infrared radiation detection subsystem. The window assembly includes an inner window, an outer window, and a support subsystem between the inner and the outer windows defining a plurality of infrared transparent fluid flow cooling channels between the inner and outer windows. A source of fluid coupled to the cooling channels for cooling the outer window without adversely affecting the optical properties of either window.

Abstract: An optical assembly includes a frame member for holding an optical member, a mounting member releasably coupled to the frame member and having a latch engaging surface. A latch member is coupled to the frame member and is pivotally movable between locked and unlocked positions relative to the frame and mounting members. The latch member has a main body portion, a cam arm portion extending from a first surface at a first end of the main body portion, a handle portion extending from the first surface at an opposing second end of the main body portion, and a central positioning portion extending from the first surface between the cam arm and handle portions. A spring biasing member is disposed between the latch member and the frame member for biasing the latch member toward the locked position.

Abstract: An eyepiece attachment structure for attaching an eyepiece to an observation optical instrument is provided with an attaching sleeve protruding from the eyepiece, a holding member secured to the body, the holding member frictionally holding the attaching sleeve when the attaching sleeve is inserted in the observation optical instrument, and a rotation preventing mechanism that mechanically prevents rotation of the attaching sleeve relative to the holding device when the attaching sleeve is inserted into the observation optical instrument.

Abstract: An aperture stop that can be used in an exposure apparatus and method includes a central aperture region defined by a circular arc and a peripheral region having a decreased width.

Abstract: A window has at least two surfaces oriented relative to each other at an angle greater than zero. A conductive path is disposed across the two surfaces and renders the window reflective or absorptive to a second predetermined bandwidth of energy, which can be radio frequency energy. The window utilizes window geometry, surface treatments, and bonding techniques to maintain electrical continuity across the surface. The window can be constructed from multiple segmented elements, such as sapphire, or from a unitary body. The window is transmissive to a desired wavelength of energy for the sensor while being reflective, refractive, or absorptive to a desired RF bandwidth of energy. The window provides RF signature management coupled with a substantial sensor Field of Regard and allows for full-time use of an embedded sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and systems that suppress the expansion of an illuminating luminous flux in the short-side direction of a sub-pixel and prevents a color mixture caused by leak of light to an adjacent pixel electrode. The methods and systems of the invention set the direction of polarization separation, using a polarization transforming element, as the long-side direction of a sub-pixel with respect to the directions of the short sides and the long sides of sub-pixels arranged correspondingly to a microlens. The methods and systems of the invention also make the intervals between light source images narrower in the short-side direction, using a luminous flux separation optical element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bar code reading apparatus of the sensing for a bar code along a scanning direction, comprising a light source to produce a transmitted light beam and a diaphragm to restrict the cross-section of the transmitted light beam, wherein the diaphragm has a diaphragm aperture, the boundary of which has four adjoining sections, of which two sections lie opposite to one another and extend substantially transverse to the scanning direction (transverse sections), and of which two sections lie opposite to one another and extend substantially along the scanning direction (longitudinal sections).

Abstract: An emergency supplementary vision device comprises a collapsible tube made of airtight material and having an expanded form and a compact stowed form; first and second clear members disposed at respective first and second ends of the tube to enable the user to see through said tube and observe a source of information at the other end while smoke or other particulate matter is in the environment; and a filter operably associated with the tube to filter the ambient atmosphere and fill the interior of said tube with clear air when said tube is expanded to its expanded form.

Abstract: A method for retrofitting a window by combining the window with a switchable or non-switchable window enhancement. The method includes providing a window comprising at least one relatively transparent viewing pane with first and second opposed viewing surfaces, and optionally a frame portion adapted to support and position the viewing pane(s); providing at least one mounting means adapted for securing the enhancement to the window; and securing a window enhancement to the window with at least one mounting means so that the enhancement overlies at least a portion of the viewing pane, and wherein a gap is produced between the window and the enhancement equal in width to the thickness of the mounting means. The enhancement may be mounted on either the viewing pane itself, or alternately upon the frame portion of the window. If desired, the enhancement may be laminated to a relatively rigid substrate prior to application to the window.

Abstract: For prevention of ghost images from occurring on head-up displays, a glass surface is ground, and a reflecting surface with a wedge-shaped cross section is formed. Furthermore, in order to reduce optical distortion at the edge portion of the reflecting surface, a ground surface contacting the reflecting surface with an angle between 150° and 210° is formed. In accordance with the enlargement of the reflecting surface accompanied by the tendency of head-up displays becoming larger, the reflecting surface is divided into at least two regions, and the angle of the reflecting surface is optimized for each region.

Abstract: A safety shutter suitable for intercepting an energy beam. The safety shutter includes at least one shutter blade having a top end and a bottom end. At least one motor is coupled to the bottom end of the shutter blade such that the motor rotates the shutter blade from a closed position to an open position when energized. The shutter blade is coupled to at least one spring, wherein the spring rotates the shutter blade from the open position to the closed position when the motor is de-energized.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for capturing and analyzing video images of sediment from the bottom of a body of water such as a river or sea. The apparatus includes a video imager with a close-up focus of lens adapted to collect images of sediment at the bottom of the body of water. A waterproof housing surrounds the video imager. The video images are analyzed using any appropriate algorithm to determine grain size.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a lighting system with light collection from a plurality of light sources including natural sunlight, distribution and control of said plurality of light sources, and a network of optical fibers and other components connecting said plurality of light sources and a plurality of lighting fixtures is disclosed. Sunlight is collected and integrated with other lighting sources to be distributed via a network of optical fiber cables and optical components. An unlimited combination of light collectors, distribution networks, and fixtures, is available for lighting system designs. The distribution network can run in and/or alongside wiring ducts for ease of maintenance and access. According to the time-of-day, time-of-year, weather condition, personal preference and presence, etc., control is provided at various locations for light collection, distribution, and lighting effect with brightness, colors, and patterns.

Abstract: A laser projection apparatus includes a source for generating a laser beam, various optical elements for manipulating the laser beam in order to obtain a predetermined image projection of laser light, wherein the optical elements each have at least one optical axis, and connecting elements which connect the optical elements such that the optical axes of adjacent optical elements extend coaxially, which various optical elements are accommodated in separate modules, wherein the connecting elements are formed by couplings mutually coupling the modules so that direct mutual coupling of the modules with different optical elements ensures that the optical axes thereof extend coaxially and that the whole optical system is thus aligned.

Abstract: An underwater seeing device for enabling the user to see underwater without having to bend over. The underwater seeing device includes an elongate tubular member having a main portion, a neck portion, a front end portion, and a passageway extending therethrough; and also includes magnifying lens being disposed in the elongate tubular member; and further includes a handle member being securely attached to the tubular member.

Abstract: Flyglasses having two lenses, at least one of which is faceted and both of which are held in a mount that is preferably flat. The mount can be in the form of a so-called lorgnette having a handle made in the form of a small board which is especially suited for application of decorative patterns or advertizing or it can be in the form of conventional eyeglass frames or goggles.