Abstract: An exemplary embodiment providing one or more improvements includes an endoscope connector for connecting any given one of a plurality of working assemblies to an imaging assembly.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.

Abstract: A lithography apparatus with an optical fiber module includes: a light source, a photo mask positioned under the light source, a lens positioned under the photo mask, a wafer stage positioned under the lens for supporting the wafer, wherein the wafer includes a dry film. The lithography apparatus further includes an optical fiber module having a front surface facing away from the lens, wherein a gap is between the front surface and the dry film and the gap is smaller than the wavelength of the light source. The DUV (deep ultraviolet) can pass through the optical fiber module. The present invention features a gap smaller than the wavelength of the light source, creating a near-field effect with improved resolution.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus may include an optical fiber that may have a surface non-normal to a longitudinal axis of a distal end portion of the optical fiber. The surface may define a portion of an interface configured to redirect electromagnetic radiation propagated from within the optical fiber and incident on the interface to a direction offset from the longitudinal axis. The apparatus may also include a doped silica cap that may be fused to the optical fiber such that the surface of the optical fiber may be disposed within a cavity defined by the doped silica cap.

Abstract: An apparatus for patterning objects for the manufacture of semiconductor integrated circuits includes an optical source, multiple fiber cores coupled to the optical source, each of the fiber cores has an input end and an output end, and each of the input ends is coupled to the optical source. The apparatus further includes an array coupled to each of the fiber cores, the array is configured to allow each of the fiber ends to output toward a common plane, an object having a photosensitive material coupled to the common plane, and a pattern that is exposed onto the photosensitive material. The pattern is composed of a number beams corresponding to a number of fiber cores.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an instrument panel that includes a display opening, where the instrument panel is located in a first plane; a circuit board located inside the electronic device, where the circuit board includes a display device that includes a display area, and where the display area is located in a second plane that is different from the first plane; and a waveguide that couples the display area to the display opening and guides light, and/or an image displayed in the display area, from the display area to the display opening.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an imaging system includes a processing system and a display generator. The processing system is operable to process a signal received from a camera to yield foveal data for a foveal display region and outer data for an outer display region. The outer data have a reduced pixel density with respect to the pixel density of the foveal data. The display generator is operable to generate the foveal display region from the foveal data according to a 1:n mapping ratio, and generate the outer display region from the outer data according to a 1:m mapping ratio, where m is greater than n.

Abstract: A multi-mode optical fiber delivers light from a radiation source to a multi-focal confocal microscope with reasonable efficiency. A core diameter of the multi-mode fiber is selected such that an etendue of light emitted from the fiber is not substantially greater than a total etendue of light passing through a plurality of pinholes in a pinhole array of the multi-focal confocal microscope. The core diameter may be selected taking into account a specific optical geometry of the multi-focal confocal microscope, including pinhole diameter and focal lengths of relevant optical elements. For coherent radiation sources, phase randomization may be included. A multi-mode fiber enables the use of a variety of radiation sources and wavelengths in a multi-focal confocal microscope, since the coupling of the radiation source to the multi-mode fiber is less sensitive to mechanical and temperature influences than coupling the radiation source to a single mode fiber.

Abstract: A scanning optical head for a catheter is locally controlled by a motor at an insertion end of the catheter uses a hollow motor through which a longitudinal optical path of the catheter passes. This permits the motor to be positioned between a control base of the catheter and avoids rotating the whole fiber, and therefore makes the beam scanning stable and accurate. In addition, because there is no coupling component, it also eliminates the light reflection between additional surfaces as well as varying fiber birefringence, which becomes a cause of noise when imaging the deep structure.

Abstract: A scalable optical switch especially useful for switching multimode beams carried by optical fibers. Light from an input fiber is focused by a lens which is moved in an x-y direction perpendicular to the beam direction in order to switch the beam from one output fiber to a different fiber. In preferred embodiments the beam can be directed to any one of as many as 90 output fibers. Techniques for scaling the switch to produce N×N switches with N being large are described. Embodiments of the present invention can also be utilized to create more elaborate fiber optical switches such as an N×N switch and a N2×N switch.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a fiber optic display system. In one embodiment, a fiber optic display screen comprises a laser source, relay optics to receive an output from the laser source, condenser optics coupled to the relay optics, a digital pixelator coupled to the condenser optics, a fiber optic transmission line coupled to the digital pixelator, and a fiber optic screen provided by terminal ends of fibers in the fiber optic transmission line.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a fiber optic display screen that comprises pixels forming the screen, wherein each of the pixels comprise terminal ends of multiple optical fibers, wherein a first pixel comprises: a first optical fiber terminal end having a first cleaving to generate an image for a first viewing angle, and a second optical fiber terminal end having a second cleaving different than the cleaving of the first optical fiber terminal end to generate an image for a second viewing angle for providing different content at the first and second viewing angles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a fiber optic display screen of adjustable size. In one embodiment, a screen comprises: a plurality of pixels formed by a terminal end of at least one optical fiber, wherein the pixels are substantially equidistant from each other along a first axis in a first screen size and in a second screen size that is larger than the first size.

Abstract: A fiber spectroscopic probe that can be mounted directly above the objective lens of a standard microscope to add a spectroscopic function to the microscope. The fiber spectroscopic probe only consists of a minimum number of optical components and is compact enough to induce minimum alteration to the optical path of the microscope.

Abstract: A positron emission tomography scanner system that includes detector modules arranged adjacent to one another to form a cylindrical detector ring. Each of the detector modules includes an array of scintillation crystal elements, a plurality of photosensors arranged to cover the array of crystal elements and configured to receive light emitted from the array of crystal elements, and a fiber optics plate arranged between the array of scintillation crystal elements and the plurality of photosensors, the fiber optics plate including a plurality of fibers configured to guide the light emitted from the scintillation crystal to the plurality of photosensors.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber collimator array including a fiber array in which a plurality of optical fibers is arrayed and a microlens array in which microlenses are arrayed on positions corresponding to the plurality of optical fibers on a transparent substrate. Each microlens and the transparent substrate are oppositely arranged so that a plurality of projections formed on a bottom face of each microlens intersects with a plurality of projections formed on a surface of the transparent substrate, and each microlens and the transparent substrate are adhered to each other by the adhesive.

Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for obtaining information for a structure can be provided. For example, first optical fiber arrangement(s) can be provided which transceives at least one first electro-magnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. Second focusing arrangement(s) can be provided in optical communication with the optical fiber arrangement. The second arrangement can be configured to focus and provide there through the first electro-magnetic radiation. Third dispersive arrangement(s) can receive a particular radiation which is the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or the focused electro-magnetic radiation, and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure. At least one end of the fiber can be directly connected to the second focusing arrangement and/or the third dispersive arrangement.

Abstract: A light emitting sign including a lightguide having a thickness not greater than 0.5 millimeters. The lightguide having an array of elongated legs extending therefrom, wherein each leg terminates in a bounding edge and is folded such that the bounding edges are stacked. At least one light source emits light into the stacked bounding edges. The light travels within the legs to the lightguide, with the light from each leg combining and totally internally reflecting within the lightguide. A plurality of light scattering features frustrate totally internally reflected light within the lightguide such that the light exits the sign in a light emitting area.

Abstract: A fiber optic includes a plurality of fibers each including a core made of core glass for propagating light and a cladding for covering an outer periphery of the core and made of cladding glass lower in refractive index than the core glass and an absorber glass arranged between the plurality of fibers and for absorbing light leaking from the plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers are bundled and integrated. The absorber glass contains Fe3O4 being iron oxide crystals.

Abstract: A system of digitally controlling light output by producing separate control signals for different colors of light. The light is contained in an optical waveguide, either prior to shaping or after shaping. Each of the control signals is coupled to a digitally controlled device which controls the shape of the light output. The digital controlling device can be digital mirror devices, for example.

Abstract: A decohered laser light production system is provided. The decohered laser light system comprises a laser source. The system further comprises a multi-mode fiber having an input face, an output face and a body for propagating light from the input face to the output face, the input face arranged to accept laser light from the laser source, the body comprising a length such that laser light is generally decohered when exiting the output face.

Abstract: A multi-directional imaging assembly includes a multi-directional imaging bundle having at least two rigid image-conducting branch elements. Each branch element has opposed image-input and image-output faces and at least one bend between the faces. The branch elements are mutually bound such that the image-input faces are disparately directed and the image-output faces coincide to define a common image-output face. Optically aligned with each image-input face is a focusing element that defines a field of view correlating to a spatial region. An image of the spatial region correlating to the field of view defined by a focusing element is acquired and projected onto the image-input face with which that focusing element is optically aligned. Images conducted through the branch elements, and outputted through the common image-output face, are optically communicated to an image detector array.

Abstract: A fiber bundle head up display includes a bundle of optical fibers. An image source projects a display image onto the fiber bundle. The fiber bundle transfers the display image from its input surface to its output surface and projects the display image onto a combiner, which superimposes the display image in the visual field of a viewer. The fiber bundle transforms the display image while performing three-dimensional relocation of picture elements of the display image to reduce aberration and distortion of the display image. The fiber bundle may be utilized for pre-transforming the display image to reduce or eliminate a variety of image aberration types.

Abstract: An exemplary light pipe includes a main pipe and branch pipes. The main pipe includes a light inputting segment, an end portion, and a light outputting segment between the light inputting segment and the end portion. The light inputting segment includes connecting openings defined therein. A distance between each connecting opening and the end portion of the main pipe is different from a distance between each other connecting opening and the end portion of the main pipe. The branch pipes connect with the light inputting segment at the respective connecting openings.

Abstract: A light-diffusing safety cap for use with a light cable that couples an endoscope to a high intensity light source. The light-diffusing safety cap can be detachably or releasably coupled, in lieu of the endoscope, to the light cable, such that when the high intensity light source emits a high intensity light and the endoscope is not connected to the light cable, the light-diffusing safety cap reduces the intensity of the high intensity light emitted to the environment and provides an indication that the high intensity light source is activated when the endoscope is not connected to the light cable.

Abstract: An optical fiber connector has a first ferrule holding an end of a first optical fiber, a first fiber stub connected to the first ferrule, a second ferrule holding an end of a second optical fiber, and a second fiber stub connected to the second ferrule. The first fiber stub enlarges the beam diameter of light transmitted through the first optical fiber, and produces the collimated light. The second fiber stub reduces the beam diameter of the collimated light, and leads the converging light into the second optical fiber. The first and second fiber stubs are detachably connected inside a connection sleeve across a predetermined gap. First and second GI fibers contained in the first and second fiber stubs satisfy L1?L2 and L1+L2?½ pitch, wherein L1 and L2 represent the lengths of the first and second GI fibers, and one pitch is a sinusoidal period of the light transmitted therethrough.

Abstract: A system and method for fiber optic bundle-based illumination for an imaging system is disclosed. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the system includes a fiber optic bundle that comprising a plurality of optical fibers. Each optical fiber receives light from a light source. The system also includes a beam forming element that selects a mode of operation for the imaging system. The system further includes a beam deflecting device that deflects the light on a sample. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the method includes the steps of (1) selecting a mode of operation for the imaging system; (2) transmitting light from at least one light source through a fiber optic bundle, the fiber optic bundle comprising a plurality of optical fibers; (3) providing a beam forming element based on the selected mode of operation; and (4) deflecting the focused light on a sample.

Abstract: The invention relates to an illumination device, in particular for vehicles. The illumination device comprises at least two semiconductor light sources which emit light with different colours, as well as at least one light guide into which the light from the semiconductor light sources is injected, and a light mixer device that is arranged on the entry side of the light guide and has a transparent light-refracting element, by which the spatial distribution of the light from the light sources is mixed so as to generate light that constitutes a colour superposition of the light from the semiconductor light sources. The transparent light-refracting element comprises an end face which forms a light entry face for the light emitted by the semiconductor light sources, the semiconductor light sources being arranged next to one another and in front of the light entry face.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of using same where hybrid substrate materials are provided with a substantially uniform surface to provide uniformity of properties, including interaction with their environments. Uniform surfaces are applied as coatings over, e.g., hybrid metal/silica, metal/polymer, metal/metal surfaces to mask different chemical properties of differing regions of the surface and to afford a protective surface for the hybrid structure.

Abstract: A fiber optic faceplate fabricated using a series of stacked ribbon structures. Each ribbon structure comprises optical fiber segments that run from an input edge to an output edge with fixed input and output fiber-to-fiber spacing. Input and output edge spacers may be used to provide spacing between stacked ribbon structures. Ribbon structures may be provided individually or as one or more sheets of ribbon structures.

Abstract: A sample slide, launch system, and method for microscopy having two optical fibers positioned proximate a sample slide with optical fiber mounting elements to deliver EMR to a surface of the sample slide at a critical angle for total internal reflection microscopy. In one exemplary embodiment, the EMR from the first optical fiber and the EMR from the second optical fiber may have different polarization states and/or wavelengths.

Abstract: An imaging device includes an illumination module comprising at least one emitter for emitting at least one excitation beam; a scanning and injection module comprising an image guide, a proximal end and a distal end of which are linked by a plurality of optical fibers; a scanning and injection optical system configured to alternately inject the at least one excitation beam into an optical fiber of the image guide from the proximal end of the image guide; a detection module comprising a detector for detecting a luminous flux collected at the distal end of the image guide, wherein at least one of the illumination module and the detection module is optically conjugated with the scanning and injection module using a conjugating optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for optimizing a probe geometry for spectroscopic measurement in a turbid medium are provided. A probe geometry comprising one emitting entity and at least on collecting entity is selected. A simulation is performed to generate optical parameter values measured by the probe geometry. The measured optical parameter values are input to an inversion algorithm to produce corresponding optical properties as output. The produced optical properties are compared with known optical properties known and a degree of matching between the produced optical properties and the known optical properties is determined. The simulation and inversion steps are repeated for a plurality of additional probe geometries, each differing in at least one property. An optimization algorithm is applied at each iteration to select an optimal probe geometry.

Abstract: An optical component including an acceptance fiber, e.g. a photonic crystal fiber, for propagation of pump and signal light, a number of pump delivery fibers and a reflector element that reflects pump light from the pump delivery fibers into the acceptance fiber. An optical component includes a) a first fiber having a pump core with an NA1, and a first fiber end; b) a number of second fibers surrounding the pump core of the first fiber, at least one of the second fibers has a pump core with an NA2 that is smaller than NA1, the number of second fibers each having a second fiber end; and c) a reflector element having an end-facet with a predetermined profile for reflecting light from at least one of the second fiber ends into the pump core of the first fiber.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to a lens assembly. The lens assembly includes a micro-lens; a beam director in optical communication with the micro-lens; and a substantially transparent film. The substantially transparent film is capable of bi-directionally transmitting light, and generating a controlled amount of backscatter. In addition, the film surrounds a portion of the beam director.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for imaging using a double-clad fiber is described.

Abstract: An image free from interfering structures may be generated by means of a fiber bundle of several optical fibers, when for the system of fiber bundle and sensor imaging parameters are provided, which describe the geometrical characteristics of the intensity course generated by each individual optical fiber on the sensor. In image reconstruction, for each individual optical fiber an amplitude value and/or luminosity information may be generated by fitting a function of the amplitude value and the imaging parameters of the respective optical fiber to an intensity picture of the sensor, so that an optimum amplitude and/or luminosity value may be generated considering the geometrical imaging characteristics for each individual optical fiber.

Abstract: A backlight assembly for feeding illuminating light to a passive display panel is disclosed. The backlight assembly comprises a plurality of waveguides being formed and/or embedded in at least one substrate and arranged to feed illuminating light to each sub-pixel position of the passive display panel in a manner such that each pixel region is illuminated by at least two waveguides, wherein each waveguide of the at least two waveguides is disposed to illuminate one sub-pixel position of the pixel region by a respective color channel.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for directing a laser beam at an object. Some embodiments include generating direction-control information, based on the direction-control information, directing laser energy into a first fiber at a first end of a first fiber bundle during a first time period, forming an output beam of the laser energy from the second end of the first fiber bundle, and steering the output beam of the laser energy from the first fiber in a first selected direction of a plurality of directions during the first time period, and optionally modulating an intensity of the laser energy according to a predetermined pattern. The direction-control information is based on sensing electromagnetic radiation from a scene. Some embodiments use a remote camera wire-connected to the image processor to obtain scene information, while other embodiments use a second fiber bundle to convey image information from an external remote lens to a local camera.

Abstract: A microfabricated light collimating screen is provided. A microfabricated screen, in one form, is made from a photopolymer such as SU-8 material. It is able to collimate light in two dimensions and for improved degrees of collimation. It may also be directly patterned onto image sensors or light sources in order to achieve direct collimation. The fabrication method is large-area compatible and inexpensive. The proposed screens may be useful for position detection of objects, such as in the paper mover, in printers and copy machines.

Abstract: To realize a diffusion film in which arbitrary control of the diffuse light intensity distribution characteristics, and an angular range of diffusion does not change with respect to an incoming light from a specific angular range and a light-outgoing direction converting element that is high in efficiency of conversion of the outgoing direction, and has no limit in the angle of conversion of the outgoing direction, and to provide a thin-model high-quality projection display using the same as a screen.

Abstract: A scanning fiber device of one aspect may include an actuator tube. An optical fiber may be inserted through the actuator tube. The optical fiber may have a free end portion outside of the actuator tube. A first bead may be around the optical fiber. At least part of the first bead may be within a distal portion of the actuator tube. An adhesive may be adhering the first bead to the distal portion of the actuator tube. A second bead may be around the optical fiber. At least part of the second bead may be within a proximal portion of the actuator tube. An adhesive may be adhering the second bead to the proximal portion of the actuator tube.

Abstract: An image fiber includes an image fiber body having a twisted portion which is formed by heating, softening, and twisting a portion of the image fiber body. The rate of twist in the twisted portion is made to be constant. Moreover, the rate of twist may preferably be set in a range from 3.6°/mm to 3600°/mm. In addition, the rate of twist at the beginning portion of the twisted portion and the rate of twist at the end portion of the twisted portion may preferably be set in a range from 3.6°/mm to 360°/mm. The twisted portion may be provided with a protective element.

Abstract: A sample slide, launch system, and method for microscopy having a fiber insertion portal terminating within the sample slide and having a fiber insertion axis such that when an optical fiber is inserted within the fiber insertion portal the optical fiber is positioned so to deliver an EMR to a surface of the sample slide at a desired angle.

Abstract: A fiber optic includes a plurality of fibers each including a core made of core glass for propagating light and a cladding for covering an outer periphery of the core and made of cladding glass lower in refractive index than the core glass and an absorber glass arranged between the plurality of fibers and for absorbing light leaking from the plurality of fibers. The plurality of fibers are bundled and integrated. The absorber glass contains Fe3O4 being iron oxide crystals.

Abstract: A system of digitally controlling light output by producing separate control signals for different colors of light. The light is contained in an optical waveguide, either prior to shaping or after shaping. Each of the control signals is coupled to a digitally controlled device which controls the shape of the light output. The digital controlling device can be digital mirror devices, for example.

Abstract: A laser beam emitted from each semiconductor laser 27 is guided by a step index type multi-mode optical fiber, a graded index type multi-mode optical fiber deformable and movable with movement of a recording head, and a step index type multi-mode optical fiber, to be emitted from a light emitter toward an imaging optical system.