Abstract: A mega-boule is used in fabricating microchannel plates (MCPs). The mega-boule has a cross-sectional surface including an island section, an inner perimeter section and an outer perimeter section, each section occupying a distinct portion of the cross-sectional surface. The island section is formed of a first plurality of optical fibers, transversely oriented to the cross-sectional surface, each optical fiber including a cladding formed of non-etchable material and a core formed of etchable material. The inner perimeter section is formed of non-etchable material and is disposed to surround the island section. The outer perimeter section is formed of a second plurality of optical fibers, transversely oriented to the cross-sectional surface, each optical fiber including a cladding formed of non-etchable material and a core formed of etchable material, and the outer perimeter section is disposed to surround the island section and the inner perimeter section.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an exposure apparatus which is capable of obtaining high illumination efficiency and performing uniform exposure. In accordance with the exposure apparatus that includes a light source, an optical integrator to which light is supplied from the light source and a two-dimensional spatial light modulator illuminated by light which has transmitted the optical integrator, an optical fiber bundle end portion for emitting light to the optical integrator is provided in the light source, and the light-emitting area of the optical fiber bundle end portion is, as seen from the light-emitting side, substantially similar to the contour configuration of light-emitting surface of the optical integrator. Thus, most of the light emitted from the optical fiber bundle end portion can be illuminated onto a set illumination area. As a result, high illumination efficiency can be obtained and uniform exposure can be realized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mega-boule for use in fabricating microchannel plates (MCPs). The mega-boule includes a cross-sectional surface having at least first, second and third areas, each area occupying a distinct portion of the cross-sectional surface. The first and second areas include a plurality of optical fibers, transversely oriented to the cross-sectional surface, each optical fiber having a cladding formed of non-etchable material and a core formed of etchable material. The third area is disposed interstitially between and surrounding the first and second areas, and includes non-etchable material.

Abstract: A microscope includes a light source that emits an illuminating light beam for illumination of a specimen, a beam splitter separating measuring light out of the illuminating light beam, and an apparatus for determining the light power level of the illuminating light beam. The apparatus for determining the light power level of the illuminating light beam receives the measuring light and includes an apparatus for simultaneous color-selective detection of the measuring light.

Abstract: An optical fiber of a bundled fiber light source is an optical fiber whose core diameter is uniform but whose emission end cladding diameter is smaller than an incidence end cladding diameter thereof, and a light emission region thereof is made smaller. An angle of luminous flux from this higher luminance bundled fiber light source, which passes through a lens system and is incident on a DMD, is smaller, i.e., an illumination NA is made smaller. Thus, an angle of flux which is incident on a surface that is to be exposed is smaller. That is, a minute image formation beam can be obtained without increasing the image formation NA, focal depth is lengthen.

Abstract: In the present invention, a deformation process is applied to a part of an image fiber, and when implementing improvement of the quality of the transmitted image, the improvement of the image quality in the center region and peripheral region of the image fiber in the radial direction is carried out to an equal degree, and a uniform improvement of the entire screen can be carried out. A processed part is formed having a deformation of all cores that is substantially identical by deforming in the radial direction or by deforming and twisting a part of an image fiber having a plurality of cores that function as pixels in the radial direction thereof. The image fiber can be manufactured by a processing in which by a part of the image fiber having a plurality of cores that function as pixels is heated, and deformed in the radial direction thereof or simultaneously deformed and twisted in the radial direction thereof this heated part.

Abstract: A coupler for interfacing a light source, such as a laser, and a fiber optic cable is disclosed. The coupler includes a slide mount having a channel that is adapted to receive optical fibers. The channel extends from a proximal end of the slide mount to a distal end of the slide mount. The proximal end of the slide mount is adapted to fit into an aperture of the light source and the distal end of the slide mount is adapted to transmit light to the fiber optic cable. The coupler also includes a clamp that is mounted on the slide mount adjacent to its proximal end. The clamp covers at least a portion of the channel, thereby securing the optical fibers within the channel without the use of an adhesive.

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: An optical illumination, communication, or beam splitting system includes close-packed non-imaging morphing optical elements, beam splitting prisms, output elements, including non-imaging concentrating elements and optical detectors, and a beam dump for receiving energy from the beams not directed to the output elements, in various combinations. The sources of electromagnetic energy may comprise semiconductors emitting at different bands of wavelengths, wherein each band comprises a different color.

Abstract: A broad-spectrum, high spatial and time resolution contact-field optical microscope comprises a fiber optical taper, a vacuum chamber, a photocathode, a magnetic lens photoelectron image enlarger, a micro-channel plate image intensifier, a phosphor screen and a CCD. Sample is placed directly in contact with a smaller sampling face of the optical taper. Light which is emitted, reflected or transmitted by the sample is launched into each of the fiber core ends on the sampling face and conveyed by the optical fibers to a larger imaging face of the optical taper, thereby presenting an enlarged image at the imaging face. The image is converted into a photoelectron image by photocathode which is deposited on the surface of the imaging face. The photoelectron image is further enlarged by magnetic lenses and intensified by micro-channel plate. The enlarged and enhanced electron image is displayed on phosphor screen and coupled through faceplate to CCD.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tiled display is disclosed comprising the steps of: a) selecting a plurality of flat-panel displays, each flat-panel display having a display area comprising a plurality of pixels arranged in an array and having at least one defective pixel; and b) forming a tiled display by locating one or more faceplates in alignment with the plurality of flat-panel displays, the one or more faceplates having a plurality of lightpipes in an array, the lightpipes having input and output end faces for transmitting light from the display areas of the flat-panel displays to a display surface of the tiled display, wherein the input end face of each of the lightpipes has an area larger than the area of one pixel of the selected flat-panel displays, and wherein each lightpipe transmits light from more than one pixel from the display area of the flat-panel displays to the display surface of the tiled display. Also described are tiled display made according to the method.

Abstract: A leached fiber bundle with the light outlet points positioned as accurately as possible is provided, in which the end faces are not completely fused together, but rather are only fused together at their contact surfaces. The interstices formed are permanently filled with adhesives with the aid of a pressure reduction. To protect the optical fibers from mechanical load, adhesives are introduced into the transition region between the fixed end region and a flexible region. This allows the leached fiber bundles to be produced more economically and also improves their service life.

Abstract: An efficient tapered optical fiber bundle along with the method of manufacturing is presented. The tapered fiber bundle is fully fused to an induced shape with no interstitial space between fibers. To minimize fiber deformation and hence the tapered bundle's loss, the individual fibers are minimally deformed by positioning them in a fixture with predetermined geometry prior to fusion. The bundle could be optionally reshaped after fusion. The tapered bundle could then be used in its original form as a star coupler, or it could be cleaved and coupled to a multimode fiber, a multi-clad fiber, a cladding-pumped fiber, or an optical system to form an optical device. The resulting optical device has improved efficiency and lower loss compared with prior art devices.

Abstract: An analysis system comprises an endoscope 10 insertable into the vessel and a Raman analysis apparatus 40. An insert cable 54 of the Raman analysis apparatus 40 is inserted into a channel 10a of the endoscope 10. An excitation optical fiber 60 and a bundle 70A of a plural number of light receivingoptical fibers 70 are received in the insert cable 54. A transparent small piece 63 having a film-like excitation optical filter 64 is abutted against the distal end of the fiber 60. A transparent plate 71 having a film-like light reciving optical filter 72 is abutted against the distal end of fibers bundle 70A. The plate 71 has a center hole 71a and the piece 63 is fitted into the hole 71a.

Abstract: A fiber connecting method and a laser apparatus using the fiber connecting method are disclosed. A plurality of fibers are bundled into a fiber bundle. The ends of the plurality of the fibers are connected to an end of a single-core fiber having a larger core diameter than the plurality of the fibers. The plurality of the fibers have different directions and characteristics depending on the position connected to the single-core fiber.

Abstract: Turf comprising artificial or natural turf fibers and fiber optic filaments extending between the turf fibers. The present invention also provides a method of marking a surface comprising the steps of providing a light source, providing a surface to be marked, providing an optical material capable of illumination by the light source, configuring and arranging the optical material, the surface, and the light source such that illumination of the optical material is visible on the surface, and illuminating the optical material. The present invention also provides a method of manufacturing turf comprising the steps of providing a turf surface, providing optical material capable of illumination by a light source, and threading the turf surface with the optical material whereby illumination of the optical material is visible on the surface.

Abstract: A display arrangement for providing optical information into an observer's field of view, which can be carried at the head, includes a picture source, a picture transmission device and an eyepiece. The picture transmission device consists of at least partially of a fiber optics section which is at least partially surrounded by a material that is plastically deformable.

Abstract: A method of forming a solid or honeycombed optical channel plate, having solid or hollow waveguides respectively, from aligned optical waveguides. Reflective optical channel plates are also disclosed for use with a front projection screen and transmission optical channel plates are also disclosed for use with a front projection screen and transmission optical channel plates for use with a rear projection screen for increasing luminance and/or resolution of an image projected on the screen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a technology for obtaining a large area fiber plate suited for downsizing a radiation imaging apparatus and reducing its cost and excellent of workability in the manufacturing process. A multi-fiber is manufactured by bundling and drawing a plurality of fibers to take a polygonal shape in section so that the multi-fibers can be air-tightly stacked without any air gap, a multi-fiber aggregate is manufactured by bundling and drawing the multi-fibers to take other polygonal shape in section that enables air-tight stacking with no air gap so as to be analogous to or different from the one polygonal shape in section, and there is manufactured a fiber plate configured by air-tightly bonding the multi-fiber aggregates to each other with a bonding agent without the air gap in a state of keeping the one or other polygonal shape in section after being drawn.

Abstract: An optical fiber imaging system includes an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers, an elongated housing receiving and at least partially enclosing the optical fiber bundle therein, and an optical window disposed at an end of the elongated housing and thereby defining a cavity within the elongated housing next to the end face of the fiber bundle, the cavity being adapted to retain a substance of inert chemistry such as index matched oil for suppressing environmental degradation at the end face of the fiber bundle. The oil is preferably made of silicone petroleum products with the index of refraction being advantageous to the preferred optical characteristics of the entire imaging system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for reading an identification code from a mailpiece. In one embodiment, there are a reader unit and a reader head assembly connected by an optical cable, which provide for the identification of a mailpiece in an identification code sorting system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a sensor and a bundle of optical fibers. The bundle of optical fibers has a first end and a second end. The bundle of optical fibers at the first end extends in a first fiber direction and defines a first section plane that is normal to the first fiber direction. The first end defines a first end plane that is obliquely oriented with respect to the first section plane. The bundle of optical fibers at the second end extends in a second fiber direction and defines a second section plane that is normal to the second fiber direction. The second end defines a second end plane that is obliquely oriented with respect to the second section plane. The sensor is disposed in a confronting relation with the second end.

Abstract: A display device includes: an array of color pixels each color pixel including a plurality of individually addressable subpixels for emitting different colored light; and a fiber optic faceplate arranged adjacent the array of color pixels, with one fiber for each color pixel.

Abstract: A reflector has a transparent film, an adhesive layer disposed on one surface of the transparent film, a groove structure provided on the other surface of the transparent film, the groove structure having a plurality of grooves including optical path changing slopes aligned in a substantially constant direction at an inclination angle in a range of from 35 to 48 degrees with respect to a plane of the transparent film, a transparent cover film formed so as to cover an outer surface of the groove structure, and a light diffusing type reflection layer disposed on an outer surface of the cover film. A lighting-external light double mode liquid-crystal display device comprising the above reflector and a transmission type liquid-crystal panel, wherein the reflector is bonded to aback side (opposite to a viewing side) of the transmission type liquid-crystal panel through the adhesive layer of the reflector.

Abstract: An image processing enhancement system for receiving a fiber based image. The characteristics of fiber bundle are used to image process an image which has come through the fiber bundle. Those characteristics may be obtained from individual calibration, or simply from a knowledge of the fiber bundle's likely characteristics. One aspect determines the positions of fiber pixels, and interpolates between those fiber pixels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple method for fabricating fiber-optic glass preforms having complex refractive index configurations and/or dopant distributions in a radial direction with a high degree of accuracy and precision. The method teaches bundling together a plurality of glass rods of specific physical, chemical, or optical properties and wherein the rod bundle is fused in a manner that maintains the cross-sectional composition and refractive-index profiles established by the position of the rods.

Abstract: A method of cross-connecting or reorganizing individual optical fibers of a plurality of fiber optic ribbons include the steps of providing a substrate having an adhesive thereon with a mixing zone within the boundaries thereof. A plurality of individual optical fibers are routed onto the substrate to form a plurality of fiber optic input ribbons, reorganizing the fibers in the mixing zone, and forming a plurality of fiber optic output ribbons. At least some of the output ribbons have fibers from more than one of the input ribbons. The input and output ribbons are coated on the substrate outside the mixing zone to hold the routed fibers in ribbon form, leaving at least portions of the fibers in the mixing zone uncoated. The coated ribbons are stripped from the substrate with the uncoated fibers from the mixing zone being loose. A holding device is placed about at least the uncoated loose fibers between the input and output ribbons.

Abstract: Systems and methods for medical diagnosis or risk assessment for a patient are provided. These systems and methods are designed to be employed at the point of care, such as in emergency rooms and operating rooms, or in any situation in which a rapid and accurate result is desired. The systems and methods process patient data, particularly data from point of care diagnostic tests or assays, including immunoassays, electrocardiograms, X-rays and other such tests, and provide an indication of a medical condition or risk or absence thereof. The systems include an instrument for reading or evaluating the test data and software for converting the data into diagnostic or risk assessment information.

Abstract: An optical coupling device, a method of producing the same, and an optical apparatus using the same. A light transmitting medium of the optical coupling device is made of optical fibers to transmit the light. Three RGB laser beams can be compounded by forming one output end after heating one end of the optical fibers. Input ends of the optical fibers each have a lens to collimate each laser beam. A collimating lens installed at an output end of the optical fibers changes the compounded laser beam to a parallel ray. The optical coupling device made of the optical fibers can be applied to an image reproducing apparatus such as a projector and a projection TV. Especially, when the optical coupling device using the optical fibers is applied to an image reproducing apparatus having a DMD (digital micro-mirror device), the size of the image reproducing apparatus can be reduced and the quality of the image reproduced is improved.

Abstract: A device uses a convex or concave lens to converge incoming (background) light and project brighter light beams to the end of a light guide device, which then produces from its other end a light reflection in one or multiple directions for text or pattern display.

Abstract: Controls for an optical scanner, such as a single fiber scanning endoscope (SFSE) that includes a resonating optical fiber and a single photodetector to produce large field of view, high-resolution images. A nonlinear control scheme with feedback linearization is employed in one type of control to accurately produce a desired scan. Open loop and closed loops controllers are applied to the nonlinear optical scanner of the SFSE. A closed loop control (no model) uses either phase locked loop and PID controllers, or a dual-phase lock-in amplifier and two PIDs for each axis controlled. Other forms of the control that employ a model use a frequency space tracking control, an error space tracking control, feedback linearizing controls, an adaptive control, and a sliding mode control.

Abstract: A probe comprises an excitation source and a double-core optical fiber. A pulsed laser signal (20) of the excitation sources supplied to the outer core (42) at one end of the optical fiber. The other end is provided with an interferometer film (18). An excitation signal (22) produced in the sample (10) modulates the thickness of the film (18). This provides an interferometer signal (26, 28) detected from the inner core (40).

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 beam collecting device and a laser emission device are disclosed incorporating a laminated optical waveguide array and refraction means therein. The laminated optical waveguide array is composed of a plurality of plate-like optical waveguides made of a material having a predetermined refractive index and a plurality of spacer members having a lower refractive index than that of said optical waveguides and arranged alternately with said optical waveguides. The spacer members take the form of cylindrical members, spherical members or plate-like members. The beam collecting device and laser emission device comprise a semiconductor laser array having a plurality of laser emitting parts arranged in fast and slow axis directions, the optical waveguide array, optical fibers and a collective lens. The laser emitting parts are divided into plural groups separated in the slow axis direction.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an exposure apparatus which is capable of obtaining high illumination efficiency and performing uniform exposure. In accordance with the exposure apparatus that includes a light source, an optical integrator to which light is supplied from the light source and a two-dimensional spatial light modulator illuminated by light which has transmitted the optical integrator, an optical fiber bundle end portion for emitting light to the optical integrator is provided in the light source, and the light-emitting area of the optical fiber bundle end portion is, as seen from the light-emitting side, substantially similar to the contour configuration of light-emitting surface of the optical integrator. Thus, most of the light emitted from the optical fiber bundle end portion can be illuminated onto a set illumination area. As a result, high illumination efficiency can be obtained and uniform exposure can be realized.

Abstract: An apparatus for directing light from a light source through a bundle of optic fibers, wherein the optic fibers are so arranged in the bundle such that at the end of the bundle opposite the light source, the optic fibers may expand into a display of an image generated by the light source. The apparatus comprises a bundle of optic fibers having a base end and a viewing end. The base end has a first angle across the bundle and is arranged so that light from the light source may be directed into the base end of each of the optic fibers. The light entering each of the optic fibers is carried to the viewing end. At the viewing end, each of the optic fibers is cut to expose an interior side face as a pixel viewing area having approximately a 1:1 aspect ratio.

Abstract: A system for transmitting images and methods of manufacturing and using the same. The system for transmitting images includes a camera, a fiber optic cable, and a display system. The camera comprises a lens system for receiving light signals from one or more still and/or moving objects to be imaged. Upon receiving the light signals, the lens system intensifies the light signals to produce a substantially-reduced image of the objects and communicates the entire substantially-reduced image in real-time to a lens system of the display system via a single filament of the fiber optic cable. The lens system of the display system then deminiaturizes (or magnifies) the substantially-reduced image to produce an expanded image of the objects. The expanded image, which is continuously updated by the lens system of the camera to generate real-time still and/or moving images, is visibly presented by the display system.

Abstract: A method for illuminating an object (79). The method is characterized by the steps of injecting (1) the light beam (13) from a laser (9) into a microstructured optical element (19), which spectrally broadens the light of the light beam (13), shaping (3) the spectrally broadened light (31) to form an illumination light beam (29), and directing (5) the illumination light beam (29) onto the object (79). An instrument (7) for illuminating an object (79). The instrument comprises a laser (9) that emits a light beam (13), which is directed onto a microstructured optical element (19) that spectrally broadens the light from the laser. A optical means (33) which shapes the spectrally broadened light (31) to form an illumination light beam (29) is arranged downstream of the microstructured optical element (19).

Abstract: An image detecting device according to the invention is provided with an optical fiber array substrate 101, a circuit conductor layer 109 over it, an image sensor 106 arranged over the circuit conductor layer, first illuminating means 104 arranged so that the angle of incidence on the plane of incidence of the optical fiber be made greater than the critical angle and the direction of lights reflected by the plane of incidence relative to the direction of the optical axis of the optical fibers be made not greater than the critical angle of total reflection inside the optical fiber, second illuminating means 105 arranged so that the angle of incidence on the plane of incidence of the optical fiber be made smaller than the critical angle and the direction of lights reflected by the plane of incidence relative to the direction of the optical axis of the optical fibers be made not smaller than the critical angle of total reflection inside the optical fibers, and control means 110 which performs control for turning

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include method and apparatus for detecting the alignment of movable reflectors in an optical switch. A diagnostic device embodiment includes a two-dimensional photoimager positioned to receive light from movable mirrors in the switch. Each movable mirror reflects light to different two-dimensional positions on the photoimager based on the position of each movable mirror, thereby creating a two-dimensional image of the reflector array. A controller receives information from the photoimager and adjusts the positions of the movable mirrors according to light received at the photoimager. A related diagnostic device includes an illumination source for directing monitor light beams onto the movable mirrors where the monitor beams are reflected onto the photoimager. This configuration provides two-dimensional information concerning the current position of the movable mirrors which is used to monitor and adjust the positions of the movable mirrors of the switch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for acquiring image information using array of image acquisition units, each having an optical device. The apparatus for acquiring image information includes a geometric array of image acquisition units, each having optical device generating source electrical signal depending on image intensity of a subject, and an image signal output unit for receiving electrical signal generated from the array and generating source electrical signal to process analog image. According to the present invention, costs required for building a system for acquiring image information may be reduced. In addition, it is possible to fast acquire image information, thereby usefully applying to image information acquisition in fast total inspection process. Furthermore, various values with respect to a dimension of the subject are easily calculated by using a geometry location and dimension information of the image acquisition units.

Abstract: An electronic endoscope system includes an image pickup device provided at a distal end of an insertion portion; an image signal processing device; a main light source; an auxiliary light source which emits less amount of light than the light emitted from the main light source; and a light guide member which guides illumination light emitted from one of the main light source and the auxiliary light source to the distal end of the insertion portion to thereby emit the illumination light from the distal end. When the auxiliary light source emits the illumination light instead of the main light source, the image signal processing device sets the gain of the signal output from the image pickup device to a value higher than the gain of the signal when the main light source emits the illumination light, in order to process the image signal.

Abstract: An optical signal emitter for a multi-channel, wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical communication system is disclosed. This optical signal emitter does not require an optical multiplexer, or other device, to combine components of an optical signal. Semiconductor die attached to a substrate emit independent components of a multi-channel optical signal from emission apertures that are positioned offset from the center of the die toward an aperture corner of the die. This aperture corner may be shaped so that the apertures can be located closer to each other. The shaping of the die may include a photolithographic process, an etching process, a reactive ion etching process, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Digital photographic printing apparatus comprises a photographic paper carrier unit (1) for feeding a sheet of photographic paper past the writing head of an optical scanner unit (2). The writing head incorporates an array of light-emitting devices which are controlled by signals from a digital controller unit (3) holding successive sets of partial image data received from a digital image data unit (4). The writing head comprises a light pipe in the form of a solid fused bundle (10) of coherent optical fibers incorporating a tapered region (17) and having a light receiving face (13) and a light transmitting face (12) adjacent the sheet of photographic paper. An array of light-emitting or laser diodes (14) mounted on a printed circuit board (15) adjacent the light receiving face (13).

Abstract: A flexible optic fiber cable is provided having a plurality of optic fibers grouped together as a fiber bundle with a flexible center section, in which the optic fibers are moveable relative to adjacent fibers in the fiber bundle, and two non-flexible end sections. Each of the two non-flexible end sections includes a generally uniform thickness protective layer extending over an outer surface thereof starting at a position spaced inwardly from a free end of the end section. A ferrule is located around and in an interference fit with the protective layer so that the end section is centered in the ferrule. An adhesive is located between the ferrule and the non-flexible end section from the position spaced inwardly from the free end of the end section to the free end thereof to connect the ferrule to the non-flexible end section.

Abstract: In a fiber optic display system an array of pixels form a continuous viewable surface. Each pixel is formed by a bundle of one or more optical fibers which vector light to the pixels from one or more light sources. High density of pixels at the viewable surface is achieved by bundling small diameter optical fibers adapted for vectoring light from low density light sources. The two-dimensional geometry of the viewable surface is de-coupled from the light source which is arranged in a three dimensional space. The arrangement of light source into three dimensional space is accomplished by partitioning the light source into an array of light source planes. The arrangement of light source into a three dimensional array allows for the combined surface area of the planes to substantially exceed the display area of the viewable surface.

Abstract: A hermetic package having connectors, such as optical fibers or electrical leads, connected and bonded thereto with a bonding material such as epoxy resin, has the bonding material coated with a single layer or multiple layers of sealing material, such as chromium, copper, gold, tungsten, titanium, nickel, or aluminum, to prevent outgased material from the bonding material from entering the hermetic package enclosure. The bonding material may be recessed prior to coating of the sealing material to permit the sealing material to be polished from the optical element and the optical element polished flush with the inside of the package while leaving the sealing material covering the bonding material.

Abstract: An optical fiber imaging system includes an optical fiber bundle including a plurality of optical fibers, an elongated housing receiving and at least partially enclosing the optical fiber bundle therein, and an optical window disposed at an end of the elongated housing and thereby defining a cavity within the elongated housing next to the end face of the fiber bundle, the cavity being adapted to retain a substance of inert chemistry such as index matched oil for suppressing environmental degradation at the end face of the fiber bundle. The oil is preferably made of silicone petroleum products with the index of refraction being advantageous to the preferred optical characteristics of the entire imaging system.

Abstract: An optical film including a transparent film having a hard coating layer provided on one side thereof, the hard coating layer including a repetitive prismatic structure having formed therein optical-path changing slopes oriented substantially toward certain directions at an angle of 35 to 48 degrees relative to the transparent film, and an adhesive layer laid on the other surface of the transparent film.

Abstract: A confocal microscope system that is inherently fiberoptic compatible is described which has line scanning aided image formation. An incoherent fiberoptic bundle maps a line illumination pattern into a dispersible group of separate sources, and then remaps this confocally selected remitted light to the original line. Fibers, not confocal with the illumination, carry light to be rejected from the image back on itself upon double passing, while separate fibers carry light from non-confocal sample planes. The transformation allows efficient rejection of unwanted photons at a slit aperture. The fiber bundle and an objective lens provide a flexible probe for imaging internal tissue for pathological examination on a cellular level.