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: The invention is a lens. The light transmitting portion of the lens comprises a plurality of fiber optic strands arranged parallel to each other in a side-by-side manner, forming a planar layer. The fiber optic strands are also inclined at an angle to a surface of the lens. This defeats any reflection from the interior of the lens, which gives virtual invisibility to the lens face or surface when the light source is not in use. In operation, when a light source is illuminated, the lens is then lit, displaying the color of the light source or of the color of the strands.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of manufacture is disclosed for a fiber optic lighting device. The fiber optic lighting device is formed by adhering fiber optic strands onto a backing material in a radial pattern from a centralized illumination receiving port within a perimeter of the backing material. The centralized illumination receiving port of the fiber optic strands is where the illuminating source would transfer the illuminations into the fiber optic strands. The fiber optic strands can include a surface finish, which enhances the intensity of the light emitting from the fiber optic strands. The fiber optic lighting device can provide a non-linear sheared edge along the entire perimeter of the backing material.

Abstract: A reflection sheet which can prevent scratches on a back face of an optical waveguide plate, and a backlight unit capable of attempting the improvement of brightness and the uniformization of the brightness using the reflection sheet. The reflection sheet includes a substrate sheet made of a white synthetic resin and a scratchproof layer overlaid to the front face side of this substrate sheet, wherein the scratchproof layer has flexible protrusions on its front face in a substantially uniform manner. The scratchproof layer includes a binder and beads dispersed in the binder. Flexible elastomer material which constitutes the beads is preferably flexible polyurethane or a silicone rubber.

Abstract: An ultrathin optical panel, and a method of producing an ultrathin optical panel, are disclosed, including stacking a plurality of glass sheets, which sheets may be coated with a transparent cladding substance or may be uncoated, fastening together the plurality of stacked coated glass sheets using an epoxy or ultraviolet adhesive, applying uniform pressure to the stack, curing the stack, sawing the stack to form an inlet face on a side of the stack and an outlet face on an opposed side of the stack, bonding a coupler to the inlet face of the stack, and fastening the stack, having the coupler bonded thereto, within a rectangular housing having an open front which is aligned with the outlet face, the rectangular housing having therein a light generator which is optically aligned with the coupler. The light generator is preferably placed parallel to and proximate with the inlet face, thereby allowing for a reduction in the depth of the housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a waveguide having a light inlet surface and a viewing surface comprising stacked core layers separated by clad layers to form channels and bearing a smoothing layer on at least one of the light inlet surface or the viewing surface thereof.

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: This invention concerns a method and apparatus for manufacturing a sheet and a two-dimensional matrix of plastic optical fibers. The fibers may be of the step-index or graded-index type. Co-extrusion through a specially designed die is used to produce a sheet composed of a fiber array. The fiber sheet (ribbon) can be used for transmitting optical signals. These arrays may also be stacked and fused at high temperatures to form the two-dimensional matrix required for many applications such as large area image transfer. In addition, a high-speed, continuous manufacturing method is disclosed to produce a massive two-dimensional matrix of fibers. The method of manufacture permits high quality image transfer at low manufacturing cost in a wide array of geometries.

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: The invention includes a microchannel plate for an image intensifier tube, in which the plate has multiple microchannels extending in a longitudinal dimension between transverse surfaces of the plate. Each microchannel includes a first portion forming a first opening at an end proximate a surface of the plate. The first portion includes a wall extending longitudinally from the surface and terminating in a substantially similar first opening at a distal end. The microchannel also includes a second portion of the wall, extending longitudinally from the first opening at the distal end and tapering toward a second opening at a further distal end. The first opening at the proximate end has a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter of the first opening at the distal end. The first opening is also wider than the second opening.

Abstract: A discrete pattern, formed by dots discretely arranged in two dimensions, is provided wherein the dots are generated in a low discrepancy sequence. The dots are preferably generated in a discrete pattern wherein the square of discrepancy D satisfies the formula, D?0.13N?1.15??(1) Further, the method provides for generation of, and the appartus provides implementation of, a discrete pattern even when the filling factor rapidly changes by automatically generating or deleting dots.

Abstract: A waveguide array is provided for use in optical systems requiring a two-dimensional array of waveguides. The two-dimensional array comprises a first one-dimensional array which includes a plurality of optical waveguides and at least one registration feature. The two-dimensional array also comprises a second one-dimensional array having a plurality of optical waveguides and comprising at least one detent disposed in communication with the registration feature. The detent and registration feature are provided in respective locations of the first and second one-dimensional arrays so that the conjoined first and second one-dimensional arrays provide a two-dimensional array of waveguides. In a particular configuration of the two-dimensional array, the waveguides comprise optical fibers.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a color display system. The color display system includes a plurality of light emitting polymer (LEP) optical fibers each formed as plurality of light-emitting segments for emitting a specific color by using a special light emitting polymer. The light emitting segments are arranged as a two-dimensional array with each of the light emitting segments controlled to turn on and off for presenting a color image by turning on a plurality of the light emitting segments. In a preferred embodiment, each of the light emitting segments includes an indium/tin oxide (ITO) layer segment covering the LEP optical fiber wherein each of the ITO segments is connected to an ITO control voltage for turning on and off the light emitting segment.

Abstract: A fiber optic fabric includes woven optical fibers, an opaque coating on the fibers and openings on the high points of the weave. The opaque coating prevents light leakage from the fibers and the openings allow light to be emitted from the fabric in a directed manner. The fabric is capable of emitting light at an angle relative to the surface of the fabric such that the light is not visible from every viewpoint.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical faceplate made from fibrous crystals which are transparent, colorless and work as a coherent faceplate. The numeric aperture of a single fiber is within a range of about 0.20 to 0.66. A nonlimiting example of such a fibrous crystal is Ulexite (also known as “TV” rock). In one embodiment the present invention comprises an optical faceplate made of a fibrous crystal in lab-created, artificially grown form. In a further embodiment, an optical faceplate is made of crystals not found in nature, or not found in nature in fibrous form. In one embodiment the present invention provides a seamlessly tiled projection display comprising at least one fibrous crystal faceplate as a pre-screen in combination with a diffused rear projection screen. A faceplate made of fibrous crystals does not have a size limitation. In one embodiment, smaller plates of crystals may be seamlessly tiled into a larger plate, satisfying the need for a large projection screen.

Abstract: The invention provides a fiber plate formed by arranging in mutually adjacent manner plural individual fiber plates of a same thickness so as to provide a light guiding plane larger in area than the light guiding plane of the individual one fiber plate, and a radiation image pickup apparatus utilizing such fiber plate, in which:

Abstract: The invention provides an optical device, including a light-transmitting substrate, optical means for coupling light into the substrate by total internal reflection, and a plurality of partially reflecting surfaces carried by the substrate, characterized in that the partially reflecting surfaces are parallel to each other and are not parallel to any of the edges of the substrate.

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: A transparent media adapter for scanning transmissive media on a flatbed scanner comprises a fiber optic face plate. The fiber optic face plate translates the image from the media to the scanner focal plane.

Abstract: A display device comprises an actuator substrate which has actuator elements, an optical waveguide plate, crosspieces which is interposed between the optical waveguide plate and the actuator substrate and which surround the actuator elements, and picture element assemblies which are joined onto the actuator elements. A stack for constructing each of the picture element assemblies has a transparent layer opposed to the optical waveguide plate. The transparent layer contains a major component of a cured resin obtained by polymerization with a principal ingredient which is composed of one or more materials selected from modified epoxy, bisphenol A type epoxy, bisphenol F type epoxy, and glycidyl ether type epoxy, and a curing agent which is composed of one or more materials selected from modified polyamine, modified alicyclic polyamine, and heterocyclic diamine modified product of tertiary amine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of producing an optical fiber having a decreased transmission loss and air holes extending in the axial direction of the fiber. The method of the present invention includes a first step of preparing an optical fiber preform having through holes for forming the air holes, a second step of drawing the optical fiber preform in a drawing furnace to form an optical fiber having the air holes, and a third step of heating the optical fiber at a temperature in the range of 900° C. to 1300° C. in an additional heating furnace provided downstream of the drawing furnace.

Abstract: A fiber optic display device includes a linear array of illuminating elements, such as ultraviolet light emitting diodes, selectively emitting and projecting a first light onto a reflective surface of a rotary scanner that is rotated by a motor to have the reflective surface move the projected light over a light receiving surface of a light collector. The light collector receives the projected light and transmits the light through an array of optic fibers to a screen panel. The light is converted by a fluorescent layer of the screen panel into a visible light and forms an image.

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: An adhesion-suppressing agent is added or applied to a picture element assembly precursor which is a precursor of a picture element assembly. Accordingly, when the hardening is performed while allowing the picture element assembly precursor to make pressed contact with an optical waveguide plate, the picture element assembly precursor is prevented from adhesion to the optical waveguide plate. Further, the gap between the picture element assembly and the optical waveguide plate is narrowed by allowing the adhesion-suppressing agent to intervene. Therefore, when a display device is in the light emission state, the picture element assembly reliably makes pressed contact with the optical waveguide plate. Further, owing to the adhesion-suppressing agent, the mutual adhesion between the picture element assembly and the optical waveguide plate is remarkably suppressed when the display device is used. Preferred examples of the adhesion-suppressing agent include silicone-based substances.

Abstract: A backlight module includes a light guide plate, a lamp tube and a reflecting plate. The light guide plate has a lower surface, an upper surface and four lateral sides. The four lateral sides are substantially normal to the upper and the lower surfaces. The lamp tube is located on one lateral side of the light guide plate and projects lights into the light guide plate. The reflecting plate is located below the light guide plate to reflect the lights into the light guide plate. At least one surface of the upper surface, lower surface and lateral sides of the light guide plate is coated with a fluorescent agent to form a fluorescent layer which can adsorb and temporarily retain lights before emitting thereby increase the brightness, and uniformity of the backlight module and reduce power consumption of the lamp tube.

Abstract: A surface light source unit (2) includes a light source (21), a light guide plate (22), a reflective plate (23) and a diffusing plate (24). The light guide plate includes a light incidence surface (221) adjacent to the light source for receiving light beams, an emission surface (222) for emitting the light beams, a light reflection surface (223) opposite to the emission surface and a plurality of diffusion dots (224) formed on the light reflection surface. The diffusion dots contain a plurality of light scattering particles (225) having substantially global surfaces. The surface light source unit provides high uniform illumination for a liquid crystal display panel.

Abstract: A compact light weight printhead capable of direct quasi-contact printing includes an OLED structure disposed on a fiber optic faceplate substrate. The printhead is designed for contact or quasi-contact printing printing. The printhead design ensures that the desired pixel sharpness and reduced crosstalk is achieved. Two possible different arrangements for the printhead are disclosed. One arrangement includes at least one array of OLED elements. Each OLED array in this arrangement includes at least one triplet of OLED elements, and each element in each the triplet is capable of emitting radiation in a distinct wavelength range different from the distinct wavelength range of the other two color filters in the same triplet. In the second arrangement, the printhead includes at least one triplet of arrays of individually addressable Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) elements.

Abstract: A discrete pattern, formed by dots discretely arranged in two dimensions, is provided wherein the dots included in a rectangular area having a longitudinal length of Lx and a transverse length of Ly satisfy expression (1), D≦0.13N−1 15  (1) (in expression (1), N denotes the number of dots included in a predetermined area, and D is obtained by expression (2), wherein A(x,y) defines the number of dots, of a total of N dots, included in a rectangular area for which a line segment extended from reference coordinates (0,0) to an arbitrary coordinate point (x,y) is a diagonal line), [Ex.

Abstract: A fiber optic faceplate for protecting photosensitive material from high light levels which comprises an optical structure which optically acts like a solid window at low light levels, but which at least one of attenuates or diffuses light incident on the photocathode as a function of light amplitude. A method of operation and of manufacturing the faceplate, and devices incorporating the faceplate are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for forming a fiber optic faceplate by winding an optical fiber strand about a mandrel that is outfitted with pairs of input and output spacing guides for providing proper fiber-to-fiber spacing. Spacing is maintained using input and output edge spacers to form a ribbon structure having optical fiber segments that run from an input edge to an output edge. The fiber optic faceplate can then be fabricated by stacking the ribbon structures.

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: The invention includes a microchannel plate for an image intensifier tube, in which the plate has multiple microchannels extending in a longitudinal dimension between transverse surfaces of the plate. Each microchannel includes a first portion forming a first opening at an end proximate a surface of the plate. The first portion includes a wall extending longitudinally from the surface and terminating in a substantially similar first opening at a distal end. The microchannel also includes a second portion of the wall, extending longitudinally from the first opening at the distal end and tapering toward a second opening at a further distal end. The first opening at the proximate end has a diameter that is substantially similar to a diameter of the first opening at the distal end. The first opening is also wider than the second opening.

Abstract: An optical display panel which provides improved viewing contrast for front projection applications, and a method of producing a stacked optical waveguide panel for front projection applications, are disclosed. The optical panel includes a plurality of stacked optical waveguides, wherein each waveguide has a back face and an outlet face at opposing ends of each waveguide, and wherein each waveguide is formed of a core between an opposing pair of cladding layers, and at least one reflector connected to the back face of at least one waveguide, wherein the at least one reflector receives image light incident through at least one waveguide from the outlet face, and wherein the at least one reflector redirects the image light back through the at least one waveguide out of the outlet face. In the preferred embodiment, the outlet face is rendered black by inclusion of black within or between cladding layers.

Abstract: A miniaturized lens array for unity magnification imaging comprises a plurality of rod lenses arranged in one row. An arrangement pitch D of the rod lenses is defined to satisfy (2 m+1)·D≦2.1 mm or 2.5 mm. An angle of aperture &thgr; of the rod lens is defined to satisfy &agr;D/6×{n·cos−1(−&agr;/2/m)+(4 m2/&agr;2−1)1/2}≦&thgr;≦&agr;D/2×(4/m2/&agr;2−1)1/2. The arrangement pitch D and angle of aperture &thgr; are defined in this manner, and it is therefore possible to obtain the lens array whose difference between a total width and effective lens width is equal to or smaller than 2.1 mm or 2.5 mm.

Abstract: An optical panel includes a plurality of stacked optical waveguides bound by black cladding to collectively form an inlet face and an opposite display screen. An inlet diffuser has an inlet surface, and an opposite outlet surface adjoining the inlet face of the waveguides. Asymmetric diffusion of image light is effected by the inlet diffuser for increasing field of view, with ambient light being absorbed through the display screen for increasing contrast. Alternatively, an outlet diffuser may be provided at the display screen to complement the inlet diffuser by differently diffusing the image light spatially at the display screen.

Abstract: An electro-optic video display apparatus consists of a plurality of optical fibers or light guides which convey a projected image from one or more projection surfaces to a larger display surface. The second surface is fashioned with additional optical circuits that transfer light and/or information incident upon the second surface to one or more third surfaces, for the purpose of detecting the proximity and/or motion of persons or objects near to the second surface.

Abstract: A method of forming an optical light manifold that includes forming a faceted optic, forming an optical faceplate, joining the faceted optic to the optical faceplate to define a cavity therebetween and filling the cavity with a fluid.

Abstract: An optical system for projecting an image onto an input surface of a display to be observed by an observer at an output surface of the display is disclosed. The optical system comprises an image source, an imaging element, and a telescope. The optical system may also include a telecentric element and/or path-reduction prism. The display may comprise, for example, a plurality of stacked optical waveguides, each having a first end and a second end, wherein the input surface is defined by the plurality of first ends, and wherein the output surface is defined by the plurality of second ends. The optical system is preferably used when the tilt angle of the input surface is different than the tilt angle of the output surface. The optical system provides for a magnification to the input surface to be different than a magnification to the output surface.

Abstract: Alignment of an array of N elements, such as optical fibers, within a preselected tolerance value is obtained using a primary substrate with a plurality of N apertures extending therethrough from a first surface to a second opposing surface. Each aperture, at its narrowest point, has a cross-section that is greater than a cross-section of an element to be inserted therethrough. Each of the elements passes through its corresponding aperture and rests against the same corresponding point and/or sidewall of the aperture so as to result in the desired alignment. A directing arrangement directs the elements toward the primary substrate at a predetermined angle to cause a spring-like action to occur in each of the elements when threaded through its associated aperture for aligning the elements to engage the same corresponding point and/or sidewall of the aperture.

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: An optical panel having a small inlet, and a method of making a small inlet optical panel, are disclosed, which optical panel includes a individually coating, stacking, and cutting a first plurality of stacked optical waveguides to form an outlet face body with an outlet face, individually coating, stacking, and cutting a second plurality of stacked optical waveguides to form an inlet face body with an inlet face, and connecting an optical coupling element to the first plurality and second plurality of stacked optical waveguides, wherein the optical coupling element redirects light along a parallel axis of the inlet face to a parallel axis of the outlet face. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the inlet face is disposed obliquely with and askew from the outlet face.

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 method and apparatus hermetically sealing a fiber array block is described. In one embodiment, a fiber array plate is fabricated and an array of tapered holes formed therein. An adhering metal layer, such as a titanium, nickel and gold multilayer, is deposited upon the fiber array plate. A solder preform is positioned on the fiber array plate so that the array of holes in the solder preform corresponds to the array of holes in the array plate. Fibers having an adhering metal layer deposited thereon, are then inserted through the fiber array plate. The tapered holes make the fiber insertion process easier. The fiber array plate is then heated such that the solder preform melts causing the solder to fill any gaps between the fiber array plates and the fiber. When the solder cools a hermetic seal is formed while the fibers remain accurately positioned.

Abstract: A system of making high density optical fiber arrays that includes securing the optical fiber ends in the housing front mask openings, then lapping the fiber ends and front mask forward surface to angle the fiber end front surfaces so that reflected wave energy does not interfere with optical signal data when transmitted during use. The opening pattern is preferably 2×2 to 128×128 or higher. Several alternate lap tool designs are disclosed including translational and rotating laps formed from solid bodies or a series of stacked plates. Standard slurry grinding and polishing compounds can be applied as desired. If a layer of epoxy originally covers the mask front face, it is removed by the lap tool as the fiber ends are lapped.

Abstract: A optoelectronic module comprises one or more VCSELs electrically connected to an IC and optically connected to a fiber optic faceplate. The fiber optic faceplate, comprising a closely packed bundle of optical fibers, permits efficient capture of light from the VCSELs. Precise alignment of the faceplate with respect to the VCSELs is not needed since light not collected by one fiber is captured by another nearby optical fiber. One method of fabricating the module comprises forming substrate layers on both sides of the VCSELs such that features can be formed on the first substrate layer while the second temporary substrate layer provides structural support. The method further comprises forming apertures on the first substrate layer by etching. An etch stop buffer layer positioned between the first substrate layer and the VCSELs protects the VCSELs from being etched in the process. The second temporary substrate layer is removed after the fiber optic faceplate is mounted on the first substrate side.

Abstract: An optical system provides a higher resolution image, especially for use with a projection system, using a combiner formed of fiber optics each having an input end and an output end, with the fiber optics grouped together so that the combiner has one or more image input ends each configured to receive an image from an associated image source. The input images are combined to yield an output image at the other end of the combiner that is smaller in area than the sum of the input image areas, increasing resolution. According to an embodiment, the output image is also counter-distorted to compensate for the distortion of the image caused by the relay optics used in projection.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods to metallize, reinforce, and hermetically seal multiple optical fibers are described herein. A ribbon of optical fibers may be placed into a fixture to expose a mid-span segment for removal of the coatings from the optical fibers by acid etching, laser, etc. A variety of metallic coatings may then be deposited onto the bare segment of the optical fibers. The metallized segment of optical fibers are then deposited with solderable alloy onto a plate for attachment to the plate for reinforcement of the metallized segment. The plate and metallized segment is then fed through a package opening and hermetically sealed to internally connect one or more components inside the package by heating the package to melt additional solder around the opening or gap. Epoxy is then applied over the solder to help protect the solder and additionally seal the package.

Abstract: Each of optical fibers 1 includes on the outer peripheral portion thereof a plate member 2 which is used when assembling the optical fiber arrangement portion, and an optical fiber arrangement portion 29 includes an optical fiber array in which the plate members 2 of the optical fibers 1 are superimposed on top of each other in such a manner that they are arranged in parallel to each other.

Abstract: A fiber optic coupling plate (24) has a sample viewing face for receiving light from a sample (12), an output window (18) for conveying sample originating (emitted) light to an imaging detector and an additional window through which excitation radiation can be projected. A primary light is provided through the plate made up of optical fibers which will convey light entering the viewing face, directly and with minimal loss, to the output window, and a secondary light path separate from the primary light path, by which excitation radiation entering the additional window is conveyed to the viewing face for irradiating the sample.

Abstract: Multipath structures formed from coherent fiber bundle structures for interconnecting a number of opto-electronic devices in a compact space. The coherent fiber bundle structures are formed from fiber optic plates and have different geometries and fiber orientations in order to transmit optic signal between opto-electronic device in different locations.