Abstract: There is provided a spread illuminating apparatus to ensure excellent light conductivity. A cover is integrally provided over a transparent substrate sandwiching a fluid (cushioning material) of a gel, liquid, or gaseous substance. With this structure, dust generated in assembly process is prohibited from getting on the transparent substrate, and even when other members or an assembly machine hit and bend the cover during the assembly process, the bending is absorbed by the fluid, and a light reflection pattern formed on the transparent substrate is protected against damages, whereby excellent light conductivity can be maintained.

Abstract: A wedge shaped hollow light guide includes a top planar surface (100) with total internal reflecting features (11) and a bottom planar surface (20) with clocked reflective light extraction features (21).

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: The energy beam guide comprises a first region having a first refractive index, the first region having an energy beam receiving end and an inclined first boundary opposing the energy beam receiving end. The energy beam guide also includes a second region having a second refractive index that is less than the first refractive index. The second region shares the first boundary with the first region, and has a declined second boundary opposing the first boundary. A predetermined distance separates the first and second boundaries. Finally, the energy beam guide comprises a third region having a third refractive index. The third region shares the second boundary with the second region. Also provided are a method for making and using the energy beam guide.

Abstract: A waveguide device including a light transmitting body having a first surface, a second surface, and a longitudinal axis where at least one of the first and second surfaces, and preferably both surfaces, are configured to extent in a direction non-parallel to the longitudinal axis. The body of the waveguide can be configured in an elliptical shape along the longitudinal axis, whereby a proximal portion of the waveguide device is symmetrical with a distal portion. The waveguide device being elliptically configured can be combined with a light to form an optical transfer system.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical probe for obtaining a micro spot light, comprising a rod-like glass body having a rectangular cross section as a core for propagating a light wave. The distal end portion of the glass body is gradually diminished toward the distal end so as to form a micro distal end face having a small diameter. The side surface of the distal end portion of the glass body in a direction perpendicular to the polarized direction of the light wave is coated with a light absorber formed of a metal film.

Abstract: A surface light source device comprises a light guide plate 15 having a back face 15E opposite with an emission face, the back face 15 being provided with a great number of micro-reflectors 19 and ridge-like projections 20. A U-shaped fluorescent lamp 14 is disposed along a plurality of end faces 15D, 15E and 15C. Light which is introduced into the light guide plate 15 through the end faces 15D and 15E is direction-converted by the micro-reflectors 19 to be directed to a generally frontal direction end emitted from the emission face. Each micro-reflector 19 realizes direction-conversion mainly through successive double inner-reflections at a pair of slopes. Light introduced into the light guide plate 15 through the end face 15C, which extends in a direction generally perpendicular to the end faces 15D and 15E, is direction-converted by the ridge-like projections 20 having a pair of slopes 20A, 20B to be directed to a generally frontal direction end emitted from the emission face.

Abstract: An illumination apparatus for using a beam emitted from a light source to illuminate an object area includes a condensing optical system for condensing the beam emitted from the light source, and a reflection type optical integrator located between the condensing optical system and the object area, the optical integrator having an m-gonal (where m is an even number) sectional shape, forming multiple pairs of opposing reflection surfaces, and reflecting the beam between the multiple pairs of opposing reflection surfaces, wherein a length L in an axial direction of the reflection type optical integrator meets the following equations: R=?/[tan {sin?1(sin ?/n)}]; and C×(A?0.1)×R?L?C×(A+0.

Abstract: A lightguide having either a built-in prism sheet or a built-in diffuser sheet is disclosed. The lightguide includes: a prism sheet having a plane surface and a surface with a plurality of patterned microlens; a transparent wedge having a cross-section of trapezoid; and a binder layer sandwiched between said plane surface of said prism sheet and said transparent wedge. A method for manufacturing the lightguide is also disclosed here.

Abstract: A flat-panel projection display comprises a transparent slab and integral area grating, a transparent rod with rectangular cross-section and integral linear grating, arranged along the edge of the slab, and a small video projector. The projector is arranged to direct a virtual image into the end of the rod, directly or via mirrors, the light travelling along the rod via total internal reflection. The linear grating diverts the light into the plane of the slab, and the area grating projects it out of the slab towards a viewer, so that the viewer sees an image at infinity.

Abstract: An optical element, such as a lightguide or an optical film, is formed with a predetermined, programmed pattern of optical structures. The optical structures may be arranged to selectively correct for non-uniformities in the output a lightguide, or may be arranged to otherwise enhance the performance of a display.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display device is provided which includes an increased brightness of a display panel by effectively utilizing light from a light source. In the liquid crystal display device, a refractive surface of a light guide plate for guiding light that enters an inner portion from the light source, is composed of a plurality of slant dividing surfaces and connection surfaces provided between the dividing surfaces. A slant angle of the dividing surfaces is set to one at which the light projected from the light source is reflected in a direction substantially parallel with a plate of the light guide plate.

Abstract: An optical antenna is formed by a flat board optical guide member which has an incidence surface (15) on a surface in a thickness direction and an emergence surface (12) on the other surface; a light condensing member (13) which is disposed so as to face the emergence surface of the optical guide member (11), a light receiving element which is disposed in a light condensing position in the light condensing member. A slanted surface (17) for reflecting a total incident light on a back surface (16) of the optical guide member is formed so as to direct the reflected incident light toward the emergence surface. By doing this, it is possible to form a light-weight optical antenna for receiving the signal light in which it is possible to align the optical axis with the signal light.

Abstract: Substantially flat plastic optical fibers with uniform core cross sections, methods and systems for making such fibers, and illumination devices incorporating such fibers are described.

Abstract: An optical waveguide according to the present invention has a light exit surface located on a side opposite of a back surface. An incident surface connects the back surface and the light exit surface with each other. A plurality of saw-tooth grooves are formed on the back surface. Surfaces defining the saw-tooth grooves include first guide surfaces that reflect light that enters the optical waveguide through the incident surface so that the light advances toward the first guide surface. A plurality of curved surface prisms are provided on the light exit surface. Each prism has a peak line. An arcuate cross-section groove is provided between the peak lines of each adjacent pair of the prisms. Each arcuate cross-section groove is defined by a section of the light exit surface between the peak lines of the corresponding prisms.

Abstract: A lighting apparatus for providing a substantially uniformly illuminated light emitting surface, the apparatus comprising first and second light sources generating flux patterns including light rays that diverge about first and second central light rays, respectively and a light guide member having substantially straight first and second en sections and a curved section, the first end section having a proximal end and a distal end and formed about a first light axis, the second end section having a proximal end and a distal end and formed about a second light axis, the curved section including first and second ends that are linked to the distal ends of the first and second end sections, respectively, the guide forming a front surface and an oppositely facing textured back surface along each of the end sections and the curved section, the curved section forming a bend such that the back surface is concave and the front surface is convex along the curved section length, at least a portion of the back surface ta

Abstract: An optically active fiber (30) is disclosed for making a fiber laser (18) or an amplifier (16). This double-clad structured active fiber (30) has a core (34), doped with an optically excitable ion having a three-level transition. The core (34) has a core refractive index and a core cross-sectional area. An inner cladding (32) surrounds the core (34). The inner cladding (32) has an inner cladding refractive index less than the core refractive index, an inner cladding cross-sectional area between 2 and 25 times greater than that of the core cross-sectional area, and an aspect ratio greater than 1.5:1. An outer cladding (36) surrounds the inner cladding (32) and has an outer cladding refractive index less than the inner cladding refractive index.

Abstract: A polarization recovery system using light pipes has a reflector having a first and a second focal points. A source of electro-magnetic radiation is disposed proximate to the first focal point of the reflector to emit rays of light that reflect from the reflector and converge substantially at the second focal point. A light pipe having an input surface with a first transmissive portion disposed proximate to the second focal point and a second reflective portion disposed distal to the second focal point and an output surface collects and transmits substantially all of the light. The output surface has a radius of curvature substantially equal to a length of the light pipe, a first focal area proximate to the first transmissive portion and a second focal area proximate to the second reflective portion.

Abstract: A light guide plate of the present invention is characterized by being obtained by melt molding a thermoplastic resin having a melt flow rate of at least 50 [g/10 min.] under a load of 2.16 kgf at 280° C. The thermoplastic resin is preferably a thermoplastic resin containing an alicyclic structure, more preferably a norbornene-based polymer.

Abstract: A light guide array for outputting light with improved uniformity and collimation includes a supporting material and a plurality of light guides formed in the supporting material. Each of the light guides has an entrance aperture for receiving light and an exit aperture for outputting light. The light guides can be solid pipes or hollow tunnels passing through the supporting material. The supporting material can be a metal, such as Al, Au, Ni, a semiconductor material, such as silicon, poly-silicon, SiC, GaAs, or an optically transparent material. Semiconductor fabrication techniques can be used to build the array. The array can be incorporated into an optical projection system to improve performance.

Abstract: A light pipe having a plate-like substance having an upper surface, a lower surface opposite to the upper surface, an incidence side surface, and an end surface opposite to the incidence side surface, the plate-like substance including a light output device formed in the upper surface so that light incident on the incidence side surface is made to exit from the lower surface through the light output device, the light output device being constituted by fine grooves arranged discontinuously so as to face the incidence side surface, each of the fine grooves having a length of not larger than 250 &mgr;m and a depth of not larger than 50 &mgr;m and not larger than ⅕ as large as the length, each of the fine grooves being constituted by a combination of an optical path changing slope inclined to the lower surface at an angle in a range of from 35 to 48 degrees and a steep slope facing the optical path changing slope and inclined to the lower surface at an angle of not lower than 60 degrees.

Abstract: A planar light source device including a light guide pipe with one surface thereof serving as a light radiation surface, a light extracting mechanism provided to the light guide pipe, a light source provided to a side edge portion of the light guide pipe, and a light reflection sheet arranged to an opposite surface side from the light radiation surface of the light guide pipe such that the light extracting mechanism serves as a mechanism for radiating out, toward the light reflection sheet side, at least 65% or more of light beams radiated out from the light guide pipe, and the light reflection sheet is formed with an arrangement of multiple substantially identical and/or substantially similar base units composed of sloped reflection surfaces at a pitch of 5000 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A small light source unit of simple structure that emits light forward with high efficiency is well-suited as a backlight in a liquid crystal display device. The light director in this unit has reflective internal faces adjacent opposite peripheral regions of the entrance face and two refractive index interfaces in it. The reflective internal faces and the refractive index interfaces are oriented on inclined planes. The refractive index of a middle region between the two interfaces is the smallest among those of the three regions making up the light director.

Abstract: A light source device which is uniform in the intensity of distribution of an emitted light and high in the optical utilization efficiency, a display device which is high in recognability and is energy-saving, and an information terminal are provided. A reflecting portion is formed on a surface opposed to an emitting surface of a linear light guide. The reflecting portion is periodically formed with a total reflecting surface guiding a light incident on a linear light guide from a point light source, a light extracting surface allowing the light to reflect in such a way as to emit the light guiding the linear light guide from the emitting surface, and a re-incidence plane which takes the light transmitted but not reflected on the light extracting surface into the linear light guide again. By changing the size of the light extracting surface and the re-incidence plane, the intensity of distribution of the emitting light from the linear light guide can be made uniform.

Abstract: A backlight module for a flat panel display includes a light guide plate having at least one projecting lug on the peripheral edge of at least one side thereof, the projecting lug being connected to a linear peripheral edge of the light guide plate with a top front portion thereof and connected to the other linear peripheral edge on the same side of the light guide plate with a bottom end portion thereof; and a frame which surrounds at least a part of the peripheral edge of the light guide plate and includes an opening to closely receive the projecting lug of the light guide plate; wherein the linear peripheral edges respectively conducted to the top front portion and the bottom end portion of the projecting lug on the same side of the light guide plate are disposed in a non-collinear manner among themselves.

Abstract: A backlighting device includes a light guide plate having a first side and a second side opposite to the first side, and a point light source to generate light incident on the first side of the light guide plate. The light guide plate has a plurality of longitudinal diffraction microstructures which are arranged and oriented according to the location of the point light source. The microstructures are varied gradually at least in size, position, density, or shape relative to the location of the point light source. When light is incident on the light guide plate from the point light source, the microstructures, which are varied gradually at least in size, position, density, or shape, function to regulate and adjust the illuminance of bright and dark areas in the light guide plate so as to provide uniform brightness.

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 line-illuminating device 10, 20 having a light guide 11, 21 of which the cross-sectional shape is rectangular and its one corner is chamfered to form an emission plane 11a, 21a is provided, in which the light guide 11, 21 is housed in a light guide casing 12, 22, wherein the chamfer dimension of the emission plane 11a, 21a is more than 40% of a height dimension of the light guide 11, 21. By enlarging the chamfer dimension and broadening the width of the emission plane 11a, 21a, the directional characteristics of the emitted light is expanded. In this manner, it is possible to reduce the extent of decrease in the quantity of illuminating light on a document surface when the document surface is elevated.

Abstract: A light guide plate (30) includes two opposite incident surfaces (31) for receiving light beams, an emitting surface (32) joining the two incident surfaces and a bottom surface (33) opposite to the emitting surface. The emitting surface has a V-shaped profile defined by two symmetric oblique plates (321, 322) slanting down toward each other at a predetermined angle. The surface light source incorporating the light guide plate is inexpensive and has higher intensity of illumination at the center region thereof. Thus a liquid crystal display incorporating the surface light source satisfactorily illuminate a main visible range thereof.

Abstract: A lighting device is described with an optical waveguide plate (1) which comprises a light emission surface (11) and a plurality of channels (20) each with at least one substantially linear light source (21), which device is suitable in particular for use as a backlight in a liquid crystal display, such as an LCD picture screen, or for use as a planar light source. The lighting device is distinguished in particular in that the channels are provided with a reflecting first layer (204) at their upper sides (203) facing the light emission surface (11), and in that the coupling of light into the optical waveguide plate takes place through side walls (201, 202) of the channels.

Abstract: An algorithm programmed into a computer permits the computer to automatically generate a two-dimensional profile curve of an electronically represented three-dimensional solid model without creating separate intersecting planes extending through the three-dimensional solid. The computer is configured to query the three-dimensional solid to identify faces on the three-dimensional solid. The query of the solid begins after a face edge is identified as a seed face and continues from the identified face to each adjacent revolved face circumscribing the solid. As each revolved face is located, a representative curve for the face is created in the two-dimensional plane.

Abstract: A backlight for a liquid crystal display (LCD) employing light recycling. In one embodiment the backlight includes a light guide fabricated from a substantially non-absorptive material and a reflective layer fabricated from a highly reflective material. In another embodiment the backlight includes a light source, a bundle of optical fibers, and a reflective layer fabricated from a highly reflective material, wherein the bundle of optical fibers is configured to receive light from the light source and distribute it to the reflective layer.

Abstract: An optical structure and method for forming same includes a plurality of first cured portions and a plurality of second cured portions that are formed from a same light-curable material. The first plurality of cured portions is cured to a first amount. The plurality of second cured portions is cured to a second amount. The first amount is sufficiently different than the second amount to result with discontinuities on the surface of the structure. The lenticular layer can include a prism layer having random discontinuities on the peaks. The discontinuities can also be formed on a window side of the prisms.

Abstract: A unique, solid flat panel lighting emitting luminaire has been created that utilizes a light source remote from the luminaire coupled with a hollow light pipe. The light panel luminaire is fed light flux via a hollow light pipe system into one or two edges of the flat panel. The light panel has imbedded irregular tapered tetrahedron light guides that emit light in a uniform controlled fashion over the length of the emitting surface. The subject lighting luminaire provides light emitted from an adjacent High Intensity Discharge (HID) light source. The luminaire is specifically designed to provide light over a large surface for backlit billboard applications without the limitations of traditional fluorescent light source light boxes. The luminaire does not require any maintenance to its interior as the light source is remote from the emitting surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a small spot of optical energy comprises a planar waveguide shaped to direct a linearly polarized electromagnetic wave to a focal point within the waveguide, and a metallic pin positioned at the focal point whereby the linearly polarized electromagnetic wave creates surface plasmons on a surface of the pin. The apparatus can further comprise means for phase shifting a portion of the linearly polarized electromagnetic wave. Recording heads comprising a magnetic write pole, a planar waveguide positioned adjacent to the magnetic write pole, the planar waveguide being shaped to direct a linearly polarized electromagnetic wave to a focal point within the waveguide, and a metallic pin positioned at the focal point whereby the linearly polarized electromagnetic wave creates surface plasmons on a surface of the pin, and disc drives that use such recording heads are also disclosed.

Abstract: A micro-cavity resonator including a micro-cavity capable of high and ultra-high Q values and a silicon substrate. Portions of the silicon substrate located below a periphery of the micro-cavity are removed to form a pillar, which supports the micro-cavity. Optical energy travels along an inner surface of the micro-cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beam homogenizer being equipped with an optical waveguide having a pair of reflection planes provided oppositely, having one end surface into which the laser beam is incident, and having the other end surface from which the laser beam is emitted in the optical system for forming the beam spot. The optical waveguide is a circuit being able to keep radiation light in a certain region and to transmit the radiation light in such a way that the energy flow thereof is guided in parallel with an axis of the channel.

Abstract: An apparatus having a waveguide with a first tapered surface and a photodetector with a second surface shaped to mate with the first tapered surface.

Abstract: The utilization efficiency of light is to be enhanced. Optical signals are brought to incidence on incidence/emission portions provided on the end face of a light transmitting medium where a reflective optical diffusion layer is arranged. The incident optical signals, upon reaching the reflective optical diffusion layer, are diffusively reflected in both vertical and lateral directions. Of the diffused light, not only the part of it coming directly incident on each of the plural incidence/emission portions formed on the end face of the light transmitting medium but also the rest propagates while being reflected by sides of the light transmitting medium and is emitted from the plural incidence/emission portions.

Abstract: An optical waveguide includes light admitting portions and a light emitting portion. Each light admitting portion admits light from a point light source. The light emitting portion emits light admitted by the light admitting portions. Each light admitting portion has an incidence portion. Each incidence portion includes incidence planes each extending in the width direction of the light admitting portions, and V-shaped grooves, which are alternately arranged. Each light admitting portion has a pair of flat reflection planes, which extend between the corresponding incidence portion and the light emitting portion. The distance between the reflection planes in each light admitting portion increases from a side opposite from the light emitting portion toward the light emitting portion. Therefore, the light emitting efficiency of the optical waveguide is improved, and brightness unevenness created the vicinity of each point light source is reduced.

Abstract: A coupling-in device for light from a plurality of light sources (8) into an optical waveguide (1), the coupling-in device having a plurality of focussing optics (5) for the light from the various light sources (8).

Abstract: Collimated light distribution elements and systems that are especially suited to backlighting liquid crystal displays comprise a waveguide with clocked microstructured features for directing the exiting beam off-normal, a high efficiency mirror coating comprising both TIR and specularly reflective mirror elements, and a polarization recycling system.

Abstract: The present invention describes an “L”-shaped sub-component for a hollow reflective tube used as integrator and/or angle converter for an illumination system. Furthermore, this invention details methods of manufacturing such hollow reflective tubes comprising (1) the steps of forming “L”-shaped sub-components substrates with or without self-alignment and/or mounting features, (2) applying a reflective coating to the inside of said sub-components (3) and assembling said sub-components into hollow tubes. Preferably both sides of the “L”-shaped sub-components have identical spectral and angular dependent coating performance. A particularly suitable method for manufacturing these sub-components substrates is molding them in plastic and over-coating them with a base coating layer to enhance their specular reflectivity.

Abstract: A coupling technique for the side coupling of light from a light source into a waveguide is provided. A transversal groove is made into a section of the waveguide, extending into the target light guiding region. A coupling element is coupled to the light source at one of its end to receive the light beam therefrom. The opposite end of the coupling element is inserted in the groove and has at least one reflecting interface which specularly reflects the light beam for propagation into the waveguide. This technique may advantageously be used to couple light from the laser diodes of an array into one or a plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: An image scanner including light sources, a light guide including a transparent member in the shape of a bar, a lens array receiving reflected light from a medium on an illumination area illuminated by a light exiting from the light guide and forming a light image of the medium, and a linear sensor converting the light image of the medium into image data. The light guide includes a scattering mark, a reflection surface having a curved surface, and a light exit surface. The shape of the reflection surface is determined so that the light scattered at the scattering mark is focused directly onto a predetermined position outside the transparent member. The shape of the curved surface of the reflection surface is such that the light scattered at the scattering mark should illuminate the predetermined position, where majority of contribution to the illumination is attributed to the reflected light.

Abstract: An electronic device including a cover, a first LED that is installed inside the cover, the first LED emitting light of a first color, a second LED that is installed inside the cover, the second LED emitting light of a second color and a first light guide that guides the light from the first LED and the second LED towards an outside of the cover, the light of the first color and the light of the second color being blended inside the first light guide, wherein the first LED or the second LED and the first light guide are formed as separate and detachable units.

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: The present invention describes an “L”-shaped sub-component for a hollow reflective tube used as integrator and/or angle converter for an illumination system. Furthermore, this invention details methods of manufacturing such hollow reflective tubes comprising (1) the steps of forming “L”-shaped sub-components substrates with or without self-alignment and/or mounting features, (2) applying a reflective coating to the inside of said sub-components (3) and assembling said sub-components into hollow tubes. Preferably both sides of the “L”-shaped sub-components have identical spectral and angular dependent coating performance. A particularly suitable method for manufacturing these sub-components substrates is molding them in plastic and over-coating them with a base coating layer to enhance their specular reflectivity.

Abstract: This invention relates to an optical light transmitting component including a network of cells containing filler material, the cells being walled on the sides and unwalled on the top and bottom portion of each cell, the walled sides comprising a polymer having a first refractive index, and the cells comprising a filler material having a second refractive index greater than the first refractive index, whereby light may be transmitted through the filler material and the unwalled top and bottom portion of the cells.

Abstract: In an LCD apparatus having a backlight assembly, a light guide plate includes an incident surface for receiving light, a reflecting surface for reflecting the light and an emitting surface for emitting the light. A linear distance between the reflecting and emitting surfaces is smaller than a height of the incident surface. An optical sheet is positioned at the emitting surface having a height lower than the height of the incident surface. Accordingly, although the height of the incident surface increases, the linear distance between the reflecting and emitting surfaces does not increase. Therefore, the light guide plate can obtain an area of the incident surface appropriate to efficiently receive the light, thereby improving a light efficiency of the backlight assembly and preventing an increase in a thickness of the backlight assembly.