Prism Patents (Class 385/36)
  • Patent number: 8224136
    Abstract: An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module comprises: a plurality of prisms, each having an inclined surface that is formed by one of the four orthogonal corners of a transparent rectangular solid glass plate being cut and removed at a 45° angle with respect to the end surface; a frame for housing said plurality of prisms; and a plurality of collimator units that convert light having a different wavelength for each prism to collimated light, and inputs the light to the respective prism. When light a having different wavelength is input to a respective prism, the input light is reflected two times, by the inclined surface and a second end surface, after which the light is output from the respective prism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Furukawa Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Matsuura
  • Publication number: 20120162549
    Abstract: This invention concerns an ergonomic optical see-through head mounted display device with an eyeglass appearance. The see-through head-mounted display device consists of a transparent, freeform waveguide prism for viewing a displayed virtual image, a see-through compensation lens for enabling proper viewing of a real-world scene when combined together with the prism, and a miniature image display unit for supplying display content. The freeform waveguide prism, containing multiple freeform refractive and reflective surfaces, guides light originated from the miniature display unit toward a user's pupil and enables a user to view a magnified image of the displayed content. A see-through compensation lens, containing multiple freeform refractive surfaces, enables proper viewing of the surrounding environment, through the combined waveguide and lens.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventors: Chunyu Gao, Hong Hua, Yuxiang Lin
  • Patent number: 8164831
    Abstract: Techniques and devices for depolarizing light and producing a variable differential group delays in optical signals. In one implementation, an input optical beam is split into first and second beams with orthogonal polarizations. One or two optical reflectors are then used to cause the first and second optical beams to undergo different optical path lengths before they are recombined into a single output beam. An adjustment mechanism may used implemented to adjust the difference in the optical path lengths of the first and second beams to produce a variable DGD. When the depolarization of light is desired, the difference in the optical path lengths of the first and second beams is set to be greater than the coherence length of the input optical beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: General Photonics Corporation
    Inventors: X. Steve Yao, Jane Chen, Yongqiang Shi
  • Patent number: 8165435
    Abstract: A multiplicity of Fresnel lenses are attached to tubular branches of a tree-like support structure. Fiber optic bundles are connected to the Fresnel lenses and routed inside the tubular branches and collected as a larger fiber optic bundle inside a main trunk structure to which each of the branches is connected. The larger fiber optic bundle may be connected to a remotely located power generating plant or other processing facility via a fiber optic transmission network. A domed solar energy collector includes an outer dome and one or more inner domes concentrically nested therewith, one or more Fresnel lenses being positioned on the hemispherical surface of each of the outer and inner domes. Each of the inner domes is sized and positioned such that its hemispherical surface lies on the focal point of the next larger dome to thereby multiply the solar energy focused through each of the domes to a collection area within the innermost dome.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Fernando Ramon Martin-Lopez
  • Patent number: 8160409
    Abstract: A light guide of the tapered-waveguide type includes an input slab (30) for expanding a projected image between an input end and an output end, and an output slab (10) arranged to receive rays from the said output end, and to emit them at a point on its face that corresponds to the angle at which the ray is received. The input slab and output waveguide are matched so that all rays injected into the input end undergo the same number of reflections before leaving the output surface. With the invention the input slab (30) is itself tapered slightly towards the output waveguide. This means that input and output waveguides can be made the same length, in the direction of ray travel, and can therefore be folded over each other with no wasted space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventor: Timothy Large
  • Patent number: 8145018
    Abstract: Exemplary apparatus for obtaining information for a structure can be provided. For example, first optical fiber arrangement(s) can be provided which transceives at least one first electro-magnetic radiation, and can include at least one fiber. Second focusing arrangement(s) can be provided in optical communication with the optical fiber arrangement. The second arrangement can be configured to focus and provide there through the first electro-magnetic radiation. Third dispersive arrangement(s) can receive a particular radiation which is the first electro-magnetic radiation and/or the focused electro-magnetic radiation, and forward a dispersed radiation thereof to at least one section of the structure. At least one end of the fiber can be directly connected to the second focusing arrangement and/or the third dispersive arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: The General Hospital Corporation
    Inventors: Milen Shishkov, Guillermo J. Tearney, Brett Eugene Bouma, Dvir Yelin, Nicusor Iftimia
  • Patent number: 8139905
    Abstract: A temperature sensor is disclosed. The sensor includes an optical fiber and at least one twin-grating structure formed on the optical fiber. Each twin-grating structure includes a first optical grating structure, a second optical grating structure adjacent the first optical grating structure, and a sensing cavity disposed between the first and second optical grating structures. Each twin-grating structure is selectively responsive to a unique wavelength of light to generate an optical interference fringe signal. For each twin-grating structure, an optical property of the twin-grating structure and a phase of the optical interference fringe signal generated by the twin-grating structure are determined by a temperature of the twin-grating structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Inventor: Michael Louis Bazzone
  • Publication number: 20120056081
    Abstract: An automatic optical coupling device that uses liquid to couple focused light into a light-guide is described. The liquid moves within a chamber or layer via the thermocapillary effect in order to automatically track and couple a moving spot of focused light. Also provided is the application of these coupling devices in an array feeding into a common light-guide, optical designs to improve the performance of these arrays, and the application of such arrays to light collection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: GLINT PHOTONICS, INC.
    Inventor: Peter Kozodoy
  • Publication number: 20120045171
    Abstract: A light guide bar and an optical touch panel utilizing the light guide bar are provided. The light guide bar is applied to an optical touch panel with a sensing area. The light guide bar includes a bar body and a plurality of prisms. The bar body has a first receiving end, a light-exiting surface, and a structure surface. The light-exiting surface is opposite to the structure surface and faces the sensing area while the first receiving end is connected between an end of the light-exiting surface and an end of the structure surface. The prisms are formed on the structure surface. Each prism includes a first surface and a second surface respectively having a first angle and a second angle with respect to the structure surface, wherein the second surface is closer to the first receiving end than the first surface, and the second angle is larger than or equal to the first angle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: DARWIN PRECISIONS CORPORATION
    Inventor: Huang-Jen Chen
  • Patent number: 8107023
    Abstract: A projection display which includes first and second waveguide elements, wherein the first waveguide element has a two input regions for injecting image bearing light into the first waveguide element. In this manner, the total field of view of the image to be displayed at the second waveguide element is divided into two sub-images prior to injection of one sub-image into one input region and the other sub-image into the other input region of the first waveguide element. This results in a smaller first waveguide element, thereby reducing obscuration of an observers view of a forward scene over which to the image to be displayed is overlaid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: BAE Systems PLC
    Inventors: Michael D Simmonds, Louahab Noui
  • Publication number: 20120020622
    Abstract: A single-mode planar nanophotonic waveguide includes an optical core, a cladding coating the optical core, and a structure for the optical coupling of the core of the waveguide with the core of a single-mode optical fibre. The coupling structure includes an adaptation element including a gradual broadening of the core of the waveguide ending in a broadened region of dimension adapted to the core of the optical fibre; and a light transmission element, optically connected to the broadened region, and defining a plane coupling surface by which light is transmitted to the optical fibre, the optical coupling ratio through the surface when the surface is in contact with the air being maximum for a predetermined coupling angle (?) of the light relative to the coupling surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventors: Christophe Kopp, Stéphane Bernabe
  • Patent number: 8094983
    Abstract: An optical fiber includes a cladding, a first core, and a second core. At least one of the first core and the second core is hollow and is substantially surrounded by the cladding. At least a portion of the first core is generally parallel to and spaced from at least a portion of the second core. The optical fiber includes a defect substantially surrounded by the cladding, the defect increasing a coupling coefficient between the first core and the second core.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Vinayak Dangui, Michel J. F. Digonnet, Gordon S. Kino
  • Patent number: 8087834
    Abstract: A connection member (21), which electrically connects a package (14) on which an optical element that converts an electric signal to an optical signal or converts an optical signal to an electric signal and at least one end portion including an incident/releasing port for an optical signal of an optical waveguide (11) that is optically coupled with the optical element to transmit the optical signal are mounted, and a second substrate (2) to each other, is provided with a holding unit having elasticity, which holds the package (14), and a connection unit that is connected to the substrate (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Tanaka, Akihiko Sano, Toshiaki Okuno, Yoshihisa Ishida, Akira Enami, Hiroshi Sameshima, Naru Yasuda, Hayami Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20110286699
    Abstract: The present invention provides a light guide body that has a light incidence portion through which light enters the light guide body; a light reflecting portion positioned opposite a light emitting surface that extends from the light incidence portion in a longitudinal direction of the light guide body; and a tapered portion having an inner surface that gradually expands from the light incidence portion toward the light reflecting portion. The tapered portion has a light shielding portion to shield, from the light, a part of the light reflecting portion closest to the light incidence portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Takafumi SANADA, Kohei SUYAMA, Yuuzou KAWANO
  • Publication number: 20110243502
    Abstract: An optical multiplexer/demultiplexer module comprises: a plurality of prisms, each having an inclined surface that is formed by one of the four orthogonal corners of a transparent rectangular solid glass plate being cut and removed at a 45° angle with respect to the end surface; a frame for housing said plurality of prisms; and a plurality of collimator units that convert light having a different wavelength for each prism to collimated light, and inputs the light to the respective prism. When light a having different wavelength is input to a respective prism, the input light is reflected two times, by the inclined surface and a second end surface, after which the light is output from the respective prism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Applicant: FURUKAWA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi MATSUURA
  • Publication number: 20110234121
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and system of controlling illumination characteristics of a plurality of lighting segments. According to the invention, there is provided an illumination system, comprising: a plurality of lighting segments; a detecting subsystem configured to detect an illumination intensity and/or color of lights emitted from each lighting segment; a controller configured to receive the detecting subsystem's output signals representing illumination intensity and/or color of lights emitted from each lighting segment and to generate sets of driving signals to respectively adjust the driving currents of each lighting segment in response to the output signals, so as to adjust the illumination intensity and/or color of the lights emitted from each lighting segment in accordance with a predetermined illumination setting, wherein each set of driving signals has a unique period feature which is distinguished from that of other sets of driving signals corresponding to other lighting segments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Ang Ding, Xiaoyan Zhu, Gongming Wei, Hugo Johan Cornelissen
  • Publication number: 20110222309
    Abstract: Provided are an optical element and a light-emitting device with which the illuminated area can be expanded in spite of a small light-emitting area, and that also enable the device to be downsize. The light-emitting device is equipped with sheet-like light-guide sections (a first light-guide section and a second light-guiding section) for guiding light, and a light-emitting member for emitting light. The second light-guide section has a prism section with a saw tooth-like cross-section for changing the direction of the light guided to one of its surfaces. In the prism section, the angle of incidence at which parallel light guided to the second light guide section enters reflective surface of saw teeth at positions away from the LED is set to be greater than the angle of incidence (?) at which the light enters the reflective surface of the saw teeth at the side toward the LED.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicants: NITTOH KOGAKU K.K.,
    Inventor: Yoshinori Shinohara
  • Patent number: 8009958
    Abstract: An optical sight is provided and may include a housing, at least one optic supported by the housing, and an illumination device associated with the at least one optic that selectively supplies the at least one optic with light. The illumination device may include a first fiber associated with a first light source and a second fiber associated with a second light source. A coupler may join the first fiber and the second fiber and may supply the at least one optic with light from at least one of the first light source and the second light source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Trijicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Darin W. Schick, Thomas K. Maciak, Kian Siong Lim
  • Patent number: 7991257
    Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include composite articles having specific optical properties. In one embodiment of this invention, a composite comprises high and low refractive index light transmitting material and surface relief features. In further embodiments, the composite comprises volumetric dispersed phase domains that may be asymmetric in shape. In one embodiment of this invention, the composite is an optical film providing light collimating features along two orthogonal planes perpendicular to the surface of the film. In another embodiment, the composite has improved optical, thermal, mechanical, or environmental properties. In further embodiments of this invention, the composite is manufactured by optically coupling or extruding two or more light transmitting materials, and forming inverted light collimating surface relief features or light collimating surface relief features.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Fusion Optix, Inc.
    Inventor: Zane Coleman
  • Publication number: 20110176768
    Abstract: A filter and fabrication process for a thin film filter that is based on frustrated total internal reflection and multiple waveguide layers, in which the waveguide modes are resonantly coupled. The physics of the design is related to prism coupling of light into planar waveguides, and waveguide coupling between planar waveguides in close proximity. Embodiments include a filter that acts as a bandpass filter and polarizer, a filter that acts as a bandpass filter, polarizer and angle filter (spatial filter), a filter that is widely tunable, and a filter that is widely tunable in both peak transmission wavelength and width. Methods of fabrication are disclosed, and methods to correct for manufacturing errors in thin film deposition are described. The filter embodiments can also be used in reflection as notch filters in wavelength and angle, for a particular polarization component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: INNOVISION INC.
    Inventors: Kirat Singh, Elmar Prenner, Alan D. Streater
  • Patent number: 7982954
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are light collectors for use in projection applications. The light collectors gather light from surface emitting sources (e.g., LEDs) of differing color (or same color in some embodiments) using input lightpipes. A light collection system splits the light into orthogonal linear polarization states and efficiently propagates the light by use of a polarizing beamsplitter (PBS) and a reflecting element. Further, the light collection system may efficiently homogenize the light using an output lightpipe in a lightpath from the output of the PBS and the reflecting element. In addition, the light collection system may present a single, linear polarization at the output through the use of a half-wave switch (LC cell) in some embodiments or ColorSelect filter in other embodiments. The light collection system may be integrated into a single, monolithic glass, plastic or combination glass/plastic assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: RealD Inc.
    Inventors: Miller H. Schuck, Michael G. Robinson
  • Patent number: 7965943
    Abstract: An optical rotating data transmission device comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light-waveguides, which is supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. A Dove prism is provided between the collimator arrangements as a derotating element. Furthermore, the collimator arrangements pre provided with adapter elements having rotationally symmetrical conical faces. Prism adapter elements are disposed on the end faces of the Dove prism and have prism adapter elements on the sides facing the collimator arrangements. These also have rotationally symmetrical conical faces with a surface configuration that is inverse to that of the adapter elements of the collimator arrangements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Popp, Josef Bräu, Matthias Rank
  • Publication number: 20110123152
    Abstract: An optical splitter device and method are provided. The device can include a waveguide having walls forming a large hollow core. The waveguide can be configured to direct an optical signal through the large hollow core. An optical tap can be formed through at least one wall of the waveguide. In addition, a prism can be located in the large hollow core of the waveguide and aligned with the optical tap. A splitter coating can be provided on the prism to direct a portion of the optical signal outside of the waveguide through the optical tap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Newton Bicknell, Jong-Souk Yeo, Lenward T. Seals
  • Patent number: 7945131
    Abstract: An optical system includes optical devices that each has functional sides between lateral sides. The functional sides include a top side and a bottom side. A first one of the devices has an optical amplifier, a first waveguide, and a first port. A second one of the devices has a second port optically aligned with a second waveguide. The second device is positioned over one of the functional sides of the first device. The optical amplifier is optically positioned between the first waveguide and the first port such that a light signal from the first waveguide enters the amplifier and travels through the amplifier. The first port is configured to receive the light signal from the optical amplifier and change the direction that the light signal is traveling such that the light signal exits the first device traveling in a direction that is toward the second device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Kotusa, Inc.
    Inventor: Mehdi Asghari
  • Patent number: 7936954
    Abstract: An optical rotary joint comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first light-waveguides and a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second light-waveguides, with the second collimator arrangement being supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. A Dove prism is provided between the collimator arrangements as a derotating element. An intermediate layer is provided on at least one boundary face of an optical constituent part to a surrounding medium, which the intermediate layer comprises a nano-structure having a mean refractive index lying between a refractive index of a material of the optical constituent part and a refractive index of the medium of the surroundings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Popp, Josef Braeu, Matthias Rank
  • Patent number: 7936956
    Abstract: A process comprises imagewise exposing at least a portion of a photoreactive composition to light sufficient to cause simultaneous absorption of at least two photons, thereby inducing at least one acid- or radical-initiated chemical reaction where the composition is exposed to the light, the imagewise exposing being carried out in a pattern that is effective to define at least the surface of a plurality of light extraction structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Charles A. Marttila, Charles D. Hoyle, David A. Ender, Jaime B. Willoughby, Robert J. DeVoe
  • Publication number: 20110069725
    Abstract: A planar laser gain medium and laser system. The novel laser gain medium includes an active core having a high aspect ratio cross-section with a fast-axis dimension and a slow-axis dimension, signal claddings adapted to form reflective boundaries at fast-axis boundaries of the core, and a material adapted to minimize reflections at slow-axis boundaries of the core. In an illustrative embodiment, the laser gain medium is an optical fiber. The core and claddings form a waveguide adapted to control modes propagating in the fast-axis direction. When the laser gain medium is employed as a laser oscillator, a high reflectivity mirror and an outcoupler are positioned at opposite ends of the core to form a laser resonator adapted to control modes in the slow-axis direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: Vladimir V. SHKUNOV, Alexander A. BETIN, David A. ROCKWELL
  • Publication number: 20110069927
    Abstract: A coupling device includes a fiber collimator, a wedge window pair and a plane window for coupling a light beam provided by a beam source to optical fiber. The fiber collimator is mounted to a base plate and includes a collimator lens, an end of the optical fiber being positioned at a focal point of the collimator lens. The wedge window pair is mounted to the base plate, and is configured to adjust the light beam to be parallel to an optical axis of the fiber collimator. The plane window is mounted to the base plate between the wedge window pair and the fiber collimator. The plane window is configured to align the parallel direction of the light beam with the optical axis of the fiber collimator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventor: George TSAI
  • Patent number: 7903911
    Abstract: An optical link module of the present invention for connecting light beams by deflection and including light-emitting devices arranged in a planar manner; an optical fiber bundle that is an optical waveguide for receiving the light beams from the light-emitting devices, and an optical turn which includes a plurality of aspherical lenses which are disposed between the light-emitting devices and the optical fiber bundle and are formed while corresponding to the number of the light-emitting devices and the number of optical fibers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kazuo Sekiya, Tadashi Fukuzawa
  • Patent number: 7889957
    Abstract: An optical selector switch contains an optical waveguide that includes a first optical waveguide portion having a first light-transmissivity, a second optical waveguide portion having a second light-transmissivity, reflecting members that reflect light, and a light-dividing device that reflects and transmits light; at least one light-emitting unit that emits the light toward the first optical waveguide portion of the optical waveguide; and at least one light-receiving unit that receives the light which is incident to the first optical waveguide portion of the optical waveguide from the light-emitting unit, based on a directivity due to an angle of the incident light to the first optical waveguide portion of the optical waveguide, wherein the incident light to the first optical waveguide portion is emitted radially toward the circumference of the second optical waveguide portion of the optical waveguide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Hidehiko Ogasawara, Nozomu Ozaki, Seiji Wada, Toshiyuki Sekiya, Ken Hayakawa, Kazuo Haraoka, Shinji Sangawa, Masaaki Hattori, Naoki Kaneko, Tetsujiro Kondo
  • Patent number: 7881573
    Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, a connector for an optical imaging probe that includes one or more optical fibers communicating light along the catheter. The device may use multiple sections for simpler manufacturing and ease of assembly during a medical procedure. Light energy to and from a distal minimally-invasive portion of the probe is coupled by the connector to external diagnostic or analytical instrumentation through an external instrumentation lead. Certain examples provide a self-aligning two-section optical catheter with beveled ends, which is formed by separating an optical cable assembly. Techniques for improving light coupling include using a lens between instrumentation lead and probe portions. Techniques for improving the mechanical alignment of a multi-optical fiber catheter include using a stop or a guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Vascular Imaging Corporation
    Inventors: Michael J. Eberle, Kenneth N. Bates, William W. Morey
  • Patent number: 7876985
    Abstract: An optical rotating data transmission device comprises a first collimator arrangement for coupling-on first optical waveguides, a second collimator arrangement for coupling-on second optical waveguides, which is supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis, and a derotating element such as a Dove prism in a light path between the collimator arrangements. At least one collimator arrangement comprises a deflecting element which deflects light entering the device from optical waveguides positioned at an angle to the direction of the rotation axis to travel along the direction of the rotation axis, or deflects light traveling along the direction of the rotation axis to exit the device at an angle to the rotation axis towards optical waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Schleifring und Apparatebau GmbH
    Inventors: Gregor Popp, Max Winkler
  • Publication number: 20110002143
    Abstract: A light guide plate (100) has an input face (11) to couple light (B0) emitted by a light source (50) into said light guide (100), and an out-coupling grating (30) to couple light (B2) out of said light guide (100). Said out-coupling grating (30) is substantially perpendicular to said input face (11). A rough cut side of a light guide (100) is processed by a heated surface processing member (701) to smooth out irregularities and/or to implement a further diffraction grating (12) on said input face (11). The efficiency of coupling light out of the light guide (100) may be substantially increased and/or stray light effects may be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2006
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Applicant: NOKIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pasi Saarikko, Pauli Laitinen, Mika Kauhanen
  • Patent number: 7865046
    Abstract: A connection member electrically connects an optical element configured to convert an electric signal to an optical signal or to convert an optical signal to an electric signal, a first substrate including an incident/releasing port of an optical transmission path for an optical signal at least one end portion thereof, and a second substrate to each other. The optical transmission path is optically coupled with the optical element to transmit the optical the connection. The connection member includes a connection unit connected to the second substrate and a holding unit having elasticity and holding the first substrate. The holding unit is provided with an electrode at a connecting position to the first substrate, and the holding unit holds the first substrate by connecting the first substrate to the electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: OMRON Corporation
    Inventors: Junichi Tanaka, Akihiko Sano, Toshiaki Okuno, Yoshihisa Ishida, Akira Enami, Hiroshi Sameshima, Naru Yasuda, Hayami Hosokawa
  • Publication number: 20100329606
    Abstract: A lateral guide optical fiber is revealed. The lateral guide optical fiber includes a transparent optical fiber body covered by a refraction layer and a reflector connected with one side of the optical fiber body. Thereby after light emitted into the optical fiber body from one end thereof, it is projected onto the refraction layer and then is refracted downward to be gathered onto the reflector. Then the light gathered is reflected by the reflector and is projected out. Thus the light intensity and uniformity of the optical fiber are increased dramatically by the light gathering and light reflection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Inventor: LI-CHEN WANG
  • Publication number: 20100296777
    Abstract: An optical rotary joint includes a first collimator arrangement for coupling on first light-waveguides, and a second collimator arrangement for coupling on second light-waveguides, with the second collimator arrangement being supported to be rotatable relative to the first collimator arrangement about a rotation axis. The collimator arrangements include collimators with an actuator that is adjustable along two axes. A control unit controls the actuators so that mechanical tolerances are compensated, and optical transmission loss between the collimator arrangements is minimal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gregor Popp
  • Publication number: 20100278480
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing light from a waveguide through a collimating array, or collecting light over a given area into a waveguide. Light received within a waveguide is propagated transmissively and retained by total internal reflection, except in response to impinging upon deflector elements which sufficiently redirect the light to escape the waveguide into a collimator array that aligns and distributes the light. In a light collector, a collection array collects and collimates the received light and directs it at the surface of a waveguide, within which deflectors properly positioned in relation to each collector of the collector array, deflect the angle of the light so that it propagates through the waveguide in response to total internal reflection. The apparatus can be fabricated into an efficient and compact form.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: November 4, 2010
    Inventor: Sergiy V. Vasylyev
  • Patent number: 7817887
    Abstract: A thin-profile, optically efficient lighting device for use with, among other things, flat information displays, includes a combination of three optically coupled light propagating structures, fabricated of electromagnetic flux transmitting materials. The first structure may be a generally elongated optical pipe adapted to receive light from at least one light source such as a light emitting diode. Radiation from additional sources is coupled into the first structure by a second structure which injects the radiation thereinto. Light injected into the first structure is directed into the third structure where it is redirected so that it propagates out of the third structure uniformly and efficiently and in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the surface of the third structure. A device can include multiple bodies of any or all three structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Inventor: Ben-Zion Inditsky
  • Patent number: 7817883
    Abstract: An optical assembly includes a first transparent substrate having first and second surfaces, a second transparent substrate having substantially parallel third and fourth surfaces, a reflective portion on the second transparent substrate, a plurality of filters between the first substrate and the reflective portion, the plurality of filters filtering light beams incident thereon, the plurality of filters and the reflective portion forming a bounce cavity within the second transparent substrate, a collimating lens for collimating light beams to be input to the bounce cavity, a tilt mechanism for introducing tilt to light beams input to the bounce cavity; an input port receiving light beams and an output port transmitting light beams. The tilt mechanism may be between the first and second substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: Tessera North America, Inc.
    Inventors: James Morris, Hongtao Han, Adam Fedor, Robert Te Kolste, Jay Mathews, Michael Feldman
  • Publication number: 20100260454
    Abstract: A missile defense system (20) for aircraft includes a laser (12) for generating infrared light, a turret (22) that can direct the light toward a missile to blind its infrared sensors, and an optical fiber (14) for delivering the light to the turret (22). The system (20) includes a coupling device (10) for directing the light from the laser (12) into the optical fiber (14). The coupling device (10) includes a light-guiding assembly (24) with one or more lenses or other optical devices to direct the light into the optical fiber (14). The coupling device (10) also isolates the input end of the optical fiber (14) from the environment with an optically-transparent window (26) and provides a way to use a different light-guiding assembly (24) with different lasers (12). The window (26) isolates the end of the fiber (14) from any contaminants in the environment to keep the optical fiber (14) relatively clean, and thereby provide a suitable surface for the light to enter the fiber (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2009
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: RAYTHEON COMPANY
    Inventors: James P. Mills, Anthony Vinson Damommio, Michael P. Schaub, Eero H. Ala, Nicholas D. Trail, Gregory P. Hanauska, Clifton J. Charlow
  • Publication number: 20100260455
    Abstract: The invention relates to optical guides and more precisely to guides for conveying an image without deforming the same. These guides can particularly be used in the production of ocular-vision optical systems more currently named informative spectacles. The optical guide includes an extraction section made of reflective microstructures at the surface of the guide. The microstructures define prisms having a calculated angle in order to send back the light beam at a given angle relative to the opposite surface enabling the exit thereof from the guide. Advantageously, the cut and the arrangement of said microstructures make them invisible to the eye while generating a large and comfortable image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: Benoit Pascal, Dubroca Guilhem, Sarayeddine Khaled
  • Publication number: 20100247038
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling optical waveguides comprises a first side for coupling first optical waveguides to the coupling device, and a second side for coupling second optical waveguides to the coupling device, and an optical system arranged between the first and second sides of the coupling device. The optical system alters a beam path of light coupled out from the first optical waveguides and coupled into the coupling device at the first side in such a way that the light is coupled out from the coupling device at the second side and is coupled into the second optical waveguides, wherein the first optical waveguides are arranged spatially differently with respect to one another than the second optical waveguides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventor: Klaus Hartkorn
  • Patent number: 7805033
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical mux/demux for an optical printed circuit board. The mux/demux comprises: a first waveguide formed on a support layer for carrying a wavelength division multiplexed optical signal; a separator/combiner for separating the wavelength division multiplexed signal into component signals of corresponding wavelengths or for combining component signals into the said wavelength division multiplexed signal; and plural second waveguides, each for receiving or providing one or more of the said component signals, wherein the separator/combiner is at a predetermined location relative to the waveguides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: Xyratex Technology Limited
    Inventors: Richard Charles Alexander Pitwon, David R. Selviah, Ioannis Papakonstantinou
  • Patent number: 7801394
    Abstract: A luminometer is provided comprising a waveguide sample holder and one or more detectors. The waveguide sample holder may include a hollow region to hold the sample. The waveguide sample holder can be made of material that guides emission light to a bottom end of the waveguide sample holder. One or more detectors may be provided which detect the emission light coming out of the bottom of the waveguide sample holder. A fluorometer/photometer is also provided that comprises a waveguide sample holder, one or more excitation light sources, and one or more optical detectors. The waveguide sample holder has a hollow region to hold the sample. The excitation light is introduced at an angle or perpendicular to one surface of the waveguide sample holder. The waveguide sample holder is made of material that can guide emission light to the bottom end of the waveguide sample holder. There are one or more detectors that detect the emission light coming out of the bottom of the waveguide sample holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Creatv Microtech, Inc.
    Inventors: Cha-Mei Tang, Platte T. Amstutz, III
  • Patent number: 7792402
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises an optical waveguide, a grating for coupling light into the waveguide, and an optical element for splitting a light beam into a plurality of beams that strike the grating at different angles of incidence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventor: Chubing Peng
  • Publication number: 20100220326
    Abstract: A detector assembly for analysis of light emitted form a fluorescent material, an optical alignment assembly for introducing an output beam into a detector array or demultiplexer, and methods of demultiplexing a beam of light into wavelength bands. The detector assembly generally includes an optical alignment assembly to introduce an output beam having a projected optical axis into an array of filters. The optical alignment assembly is mounted substantially orthogonally to a plane of reflective light defined by the path of the output beam through the filter array. The array includes filters arranged in two rows in parallel. Each filter transmits a particular band of the output beam and reflects the remaining bands to the next filter in the opposite row of filters. The array further includes a plurality of detectors mounted in detector ports.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Erich H. Frazier, Helen A. Minnich
  • Publication number: 20100215312
    Abstract: An optical connector includes an optical element to be optically connected to an optical fiber; and an optical component. The optical component includes an element fixation part configured to fix the optical element to the optical component; a ferrule attachment part to which a ferrule having the optical fiber connected thereto is to be attached; and a lens to face the optical fiber when the ferrule is attached to the ferrule attachment part. The optical element is positioned relative to the optical fiber in response to attachment of the ferrule to the ferrule attachment part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventors: Osamu Daikuhara, Yuko Ikeda, Shigeyuki Takizawa, Toshio Hashi, Toshihiro Kusagaya
  • Patent number: 7778508
    Abstract: Image display optical systems are disclosed that extend the angle of view longitudinally and transversely while saving space. The image display optical system includes a prism-shaped substrate transparent to an image-carrying light flux to be projected to a viewing eye, an introduction unit that guides the image-carrying light flux to a propagation path through which the image-carrying light flux propagates in a direction in which the image-carrying light flux from the outside enables internal reflection at least at three surfaces including at least one side of the substrate, and an output unit that guides the image-carrying light flux propagating through the substrate from the substrate to the viewing eye. By internally reflecting the image-carrying light flux at all the sides, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Nikon Corporation
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Hirayama
  • Publication number: 20100202157
    Abstract: A backlight unit includes a light source for emitting light; and a light guide film for directing light emitted from the light source toward a liquid crystal display panel. In the backlight unit, the light guide film includes a polycarbonate (PC) film comprising a plasticizer; and at least one of a reflective layer or an optical layer on at least one surface of the PC film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Da-Eun Jang, Won-Ki Cho, Dong-Hwan Lee, Chan-Iek Choi
  • Patent number: 7773841
    Abstract: Fiber optic sensors commonly require a 180 degree turnaround to form a continuous optical circuit. Methods and apparatus for providing 180 degree turnarounds in a fiber optic system that include a shorter radius turnaround then provided by micro-bending the optic fiber are desired. An embodiment of a turnaround apparatus includes a first optic fiber pigtail, a second optic fiber pigtail, and an optical waveguide forming a U-shaped path having an input end optically connected to a first end of the first pigtail and an output end optically connected to a first end of the second pigtail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Schlumberger Technology Corporation
    Inventors: Harini Varadarajan, Ramaswamy Meyyappan