Abstract: A device for transmitting optical signals comprises two collimator units, supported to be rotatable relative to each other about a rotation axis and one derotating optical element. A first beam splitter receives input signals and splits them into at least two signals, so that they are transferred by at least two optical channels over the collimator units and the derotating optical element. After passing the second collimator unit, the signals are combined by a second beam splitter to a single signal, resulting in largely reduced variations of attenuation during rotation.

Abstract: A light control device is disclosed that includes a two film construction, each film having a plurality of light reflecting regions. For example, the light absorbing elements can be a series of grooves or column-like indentations in the films that are filled or coated with a light reflecting material having a lower index of refraction than that of the films. The two films can be adjacently disposed so that their respective light reflecting regions form a plurality of light reflecting elements that extend along the thickness direction of the device.

Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. Polymer-dispersed liquid crystals (PDLCs) in accordance with the invention preferably comprise a homogeneous mixture of a nematic liquid crystal and a multifunctional pentaacrylate monomer in combination with photoinitiator, coinitiator and cross-linking agent. Optionally, a surfactant such as octancic acid may also be added. The PDLC material is exposed to coherent light to produce an interference pattern inside the material. Photopolymerization of the new PDLC material produces a hologram of clearly separated liquid crystal domains and cured polymer domains.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide optical multi-channel free space interconnects that provide optical channel isolation, thereby reducing crosstalk.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflector arrangement comprising a reflector and a light guide. It is characterized in that the use of film hinges permits simpler and lower-cost assembly than has heretofore been possible with comparable reflector arrangements.

Abstract: A composite polymer fiber comprises a polymer filler material and a plurality of polymer scattering fibers disposed within the filler material. At least one of the filler material and the scattering fibers is formed of a birefringent material. The refractive indices of the filler material and the scattering fibers can be substantially matched for light incident in a first polarization state on the composite polymer fiber and unmatched for light incident in an orthogonal polarization state. The scattering fibers may be arranged to form a photonic crystal within the composite fiber. The composite fibers may be extruded and may be formed into a yarn, a weave or the like. If the filler material is soluble, it may be washed out of the yarn or weave, and the scattering fibers may then be infiltrated with a resin that is subsequently cured.

Abstract: A light pipe assembly providing a light pipe that has at least one transmission region, at least one light source that is optically connected to the transmission region, and an modifying element. The modifying element creates the appearance of even light distribution throughout the length of the light pipe. Thus, the modifying element blocks more light at the portion of the light pipe where the light from the light source is most intense. The modifying element is a gradient on the exterior side of the light pipe, a gradient on a secondary element that covers the light pipe, or a skin which the light pipe is at least partially imbedded in.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the quality of light emitted from an HMD lightsource. A backlight-type lightsource is disclosed that utilizes a reflective end-wall 17 to reflect light within the lightguide. Light emitted from an illumination source and reflected from the end-wall 17 combine within the lightguide to produce light with high contrast and homogeneity. A microprism array, consisting of microprisms of uniform height and equidistant spacing, is positioned along the bottom surface of the lightguide. A portion of the combined light incident upon the microprism array is reflected in a direction substantially perpendicular to the lightguide top surface, which comprises an aperture. Light having increased brightness and homogeneity passes through the aperture. Light incident upon the top surface outside of the aperture is reflected within the lightguide so that it may subsequently be transmitted through the aperture.

Abstract: An optical switch comprises a prism for changing the direction of travel of incident light to be directed toward a further optical fiber; a switching mirror placed to be insertable and removable into and from between a lens block and the prism; and an actuator for driving the mirror, in which incident and emitting optical fibers are placed in the same facing, i.e. on one surface side, of the device body. This structure makes it possible for components to be used in common and integrated, and for the coupling surfaces between the lens block and the optical fibers to be gathered together in one place, thereby enabling cost reduction and size reduction.

Abstract: Provided are a two-dimensional planar photonic crystal superprism device and a method of manufacturing the same, in which a manufacturing process is simplified using a nanoimprint lithography technique, and thus price-reduction and mass production are facilitated. The two-dimensional planar photonic crystal superprism device includes: a single-mode input waveguide comprising a straight waveguide having a taper structure and a bending waveguide; a superprism formed on an output end side of the single-mode input waveguide and comprising a slab and a photonic crystal superprism; and a single-mode output waveguide comprising a straight waveguide having a taper structure and a bending waveguide, and formed adjacent to the photonic crystal superprism. Using the two-dimensional planar photonic crystal superprism device, it is possible to facilitate manufacturing of nano-photonic integrated circuits, photonic crystal integrated circuits and nano-photonic systems.

Abstract: An optical rotary joint comprises means for coupling-in or coupling-out light, and an optical derotating system. The derotating system may be a Dove prism or an Abbe-Koenig prism. In order to improve reflection at a reflecting face or faces of the derotating element, the reflecting faces are coated with an optically transparent material having a refractive index that is lower than the refractive index of the derotating element. In an embodiment the derotating optical element comprises a Dove prism. Light entry and light exit faces of the Dove prism are provided with optical supplementary elements that have an optical index of refraction greater than an optical index of refraction of the Dove prism.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in a fiber optic system that may be a communication system, a sensing system or other system using guided-wave optical components. Reducing the number of lenses required to couple the waveguides and the free-space paths in the device offers the dual advantages of a reduced component count and simplified alignment. In an exemplary device having a first and second waveguides, a birefringent optical system defines bi-directional, polarization-dependent free-space paths. One of the bidirectional, polarization-dependent, free-space paths couples at least the first waveguide to the second waveguide. The birefringent optical system includes at least one prism for bending one of the polarization-dependent paths in a clockwise direction and one of the polarization-dependent paths in a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: In one example, an optical device includes a body having a first surface and a second surface. At least a portion of the body is formed from a material that is transmissible to light. The body is configured to be positioned in an optical sub-assembly along an axis defined between an optoelectronic transducer and a port configured to receive an optical fiber. The axis is defined between a point on an optically active portion of the optoelectronic transducer and a point on a surface of the optical fiber. The first surface of the body is positioned at a first angle relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the axis. The second surface of the body is positioned at a second angle relative to the plane. The first surface and the second surface are positioned at respective opposing ends of the body.

Abstract: A lightpipe includes at least first and second projections extending outwardly from the body of the lightpipe, where the first projection is opposite the second projection.

Abstract: A projection display with a common light source sharing system for improved illumination uniformity is described. The common light source is coupled through a light-dividing prism to multiple integrators. Each integrator is coupled to one or more imaging devices that project image tiles to form a larger composite tiled image.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a light pipe having a structure of enhancing an emission of a light. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises a base pipe comprising a structured inner surface and a substantially smooth outer surface; and a plurality of diffusive particles disposed on the outer surface. According to another embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises a base pipe comprising a structured inner surface and a substantially smooth outer surface; and a film having a plurality of scattering patterns on at least one surface of the film, and being disposed at inside or outside the base pipe. According to further another embodiment of the present invention, a hollow light pipe comprises a base pipe comprising a structured inner surface and a substantially smooth outer surface; and a cone-shaped extractor being disposed inside the base pipe.

Abstract: There is provided an optical device, including a light-transmitting substrate having two major surfaces parallel to each other and two edges, optics for coupling light into the substrate by internal reflection. One of the edges is slanted with respect to the major surfaces and a portion of the optics for coupling light into the substrate is in contact with, or located adjacent to, the slanted edge.

Abstract: An optical device is made up of a glass substrate, an optical fiber array fixed to an upper portion of the glass substrate, a slit that extends from an upper surface of the optical fiber array into the glass substrate, a filter member inserted into the slit, and a resin filled in an interval between the slit and the filter member. An upper end of a light-incident surface of the filter member is positioned substantially in alignment with upper surfaces of the optical fibers, and an upper end of a light-exiting surface of the filter member is disposed at a position below the upper surfaces of the optical fibers.

Abstract: Optical device and color display unit to correct an angle of visibility, emphasize front brightness or diffusion degree, improve brightness and the performance of angle of visibility, and moreover improve the performance of chromaticity. An optical device is a film-like optical device for angle-correcting light toward a predetermined direction and of two materials whose refractive index difference is at least 0.1 or over, formed so that one material constitutes a plurality of light guide paths having total reflection at the boundary with the adjacent other material, in which the light guide paths are formed so that they are not arranged at equal intervals or they have different cross sections from each other and the ratio of the width or diameter of the light input portion of each of the light guide paths to the film thickness of an optical device is at least 1:10 or more.

Abstract: A strip to point optical communication system (200) for transmitting light between a first housing (102) and a second housing (104) of a device is provided. The strip to point optical communication system (200) includes a point optical communication element (202) that is capable of receiving the light. The point optical communication element (202) is coupled to either the first housing (102) or the second housing (104). The strip to point optical communication system (200) also includes a strip optical communication element (204) that is coupled to either the first housing (102) or the second housing (104) to which the point optical communication element (202) is not coupled. The length of the strip optical communication element (204) corresponds to the travel distance of the first housing (102) and the second housing (104). The strip optical communication element (204) is located to coincide with a travel path of the point optical communication element (202).

Abstract: An optical test head comprises a block of material with a plurality of optical paths extending therethrough. At least one of the optical paths is an input optical path for receiving laser light and holding a lens for focusing the laser light on a workpiece that is proximate the head. At least another of the optical paths is an output path for receiving light that is reflected off of the workpiece and providing that light to a detector. (In one embodiment, several detectors are provided to direct specularly reflected light, narrow angle scattered light, wide angle scattered light and back scattered light to associated detectors.) Other optical elements can be affixed within or to the block of material. The test head can be used without requiring the individual optical elements to be aligned or adjusted.

Abstract: An optical module using a linear sensor for identifying images includes a circuit board, a linear sensor installed on the circuit board, a light source set installed on the circuit board, and an optical element. The optical element includes a first plane, a second plane paralleling the first plane, wherein a distance between the second plane and the circuit board is shorter than a distance between the first plane and the circuit board, a first total reflection plane between the first plane and the second plane, for totally reflecting light provided by the light source set, and a second total reflection plane between the first plane and the second plane, for totally reflecting reflected light of the first total reflection plane to the linear sensor.

Abstract: A brightness enhancement film having a light-guiding structure includes a substrate, which has a light-guiding layer and a plurality of light-refracting microstructures. The substrate has a light incident surface and a light emission surface opposite thereto. The light-refracting microstructures are arranged on the light incident surface of the substrate and are provided for varying surface curvatures to refract incident light. The light-guiding layer is arranged on the light emission surface of the substrate and is provided for guiding refracted light to generate homogeneous light to emit therefrom.

Abstract: A brightness enhancement film includes a light-refracting microstructure layer, a substrate and a reinforcing layer. The substrate has a first surface and a second surface opposite thereto. The light-refracting microstructure layer is arranged on the first surface of the substrate and is so configured to vary in curvatures for refracting light. The reinforcing layer is arranged on the second surface of the substrate and is so configured to form a relatively high degree of hardness. Accordingly, the reinforcing layer can prevent warpage and abrasion of the brightness enhancement film.

Abstract: A polarization based optical switch capable of redirecting light signals to a plurality of different output locations. The optical switch utilizes polarization beam splitters to separate each optical channel into multiple polarization portions. Reflection members are used to redirect some of the polarization portions. Polarization rotators are capable of manipulating the plane of polarization of the polarization portions which will determine which of the output locations each optical channel transmits through. Another polarization beam splitter is used to recombine the polarization portions and direct them to one of the output locations depending on their respective planes of polarization.

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.

Abstract: A semiconductor based structure containing substantially smoothed waveguides having a rounded surface is disclosed, as well as methods of fabricating such a structure. The substantially smoothed waveguides may be formed of waveguide materials such as amorphous silicon or stoichiometric silicon nitride. The substantially smoothed waveguides are formed with an isotropic wet etch combined with sonic energy.

Abstract: A multiple source array including a guided-wave structure having a dielectric core and a cladding covering the dielectric core; and an array of dielectric-filled, guided-wave cavities in the cladding extending transversely from the dielectric core and forming an array of apertures through which optical energy that is introduced into the core exits from the core.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an optical wave guide element for making the miniaturization of the entire device including the optical wave guide element possible, by connecting optical fiber for incoming and outgoing radiation to the optical wave guide element, so that the optical wave guide element and the optical fiber are positioned at an angle of 90°, as well as to provide a manufacturing method for the same.

Abstract: The depolarizer utilizes a commonly available BK7 glass corner cube to transform linearly polarized light into depolarized light with 100% conversion efficiency. The low-cost corner cube is a unique optical element that greatly simplifies the means for producing completely depolarized light as compared to other current methods and techniques. The corner cube is irradiated uniformly, but at non-normal incidence for a tilt angle of about 9° with respect to the input light beam path. The polarization orientation angle of the input beam in combination with the tilt angle and tilt-axis orientation of the corner cube must be optimized in order to make the Stokes polarization parameters equal to zero, and thereby generating the depolarized light beam A bidirectional beam director steers the retro-reflected depolarized light beam from the corner cube to the output port of the depolarizer.

Abstract: Optical routers or optical interconnection devices that include an optical coupling method and optical coupling apparatus wherein a plurality of layers that contain optical devices that require optical coupling can be optically coupled by inserting optical coupling elements therein to transfer a light signal from one location on one layer to another location on a different layer. The optical coupling elements can include various light directing members such as reflectors, beam splitters/combiners or other components that can act on a light signal to modify, or control the light signal in a desired manner. In addition, an optical coupling elements can be transparent to the light signal so as not affect the direction or the integrity of the light signal as it passes through the optical coupling element.

Abstract: A light guide plate that eliminates haze while obtaining a desired uniformity of luminance to enhance light efficiency. The light guide plate can be used with a backlight unit using the light guide plate and an LCD using the backlight unit. The light guide plate includes an incidence face to allow light emitted from a light source to be incident to the light guide plate, an outgoing face to allow the incident light to exit the light guide plate, a backside face opposite to the outgoing face, and mirror patterns provided at the outgoing face or backside face, and adapted to increase an exiting rate of the light at a low luminance region defined in a vicinity of the light source.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint is provided that is unaffected by variations in the optical properties of a fluid that fills its internal cavity. The rotary joint includes a housing defining the internal cavity, first and second optical collimation arrays on opposite sides of the internal cavity, and a reversion prism between the optical collimation arrays. Further, the rotary joint includes an interface optical element proximate at least one of the first and second optical collimation arrays and the reversion prism. Each interface optical element includes an optically-flat surface adapted to contact the fluid such that optical signals that are oriented normal to the optically-flat surface can be transmitted without refraction, thereby rendering the optical signals immune to variations in the fluid's optical properties. A reversion prism assembly, an optical collimation assembly and a method of aligning an optical collimation array utilizing alignment pins are also provided.

Abstract: To provide a connection structure between optical fibers and a connection method to couple optical fibers that make it possible to secure optical transmission, a connection structure between optical fibers includes a plurality of optical fibers, a base member provided over a substrate, and a connecting part provided on a top surface of the base member and joined to each of end surfaces of the plurality of optical fibers.

Abstract: A lightpipe includes at least first and second projections extending outwardly from the body of the lightpipe, where the first projection is opposite the second projection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for use in a fiber optic system that may be a communication system, a sensing system or other system using guided-wave optical components. Reducing the number of lenses required to couple the waveguides and the free-space paths in the device offers the dual advantages of a reduced component count and simplified alignment. In an exemplary device having a first and second waveguides, a birefringent optical system defines bi-directional, polarization-dependent free-space paths. One of the bi-directional, polarization-dependent, free-space paths couples at least the first waveguide to the second waveguide. The birefringent optical system includes at least one prism for bending one of the polarization-dependent paths in a clockwise direction and one of the polarization-dependent paths in a counterclockwise direction.

Abstract: An optical device for combining optical signals of different wavelengths is described wherein an array of laser output beams are collimated, directed to propagate along a similar path, and coupled into an optical fiber through a single molded part. The single-part optical coupling module can be constructed in various ways to achieve the desired configuration. One example is a single plastic-injection molded part, containing mechanical alignment features, an array of collimating lenses, and a focusing lens housed within a fiber optic connector ferrule. The laser output beams are separately passed through separate radial sectors of the focusing lens.

Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. A method for preparing a switchable grating can comprise the steps of placing a mixture between a first and second slide, wherein the mixture has a photopolymerizable monomer, a second phase material, a photoinitiator dye, and a chain extender or cross-linker. The mixture is exposed to a laser and optical intensity pattern is applied to induce photopolymerization. A method for recording slanted reflection gratings can comprise the steps of placing a sample between a first and second glass prism, the sample comprising a polymerizable monomer, a liquid crystal, a chain-extending monomer, a coinitiator, and a photoinitiator. An incident light is split into two beams, wherein the beams enter the sample from opposite sides. The first and second prism are rotated to adjust the slant of the grating.

Abstract: An isolator is disclosed that features a single birefringent correction element. The correction element is configured to eliminate differential group delay and walk-off simultaneously.

Abstract: A light-guide light (1) suitable for use in illuminated displays and signs comprises a housing (3) defining an optical cavity having first and second generally parallel major faces (5, 6), and a light source (11) positioned to direct light into the optical cavity from one side. The first major face (5) comprises a material (for example, a prismatic film) having coefficients of reflection and transmission that vary with the angle at which light is incident on the material. The second major face (6) comprises a narrow-scattering reflective material having a reflectance of at least 85%, for example a highly-efficient reflective material provided with a suitable textured pattern.

Abstract: A variable optical attenuator (VOA) for use in an optical fiber communication system has a substrate, a thermal gradient prism and a heating element deposited on the prism. Heat is applied to the thermal gradient prism through the heating element. An optical signal is input into the prism via an optical signal input source. The optical signal traveling through the prism may be deflected due to a thermal gradient of the prism. The deflected optical signal is output into an optical signal output carrying medium. An optical signal strength measuring apparatus may measure a parameter related to the strength of the optical signal output into the optical signal output carrying medium.

Abstract: A thermally induced pressure operated optical switch (3) includes a prism (31), and a substrate (32) disposed below the prism. The substrate defines a plurality of switch elements (35). Each switch element includes a first chamber (351), a second chamber (352) containing matching liquid (36) having a reflective index substantially the same as that of the prism, and a thermal pressure generator (37) communicating with the second chamber for causing the matching liquid to flow between the first and second chambers. The switch elements are arranged in an array in like manner to the way pixels of a display device are arranged. Thus, the thermal pressure generators can be selectively turned on and off, in order to control the switch elements to manipulate optical beams for displaying all kinds of images. The optical switch can be employed in a display device, a projector, or like apparatuses.

Abstract: A fiber optic rotary joint is provided that is unaffected by variations in the optical properties of a fluid that fills its internal cavity. The rotary joint includes a housing defining the internal cavity, first and second optical collimation arrays on opposite sides of the internal cavity, and a reversion prism between the optical collimation arrays. Further, the rotary joint includes an interface optical element proximate at least one of the first and second optical collimation arrays and the reversion prism. Each interface optical element includes an optically-flat surface adapted to contact the fluid such that optical signals that are oriented normal to the optically-flat surface can be transmitted without refraction, thereby rendering the optical signals immune to variations in the fluid's optical properties. A reversion prism assembly, an optical collimation assembly and a method of aligning an optical collimation array utilizing alignment pins are also provided.

Abstract: A polarization independent optical spectrum analyzer comprises a diffraction grating, input and output slit means and polarization-maintaining multi-pass optics for directing a light beam to and fro across the diffraction grating while maintaining its linear state of polarization. The optical spectrum analyzer further comprises a polarization control unit for decomposing a light beam for analysis into first and second beams having mutually orthogonal states of polarization (SOPs) and then adjusting one or both SOPs so that they are parallel to each other and to one of the dispersion plane of the diffraction grating which is rotated to select different wavelengths of the first and second light beams. The first and second light beams are passed across the diffraction grating repeatedly by multi-pass polarization-maintaining optics and are outputted and detected separately.

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

Abstract: A corner cube utilized for both a polarization transformer and a depolarizer requires a special glass for the corner cube. For the transformer a polarized probe beam irradiates only one facet of the corner cube off-axis to vertex, whereas for the depolarizer a circularly polarized beam irradiates all three facets symmetrically on-axis to the cube vertex. The collimated output beam from the corner cube has a hexad pattern where alternate hexads correspond to CW (clockwise) and CCW (counter-clockwise) rotations in sequential reflections from the corner cube facets. CW and CCW hexad regions comprising the depolarized beam differ in phase by 0.8? radians. A dielectric layer pattern of alternate hexads deposited on the output port of a beam director in registry to the depolarized beam pattern compensates for the leading phase of the CCW hexads thus equalizing the overall phase-front of the beam and thereby resulting in a temporally-coherent depolarized beam.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for spatially shifting a light using a multilayer thin-film stack of at least two materials having unequal optical properties, such as indices of refraction and absorption coefficients. The apparatus has an input face for admitting the light into the apparatus and an impedance matching mechanism for maximizing the in-coupling of the light into the multilayer thin-film stack at a non-normal incidence. The non-normal incidence is sufficient to generate a spatial shift of the light in the multilayer thin-film stack as a function of at least one light parameter, such as wavelength and/or polarization of the light, thereby separating the light into light components. The spatial shift is achieved by any one or any combination of effects including superprism, turning point and energy confinement. These effects are achieved in the multilayer thin-film stack by appropriately engineering its layer sequence.

Abstract: A prismatic reflection optical waveguide device having an input and an output optical waveguide segments and a reflection interface provided therebetween apt to convey a light beam from one direction to another, wherein the light beam is conveyed by a single reflection on the reflection interface. Such a prismatic reflection optical waveguide device may, for example, be used as an optical waveguide sensor for measuring the refractive index of a sample medium. The measuring range and/or the sensitivity of such an optical waveguide sensor may be adjusted according to a particular application. Such a prismatic reflection optical waveguide device may also be used as a generally lossless bent optical waveguide wherein the reflection interface works as a mirror for reflecting the light beam coming from the input segment to the output segment, thereby providing a generally lossless transmission.

Abstract: An optical attenuator for attenuating a collimated beam of light propagating along an optical path while preserving the composition of polarization of the collimated beam of light is disclosed. The optical attenuator comprises a beam attenuator for attenuating a portion of the collimated beam of light when a portion of the beam attenuator is disposed within the optical path. The beam attenuator has a cross section along a plane perpendicular to the direction of propagation of the collimated beam of light of the portion of the attenuator in the shape of a wedge. The attenuation is varied using a controller for moving the beam attenuator in order to vary a size of the portion of the wedge within the optical path.