2442 results about "Optical power" patented technology

The invention provides an optical switch and modulator which uses a closed loop optical resonator. The optical resonator is a dielectric cavity whose primary function is to store optical power. Various structures are possible, and a particularly advantageous one is a ring shaped cavity. The wavelength response at the output port of a ring resonator side coupled to two waveguides is determined by the details of the resonator, and the coupling between the resonator and the waveguides. By coupling to adjacent resonators, the modulator response can be improved over that of a single resonator. One such improvement is in modulator efficiency, which is defined as the ratio of the change in optical intensity at the output, to a change in absorption in the ring waveguides. Absorption is used for switching and modulation without incurring significant optical attenuation. Another improvement involves making the resonance insensitive to small deviations in wavelength or index change. The latter improves fabrication tolerances and compensates for possible drift of the signal wavelength. Collectively, the behavior of multiple coupled resonators yields higher order responses.

Embodiments of the present invention relate to an electro-active element having a dynamic aperture. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may be used in a non-focusing ophthalmic device that that is spaced apart from but in optical communication with an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, a contact lens, or a spectacle lens that provide an optical power. The electro-active element provides increased depth of field and may also be used in a focusing or non-focusing device such as an intraocular optic, an intraocular lens, a corneal inlay, a corneal onlay, or a contact lens which may or may not have an optical power. By changing the diameter of dynamic aperture either increased depth of field or increased light reaching the retina may be achieved.

A wearable display system, such as a Head Mounted Display, having a display engine producing light, preferably linearly polarized light, which defines a synthetic image that is relayed to a wire grid polarizing combiner which overlays the synthetic image onto a real image of an object of the outside world, and wherein the real image is contemporaneously viewed through the wire grid polarizing combiner by the wearer of the system. The wire grid polarizing combiner can be curved in at least one axis, and preferably two axis such that optical power is added to the wire grid polarizing combiner.

A time-varying modulating signal is used as a plethysmography signal, rather than a time-varying detected optical power. The time-varying detected optical power is used (e.g., in a feedback loop) to adjust the source intensity. Light is transmitted from a light source, wherein an intensity of the transmitted light is based on a light control signal. A portion of the light transmitted from the light source is received at a light detector, the portion having an associated detected light intensity. A feedback signal is produced based the portion of light received at the light detector, the feedback signal indicative of the detected light intensity. The feedback signal is compared to a reference signal to produce a comparison signal. The light control signal is then adjusted based on the comparison signal, wherein at least one of the comparison signal and the light control signal is representative of volume changes in blood vessels.

An accommodating intraocular lens is provided having optical parameters that are altered in-situ, wherein an optic portion of the lens includes a lens piston that alters the shape of a lens element of the lens to alter the optical power of the lens, responsive to forces applied to a haptic portion to the lens by contraction of the ciliary muscles. Forces applied to the haptic portion are transferred hydraulically to cause the lens to become more or less accommodated. The haptic portion is retained in a fixed unaccommodated state during an initial healing period following implantation to facilitate affixation of the haptic portion to the capsule.

An accommodating intraocular lens is provided that having optical parameters that are altered in-situ using forces applied by the ciliary muscles, in which a lens body carries an actuator separating two fluid-filled chambers having either the same index of diffraction or different indices of refraction, actuation of the actuator changing the relative volumes of fluid within an optic element of the lens and altering the optical power of the lens.

A method and apparatus for curing photosensitive materials uses LEDs and an optical concentrator to generate high optical power intensities. An LED array, comprising a plurality of LED assemblies, generates collimated light. A collection lens functions as an optical concentrator and focuses the collimated light to a desired spot size at a desired location. The LED assemblies may be at least partially disposed in a cooling plenum, where the cooling plenum is at least partially defined by the collection lens. Each LED assembly within the LED array may be detachably coupled to a mounting surface, enabling easy replacement of individual LED assemblies within the LED array. The photocuring assembly may also include a redirecting assembly disposed between the collection lens and the desired location that may further concentrate the light at the desired location. The photocuring assembly may include more than one of the above features.

A technique for monitoring optical power in a fiber array unit having a plurality of optical transmission waveguides terminating at an edge thereof for carrying optical signals to and/or from a PLC. A tapping filter is placed within a slit formed in the substrate and interrupting the transmission channels, thereby tapping at least some of the optical power from the channels and directing the tapped optical power toward respective photodetector channels for detection, while allowing other optical power to continue transmission in the at least one channel of the fiber array unit.

An imaging device has a zoom lens system having a plurality of lens units and forming an optical image of an object so as to continuously optically zoom by varying distances between the lens unit; and an image sensor converting the optical image formed by the zoom lens system to an electric signal. The zoom lens system has from an object side, a first lens unit being overall negative and including a reflecting surface that bends a luminous flux substantially 90 degrees; and a second lens unit disposed with a variable air distance from the first lens unit, and having an optical power, and wherein at least one lens element made of resin is included in the entire lens system.

The present invention discloses simple and yet highly efficient configurations of optical coherence domain reflectometry systems. The combined use of a polarizing beam splitter with one or two polarization manipulator(s) that rotate the returned light wave polarization to an orthogonal direction, enables one to achieve high optical power delivery efficiency as well as fixed or predetermined output polarization state of the interfering light waves reaching a detector or detector array, which is especially beneficial for spectral domain optical coherence tomography. In addition, the system can be made insensitive to polarization fading resulting from the birefringence change in the sample and reference arms. Dispersion matching can also be easily achieved between the sample and the reference arm for high resolution longitudinal scanning.

A toric multifocal lens including a plurality of vision correction regions having centers on a common optical center axis, the plurality of vision correction regions providing respective different values of a spherical optical power, each of the plurality of vision correction regions having an optical power for correction of astigmatism, wherein the improvement comprises: at least one of a cylindrical optical power and a cylindrical axis orientation which determine the optical power for correction of astigmatism being different in at least two different vision correction regions of the plurality of vision correction regions, so that the at least two different vision correction regions have respective different values of the optical power for correction of astigmatism.

Methods of fabricating an energy-assisted magnetic recording (EAMR) head to compensate for a heat-induced protrusion of a near field transducer formed therein are disclosed. The methods can include applying optical power to the near field transducer to generate heat therein. The near field transducer protrudes beyond an air bearing surface of the EAMR head by the generated heat. The methods can further include removing a protruded portion of the near field transducer.

An apparatus and method for stimulating animal tissue (for example to trigger a nerve action potential (NAP) signal in a human patient) by application of both electrical and optical signals for treatment and diagnosis purposes. The application of an electrical signal before or simultaneously to the application of a NAP-triggering optical signal allows the use of a lower amount of optical power or energy than would otherwise be needed if an optical signal alone was used for the same purpose and effectiveness. The application of the electrical signal may precondition the nerve tissue such that a lower-power optical signal can be used to trigger the desired NAP, which otherwise would take a higher-power optical signal were the electric signal not applied. Some embodiments include an implanted nerve interface having a plurality of closely spaced electrodes placed transversely and/or longitudinally to the nerve and a plurality of optical emitters.

An accommodating intraocular lens includes an optic portion, a haptic portion. The optic portion of the lens includes an actuator that deflects a lens element to alter the optical power of the lens responsive to forces applied to the haptic portion of the lens by contraction of the ciliary muscles and a secondary deflection mechanism. Movement of the lens element by the actuator causes the lens element to deform and the secondary deflection mechanism causes the lens to further deform.

A reticle of a projectile weapon aiming system such as a riflescope includes a primary aiming mark adapted to be sighted-in at a first selected range and further includes a plurality of secondary aiming marks spaced apart below the primary aiming mark. The secondary aiming marks are positioned to compensate for ballistic drop at preselected incremental ranges beyond the first selected range, for a selected group of ammunition having similar ballistic characteristics. Angles subtended by adjacent aiming marks of the reticle can be adjusted by changing the optical power of the riflescope, to thereby compensate for ballistic characteristics of different ammunition. In some embodiments, the reticle includes a set of windage aiming marks spaced apart along at least one secondary horizontal axis intersecting a selected one of the secondary aiming marks, to facilitate compensation for the effect of crosswinds on the trajectory of the projectile.

A head up display system for a vehicle that includes a compact image source for projecting an image. The compact image source may be foldable up toward or into a cockpit ceiling of the vehicle, be positioned within a dashboard of the vehicle, or located at another suitable position. A combiner reflects the projected image with optical power toward an observer for observation. The combiner is positioned so that the observer, in a line of sight, may see a visual exterior view of an outside scene through the combiner and the projected image in the combiner. In a preferred embodiment, the image source includes an illumination system that includes a high power light emitting diode (LED) array assembly. A Fresnel lens array is operatively associated with the LED array assembly for receiving light produced by the LED and providing a nearly collimated light output. A spatial light modulator receives the nearly collimated light output. The preferred combiner is a meniscus combiner that includes a meniscus lens; a multi-layer dichroic coating formed on a first surface of the meniscus lens; and, an anti-reflection coating formed on a second, opposite surface of the meniscus lens. The meniscus combiner preferably utilizes a non-symmetric aspheric meniscus lens.

A device interface selectively acquires patient physiological parameter data. An acquisition processor acquires physiological data from a patient. A communication processor is coupled to an optical communication pathway for receiving a plurality of optical signals from a source. A conversion processor is electrically coupled to the acquisition processor and communication processor and converts a first optical power signal at a first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a first electrical signal for providing power to said device 1interface. The conversion processor converts an optical control signal at a second frequency different from the first frequency and received via the optical communication pathway using the communication processor, to a second electrical signal for providing control data to the acquisition processor directing the acquisition processor to acquire at least one physiological parameter from a patient.

In order to characterize the optical characteristics of a device, a source of light having a variable frequency with a polarization state which varies linearly with frequency is provided as an input to the device under test. The input light is also passed through a known reference path and is added to the light output from the device under test in a beam combiner. The combined light for the frequencies of interest is split into two orthogonal polarizations which are then detected in a spectral acquisition apparatus and supplied to a microprocessor. The spectral measurements are digitized and curve-fitted to provide optical power versus optical frequency curves. Fourier transforms of each of the curves are calculated by the microprocessor. From the Fourier transforms, the four arrays of constants are calculated for the Jones matrix characterizing the device under test.

Embodiments of the invention include an optical power splitting module apparatus. The module apparatus includes at least one input port, one or more multi-fiber output ports, and an optical fiber-splitter device coupled therebetween. The optical splitter device has a first end configured as at least one single optical fiber, and a second end configured as one or more multi-fiber groups. The first end of the splitter device is coupled to the input port and the second end of the splitter device is coupled to the output ports. The first end of the splitter device is, e.g., an LC connector. The second end of the splitter device is, e.g., one or more Multi-fiber Push On (MPO) connectors. The optical splitter device is, e.g., a 1×N planar lightwave circuit (PLC) splitter, such as a 1×32 PLC splitter with an LC input connector and four 8-fiber MPO output connectors.

Systems, devices, and methods that integrate eye tracking capability into scanning laser projector (“SLP”)-based wearable heads-up displays are described. An infrared laser diode is added to an RGB SLP and an infrared photodetector is aligned to detect reflections of the infrared light from features of the eye. A holographic optical element (“HOE”) may be used to combine visible light, infrared light, and environmental light into the user's “field of view.” The HOE may be heterogeneous and multiplexed to apply positive optical power to the visible light and zero or negative optical power to the infrared light.

An intraocular lens (IOL) comprising an apparatus capable of changing power in response to ciliary body movement. An IOL is provided that comprises a first optical power element, and a second optical power element. The second optical power element is mechanically coupled to the first optical power element, and at least one of the first optical power element and the second optical power element is mechanically coupled to at least one magnet, such that a magnetic field applied to the at least one magnet causes the first optical element and the second optical element to displace relative to one another. The optical power elements may be surfaces or lens, the magnetic medium may be liquid, gel or solid.

The invention provides an optically powered device interface module for operating an external device, and an optically powered data link comprising the same. In one embodiment the device interface module includes an optical interface for receiving optical power and data signals, an electrical USB interface for providing USB compliant electrical data signals and a 5V electrical power signal to an external USB device, a transducer coupled to a signal processor for converting the optical power and data signals into the 5V electrical power signal and the USB-compliant electrical data signals, and a power distribution circuit for providing electrical power obtained from the optical power signal to the device interface module circuitry. The transducer may be embodied using a single photovoltaic power converter for receiving the optical power and for receiving and transmitting optical data signals.

Systems, devices, and methods that integrate eye tracking capability into scanning laser projector (“SLP”)-based wearable heads-up displays are described. An infrared laser diode is added to an RGB SLP and an infrared photodetector is aligned to detect reflections of the infrared light from features of the eye. A holographic optical element (“HOE”) may be used to combine visible light, infrared light, and environmental light into the user's “field of view.” The HOE may be heterogeneous and multiplexed to apply positive optical power to the visible light and zero or negative optical power to the infrared light.

A multifocal diffractive lens comprises a multifocal diffractive structure coupled to a refractive component. The refractive component comprises at least one curved surface. The multifocal diffractive structure comprises a first plurality of substantially monofocal echellettes having a first optical power for near vision correction and a second plurality of substantially monofocal echellettes for far vision correction. The first plurality of substantially monofocal echellettes combined with the second plurality of substantially monofocal echellettes can provide a multifocal diffractive profile having decreased light scatter, chromatic aberration, and diffraction to non-viewing orders such that dysphotopsia is substantially inhibited. A third plurality of substantially monofocal echellettes having an intermediate optical power can be combined with the first plurality of substantially monofocal echellettes and the second plurality of substantially monofocal echellettes.

The present invention generally relates to an electro-active optic incorporating a blend region between two regions each having different optical properties.

An intraocular lens is provided that having optical parameters that may be adjusted in-situ, and is particularly useful in cataract patients that require an adjustment in the optical power of the lens post-implantation. The lens body carries an array of interior fluid-filled cells in which fluid is controllably moved by micropumps upon application of energy from an external source to move a fluid media into the cells to thereby alter the lens surface shape.

Dynamic reading glasses are disclosed, whereby the glasses sense whether a reader is trying to view an object near or at a distance, and the dynamic reading glasses modify the lenses' optical power accordingly. In certain embodiments, the modification of the lenses' optical power may be accomplished through an electro-active material.

To identify a fault location easily if there is any fault detected in a network. If an optical path is switched from a working system to an auxiliary system due to a fault, an optical test signal originated from a network node apparatus located at an end point of the optical path is looped back by another network node apparatus on the optical path for the working system. This looped back optical signal is received by the network node apparatus of an originator, in which the signal quality of the optical test signal is measured by a determination device, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the fault on the path through which the optical test signal has been passed. A test receiver within the determination device measures a BER, an S/N ratio, an optical power, or an optical wavelength, whereby it is possible to detect not only the fault location due to disconnection of a link but also degradation in the signal quality.

The transmission system includes a first electro-optical modulator adapted to supply in response to an input electrical signal a controlled phase optical signal having an optical power modulated between low levels and high levels and a phase shift within each time cell that contains a low power level. To make it more flexible to use, the system includes a second electro-optical modulator controlled by the input signal and optically coupled to the first electro-optical modulator to apply to said controlled phase optical signal complementary power and/or phase modulation so as respectively to modify its extinction ratio and/or to apply a transient "chirp" to it.

An augmented reality display system includes a pair of variable focus lens elements that sandwich a waveguide stack. One of the lens elements is positioned between the waveguide stack and a user's eye to correct for refractive errors in the focusing of light projected from the waveguide stack to that eye. The lens elements may also be configured to provide appropriate optical power to place displayed virtual content on a desired depth plane. The other lens element is between the ambient environment and the waveguide stack, and is configured to provide optical power to compensate for aberrations in the transmission of ambient light through the waveguide stack and the lens element closest to the eye. In addition, an eye-tracking system monitors the vergence of the user's eyes and automatically and continuously adjusts the optical powers of the pair of lens elements based on the determined vergence of those eyes.