Methods to build multi-functional scattering structures while respecting tight requirements imposed by manufacturing processes are described. The described methods and devices are based on etching away wire networks embedded in 3D structures to form voids in order to perform a target function. Optimization algorithms for designing binarized devices that meet manufacturing requirements are also disclosed.

A micro-optic cell design with a regularly spaced micro-lens array, having a series of randomly positioned lenslets that have been digitally overwritten, wherein the overwritten area is greater than 0 up to 100 percent fill, and wherein a light shaping diffuser pattern is placed on top of the lenslets of the micro-optic cell.

A rectangular wide-beam flashlight that utilizes a plurality of LEDs positioned in specifically formed optical elements to generate a uniform, rectangular beam pattern configured to substantially illuminate one or more walls in a room. The flashlight uses a radial array of LEDs that are disposed at or within optical elements or cavities configured to combine the output of the LEDs to form a substantially uniform and seamless, high-aspect ratio or wide rectangular beam for adequately illuminating one or more walls in a room.

A backlight unit for a binocular-holographic display device and a holographic display device including the same are provided. The backlight unit includes a light source unit which outputs light, a first beam expansion unit which expands, in a first direction, the light output from the light source unit, a second beam expansion unit which expands, in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the light output from the first beam expansion unit, and a beam deflection unit which diffracts light incident on the first beam expansion unit. The holographic display device includes the backlight unit, a field lens, and a spatial light modulator.

A device for producing an output light emission having a light source for emitting light and a first polarizing beam splitter element positioned so at least one portion of the emitted light is incident thereupon, wherein a first reflected light beam of a first polarization state and a second transmitted light beam of a second polarization state are produced. The device also includes a first liquid crystal element having at least two states which are actuated using a control unit. The first liquid crystal element at least partially reflects the first light beam, wherein the polarization state of the first light beam is altered based on the state of the first liquid crystal element. The first polarizing beam splitter element is positioned so the first light beam is incident thereupon after reflection at the first liquid crystal element.

A diffusion apparatus includes a diffuser, a substrate to which the diffuser is fixed, and a first lens that has a curved surface and a flat surface located on the side opposite the curved surface and is so fixed to the substrate as to face the diffuser. The substrate includes a first recess having a first bottom surface and a first side surface that rises from the first bottom surface and a second recess having a second bottom surface connected to the first side surface and a second side surface that rises from the second bottom surface. The first lens is so disposed in the second recess that the flat surface is in contact with the second bottom surface. The diffuser is fixed to the first bottom surface.

The invention relates to a device and a method for generating a multiple spot during laser material processing. According to the present invention, the power distribution is selected by pushing at least a first mirror into the laser beam. The light beam always falls on only one side of the mirror, so that the mirror can be produced easily and economically.

A light-emitting device assembly includes a concave optical collector, a light-emitting device, and a light-escape surface. The collector redirects incident light by reflection, scattering, or reradiation. The light-emitting device emits device output light to propagate within the optical collector. The light-escape surface extends across an open end of the collector and exhibits (i) incidence-angle-dependent transmission of light that decreases with increasing incidence angle, or (ii) transmissive redirection of light to propagate at an angle less than a corresponding refracted angle, that are imparted by an array of nano-antennae, a partial photonic bandgap structure, a photonic crystal, an array of meta-atoms or meta-molecules, or a multi-layer dielectric thin film. Assembly output light transmitted by the light-escape surface includes first and second portions of the device output light that propagate within the collector without and with redirection, respectively, within the collector by the light-escape surface.

A method for bending a cooling device for microlithographic projection exposure apparatuses includes: providing an unbent cooling device that includes a cavity; filling the cavity with a liquid cryogenic medium at least in a region of the cooling device that is to be bent; cooling the cooling device such that the medium present in the cavity cools below its melting temperature and thereby at least partially solidifies; and bending the cooling device such that the at least partially solidified medium prevents the cavity from closing during bending.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for trapping and holding airborne particles, for further measurement and characterization. In the various embodiments, an optical trap is provided which generates and uses dual hollow conical beams to trap and hold absorbing and non-absorbing, spherical and irregularly shaped, liquid and solid airborne particles. The optical trap may include: a light source for generating a beam of light; optics for shaping and forming a hollow conical beam having a ring geometry from the beam of light; a trapping region where a particle can be present to be trapped; a first parabolic reflector configured to focus an inner portion of the hollow conical beam to a first focal point in the trapping region; and a second parabolic reflector configured to focus an outer portion of the hollow conical beam to a second focal point in the trapping region.