A filter assembly including a thin-film filter and a lens is disclosed with the effect of reducing angular shift experienced due to high angles of incidence from a light source. The thin-film filter is curved such that the filter surface is normal to the light rays emanating from a light source. Curvature of the thin-film filter is aided by the production of the multi-layer filter through a thermoforming process resulting in a flexible filter capable of being curved. The curved filter can be affixed to, or embedded within, a lens.
A thin-film interference filter has a thin-film interference multi-layer stack composed of individual thin-film layers arranged in groups to form a plurality of repeat unit blocks. The thin-film interference filter is flexible enough to be bendable to a radius of curvature of 250 mm or even less without permanently damaging the thin-film interference filter. The thin-film interference filter may have a second thin-film interference multi-layer stack composed of individual thin-film layers arranged in repeat unit blocks may have a different optical transmission spectrum. At least one interlayer between the first thin-film interference multi-layer stack and the second thin-film interference multi-layer stack may block a range of wavelengths of infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light. A defect layer of a different optical thickness than neighboring thin-film layers forming the repeat unit blocks, thereby creating a Fabry Pérot resonance cavity.
A method of making an optical filter film with varying optical properties includes the step of drawing a multilayer polymeric preform into an optical filter and varying at least one environmental condition being a member of the group including of heat, pressure, tension, and a drawing speed, the at least one environmental condition being varied over time or over a distance, or both, and causing a variation in layer thickness within the optical filter. The preform may be drawn through a furnace subjecting the preform to a heating power that varies across a width of the furnace or over time or both across the width and over time. The preform may also be drawn through the furnace while the drawing speed varies across a width of the furnace or over time or both across the width and over time.
A hybrid optical filter includes a plurality of film layers laminated to one another. This renders the filter flexible enough to be bendable and to implement a combination of at least two different wavelength-dependent optical filtering properties in a single hybrid optical filter. Two or more of the optical filtering properties may be caused by interference-based blocking of different ranges of wavelengths of light. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the optical filtering properties may be an absorptive blocking of a first range of wavelengths of light and at least another one of the optical filtering properties is an interference-based blocking of a second range of wavelengths of light. The first range of wavelengths and the second range of wavelengths may overlap to provide for customized ranges of blocked wavelengths.
A device may generate a multi-layer stack of sheets that may be adhered into a slab-shaped preform for thermal drawing. The sheets may include sublayers. Stacking the sub-layered sheets results in accumulation of layers in the final fabricated preform. The stacking process may use mechanical translation and conveyance to support placement of the sheets and fabrication of the stack.
B32B 41/00 - Arrangements for controlling or monitoring lamination processesSafety arrangements
B29C 48/00 - Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired formApparatus therefor
B29C 48/08 - Flat, e.g. panels flexible, e.g. films
B29C 48/25 - Component parts, details or accessoriesAuxiliary operations
B29C 48/305 - Extrusion nozzles or dies having a wide opening, e.g. for forming sheets
B29C 48/49 - Means for plasticising or homogenising the moulding material or forcing it through the nozzle or die using two or more extruders to feed one die or nozzle
A device may generate a multi-layer stack of sheets that may be adhered into a slab- shaped preform for thermal drawing. The sheets may include sublayers. Stacking the sub-layered sheets results in accumulation of layers in the final fabricated preform. The stacking process may use mechanical translation and conveyance to support placement of the sheets and fabrication of the stack.
B29B 11/04 - Making preforms by assembling preformed material
B29C 48/28 - Storing of extruded material, e.g. by winding up or stacking
B29C 48/36 - Means for plasticising or homogenising the moulding material or forcing it through the nozzle or die
B29C 64/194 - Processes of additive manufacturing involving additional operations performed on the added layers, e.g. smoothing, grinding or thickness control during lay-up
B29C 70/30 - Shaping by lay-up, i.e. applying fibres, tape or broadsheet on a mould, former or coreShaping by spray-up, i.e. spraying of fibres on a mould, former or core
B32B 37/15 - Methods or apparatus for laminating, e.g. by curing or by ultrasonic bonding characterised by the properties of the layers with at least one layer being manufactured and immediately laminated before reaching its stable state, e.g. in which a layer is extruded and laminated while in semi-molten state
A thin-film interference filter has a thin-film interference multi-layer stack composed of individual thin-film layers arranged in groups to form a plurality of repeat unit blocks. The thin-film interference filter is flexible enough to be bendable to a radius of curvature of 250 mm or even less without permanently damaging the thin-film interference filter. The thin-film interference filter may have a second thin-film interference multi-layer stack composed of individual thin-film layers arranged in repeat unit blocks may have a different optical transmission spectrum. At least one interlayer between the first thin-film interference multi-layer stack and the second thin-film interference multi-layer stack may block a range of wavelengths of infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light. A defect layer of a different optical thickness than neighboring thin-film layers forming the repeat unit blocks, thereby creating a Fabry Perot resonance cavity.
A method of making an optical filter film with varying optical properties includes the step of drawing a multilayer polymeric preform into an optical filter and varying at least one environmental condition being a member of the group including of heat, pressure, tension, and a drawing speed, the at least one environmental condition being varied over time or over a distance, or both, and causing a variation in layer thickness within the optical filter. The preform may be drawn through a furnace subjecting the preform to a heating power that varies across a width of the furnace or over time or both across the width and over time. The preform may also be drawn through the furnace while the drawing speed varies across a width of the furnace or over time or both across the width and over time.
A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.
B29C 55/22 - Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a dieApparatus therefor of tubes
C03B 37/025 - Manufacture of glass fibres or filaments by drawing or extruding from reheated softened tubes, rods, fibres or filaments
C03B 37/026 - Drawing fibres reinforced with a metal wire
C03B 37/027 - Fibres composed of different sorts of glass, e.g. fibre optics
B29C 55/06 - Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a dieApparatus therefor of plates or sheets uniaxial, e.g. oblique parallel with the direction of feed
An eyewear article for wearing outside of the human eye includes a flexible, transparent interference filter film with a multi-layer structure, wherein the interference filter film includes at least one filter layer with a layer thickness dimensioned to reduce a transmission of light of a selected range of wavelengths by optical interference. The interference filter film may have a static cling surface configured for removable attachment to a lens surface or an attachment layer affixed to the interference filter film for temporary or permanent attachment to a lens surface, for example by adhesion. The interference filter film may alternatively be bonded to an optical lens or form a separate structure for mechanical or magnetic mounting on eyeglasses.
A thin-film interference filter has a thin-film interference multi-layer stack composed of individual thin-film layers arranged in groups to form a plurality of repeat unit blocks. The thin-film interference filter is flexible enough to be bendable to a radius of curvature of 250 mm or even less without permanently damaging the thin-film interference filter. The thin-film interference filter may have a second thin-film interference multi-layer stack composed of individual thin-film layers arranged in repeat unit blocks may have a different optical transmission spectrum. At least one interlayer between the first thin-film interference multi-layer stack and the second thin-film interference multi-layer stack may block a range of wavelengths of infrared, visible, or ultraviolet light. A defect layer of a different optical thickness than neighboring thin-film layers forming the repeat unit blocks, thereby creating a Fabry Pérot resonance cavity.
An optical filter for a display includes a filter film with at least one optical filter layer. The filter layer blocks a band of optical wavelengths and is transparent for optical wavelengths outside the band. The filter film has a thickness within the range of 25 microns through 1 mm. The filter film may include one or more laminate layers that are optically transparent in the wavelengths of the band blocked by the filter layer. The filter film may include one or more layers of liquid crystal polymers in layered contact with one or more transparent electrode layers and one or more layers of polymers in layered contact with the one or more layers of liquid crystal polymers.
G02F 1/1347 - Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
A hybrid optical filter includes a plurality of film layers laminated to one another. This renders the filter flexible enough to be bendable and to implement a combination of at least two different wavelength-dependent optical filtering properties in a single hybrid optical filter. Two or more of the optical filtering properties may be caused by interference- based blocking of different ranges of wavelengths of light. Additionally or alternatively, at least one of the optical filtering properties may be an absorptive blocking of a first range of wavelengths of light and at least another one of the optical filtering properties is an interference-based blocking of a second range of wavelengths of light. The first range of wavelengths and the second range of wavelengths may overlap to provide for customized ranges of blocked wavelengths.
A method of making an optical filter film with varying optical properties includes the step of drawing a multilayer polymeric preform into an optical filter and varying at least one environmental condition being a member of the group including of heat, pressure, tension, and a drawing speed, the at least one environmental condition being varied over time or over a distance, or both, and causing a variation in layer thickness within the optical filter. The preform may be drawn through a furnace subjecting the preform to a heating power that varies across a width of the furnace or over time or both across the width and over time. The preform may also be drawn through the furnace while the drawing speed varies across a width of the furnace or over time or both across the width and over time.
A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.
B21C 9/00 - Cooling, heating or lubricating drawing material
B29C 55/02 - Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a dieApparatus therefor of plates or sheets
B29C 55/06 - Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a dieApparatus therefor of plates or sheets uniaxial, e.g. oblique parallel with the direction of feed
B29D 11/00 - Producing optical elements, e.g. lenses or prisms
C03B 37/026 - Drawing fibres reinforced with a metal wire
C03B 37/027 - Fibres composed of different sorts of glass, e.g. fibre optics
B29C 47/00 - Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor (extrusion blow-moulding B29C 49/04)
B29C 55/22 - Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a dieApparatus therefor of tubes
C03B 37/025 - Manufacture of glass fibres or filaments by drawing or extruding from reheated softened tubes, rods, fibres or filaments
B29K 105/00 - Condition, form or state of moulded material
B29L 11/00 - Optical elements, e.g. lenses, prisms
An eyewear article for wearing outside of the human eye includes a flexible, transparent interference filter film with a multi-layer structure, wherein the interference filter film includes at least one filter layer with a layer thickness dimensioned to reduce a transmission of light of a selected range of wavelengths by optical interference. The interference filter film may have a static cling surface configured for removable attachment to a lens surface or an attachment layer affixed to the interference filter film for temporary or permanent attachment to a lens surface, for example by adhesion. The interference filter film may alternatively be bonded to an optical lens or form a separate structure for mechanical or magnetic mounting on eyeglasses.
G02F 1/1335 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G02F 1/1347 - Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
An optical filter for a display includes a filter film with at least one optical filter layer. The filter layer blocks a band of optical wavelengths and is transparent for optical wavelengths outside the band. The filter film has a thickness within the range of 25 microns through 1 mm. The filter film may include one or more laminate layers that are optically transparent in the wavelengths of the band blocked by the filter layer. The filter film may include one or more layers of liquid crystal polymers in layered contact with one or more transparent electrode layers and one or more layers of polymers in layered contact with the one or more layers of liquid crystal polymers.
G02F 1/1335 - Structural association of cells with optical devices, e.g. polarisers or reflectors
G02F 1/01 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
G02F 1/13 - Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulatingNon-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
G02F 1/133 - Constructional arrangementsOperation of liquid crystal cellsCircuit arrangements
G02F 1/1347 - Arrangement of liquid crystal layers or cells in which the final condition of one light beam is achieved by the addition of the effects of two or more layers or cells
A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.
B21C 9/00 - Cooling, heating or lubricating drawing material
B29C 55/02 - Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a dieApparatus therefor of plates or sheets
B29C 55/06 - Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a dieApparatus therefor of plates or sheets uniaxial, e.g. oblique parallel with the direction of feed
B29D 11/00 - Producing optical elements, e.g. lenses or prisms
C03B 37/026 - Drawing fibres reinforced with a metal wire
C03B 37/027 - Fibres composed of different sorts of glass, e.g. fibre optics
B29L 11/00 - Optical elements, e.g. lenses, prisms
B29K 105/00 - Condition, form or state of moulded material
G02B 6/122 - Basic optical elements, e.g. light-guiding paths
40 - Treatment of materials; recycling, air and water treatment,
Goods & Services
Custom design and manufacture of optical filters and optical materials, namely, edge filters, long wave dichroic pass filters, short wave dichroic pass filters, single band pass filters, multi-band pass filters, single-notch filters, and multi-notch filters
A method of drawing a material into sheet form includes forming a preform comprising at least one material as a large aspect ratio block wherein a first transverse dimension of the preform is much greater than a second transverse dimension substantially perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. A furnace having substantially linearly opposed heating elements one spaced from the other is provided and the heating elements are energized to apply heat to the preform to create a negative thermal gradient from an exterior surface along the first transverse dimension of the preform inward toward a central plane of the preform. The preform is drawn in such a manner that the material substantially maintains its first transverse dimension and deforms across its second transverse dimension.
B29C 47/00 - Extrusion moulding, i.e. expressing the moulding material through a die or nozzle which imparts the desired form; Apparatus therefor (extrusion blow-moulding B29C 49/04)
B29C 55/02 - Shaping by stretching, e.g. drawing through a dieApparatus therefor of plates or sheets
