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Technical Papers

Raytrace assisted analytical formulation of Fresnel lens
transmission efficiency

August 2009
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Optical Design using Fresnel Lenses
December 2007
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Large Area Microstructured Optic Applications
October 2004
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Light Emitting Diode Source Modeling for Optical Design
October 2004
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Microstructured Optics for LED Applications
October, 2002
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Fresnel Lenses in Rear Projection Displays
June 2001
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Microstructured Optical Components for Waveguide-based Luminaires
May 2001
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Microstructured Plastic Optics for Display, Lighting & Telecommunication Applications
April 2001
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Rear Projection Screens for Different Applications
October 2000
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Polymer Fly's Eye Light Integrator Lens Arrays for Digital Projectors
May 2000
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Technical Advances in Microstructured Optics for Display Application
May 1999
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Manufacturing Methods for Large Microstructured Optical Components for Non-Imaging Applications
October 1995
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back to top Raytrace assisted analytical formulation of Fresnel lens transmission efficiency
August 2009
Arthur Davis
Novel Optical Systems Design and Optimization XII, edited by R. John Koshel, G. Groot Gregory, Proc. SPIE Vol. 7429, 74290D, (2009). Copyright 2009 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic reproduction and distribution, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper are prohibited. http://dx.doi.org/10.1117/12.823742

Available Formats: (technical paper) (narrated powerpoint presentation)
For the presentation format (on windows): Unzip the contents to a convenient folder. If you have Microsoft PowerPoint 2003 or later installed, open Raytrace-Fresnel_presentation-standalone.ppt and start the slideshow (F5). Otherwise, just launch the file "play.bat" and the presentation will run by itself. Video contained in the presentation requires an mpeg4 decompresser such as xvid.

Abstract: In consideration of the broad range of possible Fresnel lens applications, it is desirable to find a fast way of approximating optical performance that is not specific to a particular lens geometry. This is potentially useful for gaining deeper insight into a lens system and affording accelerated development times.
Additionally, a Fresnel lens manufactured using a molded polymer process has limitations on how accurately it can replicate a microstructured prismatic pattern. This is especially true at the prismatic peaks of the part where it is more difficult to completely “fill-out” the moldbase. Inclusion of this effect in performance evaluation is important.
Using transmission efficiency (or transmittance) as the metric, a Fresnel lens model which includes imperfect peak replication is sought. The system description will be parameterized so that the formulations are not specific to a particular geometry and can be generally applied. The parameter space will be explored with raytracing and the results compiled for convenient reference.




back to top Optical Design using Fresnel Lenses
December 2007
Arthur Davis & Frank Kühnlenz

Abstract: The fresnel lens can be used in a wide variety of applications. The basic principles of the fresnel lens are reviewed and some practical examples are described. There are definite advantages and tradeoffs that should be considered when deciding if a fresnel lens is the appropriate component to use in a design. Some basic optimization rules are presented which may facilitate a first order design or feasibility study.




back to topLarge Area Microstructured Optic Applications
October 2004
Steve Scott

Abstract: Applications where microstructured optics components are required over large areas are increasing. This paper describes optical microstructures, their applications, and the challenges involved in mastering, replicating, and production of these microstructures over large areas.




back to top Light Emitting Diode Source Modeling for Optical Design
October 2004
Arthur Davis

Abstract: Presentation slides from short course describing the fundamentals of LED source modeling. Topics covered include Photometry, LED Specification, LED Optics, Source Approximation and Fresnel Lenses.




back to topMicrostructured Optics for LED Applications
October 2002
Arthur Davis

Abstract: Optics for use with Light Emitting Diodes are described. Microstructured optics are available and customizable for a wide variety of applications. A few of these will be touched on. A methodology of designing these optics and the photometrics of the typical technology is overviewed.




back to topFresnel Lenses in Rear Projection Displays
June 2001
Arthur Davis, Robert C. Bush, John C. Harvey & Michael F. Foley

Abstract: A plastic Fresnel lens positioned just before the diffusion screen in a projection system can provide significantly superior corner illumination, enhancing overall display luminance uniformity. Fresnel lenses are also used within the light engine to collimate light through the LCD panel and focus light through the projection lens. Disadvantages include the added cost of the lenses, ghosting, printout of the Fresnel rings and moiré patterns. Birefringence is important to control polarization-sensitive applications.

Without reduction of ghosting artifacts, Fresnel lenses will have limited application in text-based RP systems. Ghosting is described in some detail including how it is caused, quantified and reduced. Efforts to reduce cost and birefringence will all be discussed.




back to topMicrostructured Optical Components for Waveguide-based Luminaires
May 2001
Michael F. Foley

Abstract: Precision microstructured optical components made from polymers are the enabling technology in a new generation of office lighting designed to reduce eyestrain for computer users. New products which utilize waveguide technology and precision microprisms are now available which manage light from Luminaires powered by high output T5 lamps. The optical system design can be optimized to control glare in office lighting, while maintaining exceptional photometrics and aesthetics. Design considerations such as efficiency, proportion of uplight versus downlight, and cutoff angles will be discussed and quantified. Manufacturing challenges such as tight tolerances and component and system cost will be detailed. Photometric output (analytical models from TracePro and empirical data from a goniophotometer) will be presented. Reduction to practice and examples drawn from the successful market introduction of the technology will be discussed. Next generation designs, which feature similar performance at a lower price point, will also be revealed. This revolutionary optical technology is changing the way lighting designers approach luminaire design in applications which demand glare control and specified photometrics.




back to topMicrostructured Plastic Optics for Display, Lighting & Telecommunication Applications
April 2001
Michael F. Foley

Abstract: This poster will present recent technological advances in the field of replicated, microstructured plastic optics, and their applications in display optics, lighting, and telecommunications. Microstructured plastic optics are a family of components which incorporate features such as facets, lenticles, prisms, surface relief structures, or microlenses, to achieve some design intent. Multiple features can be incorporated into a single component or system, and hybridization is possible. The poster will discuss products, materials, processes, and applications for microstructured plastic optics. Products described include microlens arrays, gratings, Fresnel lenses, Moth-eye Antireflective Microstructure™, and engineered surface relief diffusive structures. Processes which will be discussed include casting, injection molding, compression molding, embossing, and High Precision Molding (HPM). Tradeoffs between process fidelity, relative cost (recurring and non-recurring), and suitability to task will be assessed. Material considerations such as temperature stability, optical properties, and manufacturability issues will be detailed. Finally, a number of applications for microstructured plastic optics will be described including several display applications (including backlit displays, imaging screens, LCD projectors, camera displays), lighting applications (including LED systems and waveguide based Luminaires) and telecommunications applications (including gratings, microlenses, and multi-function subsystems for SWDM) will be described.




back to topRear Projection Screens for Different Applications
October 2000
Robert C. Bush

Abstract: Fresnel Optics has been awarded a development contract with the United States Display Consortium (USDC) to produce rear projection screens and Fresnel lenses to be used in Rear Projection Monitors. The USDC program is broken into two sections: production of 2 different prototype screens using customer input; and large volume production. Screens up to 32 inch diagonal will be developed as part of the USDC program.

The distinctive requirements of projection monitors demand unique screens that have different technical specifications from screens used in rear-projection televisions. Specifications of the screens being designed include: Viewing Angles, Contrast, Speckle Contrast, Gain, Color Shift, Resolution, Luminance, Uniformity and Display Artifacts. How these specifications interact with the projection engine will be discussed. Fresnel lenses are used in most rear projection systems. The attributes of using a Fresnel lens in this application will also be discussed. Preliminary screen specifications will be presented.




back to topPolymer Fly's Eye Light Integrator Lens Arrays for Digital Projectors
May 2000
Michael F. Foley & James Munro

Abstract: Polymer Fly's Eye light integrators are now available as an alternative to glass. While the appropriate material is highly dependent on the specifics of the applications, plastic integrators offer measurable advantages in certain situations. Key design considerations include weight, performance, cost, birefringence, and temperature resistance. This paper explores each of these design considerations, and presents some guidelines to aid optical engineers in material selection.




back to topTechnical Advances in Microstructured Optics for Display Applications
May 1999
Michael F. Foley

Abstract: This paper will present recent technological advances in the field of replicated, microstructured plastic optics, and their applications in display optics. A number of technology areas will be discussed, including moth-eye Antireflective Microstructure™, High Precision Molding (HPM), high temperature polymers, and one-piece, diffusive imaging screens. Applications discussed will include field lenses, condenser lenses, microlens arrays, and light integrators for LCD Projection systems, specialized optics for microdisplay applications, and imaging screens for photographic and rear projection systems.




back to topManufacturing Methods for Large Microstructured Optical Components for Non-Imaging Applications.
October 1995
John R. Egger

Abstract: Various methods of manufacturing are reviewed for large area (6 inch diameter and greater) microstructured optical components (MOC's) that are used for light management in non-imaging applications. All of the manufacturing methods discussed will relate to the processing of various optical grade polymers. This paper will start with a review of the traditional methods used to make plastic Fresnel lenses over the past forty or more years. The evolution of precision compression molding will be analyzed. Quality / cost trade-offs of the various methods currently used to produce large-area, thin cross-section, microstructured optical components will be discussed. Examples of products made by compression molding, transfer molding, hot stamping, thermal and UV casting and other various processing methods will be discussed. The paper will conclude with a look into the future. Where is non-traditional, non-glass optical component manufacturing technology headed?


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