Lenses
A lens is an optical device with perfect or approximate axial symmetry which transmits and refracts light, converging or diverging the beam. A simple lens consists of a single optical element. A compound lens is an array of simple lenses (elements) with a common axis; the use of multiple elements allows more optical aberrations to be corrected than is possible with a single element. Lenses are typically made of glass or transparent plastic. Elements which refract electromagnetic radiation outside the visual spectrum are also called lenses: for instance, a microwave lens can be made from paraffin wax.
(Wikipedia, Lenses, 12/3/2010)
Recent US Patents
9/7/2010
7,790,055
Wholly aromatic liquid crystal polyester composition and optical pickup lens holder using same
Murouchi and Nakayama of Nippon Oil has developed an aromatic liquid crystal polyester resin composition for injection molding, formed by melt-kneading 100 parts of the liquid crystal resin, and 5 to 20 parts glass fibers. This composition has excellent damping properties, and is suitable for a molding material of an optical pickup lens holder for short type pickups for use in high-speed DVD systems and playback pickups for use in Blu-ray systems. (RDC 11/29/2010)
7,790,071
Ceramic hybrid lens and method for manufacturing the same
Takahashi of Casion Computer, Japan has developed a hybrid lens in which a ceramic lines is formed and coated with a UV curing resin. This is molded with a curable resin and cured. (RDC 11/29/2010)