阅读说明：本技术 传感器阵列光谱仪 (Sensor array spectrometer ) 是由 约翰·A·惠特利 马克·A·勒里希 奥德蕾·A·舍曼 戴尔·R·洛森 吉勒斯·J·伯努瓦 于 2020-03-19 设计创作，主要内容包括：公开了一种光学装置,该光学装置包括：光学传感器；多个感光像素,该多个感光像素设置在该光学传感器上；波长选择性光学滤光器,该波长选择性光学滤光器与这些感光像素光学连通；以及多个空间变化写入区,该多个空间变化写入区设置在该光学滤光器中,这些写入区具有透射光谱,并且这些写入区中的每个写入区大于这些像素中的每个像素。(An optical device is disclosed, the optical device comprising: an optical sensor; a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor; a wavelength selective optical filter in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixels; and a plurality of spatially varying writing regions disposed in the optical filter, the writing regions having a transmission spectrum, and each of the writing regions being larger than each of the pixels.)

1. An optical device, the optical device comprising:

an optical sensor;

a plurality of light-sensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor;

a wavelength-selective optical filter in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixels; and

a plurality of spatially varying writing regions disposed in the optical filter, the writing regions having a transmission spectrum, and each of the writing regions being larger than each of the pixels.

2. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is a flexible optical sensor.

3. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the wavelength-selective optical filter is flexible.

4. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the wavelength-selective optical filter comprises non-writing regions having a transmission spectrum different from the transmission spectrum of the writing regions.

5. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises one or more photosensors.

6. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises one or more organic photosensors.

7. The optical device of claim 1, further comprising: an auxiliary writing region disposed in the optical filter, the auxiliary writing region being different from the writing region, the auxiliary writing region having an auxiliary transmission spectrum different from the transmission spectrum, and the auxiliary writing region being larger than each of the pixels.

8. The optical device of claim 7, wherein a shape of the writing area is different from a shape of the auxiliary writing area.

9. The optical device of claim 7, wherein a size of the writing area is different from a size of the auxiliary writing area.

10. The optical device of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises at least one reference pixel.

11. An optical device, the optical device comprising:

an optical sensor;

a plurality of light-sensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor;

a wavelength-selective optical filter in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixels;

a plurality of spatially varying writing regions disposed in the optical filter, the writing regions having a transmission spectrum, and each of the writing regions being larger than each of the pixels; and

an angle-selective filter in optical communication with the optical sensor and the optical filter.

12. The optical device of claim 11, wherein a range of transmission angles of the angle-selective filter is centered at 0 degrees.

13. The optical device of claim 11, wherein a range of transmission angles of the angle-selective filter is centered at 30 degrees.

14. The optical device of claim 11, wherein a range of transmission angles of the angle-selective filter is centered at 60 degrees.

15. The optical device of claim 11, wherein the angularly selective filter comprises a grating.

16. The optical device of claim 11, further comprising: a second angle-selective filter separate from an original angle-selective filter, wherein when the second angle-selective filter and the original angle-selective filter are arranged in parallel, corresponding arcs defining a range of possible angles centered by the second angle-selective filter and a range of possible angles centered by the original angle-selective filter define a vertical plane.

17. An optical device, the optical device comprising:

an optical sensor;

a plurality of light-sensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor;

a wavelength-selective optical filter in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixels;

a first plurality of spatially varying regions disposed in the optical filter; and

a second plurality of spatially varying regions disposed in the optical filter, the regions of the first plurality of spatially varying regions having a transmission spectrum that is different from a transmission spectrum of the regions of the second plurality of spatially varying regions.

Background

Optical filters are used in a variety of applications including optical communication systems, optical sensors, imaging, scientific optical devices, and display systems. Such optical filters may include optical layers that manage the transmission of incident electromagnetic radiation (including light).

The optical filter may reflect or absorb some portions of the incident light and transmit other portions of the incident light. The layers within an optical filter may also differ in wavelength selectivity, optical transmission, optical clarity, optical haze, and refractive index. Systems involving optical sensors and optical filters may collect specific electromagnetic data based on the properties of the optical filter.

Disclosure of Invention

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides an optical device. The optical device may include an optical sensor, and a plurality of light-sensitive pixels may be disposed on the optical sensor. A wavelength selective optical filter may be in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixels, and a plurality of spatially varying writing regions may be disposed in the optical filter. Each of the writing regions may have a transmission spectrum, and each of the writing regions may be larger than each of the pixels.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides an optical device. The optical device may include an optical sensor, and a plurality of light-sensitive pixels may be disposed on the optical sensor. A wavelength selective optical filter may be in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixels, and a plurality of spatially varying writing regions may be disposed in the optical filter. Each of the writing regions may have a transmission spectrum, and each of the writing regions may be larger than each of the pixels. Further, an angle-selective filter may be in optical communication with the optical sensor and the optical filter.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides an optical device. The optical device may include: an optical sensor; a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor; and a wavelength selective optical filter in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixels. A first plurality of spatially varying regions may be disposed in the optical filter and a second plurality of spatially varying regions may be disposed in the optical filter, the regions of the first plurality of spatially varying regions may have a transmission spectrum that is different from a transmission spectrum of the regions of the second plurality of spatially varying regions.

Drawings

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a reflective film according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 2A-2F are schematic diagrams of optical devices according to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

Fig. 3 is a front elevation view of an optical sensor and included pixels according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 4A is a front elevation view of a first filter, fig. 4B is a front elevation view of a second filter, and fig. 4C is a front elevation view of another implementation of the first filter according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 5A is a front elevation view of a first filter sheet and a second filter sheet adjacent to each other and forming an optical filter, fig. 5B is a top elevation view of a first filter sheet and a second filter sheet adjacent to each other and forming an optical filter, and fig. 5C is a side elevation view of a first filter sheet and a second filter sheet adjacent to each other and forming an optical filter according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 6 is a front elevation view of an exemplary first or second filter including various zone shapes according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram of an optical filter and an optical sensor according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 8 illustrates an optical filter proximate an optical sensor further illustrating relative positions of regions, areas, and pixels according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9A illustrates an angle-selective filter centered at an angle a, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9B illustrates a second angularly selective filter centered at angle B, according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 9C shows a first angle-selective filter and a second angle-selective filter centered at angle a and angle B, respectively, and where arcs defining a range of possible angle a measurements and possible angle B measurements define a vertical plane, according to an example implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 10 and 11 schematically illustrate portions of an angle-selective filter according to an exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

Fig. 12A-12E illustrate exemplary optical thickness variations of optical repeat units in a multilayer stack for obtaining band edge sharpening at ends of desired wavelength bands according to exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

Detailed Description

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and in which is shown by way of illustration various embodiments. The figures are not necessarily to scale. It is to be understood that other embodiments and implementations are contemplated and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the present description. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Multilayer optical films, i.e., films that provide desired transmission and/or reflection characteristics at least in part by the arrangement of microlayers having different refractive indices, are known. It is well known that such multilayer optical films are made by depositing a series of inorganic materials as optically thin layers ("microlayers") on a substrate in a vacuum chamber. Inorganic multilayer Optical films are described in textbooks, for example h.a. macleod, Thin-Film Optical Filters, second edition, mcmillan Publishing company (1986) (h.a. macleod, Thin-Film Optical Filters,2nd ed., Macmillan Publishing Co. (1986)) and a.thelan, Design of Optical Interference Filters, mcgrauhle company (1989) (a.thelan, Design of Optical Interference Filters, McGraw-Hill, Inc. (1989)).

Multilayer optical films have also been shown by coextrusion of alternating polymer layers. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,610,729(Rogers), 4,446,305(Rogers et al), 4,540,623(Im et al), 5,448,404(Schrenk et al), and 5,882,774(Jonza et al). In such polymeric multilayer optical films, the polymeric materials are used primarily or exclusively in the preparation of the various layers. These polymeric multilayer optical films may be referred to as thermoplastic multilayer optical films. Such films are suitable for high-volume manufacturing processes and can be made into large sheets and rolls. In some implementations of the present disclosure, the following description and examples relate to thermoplastic multilayer optical films.

Multilayer optical films include individual microlayers having different refractive index characteristics such that some light is reflected at interfaces between adjacent microlayers. The microlayers are sufficiently thin such that light reflected at the plurality of interfaces undergoes constructive or destructive interference in order to impart desired reflective or transmissive properties to the multilayer optical film. For multilayer optical films designed to reflect ultraviolet, visible, or near-infrared wavelengths of light, the optical thickness (physical thickness multiplied by refractive index) of each microlayer may be less than about 1 μm. The layers may typically be arranged to be thinnest to thickest. In some embodiments, the arrangement of alternating optical layers may vary substantially linearly according to the layer count. These layer profiles may be referred to as linear layer profiles. Thicker layers may also be included, such as skin layers at the outer surface of the multilayer optical film or Protective Boundary Layers (PBLs) disposed within the multilayer optical film to separate coherent groups of microlayers (referred to herein as "packets"). In some cases, the protective boundary layer can be the same material as the alternating layers of the at least one multilayer optical film. In other cases, the protective interface layer may be a different material selected for its physical or rheological properties. The protective boundary layer may be on one or both sides of the optical packet. In the case of a single-packet multilayer optical film, the protective boundary layer can be on one or both outer surfaces of the multilayer optical film.

For purposes of this specification, a grouping may be a monotonically varying thickness of optical repeat units. For example, the packets may be monotonically increasing, monotonically decreasing, increasing, and constant, or decreasing and constant. One or several layers that do not follow this pattern should be understood as being immaterial for the overall definition or identification of a certain group of optically repeating layers as a packet. In some embodiments, it may be helpful to define a grouping as the largest discrete group of consecutive non-redundant layer pairs that collectively provide reflection within a particular subrange of a spectrum of interest (e.g., the visible spectrum).

In some cases, the microlayers have thickness and refractive index values that provide an 1/4 wavelength stack, i.e., the microlayers are arranged into optical repeat units or unit cells, each having two adjacent microlayers of the same optical thickness (f-ratio ═ 5), such optical repeat units can effectively reflect light by constructive interference, the wavelength λ of the reflected light being about twice the total optical thickness of the optical repeat units. Other layer arrangements are also known, such as multilayer optical films having a dual microlayer optical repeat unit with an f-ratio different than 50%, or films where the optical repeat unit includes more than two microlayers. These optical repeat unit designs can be configured to reduce or increase certain higher order reflections. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,360,659(Arends et al) and 5,103,337(Schrenk et al). A thickness gradient of the optical repeat units along a thickness axis (e.g., z-axis) of the film can be used to provide a broadened reflection band, such as a reflection band that extends across the visible region of a human and into the near infrared region, such that the microlayer stack continues to reflect across the visible spectrum as the band shifts to shorter wavelengths at oblique angles of incidence. Sharpening the band edges (i.e., the wavelength transition between high reflection and high transmission) by adjusting the thickness gradient is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,157,490(Wheatley et al). In addition, the multilayer optical film may modify the transmission spectrum of the multilayer optical film using an optical absorber, which may be a pigment or dye, incorporated therein. The optical absorber can be a coating or can be included at any location along the optical path through the multilayer optical film.

As will be discussed below, the present disclosure provides an optical device for analyzing the spectrum of one or more regions. With various components and techniques, the optical device can be optimized to collect measured optical data having a particular absorption spectrum. Non-limiting applications may include multispectral "liveness" detection of fingerprints or other biometrics, healthcare diagnostics including telemedicine modalities, component authentication using spectra as an identifying feature, and many other possible uses.

Fig. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a reflective film. Fig. 1 shows a light ray 130 incident on the reflective film 110 at an incident angle θ, thereby forming an incident plane 132. The reflective film 110 includes a first reflective axis 116 parallel to the x-axis and a second reflective axis 114 parallel to the y-axis. The plane of incidence 132 of the light ray 130 is parallel to the first axis of reflection 116. The light ray 130 has a p-polarized component lying in a plane of incidence 132 and an s-polarized component orthogonal to the plane of incidence 132. The p-polarized light of ray 130 will be provided with R_pp-xThe reflective film of reflectivity reflects (projection of the electric field of the p-polarized light of ray 130 onto the plane of reflective film 110 is parallel to the x-direction) while the s-polarized light of ray 130 is reflected with R_ss-yReflective film of reflectivity (the electric field of the s-polarized light of ray 130 is parallel to the y-direction).

Further, fig. 1 shows a light ray 120 incident on the reflective film in an incident plane 122 parallel to the second reflective axis 114 of the film 110. Light ray 120 has a p-polarization component lying in plane of incidence 122The amount and the s-polarized component orthogonal to the plane of incidence 122. The p-polarized light of ray 120 will be provided with R_pp-yThe reflective film of reflectivity reflects while the s-polarized light of ray 120 is reflected with R_ss-xThe reflective film of the reflectivity reflects. The amount of transmission and reflection of p-polarized light and s-polarized light for any plane of incidence will depend on the properties of the reflective film.

Fig. 2A schematically illustrates an exemplary optical device 150. In some implementations, the optical device 150 includes an optical sensor 154, an optical filter 158, and an angle-selective filter 166. The measurement object 170 and the light source 162 are also shown. In this implementation, light emitted from the light source 162 passes through all elements of the optical device 150, reflects from the measurement object 170, then passes through the optical filter 158 and the angle-selective filter 166, and then reaches the optical sensor 154. In some implementations, the light source 162 can include one or more of: organic light emitting diodes, mini light emitting diodes, micro light emitting diodes, incandescent filaments, light emitting diodes, vertical cavity surface emitting lasers, or the optical sensor 154 itself may emit light.

Fig. 2B illustrates another exemplary optical device 150 showing the optical sensor 154, the optical filter 158, the angle-selective filter 166, the light source 162, and the measurement object 170 in a different configuration than that shown in fig. 2A. In this implementation, light from the light source 162 passes through the measurement object 170 en route to the remaining elements of the optical device 150.

Fig. 2C illustrates another exemplary optical device 150 showing the optical sensor 154, the optical filter 158, the angle-selective filter 166, the light source 162, and the measurement object 170 in a different configuration than that shown in fig. 2A and 2B. In this implementation, the light source 162 is a transmissive light source, whereby at least a portion of the light emitted from the transmissive light source may be reflected from a portion of the measurement object 170, then pass through the transmissive light source and toward the remaining elements of the optical device 150.

Fig. 2D illustrates another exemplary optical device 150 showing the optical sensor 154, optical filter 158, angle-selective filter 166, light source 162, and measurement object 170 in a different configuration than shown in fig. 2A, 2B, or 2C. This implementation does not include a light source, and light from other sources (such as ambient light) reflects from the detectable object before passing through elements of the optical device 150 and reaching the optical sensor 154.

Fig. 2E illustrates another exemplary optical device 150 showing the optical sensor 154, the optical filter 158, the angle-selective filter 166, the light source 162, and the measurement object 170 in a different configuration than shown in fig. 2A, 2B, 2C, or 2D. In this implementation, the light source 162 is a polarized transmissive light source, whereby at least a portion of the light emitted from the polarized transmissive light source may be reflected from a portion of the measurement object 170, then pass through the polarized transmissive light source and through the cross polarizer 171, such that the optical sensor 154 detects only the light reflected from the measurement object 170 or substantially only the light reflected from the measurement object 170.

Fig. 2F shows another exemplary embodiment of an optical device 150. In this implementation, light from the light source 162 passes through the measurement object 170 en route to the remaining elements of the optical device 150, including the second angularly selective filter 167, which will be described in more detail below.

It should be understood that the aforementioned elements of optical device 150 may be disposed in any arrangement, order, or arrangement, that may contact, not contact, be adjacent, be proximate or be joined while still being in optical communication, and still fall within the scope of the disclosed optical device 150. Fig. 2A-2F merely illustrate an exemplary implementation of the optical device 150.

The optical sensor 154 may sense light over a single area or may be divided into a plurality of spotlight sensing picture elements or pixels 178. These pixels 178 can be seen in exemplary FIG. 3. One or more of the pixels 178 may serve as reference pixels 182, as will be described in more detail below. The optical sensor 154 may comprise a charge coupled device, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor, or may employ any other photosensitive sensor technology. Additionally, the optical sensor 154 may include one or more photosensors, organic photosensors, photodiodes, and/or organic photodiodes.

In some implementations, the optical sensor 154 is flexible. Such flexible optical sensors 154 may have the characteristic of being bendable without cracking. Such flexible optical sensors 154 may also be capable of being formed as a roll. In some implementations, the flexible optical sensor 154 can be bent around a core with a radius of curvature of, or at most: 7.6 centimeters (cm) (3 inches), 6.4cm (2.5 inches), 5cm (2 inches), 3.8cm (1.5 inches), 2.5cm (1 inch), 1.9cm (3/4 inches), 1.3cm (1/2 inches), or 0.635cm (1/4 inches).

Fig. 4A shows an exemplary first filter 190, and fig. 4B shows an exemplary second filter 194. The optical filter 158 may include a first filter 190 and/or a second filter 194. First filter 190 and second filter 194 may be formed from one or more optical film groupings, as described above. One or more writing regions 198 may be defined or formed in first filter 190. Writing area 198 may be a physical hole formed in first filter 190 by other processes such as die cutting, laser ablation, heating, and water jet cutting.

Further, as shown in fig. 4C, an exemplary implementation of first filter 190 includes a write region 198 and one or more auxiliary write regions 199. The writing area 198 and the auxiliary writing area 199 may have different sizes, shapes, and/or spatial patterns on the first filter 190. One or more of the auxiliary writing areas 199 may be larger than one or each of the pixels 178. Further, one or more of the auxiliary writing regions 199 generate or define an auxiliary transmission spectrum, which may be the same as or different from the transmission spectrum defined or generated by writing region 198. It should be understood that the write zones 198, 204 may be formed in the same manner as the auxiliary write zone 199.

Writing region 198 may also be formed using spatially tailored optical film processes, such as those described in U.S. patent 9,810,930(Merrill et al), which is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, the laser process can locally break birefringence, thereby changing the optical properties and transmission spectrum of a writing region (such as writing region 198). These written regions may be made completely transparent, or may have a wavelength selective function (or transmission spectrum) different from that of the non-written regions 200 of the first filter 190. One or more writing regions 204 may be defined or formed in second filter sheet 194 by any of the previously described ways of forming writing regions 198 in first filter sheet 190. Further, a non-written area 206 of the second filter 194 is shown in fig. 4B. Thus, the optical filter 158 may be a spatially varying optical filter, a wavelength-selective optical filter, or a spatially varying wavelength-selective optical filter, as will be described in further detail. Writing region 198 may have a different shape and/or size within first filter 190 and writing region 204 may have a different shape and/or size within second filter 194.

Write zones 198 may be arranged in a pattern or repeating pattern such that write zones 198 are set in a predictable manner. Similarly, the writing zones 204 may be arranged in a pattern or repeating pattern such that the writing zones 204 are disposed in a predictable manner. When first filter 190 and second filter 194 are adjacent, in contact, near, or joined to each other, the patterns of writing regions 198 and 204 may be the same, similar, distinct, overlapping, corresponding, partially overlapping, or unrelated. In other words, when first filter 190 and second filter 194 are adjacent, in contact, near, or joined to each other in a particular manner, writing regions 198 and writing regions 204 may overlap, correspond, partially overlap, be unrelated, identical, similar, or dissimilar.

A specific implementation of the optical filter 158 is shown in fig. 5A. In some implementations, the optical filter 158 includes a first filter 190 and a second filter 194, and further the first filter 190 and the second filter 194 may be in contact with, adjacent to, or in close proximity to each other. In some implementations, first filter sheet 190 and second filter sheet 194 are joined or laminated together by one of a variety of known joining techniques (including welding, adhesives, and lamination, among others).

In some implementations, as shown in fig. 5A, 5B, and 5C, the writing regions 198 and 204 partially overlap when the first filter sheet 190 and the second filter sheet 194 are adjacent, in contact, near, or joined to each other in a particular manner to form the optical filter 158. In such an arrangement, light rays incident on the front surface 209 of the optical filter 158 and normal to the front surface or to the entire front surface 209 of the optical filter 158 pass through each of four different regions: a first region 220 in which incident and orthogonal light passes through the non-writing region 200 of the first filter 190 and the non-writing region 206 of the second filter 194; a second region 224 where incident and orthogonal light passes through the writing region 198 in the first filter 190 and through the writing region 204 in the second filter 194; a third region 228 in which incident and orthogonal light passes through the non-writing region 200 of the first filter 190 and passes through the writing region 204 in the second filter 194; and a fourth region 232 in which incident and orthogonal light passes through the non-writing region 206 of the second filter 194 and passes through the writing region 198 of the first filter 190. With this exemplary implementation of the optical filter 158, incident and orthogonal light rays may pass through each of the regions 220,224,228, and 232 to be filtered in four different ways by varying the influence of the first filter 190 and the second filter 194.

In some implementations, writing region 198 disposed in first filter 190 and/or writing region 204 disposed in second filter 194 can include a particular shape. For example, at least some of the writing regions 198 disposed in the first filter 190 and/or at least some of the writing regions 204 disposed in the second filter 194 may include one or more of: circular, square, triangular, elliptical, rectangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, heptagonal, octagonal, organic, partially organic, parallelogram, polygonal, and non-polygonal organic shapes. Examples of these shapes are shown in non-limiting manner in fig. 6. It should be appreciated that one or more of the writing regions 198 in the first filter 190 and the writing regions 204 in the second filter 194 may form one or more of these shapes in any order, arrangement, or permutation. Further, one or more of the writing regions 198 in the first filter 190 and the writing regions 204 in the second filter 194 may be the same shape or may be different shapes.

In some implementations, the writing regions 198 in the first filter 190 and/or the writing regions 204 in the second filter 194 can include a particular size. Further, one or more of the writing regions 198 in the first filter 190 and the writing regions 204 in the second filter 194 may be the same size or may be different sizes. The respective sizes of the writing areas may vary depending on the sensing application, but may be selected to be larger than the size of the pixels 178 used in the optical sensor 154, such that a plurality of pixels 178 are used to collect light to increase the detection power of the spectral region defined by the writing areas. The optical sensor pixels 178 can then be grouped by hardware or software methods to align those pixels 178 with the writing area, resulting in a spectral-spatial mapping of the measurement layer or measurement object. In certain implementations, any one or more of the write zones 198, 204, the auxiliary write zone 199, and/or the areas 220,224,228,232 may be greater than one pixel 178, greater than two pixels 178, greater than five pixels 178, greater than ten pixels 178, greater than one hundred pixels 178, greater than one thousand pixels 178, or greater than any number of pixels 178.

As shown in fig. 7, the optical filter 158 may be in optical communication with the optical sensor 154. In other words, light incident on the optical filter 158 may pass through one or more regions (220,224,228,232) of the optical filter 158 and then reach the optical sensor 154. The optical filter 158 may be adjacent to, in contact with, coupled to, near, or distal to the optical sensor 154 while still being in optical communication with the optical sensor 154. Fig. 7 shows the optical filter 158 and the optical sensor 154, thereby bringing the optical sensor close to or adjacent to the optical sensor 154. Fig. 8 illustrates a possible relationship between the optical filter 158 and the optical sensor 154, where the optical sensor 154 is adjacent to, or in contact with the optical filter 158.

This can be seen in fig. 7 and 8, where in some implementations at least some of the pixels 178 are smaller than the writing region 198 in the first filter 190, the writing region 204 in the second filter 194, the first region 220, the second region 224, the third region 228, and/or the fourth region 232. Further, in some implementations, each of the pixels 178 is smaller than the writing region 198 in the first filter 190, the writing region 204 in the second filter 194, the first region 220, the second region 224, the third region 228, and/or the fourth region 232. Depending on the composition of the optical filter 158, the at least one pixel 178 may be in optical communication with one of the writing region 198, the writing region 204, the first region 220, the second region 224, the third region 228, and the fourth region 232, such that light incident on the optical device 150 and affected by the aforementioned portion of the optical filter 158 is registered to and recorded by the at least one pixel 178. Additionally, as previously described, the presence of other elements (such as the light source 162 or the angle-selective filter 166) does not preclude the optical filter 158 from being in optical communication with the optical sensor 154, even if the optical filter 158 is not adjacent to, in contact with, or in close proximity to the optical sensor 154.

Each portion of the first filter 190, the second filter 194, and the optical filter 158 defines or produces one or more transmission spectra. It should be understood that such one or more transmission spectra define a wavelength range of light that is transmitted, substantially transmitted, 90% transmitted, substantially 90% transmitted, or partially transmitted. Similarly, light having wavelengths outside of one or more transmission spectra is blocked, substantially blocked, or partially blocked. In some implementations, the visible spectrum is defined as 400nm to 700nm, or about 400nm to 700nm, the near infrared spectrum is defined as 700nm to 2000nm, or about 700nm to 2000nm, and the near ultraviolet spectrum is defined as 350nm to 400nm, or about 350nm to 400 nm.

In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of non-writing region 200 of first filter 190 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of non-writing region 200 of first filter 190 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the non-writing region 206 of the second filter 194 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the non-writing region 206 of the second filter 194 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum.

In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the writing region 198 of the first filter 190 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the writing region 198 of the first filter 190 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the auxiliary writing area 199 of the first filter 190 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the auxiliary writing region 199 of the first filter 190 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the writing region 204 of the second filter 194 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the writing region 204 of the second filter 194 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum.

In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the first region 220 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the first region 220 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the second region 224 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the second region 224 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the third region 228 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the third region 228 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the fourth region 232 is or includes the visible spectrum, the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or the near infrared spectrum. In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of the fourth region 232 is or includes about the visible spectrum, about the near ultraviolet spectrum, and/or about the near infrared spectrum.

In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth regions (220,224,228,232) is, is substantially, includes, or includes the same transmission spectrum as one or more of the other of the first, second, third, or fourth regions (220,224,228,232). In some implementations, the transmission spectrum of one or more of the first, second, third, or fourth regions (220,224,228,232) is different, substantially partially different, or partially different from the transmission spectrum of one or more of the other of the first, second, third, or fourth regions (220,224,228,232).

In some implementations, the optical filter 158 (which may be a wavelength selective optical filter) includes: a first plurality of regions or spatially varying regions, which may be one or more of a first region, a second region, a third region, or a fourth region (220,224,228,232); and a second plurality of regions or spatially varying regions, which may be one or more of the first region, the second region, the third region, or the fourth region (220,224,228,232). The first plurality of regions or regions of spatially varying regions may have a transmission spectrum that is different from the transmission spectrum of the second plurality of regions or regions of spatially varying regions.

In some implementations, the optical filter 158 is flexible. Such flexible optical filters 158 may have the characteristic of being bendable without cracking. Such flexible optical filters 158 may also be capable of being formed into a roll. In some implementations, the flexible optical filter 158 can be bent around a core having a radius of curvature of at most: 7.6 centimeters (cm) (3 inches), 6.4cm (2.5 inches), 5cm (2 inches), 3.8cm (1.5 inches), 2.5cm (1 inch), 1.9cm (3/4 inches), 1.3cm (1/2 inches), or 0.635cm (1/4 inches).

Further, the optical sensor 154 may be active within a particular wavelength range. In other words, the optical sensor 154 may absorb and electronically register incident light, optimally absorb and electronically register incident light, or partially absorb and electronically register incident light in the visible, near ultraviolet, and/or near infrared spectra.

As depicted, one or more of the pixels 178 may be or serve as reference pixels 182. The reference pixels 182 may be used to reference one or more wavelengths to a lookup table of known thresholds or values. Such reference pixels 182 may be used to calibrate the optical device 150 and ensure that measurement conditions remain acceptable before, during, and/or after measurements are performed.

In some implementations, the optical device 150 includes an angle-selective filter 166. The angle-selective filter 166 limits the angle at which light is transmitted through the angle-selective filter 166 such that light rays greater than a particular angle of incidence, greater than an approximate angle of incidence, less than the particular angle of incidence, less than the approximate angle of incidence, greater than a first angle of incidence and less than a second angle of incidence, and greater than the approximate first angle of incidence and less than the second approximate angle of incidence are prevented, substantially prevented, or partially prevented from being transmitted through the angle-selective filter 166.

In some implementations, as shown in fig. 9A, the angle-selective filter 166 is centered at a particular angle a, which means that a range of light rays 223 incident on the angle-selective filter 166 are centered at a degrees measured from the angle-selective filter 166. In some implementations, the angle a is equal to 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, or 85 degrees. In some implementations, angle a is equal to approximately 5,10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees.

In some implementations, as shown in fig. 9B, a second angle-selective filter 167 is used in the optical device 150 in addition to the angle-selective filter 166. Second angle-selective filter 167 may be centered at a particular angle B, meaning that a range of light rays 225 incident on second angle-selective filter 167 are centered at B degrees measured from second angle-selective filter 167. In some implementations, the angle B is equal to 5 degrees, 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 20 degrees, 25 degrees, 30 degrees, 35 degrees, 40 degrees, 45 degrees, 50 degrees, 55 degrees, 60 degrees, 65 degrees, 70 degrees, 75 degrees, 80 degrees, or 85 degrees. In some implementations, the angle B is equal to approximately 5,10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, or 85 degrees.

Further, when angular selectivity filter 166 and second angular selectivity filter 167 are in contact, proximity, or linkage in a parallel and/or plane-parallel manner, angular selectivity filter 166 and second angular selectivity filter 167 may be disposed such that arcs defining a range of possible angle a measurements and possible angle B measurements define a vertical plane, as shown in fig. 9C. In some implementations, any other angle may be formed between the planes defined by the arcs defining the range of possible angle a measurements and the arcs defining the range of possible angle B measurements.

Referring to fig. 10, a cross-sectional view of an exemplary angle-selective filter 166 or Light Control Film (LCF)166 is shown. The angularly selective filter 166 includes a light output surface 300 and an opposing light input surface 304. The light output surface 300 may be parallel to the light input surface 304. The angularly selective filter 166 includes alternating transmissive regions 308 and absorptive regions 312 disposed between the light output surface 300 and the light input surface 304.

In some embodiments, as shown in fig. 10, the transmissive region 308 is generally integral with the base region "L," meaning that there is no interface between the base region and the base portion 316 of the transmissive region 308. Alternatively, the angle-selective filter may be free of such a base region L, or there may be an interface between the base region L and the transmissive region 308. In some embodiments, the land regions are disposed between the alternating transmissive regions 308 and absorptive regions 312 and the light input surface 304.

In some embodiments, surface 300 is a light input surface, and surface 304 may be a light output surface. In such embodiments, the land regions are disposed between the alternating transmissive regions 308 and absorptive regions 312 and the light output surface.

The transmissive region 308 may have a width "W_T"define. The transmissive region 308 generally has nominally the same height as the absorptive region 312, except for the base region "L". In typical embodiments, the height H of the absorption zone_AAt least 30 microns, 40 microns, 50 microns, 60 microns, 70 microns, 80 microns, 90 microns, or 100 microns. In some embodiments, the height is no greater than 200 microns,190 microns, 180 microns, 170 microns, 160 microns, or 150 microns. In some embodiments, the height is no greater than 140 microns, 130 microns, 120 microns, 110 microns, or 100 microns. The angle-selective filter typically includes a plurality of transmissive regions having nominally the same height and width. In some embodiments, the transmissive region has a height "H_T", the maximum width at the widest part thereof" W_T"and an aspect ratio H of at least 1.75_T/W_T. In some embodiments, H_T/W_TIs at least 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5 or 5.0. In other embodiments, the transmissive region has an aspect ratio of at least 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In other embodiments, the transmissive region has an aspect ratio of at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50.

The absorption zone 312 has a height "H" defined by the distance between the bottom surface 320 and the top surface 324_A", such top and bottom surfaces are generally parallel to the light output surface 300 and the light input surface 304. The absorption zone 312 has a maximum width W_AAnd spaced apart by a pitch "P" along the light output surface 300_A”。

The width W of the absorption region at the base (i.e., adjacent to the bottom surface 320)_ATypically nominally the same as the width of the absorbing zone adjacent the top surface 324. However, when the width of the absorbent region at the base is different from the width adjacent to the top surface, the width is defined by the maximum width. The maximum widths of the multiple absorbing regions may be averaged for a region of interest, such as a region where transmittance (e.g., brightness) is measured. The angle-selective filter typically includes a plurality of absorbing regions having nominally the same height and width. In typical embodiments, the absorbent region generally has a width of no greater than 10 microns, 9 microns, 8 microns, 7 microns, 6 microns, 5 microns, 4 microns, 3 microns, 2 microns, or 1 micron. In some embodiments, the absorbing region typically has a width of no greater than 900 nanometers, 800 nanometers, 700 nanometers, 600 nanometers, or 500 nanometers. In some embodiments, the absorbing region has a width of at least 50 nanometers, 60 nanometers, 70 nanometers, 80 nanometers, 90 nanometers, or 100 nanometers.

The absorption area may be limited by the aspect ratioConstant, i.e. the height of the absorbing zone divided by the maximum width (H) of the absorbing zone_A/W_A). In some embodiments, the absorbent region has an aspect ratio of at least 1, 2, 3, 4,5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10. In some embodiments, the height and width of the one or more absorbing regions are selected such that the one or more absorbing regions have an even higher aspect ratio. In some embodiments, the absorbent region has an aspect ratio of at least 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60,65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100. In other embodiments, the absorbent region has an aspect ratio of at least 200, 300, 400, or 500. The aspect ratio may range up to 10,000 or more. In some embodiments, the aspect ratio is no greater than 9,000, 8,000, 7,000, 6,000, 5,000, 4,000, 3000, 2,000, or 1,000.

As shown in fig. 11, the angle-selective filter 166 includes alternating transmissive regions 308 and absorptive regions 312, and an interface 330 between the transmissive regions 308 and the absorptive regions 312. The interface 330 forms a wall angle θ with a line 334 perpendicular to the light output surface 300.

Larger wall angles θ reduce the transmission at normal incidence or at 0 degrees viewing angles. A smaller wall angle is preferred so that the transmission at normal incidence can be as large as possible. In some embodiments, the wall angle θ is less than 10 degrees, 9 degrees, 8 degrees, 7 degrees, 6 degrees, or 5 degrees. In some embodiments, the wall angle is no greater than 2.5 degrees, 2.0 degrees, 1.5 degrees, 1.0 degrees, 0.5 degrees, or 0.1 degrees. In some embodiments, the wall angle is zero or near zero. When the wall angle is zero, the angle between the absorption region and the light output surface 300 is 90 degrees. The transmissive region may have a rectangular or trapezoidal cross section according to the wall angle.

When the incident light undergoes Total Internal Reflection (TIR) from the interface between the absorbing and transmitting regions, the transmittance (e.g., brightness) may increase. From the angle of incidence of the light ray with the interface and the difference in refractive indices of the materials of the transmissive and absorptive regions, it can be determined whether the light ray will undergo TIR.

As shown in FIG. 11, the transmissive regions 308 between the absorbing regions 312 have an interface angle θ defined by the geometry of the alternating transmissive regions 308 and absorbing regions_I. Polar cut-off viewing angleθ P may be equal to the sum of the polar cut-off half viewing angle θ 1 and the polar cut-off half viewing angle θ 2, each measured from the normal to the light input surface 304. In typical embodiments, the polar cut-off viewing angle θ P is symmetrical, and the polar cut-off half viewing angle θ 1 is equal to the polar half viewing angle θ 2. Alternatively, the polar cut-off viewing angle θ P may be asymmetric, and the polar cut-off half viewing angle θ 1 is not equal to the polar cut-off half viewing angle θ 2.

The alternating transmissive and absorptive regions or total angle-selective filter may exhibit increased relative transmission (e.g., brightness) at a viewing angle of 0 degrees. In some embodiments, the relative transmittance (e.g., brightness) is at least 75%, 80%, 85%, or 90%. The relative transmission (e.g., brightness) is typically less than 100%. In typical embodiments, the angle-selective filter has significantly lower transmission at other viewing angles. For example, in some embodiments, the relative transmission (e.g., brightness) at a viewing angle of-30 degrees, +30 degrees, or an average of-30 degrees and +30 degrees is less than 50%, 45%, 40%, 35%, 30%, or 25%. In other embodiments, the relative transmission (e.g., brightness) at 30 degrees, +30 degrees, or an average of-30 degrees and +30 degrees is less than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10%, or 5%. In some embodiments, the relative transmission (e.g., brightness) at viewing angles of +/-35 degrees, +/-40 degrees, +/-45 degrees, +/-50 degrees, +/-55 degrees, +/-60 degrees, +/-65 degrees, +/-70 degrees, +/-75 degrees or +/-80 degrees is less than 25%, 20%, 15%, 10% or 5%, or less than 5%. In some embodiments, the average relative transmission (e.g., luminance) for viewing angles in the range of +35 degrees to +80 degrees, -35 degrees to-80 degrees, or the average of these ranges is less than 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, or 2%.

In some implementations, the absorbing zone 312 can be formed by coating a surface of the microstructured film. Further, in some implementations, the angle-selective filter 166 and/or the second angle-selective filter 167 may include refractive structures. The angle selective filter 166 may improve wavelength resolution during gradual transitions typical of absorption solutions.

In some implementations, the optical device 150, the optical filter 158, and/or the angle-selective filter 166 define, produce, or include a spectrally sharp transition. The sharp transition in spectrum provides a more abrupt change in the percentage of light that is blocked or reflected to reduce or eliminate light reflection or transmission outside the desired wavelength range as compared to common reflective films having moderately sloped band edges that can cause reflection or transmission outside the desired wavelength range. In some implementations, this sharp transition in the spectrum occurs at less than or less than about 75nm, 50nm, 40nm, 30nm, 20nm, or 10 nm. In some implementations, the sharp transition of the spectrum includes or includes a change in transmittance of about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99%. In some implementations, the sharp spectral transition occurs at less than or less than about 75nm, 50nm, 40nm, 30nm, 20nm, or 10nm and includes or includes a change in transmittance of about 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 99%.

FIGS. 12A-12E illustrate a multilayer stack M₁And M₂Optical repeating unit R in (1)₁And R₂For obtaining band edge sharpening at the end of a desired reflection band or transmission band.

To obtain band edge sharpening according to the present disclosure at a first edge of a reflection band, multilayer stack M1 having optical repeat unit R1 is combined with multilayer stack M2 having optical repeat unit R2. The two multilayer stacks are designed to have a first order reflection band in the desired wavelength region. Films or other optical bodies having a first order reflection band in a particular region of the spectrum can be prepared by: selecting a polymer material having an appropriate refractive index, and manipulating the physical thickness of each of the individual polymer layers of the optical repeat unit such that the optical thickness of the optical repeat unit occurs at a desired wavelength. By varying the optical thickness of the optical repeat units in the multilayer film, a desired reflection in a particular range of the spectrum can be obtained. The optical thicknesses of optical repeat units R1 of multilayer stack M1 can be varied monotonically such that a desired reflection band is obtained. However, several multilayer stacks comprising different optical repeat units can also be used to handle the desired reflection band.

The optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1 can increase monotonically along the thickness of multilayer stack M1. Multilayer stack M2 can include optical repeat unit R2 with a substantially constant optical thickness, or the optical thickness of optical repeat unit R2 can decrease monotonically along the thickness of multilayer stack M2. If the optical thickness of optical repeat unit R2 is substantially constant, then its optical thickness should be approximately equal to the minimum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1 along the thickness of multilayer stack M1. The optical thickness of optical repeat unit R2 can be substantially equal to the minimum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1.

Fig. 12A shows an exemplary graph of optical thickness versus optical repeat unit number for optical repeat units R1 and R2 in a reflective film made in conjunction with the present disclosure. In fig. 12A, multilayer stack M1 includes optical repeat unit R1 with increased optical thickness, and multilayer stack M2 includes optical repeat unit R2 with substantially constant optical thickness. A reflective film designed according to fig. 12A will have a sharpened band edge on the blue or smaller wavelength side of the reflection band.

Fig. 12B illustrates another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure that also results in sharpening of the reflection band on the blue side or the smaller wavelength side. As shown in fig. 12B, multilayer stack M2 in this embodiment includes optical repeat units R2 that monotonically decrease in optical thickness along the thickness of multilayer stack M2. In this embodiment, the minimum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R2 is such that it is substantially equal to the minimum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1 along multilayer stack M1.

To obtain band edge sharpening according to the present disclosure at the red or longer wavelength end of the reflection band, multilayer stack M1 with optical repeat unit R1 is combined with multilayer stack M2 with optical repeat unit R2. Both multilayer films are designed to have first order reflection in the desired portion of the spectrum.

The optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1 preferably increases monotonically along the thickness of multilayer stack M1. Multilayer stack M2 can include optical repeat unit R2 with a substantially constant optical thickness, although the optical thickness of optical repeat unit R2 can monotonically decrease along the thickness of multilayer stack M2. If the optical thickness of optical repeat unit R2 is substantially constant, then its optical thickness should be equal to the maximum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1 along the thickness of multilayer stack M1. Preferably, the optical thickness of optical repeat unit R2 is substantially equal to the maximum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1.

Fig. 12C shows an exemplary graph of optical thickness versus optical repeat unit number for optical repeat units R1 and R2 in a reflective film body incorporating the present disclosure. In fig. 12C, multilayer stack M1 includes optical repeat unit R1 with increased optical thickness and multilayer stack M2 includes optical repeat unit R2 with substantially constant optical thickness. A reflective film body designed according to fig. 12C will exhibit a sharpened band edge at the red or larger wavelength end of the desired portion of the spectrum.

Fig. 12D illustrates another embodiment of the present disclosure that also results in sharpening of the reflection band on the red side or the larger wavelength side. As shown in fig. 12D, multilayer stack M2 now includes optical repeat unit R2, which has a monotonically decreasing optical thickness along the thickness of multilayer stack M2. In this embodiment, the maximum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R2 is such that it is substantially equal to the maximum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1 along multilayer stack M1.

To obtain band edge sharpening at both ends of the reflection band, the three multilayer stacks M1, M2, and M3 may be combined as in the embodiment shown in fig. 12E. Here, multilayer stack M1 includes optical repeat units R1 that monotonically increase along the thickness of multilayer stack M1. At the end of the stack (where R1 has the minimum optical thickness), multilayer stack M1 is combined with multilayer stack M2, which includes optical repeat units R2 having a constant optical thickness. The optical thickness of R2 is substantially equal (as shown in fig. 12E) or less than the minimum optical thickness of optical repeat unit R1. As already described above for obtaining band edge sharpening at the blue edge of the reflection band, optical repeat unit R2 may also monotonically decrease along the thickness of multilayer stack M2.

In some implementations, the optical filter 158 is birefringent, meaning that the refractive indices of light traveling along at least two of the three major and perpendicular directions (x-axis, y-axis, and z-axis) of the optical filter 158 are not equal. Furthermore, in some implementations, the indices of refraction of light traveling along the three major and perpendicular directions (x, y, and z axes) may not be equal.

In some implementations, the optical device 150 includes a polarizer. Such polarizers may be circular polarizers, linear polarizers, reflective polarizers, or any other type of polarizer generally known to those skilled in the art. Polarizers allow light of certain polarizations to pass through while blocking other light. In some implementations, the optical device 150 includes a retarder. Retarders are used to change the polarization state of light passing therethrough. By the polarizing properties of the polarizers and the polarization changing properties of the retarders, and the small size of the pixels 178 relative to the writing regions 198, 204 and the regions 220,224,228,232, the optical data sensed by the optical sensor 154 can be refined, thereby increasing the signal-to-noise ratio of the optical device and/or achieving a particular polarization to best suit the absorption properties of the optical sensor 154.

Further, the optical device may include a plurality of polarizers. In some implementations, the light source can include a polarizer. In some implementations, the optical device can include a second polarizer. In some implementations, the light source includes a polarizer and the optical device 150 includes another polarizer. In some implementations, the light source includes a polarizer and/or the optical device 150 includes a polarizer that is wavelength selective.

In some implementations, the light source includes a polarizer and/or the optical device 150 includes a polarizer that is a linear polarizer. In some implementations, the light source includes a polarizer and/or the optical device 150 includes a polarizer that is a circular polarizer. In some implementations, the polarizers included with the light source and the polarizers included with the optical arrangement 150 are linear polarizers, and each of the polarizers are arranged in parallel, or the polarization axes of the polarizers are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel. In some implementations, the polarizers included with the light source and the polarizers included with the optical arrangement 150 are linear polarizers, and each of the polarizers are arranged orthogonal to each other, or the polarization axes of the polarizers are arranged orthogonal to each other or substantially orthogonal to each other.

In some implementations, the polarizers included with the light source and the polarizers included with the optical arrangement 150 are circular polarizers, and each of the polarizers are arranged in parallel, or the polarization axes of the polarizers are arranged in parallel or substantially parallel. In some implementations, the polarizers included with the light source and the polarizers included with the optical arrangement 150 are circular polarizers, and each of the polarizers are arranged orthogonal to each other, or the polarization axes of the polarizers are arranged orthogonal to each other or substantially orthogonal to each other.

An optical device, comprising: an optical sensor; a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor; a wavelength selective optical filter in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixel; and a plurality of spatially varying writing regions disposed in the optical filter, the writing regions having a transmission spectrum, and each of the writing regions being larger than each of the pixels.

The optical device of item 1, wherein the optical sensor is a flexible optical sensor.

Item 3. the optical device of item 1, wherein the wavelength selective optical filter is flexible.

Item 4. the optical device of item 1, wherein the wavelength selective optical filter comprises non-written regions having a transmission spectrum different from the transmission spectrum of the written regions.

The optical device of item 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises one or more photosensors.

The optical device of item 1, wherein the optical sensor comprises one or more organic photosensors.

The optical device of item 7. the optical device of item 1, further comprising: an auxiliary writing area provided in the optical filter, the auxiliary writing area being different from the writing area, the auxiliary writing area having an auxiliary transmission spectrum different from the transmission spectrum, and the auxiliary writing area being larger than each of the pixels.

Item 8 the optical device of item 7, wherein the shape of the writing area is different from the shape of the auxiliary writing area.

Item 9 the optical device of item 7, wherein the size of the writing area is different from the size of the auxiliary writing area.

The optical device of item 1, item 10, wherein the optical sensor comprises at least one reference pixel.

An optical device, comprising: an optical sensor; a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor; a wavelength selective optical filter in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixel; a plurality of spatially varying writing regions disposed in the optical filter, the writing regions having a transmission spectrum, and each of the writing regions being larger than each of the pixels; and an angle-selective filter in optical communication with the optical sensor and the optical filter.

The optical device of item 12. the optical device of item 11, wherein the range of transmission angles of the angle-selective filter is centered at 0 degrees.

The optical device of item 13, wherein the range of transmission angles of the angle-selective filter is centered at 30 degrees.

The optical device of item 14, wherein the range of transmission angles of the angle-selective filter is centered at 60 degrees.

The optical device of item 15, wherein the angularly selective filter comprises a grating.

The optical device of item 11, further comprising: a second angle-selective filter separate from the original angle-selective filter, wherein when the second angle-selective filter and the original angle-selective filter are arranged in parallel, corresponding arcs defining a range of possible angles centered by the second angle-selective filter and a range of possible angles centered by the original angle-selective filter define a vertical plane.

An optical device, comprising: an optical sensor; a plurality of photosensitive pixels disposed on the optical sensor; a wavelength selective optical filter in optical communication with the light-sensitive pixel; a first plurality of spatially varying regions disposed in the optical filter; and a second plurality of spatially varying regions disposed in the optical filter, the regions of the first plurality of spatially varying regions having a transmission spectrum that is different from a transmission spectrum of the regions of the second plurality of spatially varying regions.

The present disclosure should not be considered limited to the particular examples and embodiments described above, as such embodiments are described in detail to facilitate explanation of various aspects of the present disclosure. On the contrary, the disclosure is to be construed as covering all aspects of the disclosure, including various modifications, equivalent methods, and alternative arrangements falling within the scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Terms such as "about" will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art in the context of the use and description herein. If the use of "about" in the context of the use and description herein is unclear to those of ordinary skill in the art as applied to quantities expressing feature sizes, quantities, and physical characteristics, then "about" will be understood to mean within 10% of the specified value. An amount given as about a specified value may be exactly the specified value. For example, if it is not clear to a person of ordinary skill in the art in the context of the use and description in this specification, an amount having a value of about 1 means that the amount has a value between 0.9 and 1.1, and the value can be 1.

All cited references, patents, and patent applications cited above are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety in a consistent manner. In the event of inconsistencies or contradictions between the incorporated reference parts and the present application, the information in the preceding description shall prevail.

Unless otherwise indicated, descriptions with respect to elements in the figures should be understood to apply equally to corresponding elements in other figures. Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that a variety of alternate and/or equivalent implementations may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Accordingly, the disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.