Abstract: An optical device performs both switching and attenuation of an optical beam, where the beam has an arbitrary combination of s-polarized and p-polarized components. The optical device includes a birefringent displacer, a liquid crystal (LC) beam-polarizing structure having six subpixels organized in a first polarization group and a second polarization group, a half-wave plate positioned for polarization control of the second polarization group, and a polarization separating and rotating assembly. The structure of the LC beam-polarizing structure allows for 1×2 switching and attenuation control with a single control signal. The optical device may be configured for processing multiple input light beams, such as the multiple wavelength channels de-multiplexed from a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) optical signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing performance of a projection system by blocking incident angle light rays without increasing the F-number of the system includes a skew filter having a shaped aperture. The skew filter blocks a substantial portion of the skew light rays while allowing other light rays to pass through the projection system. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or the meaning of the claims.