Abstract: A technique includes pulse width modulating an illuminating beam of a light to establish a pixel intensity and modulating the illuminating beam to create different tonal resolution ranges for the pixel intensity.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an optical modulator on a silicon substrate, comprising: forming a silicon nitride layer on the silicon substrate; forming a first polycrystalline silicon layer (PSL) on the silicon nitride layer; patterning the first PSL; forming a first silicon dioxide layer (SDL) on the first patterned PSL; patterning the first SDL; forming a second PSL on the first patterned SDL; patterning the second PSL; forming a second SDL on the second patterned PSL; patterning the second SDL; forming a third PSL on the second patterned SDL; patterning the third PSL; forming a metal layer on the third patterned PSL; patterning the metal layer; removing the first and second SDLs to effect release of first and second side reflectors; forming an active layer on the metal layer; and patterning the active layer or stack to form a base reflector and associated conductive traces for biasing.

Abstract: An optical modulator is provided which includes: an optical splitting part that splits an input light wave into two light waves; two optical waveguides that propagate the two light waves into which the input light wave is split, respectively; a first SSB modulating part that is provided in one of the two optical waveguides and modulates a light wave, which propagates into the first SSB modulating part, with a carrier frequency so that the light wave is converted into a different light wave having a single side band; a second SSB modulating part that is provided in the other of the two optical waveguides and modulates a light wave, which propagates into the second SSB modulating part, with a data signal in order to generate a signal light wave having a different single side band; and an optical combining part that combines the light wave modulated by the first SSB modulating part with the signal light wave generated by the second SSB modulating part.

Abstract: A liquid crystal element for correcting wave aberration included in an optical disc apparatus, is controlled by a liquid crystal element control unit which has a memory portion that stores information about a variation with time of orientation direction of liquid crystal in the case where a voltage is applied to the liquid crystal, with respect to at least one type of voltage value. The liquid crystal element control unit has a drive voltage deciding portion that obtains time period after a predetermined drive voltage is applied to the liquid crystal element until a reproduced signal obtained by processing an electric signal converted by the light detecting unit becomes optimal, and decides a drive voltage to be applied to the liquid crystal element based on the obtained time period, the information stored in the memory portion, and the predetermined drive voltage.

Abstract: A method for packaging a display device and the device obtained thereof are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises providing a substrate. The method further comprises manufacturing an array of display elements on a back side of the substrate, the array comprising a plurality of posts between the display elements connecting electrodes of the display elements. The method further comprises providing a back plate. The method further comprises sealing the back plate to the back side of the substrate, wherein one or more posts are in contact with the back plate after sealing the back plate to the back side of the substrate.

Abstract: A plurality of optical members (lenses) for use in ultraviolet region are mutually stuck. A fluorine-based organic compound (for example, fluorine-based oil) is provided between them. The periphery of the optical members is sealed with a sealant. As the sealant, an adhesive fluorine resin, for example, a soluble fluorine resin is used.

Abstract: A method of lubricating MEMS devices using fluorosurfactants 42. Micro-machined devices, such as a digital micro-mirror device (DMD™) 940, which make repeated contact between moving parts, require lubrication in order to prevent the onset of stiction (static friction) forces significant enough to cause the parts to stick irreversibly together, causing defects. These robust and non-corrosive fluorosurfactants 42, which consists of a hydrophilic chain 40 attached to a hydrophobic fluorocarbon tail 41, are applied by nebulization and replace the more complex lubricating systems, including highly reactive PFDA lubricants stored in polymer getters, to keep the parts from sticking. This lubrication process, which does not require the use of getters, is easily applied and has been shown to provide long-life, lower-cost, operable MEMS devices.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a variety of methods and techniques for fabricating a carbon nanotube (CNT) signal modulator for reducing, eliminating, or enhancing the resonance interaction between photonic elements, and a photonic transmission device that may incorporate the signal modulator. The CNT signal modulator comprises a gate CNT on a substrate in a position for receiving an input photonic signal and an input modulation signal; and transmitting an output photonic signal that is reduced, eliminated, or enhanced through the selection of the input modulation signal; and an input modulation signal sender for sending the input modulation signal to the gate CNT and creating the modulated output photonic signal from the gate CNT. The photonic transmission device can contain a plurality of CNTs, each having functional antenna forms that are capable of a resonance interaction of photons between adjacent CNTs when formed as an array on a substrate.

Abstract: A holographic data storage system that includes a write head that includes a pixellated spatial light modulator and a separate or integral phase mask that varies the phase depending on the location in the phase mask that light passes through. The phase variation can be changed over time in a random, pseudo-random, or predetermined fashion. The spatial light modulator and phase mask can be implemented in a liquid crystal SLM (nematic, ferroelectric, or other), in a DMD SLM, in a magneto-optical SLM, or in any other suitable manner.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: The present invention provides an optical device comprising a pair of specifically designed plate-like diffractive optical elements successively arranged in parallel to each other.,. Placing the two diffractive optical elements in succession and in parallel to each other in a certain distance, the combination optically corresponds to a single diffractive optical element, and it can perform similar tasks, acting as a lens, an axicon, a phase shifter, or a spiral phase plate. If one of the diffractive optical elements is rotated with respect to the other around a common central axis, the property of the optical device, like the focal length, the refractive power, helical index, or phase shift changes continuously.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention provides a device for modulating light. The device includes a non-imaging concentrating optic having a body with a first end through which light enters the body and a second end through which light leaves the body; and a shutter component which can be selectively aligned with the second end in one of several operative positions wherein in at least one operative position, the shutter component is sufficiently close to the second end of the body to be within the wavelength of an evanescent wave generated at a surface of the body at the second end when total internal reflection occurs at the surface.

Abstract: A reflective light modulator is provided. The reflective light modulator includes: a transparent electrode passing through light from a light source; a driving substrate configured to reflect the light from the transparent electrode; a light-modulating material sandwiched between the transparent electrode and the driving substrate; and a transparent glass substrate. The transparent glass substrate is arranged in contact with the surface of the transparent electrode substrate on the light source side. Furthermore, the transparent glass substrate has a thermal conductivity of 0.003 cal/(cm·sec·K) or more at 20° C.

Abstract: An electro-optic device with a doped semiconductor base and a plurality of pixels on the semiconductor base, each pixel including: a multiple quantum well formed on the semiconductor base, an oppositely doped semiconductor layer on the multiple quantum well, and a top electrode on the semiconductor layer, the top electrode shaped to produce an approximately uniform lateral resistance in the pixel. An embodiment is a large area modulator for modulating retro-reflector systems, which typically use large area surface-normal modulators with large lateral current flow. Uniform resistance to each part of the modulator decreases location dependence of frequency response. A chirped grid electrode balances semiconductor sheet resistance and metal line resistance components of the series resistance.

Abstract: A MEMS device package and a method of manufacturing the same. The MEMS device package includes a device substrate having a surface on which a MEMS active device is formed, and multiple sealing pads arranged around the MEMS active device so that the sealing pads provide electric paths for the MEMS active device. In addition, the MEMS device package may include a cap substrate bonded to the device substrate through the multiple sealing pads, the cap substrate including a trench, within which the MEMS active device is positioned, and via holes. One or more outer electrode pads may be formed on one surface of the cap substrate to be electrically connected with the multiple sealing pads through the via holes. Because there are several bonding and sealing areas between the device substrate and the cap substrate, the sealing intensity is strengthened.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an optical return-to-zero signal. The system includes a bit separator configured to receive an electrical non-return-to-zero signal and generate a first signal and a second signal, and a driver configured to receive the first signal and the second signal and generate a driving signal. The driving signal is associated with a difference between the first signal and the second signal. Additionally, the system includes a light source configured to generate a light, and an electro-optical modulator configured to receive the light and the driving signal, modulate the light with the driving signal, and generate an optical signal. The electrical non-return-to-zero signal includes a first plurality of bits and a second plurality of bits. The first signal includes the first plurality of bits, and the second signal includes the second plurality of bits. The optical signal is an optical return-to-zero signal.

Abstract: A bias-control circuit that provides operating point control for a Mach-Zehnder modulator experiencing optical absorption at their interferometric arms. The bias control circuit generates compensation signals that are used to counter the thermally induced index shifts as a result of absorption. In addition, an operating point with desirable transmitter characteristics can also be arbitrarily chosen by over-compensating or under-compensating thermal effects.

Abstract: The inventions relates to a lithography system in which an electronic image pattern is delivered to a exposure tool for projecting an image to a target surface, said exposure tool comprising a control unit for controlling exposure projections, said control unit at least partly being included in the projection space of the said exposure tool, and being provided with control data by means of light signals, said light signals being coupled in to said control unit by using a free space optical interconnect comprising modulated light beams that are emitted to a light sensitive part of said control unit, wherein the modulated light beams are coupled in to said light sensitive part using a holed mirror for on axis incidence of said light beams on said light sensitive part, the hole or, alternatively, holes of said mirror being provided for passage of said exposure projections.

Abstract: A color tunable light source comprises: a first light emitting diode (LED) arrangement operable to emit light of a first color and a second LED arrangement operable to emit light of a second color, the combined light output comprising the output of the source. One or both LED arrangements comprises a phosphor provided remote to an associated LED operable to generate excitation energy of a selected wavelength range and to irradiate the phosphor such that it emits light of a different color wherein light emitted by the LED arrangement comprises the combined light from the LED and phosphor and control means operable to control the color by controlling the relative light outputs of the two LED arrangements. The color can be controlled by controlling the relative magnitude of the drive currents of the LEDs or by controlling a duty cycle of PWM drive current.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for synthesizing a prescribed three-dimensional electromagnetic field based on generalized phase contrast imaging. Such a method and apparatus may be utilized in advanced optical micro and nano-manipulation, such as by provision of a multiple-beam optical tweezer.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for performing all-optical modulation. A semiconductor layer having a defined thickness has an insulator adjacent one surface of the semiconductor. Conductive layers are provided adjacent the semiconductor layer and the insulator. A photodetector is provided to generate an electric field across the conductive layers in response to an input optical gate signal. An input optical signal is modulated by interaction with a plasmon wave generated at the semiconductor/conductive layer interface. By defining the thickness of the semiconductor layer, a desired wavelength of light supports the plasmon waves. Operation of the all-optical modulator requires the provision of an input optical signal of a desired wavelength and the provision of a gate optical signal. An output optical signal is recovered and can be used to store, display or transmit information, for example over a fiber optic communication system, such as a telecommunication system.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, an anti-stiction coating is formed on at least one surface of an interior cavity of a MEMS device. Particular embodiments provide an anti-stiction on one or mirror surfaces of an interferometric light modulation device, also known as an iMoD in some embodiments. In other embodiments, an interferometric light modulation device is encapsulated within a package and the anti-stiction coating is applied after the package is fabricated. In one embodiment, one or more orifices are defined in the package, e.g., in a seal, a substrate or a backplate and the anti-stiction coating material is supplied into the interior of the package via the orifice(s). In one embodiment, the anti-stiction coating material includes a self-aligned (or self-assembled) monolayer. In yet another embodiment, the anti-stiction layer coating can be incorporated into a release process where a sacrificial layer of an interferometric light modulation device is etched away with the use of a gas.

Abstract: A system for selectively revealing indicia to an observer comprises a transitioning window having a receiving surface and a viewing surface. The receiving surface is positioned in optical communication with an indicia holder that is configured to removably retain indicia, such as information content. During operation, the transitioning window transitions from a substantially opaque state to a substantially transparent state so as to reveal or otherwise display the indicia to an observer via the viewing surface.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems device having support structures formed of sacrificial material surrounded by a protective material. The microelectromechanical systems device includes a substrate having an electrode formed thereon. Another electrode is separated from the first electrode by a cavity and forms a movable layer, which is supported by support structures formed of a sacrificial material.

Abstract: A quantum well modulator configured to absorb or transmit light depending on an applied voltage is provided according to various embodiments. The quantum well modulator may include a substrate, a p-type and n-type semiconductor layers as well as a quantum well layer, each of which are deposited above the substrate. The substrate may be configured to filter light incident thereon, wherein the substrate does not include a reflective surface. The flip-chip quantum well modulator may be configured to substantially absorb light received through the substrate when a first voltage is applied. The flip-chip quantum well modulator may be configured to substantially transmit light received through the substrate when a second voltage is applied.

Abstract: A film-formation method is a method for depositing a liquid containing a film material to form a film in a prescribed film formation area enclosed by a partition wall on a substrate. The film-formation method includes forming the partition wall using at least in part a wettability-variable material in which wettability with respect to the liquid is variable, depositing the liquid in the film formation area, varying the wettability of the wettability-variable material in the partition wall in a state in which the liquid is disposed within the film formation area so that liquid affinity of the wettability-variable material becomes higher than liquid affinity of the wettability-variable material before the liquid is deposited in the film formation area, and forming the film by solidifying the film material in the liquid.

Abstract: A method for forming an optical deflection device includes providing a semiconductor substrate comprising an upper surface region and a plurality of drive devices within one or more portions of the semiconductor substrate. The upper surface region includes one or more patterned structure regions and at least one open region to expose a portion of the upper surface region to form a resulting surface region. The method also includes forming a planarizing material overlying the resulting surface region to fill the at least one open region and cause formation of an upper planarized layer using the fill material. The method further includes forming a thickness of silicon material at a temperature of less than 300 ° C. to maintain a state of the planarizing material.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image projection system implemented with a spatial light modulator (SLM) to modulate an illumination light projected from a light source wherein said SLM comprising a first conductive layer to wire and function as a bit line; a second conductive layer to wire and function as a word line; and a first conductive and second conductive capacitor layers functioning as a capacitor wherein the bit line is wired along a direction crossing the word line and the capacitor is disposed in parallel with the bit line.

Abstract: The need to have a large single crystal of photorefractive material for devices such as optical limiters, optical memory, and beam couplers, is avoided by providing a photorefractive body (42) comprising small photorefractive particles (44) coupled by a couplant (43), for example glass, which is refractive index-matched to the particles. Such a body may comprise a fiber (42), or a bulk body (80). For many uses it will be necessary to align the photorefractive particles in the body and this can be achieved using fluid flows or electrostatically. Methods of making the particles, and of making photorefractive bodies are disclosed. Devices incorporating particle-couplant matrix bodies are disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is the use of a diffusion barrier layer between metallic layers in MEMS devices. The diffusion barrier layer prevents mixing of the two metals, which can alter desired physical characteristics and complicate processing. In one example, the diffusion barrier layer may be used as part of a movable reflective structure in interferometric modulators.

Abstract: A method of illuminating at least two illumination points by means of at least one spatial light modulator, said at least one spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of light modulators, whereby a predefined amount of energy transmitted to said points is at least partly controlled by varying the number of said light modulators illuminating said point.

Abstract: Image display apparatus (10) comprising projector means, a first light source, at least one primary modulator (12) for modulating light from the first light source, a second light source, optical means (14, 18) for combining light from the second light source with the modulated light from the at least one primary modulator (12), and an auxiliary modulator (16) for modulating the combined light from the second light source and the modulated light from the at least one primary modulator (12).

Abstract: A light modulation device module includes a support member, a light modulation device provided on the support member, the light modulation device modulating a plurality of linear light beams in different wavelength bands, a driving unit configured to drive the light modulation device, and a light transmitting member provided on the light modulation device.

Abstract: An optical module is configured with a combination of a single-mode oscillating light source and an optical filter. In this optical module, the single-mode oscillating light source outputs a single-mode, frequency-modulated signal. Further, the optical filter converts the frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation. And, the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter are packaged without active alignment on the same substrate. Accordingly, it is possible to realize an optical module in a simple and low-cost configuration by packaging the single-mode oscillating light source and the optical filter by passive alignment, without active alignment, on the same substrate, and by using a simple optical filter such as a waveguide ring resonator, which converts a frequency modulation to an amplitude modulation.

Abstract: A communications system incorporates a transmitter a receiver. The transmitter includes an infrared light emitting diode (LED). The LED output is positive or negative luminescence, i.e. above or below an equilibrium background intensity level respectively, according to the polarity of its bias signal. The receiver contains a lens to focus light from the LED onto a diode detector, from which signals pass to an amplifier, decoder and printer. Output signals from the LED have an average intensity equal to the equilibrium background intensity level and a frequency greater than 100 Hz or byte rate greater than 100 bytes/sec. They are not discernible by conventional thermal infrared imagers with frame rates of 50 Hz or less because integration in such an imager renders them indistinguishable from background.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for steering optical beams. The devices use arrays and at least one optical element to steer an input beam to a desired location. Additionally, devices and methods are provided for changing the array dimensions of arrays of input beam positions. The devices use arrays and a plurality of optical elements to rearrange an input array.

Abstract: An optical modulator element comprises: a substrate; an obliquely displacing member capable of displacing obliquely, the obliquely displacing member being above the substrate and having at least one opening portion through which a light incident on the substrate from a light source is passed; and an extended portion extended from a surface of the obliquely displacing member to correspond to the opening portion and to block the light incident on the opening portion in answer to a displacement of the obliquely displacing member.

Abstract: Described herein is the use of a diffusion barrier layer between metallic layers in MEMS devices. The diffusion barrier layer prevents mixing of the two metals, which can alter desired physical characteristics and complicate processing. In one example, the diffusion barrier layer may be used as part of a movable reflective structure in interferometric modulators.

Abstract: A three-dimensional hologram image display apparatus displays a three-dimensional hologram image by use of computed interference fringe patterns. The three-dimensional hologram image display apparatus includes a light modulation device which has an electro-optical effect in which a refractive index is varied in accordance with an applied electric field intensity; and an electric field controller configured to record computed interference fringe patterns in the light modulation device by varying an electric field intensity applied to the light modulation device in accordance with the computed interference fringe patterns.

Abstract: A substrate for an electrooptic device comprising a light-transmissive base member, a reflection layer formed on the base member so as to include each reflection portion and a corresponding transmission portion having a transmission factor higher than that of the reflection portion, a light transmission layer formed over the base member so as to coincide with the reflection layer and to include each hollow at a position that coincides with the transmission portion in plane, and an orientation film formed over the base member so as to coincide with the light transmission layer and to define a concavity while entering the corresponding hollow. The thickness “b” of a liquid crystal layer corresponding to the concavity is greater than the thickness “a” of the liquid crystal layer at the other positions thereof.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a one-way transparent optical system by which external light is effectively intercepted and internal light passes nearly without loss is provided. The method includes: forming a silver halide on a transparent substrate; aligning a mask in which a predetermined pattern is formed, on the transparent substrate and exposing the silver halide using the mask; developing and fixing the exposed silver halide and forming a plurality of light-absorbing materials on the transparent substrate; and forming protrusion structures having a shape of a convex lens shape for refracting incident light toward a corresponding light-absorbing material of the light-absorbing materials, on the transparent substrate on which the light-absorbing materials are formed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first member, a second member and a flexure. The flexure has a central portion connected to the first member, outer portions connected to the second member and an intermediate portion spaced from the first member and the second member.

Abstract: Ink having the optimum contact angle relative to a partition wall is selected for forming a pixel, based on the relationship with an inclination angle of the partition wall. The ink applied to the opening of the partition wall is dried to form the pixel such that an outer edge in contact with the partition wall has a thickness of at least 35% of the maximum height of the partition wall and a difference between the maximum thickness and the average thickness and a difference between the minimum thickness and the average thickness are not larger than 35% of the average thickness in an effective pixel area.

Abstract: A multiplanar volumetric three-dimensional display apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a variable lens and an object source. The variable lens is capable of switching its radius of curvature between a number of states, thereby varying its focal power. The object source provides light for the generation of three-dimensional images. Light from the object source is transmitted through the variable lens and focused at an image plane. As the focal power of the variable lens is varied, the location of the image plane is changed. The object source and variable lens are synchronized and refreshed at a sufficient rate such that an observer may perceive light focused at multiple image plane locations simultaneously, thereby creating the appearance of a three-dimensional image. A reflective pointer may be positioned at the image plane locations wherein light from the object source may be reflected by the pointer back through the variable lens and directed to a detector array.

Abstract: An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a device that has an improved usable lifetime due to the presence of a lubricant that reduces the likelihood of stiction occurring between the various moving parts in an electromechanical device. Embodiments of the present invention also generally include a device, and a method of forming a device, that has one or more surfaces or regions that have a volume of lubricant disposed thereon that acts as a ready supply of “fresh” lubricant to prevent stiction occurring between interacting components found within the device. In one aspect, components within the volume of lubricant form a gas or vapor phase that reduces the chances of stiction-related failure in the formed device. In one example, aspects of this invention may be especially useful for fabricating and using micromechanical devices, such as MEMS devices, NEMS devices, or other similar thermal or fluidic devices.

Abstract: The invention is a system and method for performing all-optical modulation. A semiconductor layer having a defined thickness has an insulator adjacent one surface of the semiconductor. Conductive layers are provided adjacent the semiconductor layer and the insulator. A photodetector is provided to generate an electric field across the conductive layers in response to an input optical gate signal. An input optical signal is modulated by interaction with a plasmon wave generated at the semiconductor/conductive layer interface. By defining the thickness of the semiconductor layer, a desired wavelength of light supports the plasmon waves. Operation of the all-optical modulator requires the provision of an input optical signal of a desired wavelength and the provision of a gate optical signal. An output optical signal is recovered and can be used to store, display or transmit information, for example over a fiber optic communication system, such as a telecommunication system.

Abstract: A system and method for generating an optical return-to-zero signal with frequency chirp. The system includes a bit separator configured to receive an electrical non-return-to-zero signal and generate a first input signal and a second input signal. Additionally, the system includes a first driver configured to receive the first input signal and generate a first driving signal. The first driving signal is proportional to the first input signal in signal strength. Moreover, the system includes a second driver configured to receive the second input signal and generate a second driving signal. The second driving signal is proportional to the second input signal in signal strength. Also, the system includes a light source configured to generate a light, and an electro-optical modulator.

Abstract: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Abstract: Disclosed are a cantilever-type near-field probe capable of easily improving an optical throughput and being applied to a head of an optical data storage and a method of manufacturing the same. An oxide film is formed on a silicon substrate having dielectric films formed as a mask layer on upper and lower portions thereof, and a circular dielectric film formed on the upper mask layer and providing a function of a holder. A distal end of the probe has a parabolic structure by use of an effect of a bird's peak provided due to a difference of growth rate of the oxide film produced by the dielectric film, thereby forming the initial probe. After the dielectric film is removed from the initial probe, a bottom surface of the silicon substrate is removed, thereby providing the probe with the near-field aperture having a high throughput.