Opto-optical Device Patents (Class 359/244)
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Patent number: 7495815Abstract: An electro-optical modulator device and method are provided. The device comprises a light modulator unit having a first Cathode for exposing to input light; and an electric field source configured to create an electric field affecting a change in the refractive index of the first Cathode, thereby effecting a change in the propagation of light reflected from or transmitted through the first Cathode, said light from the first Cathode enabling to affect the operation of an external light sensitive electronic device.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2006Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Nova Trans Group S.A.Inventors: Ron Naaman, Erez Halahmi, Gilad Diamant, Dmitry Shvarts, Leeor Kronik, Nili Kloner-Gendel
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Patent number: 7453620Abstract: To provide a spatial optical modulation element having a long life free from a deterioration of optical modulation characteristics even if a high power laser beam with an ultra-short pulse is used as a modulation drive light. A spatial optical modulation element 1 wherein disposed between a prism 2 and an optical functional material layer 3 made of an optical functional material with the refractive index changeable by light irradiation, is a low refractive index layer 4 made of a transparent material with a refractive index lower than the refractive index of the dielectric. A spatial optical modulation method characterized in that using such a spatial optical modulation element 1, at the interface between the prism and the low refractive index layer, reflection of a to-be-modulated light 5 entering through the prism, is controlled by a modulation drive light 6.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Toshihiko Nagamura, Ikuo Matsukura
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Publication number: 20080266640Abstract: A structure includes a film having a plurality of nanoapertures and a semiconductor layer in connection with the film. The nanoapertures are configured to allow the transmission of a predetermined subwavelength of light through the film via the plurality of nanoapertures. The semiconductor layer facilitates the modulation of the predetermined subwavelength of light transmitted through the film.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2007Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: Shih-Yuan Wang, Alexandre M. Bratkovski
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Patent number: 7426322Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Inventor: Roderick A. Hyde
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Patent number: 7406217Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Inventor: Roderick A. Hyde
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Patent number: 7405855Abstract: A tunable optical filter comprising an index grating produced in a waveguide defining a longitudinal direction of propagation of an incident optical signal, said grating being defined by a plurality of optical parameters, is characterized in that the optical guide contains semiconductor nanoparticles and in that the index grating is made up of a refractive index variation in the guide that is at least partly induced by a Kerr effect linked to the 3rd order dielectric susceptibility (?3) of said nanoparticles, at least one of said parameters of said index grating being modified by application of an optical control signal coupled into the guide and propagating longitudinally in said guide.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: ALCATELInventors: Isabelle Riant, Christian Belouet
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Patent number: 7383062Abstract: A wireless PC card includes a housing portion including a width and a lens extending substantially the width of the housing portion; a light pipe housed by the housing portion; a substantially flat plug portion extending from the housing portion and configured to be received by a socket of a portable computer for communicating the PC card with the portable computer; an antenna for sending and receiving a wireless signal connected to the housing portion; and a circuit board including an illumination device and electronics to cause the illumination device to emit flashing illumination, causing the lens to emit flashing illumination via the light pipe while the PC card searches for a wireless signal and emit steady state illumination, causing the lens to emit steady state illumination via the light pipe while the PC card maintains a sufficient wireless signal connection.Type: GrantFiled: March 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Assignee: Kyocera Wireless Corp.Inventor: Peter On
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Patent number: 7359585Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2006Date of Patent: April 15, 2008Inventor: Roderick A. Hyde
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Patent number: 7301686Abstract: An optical signal optical path switching method comprising steps of using a thermal lens based on a distribution of refractive index produced reversibly caused by temperature increase generated in an area of the light-absorbing layer film of thermal lens forming devices 1, 2 and 3, that has absorbed control light beams 121, 122 and 123, and in the periphery thereof, causing the converged signal light beam to exit from the thermal lens forming device with an ordinary divergence angle when the control light beams 121, 122 and 123 have not been irradiated and no thermal lens has been formed, and causing the converged signal light beam to exit from the thermal lens forming device with a divergence angle larger than the ordinary divergence angle when the control light beams have been irradiated and a thermal lens has been formed, and causing the signal light beam to travel straight through holes 61, 62 and 63 of mirrors provided with the holes for the signal light beam to pass through when the control light beamsType: GrantFiled: February 17, 2005Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignees: Dainichiseika Color & Chemicals Mfg. Co., Ltd., National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Norio Tanaka, Ichiro Ueno, Takashi Hiraga, Nobutaka Tanigaki, Toshiko Mizokuro, Noritaka Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Mochizuki
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Patent number: 7295723Abstract: Plasmons on a waveguide may deliver energy to photocatalyze a reaction. The waveguide or other energy carrier may be configured to carry electromagnetic energy and generate plasmon energy at one or more locations proximate to the waveguide, where the plasmon energy may react chemically with a medium or interaction material.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 2005Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Inventor: Roderick A. Hyde
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Patent number: 7283287Abstract: The invention is to provide a light scanning unit designed to suppress the quantity of torsion of a light beam caused by an inclination angle of a cylindrical lens disposed between a light source and an optical deflecting element so as to suppress increase in diameter of the beam imaged on a to-be-scanned surface. The object is achieved by the light scanning unit in which a collimator lens, an aperture, a cylindrical lens, a spherical lens, a rotary polygon mirror, an F? lens and a to-be-scanned surface are disposed in an optical path between the light source and the optical deflecting element in order of increasing distance from the light source. The light scanning unit is designed to satisfy an expression of Mt?D/? when ? designates a diameter of the aperture, D designates a diffraction diameter of each beam focused on the to-be-scanned surface and scanning the to-be-scanned surface, ? designates a rotation angle with a generatrix of the cylindrical lens, and Mt designates a conjugate magnification.Type: GrantFiled: February 22, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2007Assignee: Ricoh Printing Systems, Ltd.Inventor: Takeshi Mochizuki
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Patent number: 7265893Abstract: A method of controlling the switching of an optically addressable spatial light modulator (OASLM), to a first surface of which a write light signal is applied and to a second surface of which a read light signal is applied. The method comprises applying a bipolar switching waveform to control electrodes of the (OASLM) during each write cycle such that the leading pulse of the waveform applies a voltage across the (OASLM) which is in the photosensitive direction and the trailing pulse applies a voltage which is not in the photosensitive direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 2003Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Qinetiq LimitedInventors: Jonathan Rennie Hughes, Stuart David Coomber, Carl Vernon Brown, Alexander John Topping
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Patent number: 7259902Abstract: A reflective photochromic element having a diffuse reflective surface is provided. A diffuse reflection type photochromic element has a transparent thin film having surface irregularities formed on a transparent base and a reflective photochromic thin film layer having surface irregularities formed on that transparent thin film. A diffuse reflection type photochromic glass material includes the aforementioned diffuse reflection type photochromic element as a constituent unit. A method for manufacturing a diffuse reflection type photochromic unit includes the steps of forming a transparent thin film having surface irregularities integrally or separately on a transparent base and forming a reflective photochromic thin film layer having surface irregularities on that transparent thin film.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 21, 2007Assignee: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyInventors: Kazuki Yoshimura, Masahisa Okada
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Patent number: 7242507Abstract: An electromagnetic wave absorptive film for absorbing electromagnetic waves by means of destructive interference is disclosed to include a compound layer, which has single-layer and/or double-layer wave-absorbing and/or wave reflecting grains embedded therein and a thickness equal to ¼n times of the wavelength of the electromagnetic wave to be absorbed, and a reflective layer, which is covered on one side of the compound layer and has a refractive index greater than the compound layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2005Date of Patent: July 10, 2007Inventor: Li-Hsien Yen
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Patent number: 7233426Abstract: An optical transistor is disclosed. The optical transistor consists of a high speed photodetector region incident to a light intensity modulating region which separates a drain and source region. The disclosed optical transistor is able to exhibit high speed performance with good signal isolation and high amplification gain.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2005Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Reveo, Inc.Inventor: Sadeg M. Faris
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Patent number: 7215491Abstract: An optical path switching method includes converging and irradiating, on a light absorption layer film provided in a thermal lens forming element including at least the film, each of a control light having a wavelength selected from a wavelength band which is absorbed by the film and a signal light having a wavelength selected from a wavelength band which is not absorbed by the film. A thermal lens is reversibly formed according to a distribution of refraction index created by a temperature increase generated in and around an area of the film in which the control light is absorbed according to whether or not the control light is irradiated. The converged signal light is output either in its converged form or after its spread angle is changed. A includes a hole and reflector where the signal light output is either passed through the hole or reflected by reflector.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2003Date of Patent: May 8, 2007Assignees: National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, Dainichiseika Color & Chemical Mfg. Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ichiro Ueno, Takashi Hiraga, Toshiko Mizokuro, Noritaka Yamamoto, Hiroyuki Mochizuki, Norio Tanaka
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Patent number: 7206112Abstract: An image display device includes at least one transmissive display panel arranged at different depth positions in a direction normal to a display surface of the image display device. Each of the transmissive display panels includes a light-emitting layer that is sandwiched between a front side transmissive film and a rear side transmissive film. The rear side transmissive film has an interface with a maximum refractive index difference that causes an efficiency of light emitted from the light-emitting layer to become smaller than a front side light emission efficiency in the characteristics of light-emission efficiency, which changes with respect to a film thickness of the transmissive film due to optical interference.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2003Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Pioneer CorporationInventors: Atsushi Yoshizawa, Takashi Chuman, Takuya Hata, Yoshihiko Uchida, Hideo Satoh, Shuuichi Yanagisawa
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Patent number: 7196301Abstract: A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Honeywell International, Inc.Inventors: Vicraj T. Thomas, Michael L. Rhodes, Philip J. Zumsteg, Jan Jelinek
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Patent number: 7170664Abstract: The invention presents an optical element with which an optical head can be configured, in which there is little deterioration of the correctional effect when the objective lens shifts, as well as an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using such an optical element. The invention also presents a novel optical recording/reproducing apparatus and optical recording/reproducing method. The optical element, includes a first voltage application electrode 13, a first opposing electrode 17 arranged in opposition to the first voltage application electrode 13, and a first phase changing layer 15 arranged between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17. By changing a voltage between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17, a phase that converts plane waves into spherical waves is imparted on light that is incident on the first phase changing layer 15.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: January 30, 2007Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidenori Wada, Tetsuo Saimi, Daisuke Ogata, Seiji Nishino, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Shin-ichi Kadowaki, Yoshiaki Komma
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Patent number: 7151626Abstract: The present invention pertains to organic reflective layers comprising an organic radical cation compound, wherein the layer reflects in the infrared region. Preferably, the organic radical cation compound is a salt of an aminium radical cation. Also provided are marking systems comprising such reflective layers and methods of marking an article utilizing such reflective layers.Type: GrantFiled: December 22, 2003Date of Patent: December 19, 2006Assignee: Optodot CorporationInventor: Steven Allen Carlson
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Patent number: 7142342Abstract: The electroabsorption modulator comprises a p-i-n junction structure that includes an active layer, a p-type cladding layer and an n-type cladding layer with the active layer sandwiched between the cladding layers. The electroabsorption modulator additionally comprises a quantum well structure located within the active layer. The p-type cladding layer comprises a layer of heavily-doped low-diffusivity p-type semiconductor material located adjacent the active layer that reduces the extension of the depletion region into the p-type cladding layer when a reverse bias is applied to the electroabsorption modulator. The reduced extension increases the strength of the electric field applied to the quantum well structure by a given reverse bias voltage. The increased field strength increases the extinction ratio of the electroabsorption modulator.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2003Date of Patent: November 28, 2006Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.Inventors: David P. Bour, Ashish Tandon, Scott W. Corzine, Chaokun Lin
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Patent number: 7137705Abstract: A cross dichroic prism as a color-combining optical device and optical modulators constituting an optical device body are fixed with insulating pins being interposed. The optical device body includes a base and reinforcing members, supporting surfaces for supporting and fixing the reinforcing members are formed at a heat conductive member constituting the base. The reinforcing members are supported by the supporting surfaces of the heat conductive member, and also support and fix the optical modulators so as to enhance fixing state of the optical modulators relative to the cross dichroic prism. With this arrangement, an optical device as well as a projector, in which the connecting state of the optical modulators relative to the color-combining optical device can be strengthened so as to form a fine optical image without pixel deviation, can be provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2004Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Masashi Kitabayashi
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Patent number: 7098290Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method of preparing a polymerizate, which includes the step of polymerizing a two-component composition, which includes: a first component containing at least one polycyanate reactant having at least two functional groups selected from isocyanate, isothiocyanate and combinations thereof, the polycyanate reactant being the reaction product of: a polythiol monomer having at least two thiol groups; and a polycyanate monomer having at least two functional groups selected from isocyanate, isothiocyanate and combinations thereof; and a second component containing at least one polyamine reactant having at least two functional groups selected from primary amine, secondary amine and combinations thereof. The molar equivalent ratio of (NCO+NCS) groups from the first component to (—NH2+—NH—) groups from the second component is from 0.5 to 100. The present invention is also directed to polymerizates prepared according to the method of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Michael O. Okoroafor, Robert A. Smith, Rifat Tabakovic, Marvin J. Graham, Robert D. Herold
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Patent number: 7087698Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method of preparing a polymerizate, which includes the step of polymerizing a two-component composition, which includes: a first component containing at least one polycyanate reactant having at least two functional groups selected from isocyanate, isothiocyanate and combinations thereof, the polycyanate reactant being the reaction product of: a polythiol monomer having at least two thiol groups; and a polycyanate monomer having at least two functional groups selected from isocyanate, isothiocyanate and combinations thereof; and a second component containing at least one polyamine reactant having at least two functional groups selected from primary amine, secondary amine and combinations thereof. The present invention is also directed to polymerizates prepared according to the method of the present invention. The present invention is further directed to photochromic articles that may be prepared from the polymerizates of the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2000Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.Inventors: Michael O. Okoroafor, Robert A. Smith
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Patent number: 7057151Abstract: An apparatus for emitting light with a controlled directionality and optical divergence from at least one opening includes a light impervious surface structure having the at least one opening, a periodic or quasi-periodic surface topography including one or several surface feature(s) and associated with the at least one opening on the surface structure, whereby light emerging from the opening(s) interacts with surface waves on the surface structure (20) thereby providing controlled directionality and optical divergence of the emitted light.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2002Date of Patent: June 6, 2006Assignees: Universite Louis Pasteur, Centre National de la Recherche ScientifiqueInventors: Henri Joseph Lezec, Thomas Wren Ebbesen
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Patent number: 7038827Abstract: A variable semiconductor all-optical buffer and method of fabrication is provided where buffering is achieved by slowing down the optical signal using a control light source to vary the dispersion characteristic of the medium based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). Photonic bandgap engineering in conjunction with strained quantum wells (QWs) and quantum dots (QDs) achieves room temperature operation of EIT. Photonic crystals are used to sharpen the spectral linewidths in a quantum well structure due to its density of states and in a quantum-dot structure caused by the inhomogeneity of the dot size, typically observed in state-of-the-art QD materials. The configuration facilitates monolithic integration of an optical buffer with an amplifier and control laser to provide advantages over other material systems as candidates for optical buffers.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 2, 2006Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Connie J. Chang-Hasnain, Pei-Cheng Ku
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Patent number: 7034980Abstract: The invention presents an optical element with which an optical head can be configured, in which there is little deterioration of the correctional effect when the objective lens shifts, as well as an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using such an optical element. The invention also presents a novel optical recording/reproducing apparatus and optical recording/reproducing method. The optical element, includes a first voltage application electrode 13, a first opposing electrode 17 arranged in opposition to the first voltage application electrode 13, and a first phase changing layer 15 arranged between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17. By changing a voltage between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17, a phase that converts plane waves into spherical waves is imparted on light that is incident on the first phase changing layer 15.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2005Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hidenori Wada, Tetsuo Saimi, Daisuke Ogata, Seiji Nishino, Hiroaki Yamamoto, Shin-ichi Kadowaki, Yoshiaki Komma
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Patent number: 7016097Abstract: The thermo-optic behavior of an optical path over a range of temperatures is controlled by determining a figure of merit (FoM) for the optical path and including in the path a body of NaBi(Mo1-xWxO4)2 crystalline material that enables the conditions specified by the FOM to be satisfied. The NaBi(Mo1-xWxO4)2 crystalline material is highly transparent at a wavelength of radiation propagating in the path, and has a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and a refractive index n such that the CTE and dn/dT of the etalon compensate one another so as to perform frequency discrimination that is essentially temperature insensitive over the range ?T. The NaBi(Mo1-xWxO4)2 crystalline material exhibits temperature independent transmission characteristics at about room temperature and at a wavelength of about 1550 nm.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2002Date of Patent: March 21, 2006Assignee: Triquint Technology Holding Co.Inventors: David A. Ackerman, Charles D. Brandle, Jr., Glen R. Kowach, Lynn F. Schneemeyer
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Patent number: 6999219Abstract: Provided is an optical modulator for modulating light comprising: a superlattice structure having a plurality of interleaved narrow and wide bandgap semiconductor layers, wherein wave functions of energy states of electrons and holes in different narrow bandgap layers are coupled; and a power supply that applies voltage to the superlattice structure between a first non-zero voltage and a second non-zero voltage to modulate the light.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2001Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignee: 3DV Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Amnon Manassen, Ori J. Braun, Giora Yahav
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Patent number: 6999221Abstract: A bimorphic polymeric photomechanical actuator, in one embodiment using polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) as a photosensitive body, transmitting light over fiber optic cables, and controlling the shape and pulse duration of the light pulse to control movement of the actuator. Multiple light beams are utilized to generate different ranges of motion for the actuator from a single photomechanical body and alternative designs use multiple light beams and multiple photomechanical bodies to provide controlled movement. Actuator movement using one or more ranges of motion is utilized to control motion to position an actuating element in three dimensional space.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 14, 2006Assignees: Alabama A&M University, The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: Sergey S. Sarkisov, Michael J. Curley, Grigory Adamovsky, Sergey S. Sarkisov, Jr., Aisha B. Fields
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Patent number: 6952298Abstract: The invention provides an electro-optical device capable of reducing power consumption. In an organic EL display, the pixel circuits are provided at the intersection portions of the respective scanning lines and the respective data lines, respectively. The organic EL display includes a shift register and a decoder circuit. The shift register sequentially selects the respective scanning lines in response to the clock signals. The decoder circuit receives address signals, and properly selects any one of the respective scanning lines on the basis of the address signals. Further, when displaying a moving picture, the scanning lines are sequentially selected using the shift register. On the other hand, when a part of a still picture is modified and displayed during display of the still picture, the scanning lines associated with the modification and display are designated using the decoder circuit.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2003Date of Patent: October 4, 2005Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Hara, Hayato Nakanishi
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Patent number: 6943929Abstract: An optical transistor is disclosed. The optical transistor consists of a high speed photodetector region incident to a light intensity modulating region which separates a drain and source region. The disclosed optical transistor is able to exhibit high speed performance with good signal isolation and high amplification gain.Type: GrantFiled: January 13, 2004Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignee: Reveo, Inc.Inventor: Sadeg M. Faris
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Patent number: 6937378Abstract: An optically controlled device includes a transparent electrode, a conductivity variable portion, a driving electrode, a movable unit, and a support portion. A method of controlling the optically controlled device includes inputting a control light into the transparent electrode, applying a voltage modulated according to an input signal between the transparent electrode and the movable unit, and moving the movable unit to a predetermined position by generating a force corresponding to the voltage between the driving electrode and the movable unit base on a charge of electrical conductivity of the conductivity variable portion.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2004Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventors: Tetsuro Yamazaki, Masatoshi Yonekubo, Takashi Takeda
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Patent number: 6933325Abstract: A high refractive index, curable, synthetic resin composition comprising a core resin composition composed of a mixture of ethylenically unsaturated compounds, and an initiation system containing both photo and thermal initiators, particularly a photochromic resin composition which further includes at least one photochromic dye. Also a curing process, which includes a combination of multi-step radiation curing and thermal annealing. Articles produced of cured composition exhibit superior physical and, in appropriate cases, photochromic properties and can be easily mass produced on a commercial scale due to short processing time and use of readily available chemicals.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: August 23, 2005Assignee: Rodenstock GmbHInventors: Qiang Zheng, Donald Scott Nelson, Charles William Carper, Jr., Manfred Melzig, Herbert Schuster, Herbert Zinner
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Patent number: 6927748Abstract: A spatial light modulator imaging system comprises an electrically addressed spatial light modulator (EASLM 4, 30) whose optical image output is projected onto different areas of an optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM, 6, 8, 31) in a sequence. The OASLM carries electrodes which allow separate areas to be selectively addressed by application of a voltage whilst receiving light from the EASLM. The combined output from all areas of the OASLM forms a visible image to an observer (11). When illuminated by coherent light the OASLM may produce a holographic image, otherwise incoherent light is used to provide a two dimensional image. The OASLM in one example contains a layer of nematic liquid crystal material between two cell walls both treated with an alignment layer providing low tilt surface alignment that is parallel in opposite direction; the product of layer thickness d and material birefringence ?n approximately equals one quarter of the wavelength ? of read light (12, 37).Type: GrantFiled: March 31, 2004Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Holographic Imaging LLCInventors: Jonathan R Hughes, Richard J Miller
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Patent number: 6920340Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation by transferring at least one communication between a first interface, proximate a wireless device capable of emitting radio frequency electromagnetic radiation, and a second interface. A first converter to receive the communication and in response to generate an optical communication, the first converter coupled with one of the first interface and second interface. A second converter to receive the optical communication and in response to generate a second communication, the second converter coupled with one of the first interface and the second interface, wherein the first and second converters are coupled with different interfaces. An optical coupling between the first and second converters to communicate the optical communication and to reduce transferred radiation therebetween. A method of using the system for reducing exposure to electromagnetic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: July 19, 2005Inventor: Raphael Laderman
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Patent number: 6900920Abstract: A variable semiconductor all-optical buffer and method of fabrication is provided where buffering is achieved by slowing down the optical signal using a control light source to vary the dispersion characteristic of the medium based on electromagnetically induced transparency (EIT). Photonic bandgap engineering in conjunction with strained quantum wells (QWs) and quantum dots (QDs) achieves room temperature operation of EIT. Photonic crystals are used to sharpen the spectral linewidths in a quantum well structure due to its density of states and in a quantum-dot structure caused by the inhomogeneity of the dot size, typically observed in state-of-the-art QD materials. The configuration facilitates monolithic integration of an optical buffer with an amplifier and control laser to provide advantages over other material systems as candidates for optical buffers.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2002Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Connie J. Chang-Hasnain, Pei-Cheng Ku
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Patent number: 6897436Abstract: A system (10) for optical processing based on light-controlled photon tunneling is provided. The system (10) includes a prism (12) having a metallic film layer (14) formed on an upper surface thereof. The metallic film layer (14) has a microscopic aperture (18) formed therethrough and the microscopic aperture (18) is covered by a layer of non-linear optical film. A first light beam (30) is projected towards aperture (18) and photons from first light beam (30) tunnel through aperture (18). A second light beam (32) is also projected towards microscopic aperture (18), with the second light beam (32) having a different wavelength than that of light beam (30). Selective actuation and modulation of light beam (32) allows for selective control over the rate and intensity of the photons which tunnel through microscopic aperture (18).Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 24, 2005Assignee: University of MarylandInventors: Igor I. Smolyaninov, Christopher C. Davis, Anatoly Zayats
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Patent number: 6894827Abstract: An optical signal processor for transforming a first vector into a second vector comprising: a plurality of linear light sources each of which provides light having an intensity responsive to a different component of the first vector, a spatial light modulator comprising a plurality of modulation zones each of which zones receives light from substantially only one of the light sources and transmits light in proportion to a transmittance that characterizes the modulation zone; and at least one light detector for each component of the second vector that receives light transmitted from a plurality of modulation zones, each of which is illuminated by light from a different light source, and generates a signal responsive to the received light that represents a component of the second vector.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2001Date of Patent: May 17, 2005Assignee: Lenslet Ltd.Inventors: David Mendlovic, Shay Levavi, Naim Konforti, Aviram Sariel, Yaron Hefetz
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Patent number: 6891667Abstract: The invention describes a system and methods for filtering electromagnetic and visual transmissions and for minimizing acoustic transmissions. Various combinations of UV, IR, and yellow-tinted filters are applied in various physical configurations to a transparent substrate such as a plastic film or glazing of a window for modifying selected wavelengths of electromagnetic radiation. For instance a light filter may have a multi-layered metallic sputtered stack having a relatively low sheet resistance. The combination of filters prevents or attenuates the passage of selected wavelengths through the substrate as needed to address security risks. The combination of filters is useful to prevent unauthorized data collection and information exchange from or within buildings or otherwise prevent such unauthorized data collection and information exchange from, for example, computer monitors or screens, personal digital assistants, and local area networks.Type: GrantFiled: June 3, 2004Date of Patent: May 10, 2005Assignees: ASTIC Signal Defenses L.L.C., CPFilms, Inc.Inventors: Deron Simpson, Lisa Y. Winckler, Ronald L. Spraker
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Patent number: 6885487Abstract: A packaging method of the optical transceiver module for transmitting optical signals is disclosed. The invention includes a base, a case, a transmission unit and receiving unit. The transmission unit and the receiving unit contain a circuit board, respectively. The base provides two fixing positions for the installation of the two circuit boards. The two circuit boards are installed horizontally and vertically, respectively. This design increase the utilization of the inner space providing ideal shielding for the elements and circuit boards. A central beam is used to fix the structure and case in a drawable way like a matchbox. This reduces covered area of the circuit board, making the elements easy to be tested and assembled.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Industrial Technology Research InstituteInventors: Cheng-Da Shaw, Min-Sheng Kao, Chiung-Hung Wang
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Patent number: 6879738Abstract: An apparatus and method for modulating an optical beam. In one embodiment, a method according to embodiments of the present invention includes splitting first and second optical beams having first wavelength and second wavelengths, respectively, into split first and second optical beams that co-propagate through first and second waveguides disposed in semiconductor material. The first optical beam having a signal encoded thereon. Free charge carriers are generated in response to the signal encoded on the first optical beam in first and second multiple quantum well (MQW) p-i-n structures disposed in the first and second waveguides, respectively. The split second optical beams are phase shifted in response to the generated free charge carriers in the first and second MQW p-i-n structures. The phase shifted split second optical beams are combined to modulate the second optical beam.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 12, 2005Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: Ansheng Liu
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Patent number: 6839175Abstract: An image forming element is disclosed which is easy to manufacture, which can form images easily and at a low cost, and which is stable without fear of environmental problems arising at a time of disposal. Also disclosed is an image forming device which utilizes the image forming element and which can form color images. The image forming element contains at least a film in which rod-shaped bodies are oriented and which reflects incident light as colored interference light. The image forming device is equipped with at least the image forming element, and an ability to irradiate light onto the image forming element. The image forming element reflects, as interference light, the irradiated light. The wavelength of the interference light is 300 to 810 nm.Type: GrantFiled: March 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 4, 2005Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shintaro Washizu
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Publication number: 20040201876Abstract: An optical transistor is disclosed. The optical transistor consists of a high speed photodetector region incident to a light intensity modulating region which separates a drain and source region. The disclosed optical transistor is able to exhibit high speed performance with good signal isolation and high amplification gain.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 13, 2004Publication date: October 14, 2004Inventor: Sadeg M. Faris
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Publication number: 20040196524Abstract: A spatial light modulator imaging system comprises an electrically addressed spatial light modulator (EASLM 4, 30) whose optical image output is projected onto different areas of an optically addressed spatial light modulator (OASLM, 6, 8, 31) in a sequence. The OASLM carries electrodes which allow separate areas to be selectively addressed by application of a voltage whilst receiving light from the EASLM. The combined output from all areas of the OASLM forms a visible image to an observer (11). When illuminated by coherent light the OASLM may produce a holographic image, otherwise incoherent light is used to provide a two dimensional image. The OASLM in one example contains a layer of nematic liquid crystal material between two cell walls both treated with an alignment layer providing low tilt surface alignment that is parallel in opposite direction; the product of layer thickness d and material birefringence &Dgr;n approximately equals one quarter of the wavelength &lgr; of read light (12, 37).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2004Publication date: October 7, 2004Applicant: HOLOGRAPHIC IMAGING LLC.Inventors: Jonathan R. Hughes, Richard J. Miller
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Patent number: 6789737Abstract: A light source mechanism of a barcode scanner includes a laser diode as the point type light source, a collimating lens and a standing cylindrical lens in front of the laser diode. A mirror or a thin-film coating prism can be installed in front of the collimating lens to have the light beam from the collimating lens be reflected at least once to go out in horizontal direction. The reflected light beam from barcode passes through a condensing lens and is received by a linear receiver (CCD or CMOS sensor, for example) and is converted into electrical signals, and decoded by a circuit to get the data.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Riotec Corp.Inventor: Kai-Yuan Tien
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Patent number: 6781733Abstract: An optical film comprising microlenses, a light shield layer and a light diffusion layer, wherein, for example, the light transmittance passing through the light shield layer is modulated depending on changed concentrations of silver or a compound containing silver dispersed in gelatin in the light shield layer, has wide angle of field properties and high contrast properties, and can be applied to image display apparatuses such as a liquid crystal display to improve angle of field properties, contrast properties and to prevent image deterioration against outer light.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2000Date of Patent: August 24, 2004Assignees: Hitachi, Ltd., Nitto Denko CorporationInventor: Yasuo Hira
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Patent number: 6777718Abstract: A semiconductor optical device includes a substrate, an optical waveguide layer on the substrate and having well and barrier layers. The semiconductor optical device also includes an optical absorbing layer on the substrate and adjacent to the optical waveguide layer so that incident light having an incident wavelength &lgr;LD is guided into the optical absorbing layer. Each of the well layers has a wavelength &lgr;g corresponding to the band gap of the well layers and that is larger than the incident wavelength &lgr;LD. Also, the band gap energy between base levels of a conduction band and a valence band of the optical waveguide layer is larger than the energy of the incident light having the incident wavelength &lgr;LD.Type: GrantFiled: February 4, 2003Date of Patent: August 17, 2004Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Kazuhisa Takagi
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Publication number: 20040156087Abstract: In an embodiment according to the present invention, a coronagraph for detecting reflective bodies external to a light source is provided. A first mirror for directing a beam of light onto an occulting mask is adjusted based on a data from a fiber optic sensor or a second sensor. An occulting mask for separating the beam into a first and second portion directs the first portion onto a fiber optic sensor and the second portion onto a Lyot stop. The occulting mask is adjustable based on data from the second sensor. The Lyot stop separates the second portion of the beam into a third and fourth portion. The Lyot stop also directs the third portion of the beam onto the second sensor and the fourth portion of the beam onto a camera for detecting one or more reflective bodies external to a light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 16, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Applicant: American Museum of Natural HistoryInventors: Ben R. Oppenheimer, Michael M. Shara
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Publication number: 20040130771Abstract: The present invention pertains to organic reflective layers comprising an organic radical cation compound, wherein the layer reflects in the infrared region. Preferably, the organic radical cation compound is a salt of an aminium radical cation. Also provided are marking systems comprising such reflective layers and methods of marking an article utilizing such reflective layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 22, 2003Publication date: July 8, 2004Inventor: Steven Allen Carlson