Abstract: A method and apparatus for recovering information prerecorded in a vertically magnetized magneto-optic recording element wherein a laser is operated in a state of polarization instability (i.e., its TE and TM losses are equal). The linearly polarized (TE and TM) output of the laser is converted to circularly polarized (left-handed and right-handed) polarized radiation, and the latter is used to scan irradiate the recording element. Upon being reflected by the recording element, the circularly polarized radiation is reconverted to linear polarization and fed back to the laser cavity. Depending on which polarization mode (TE or TM) experiences the lesser loss as a result of the MCD effect, the laser operates in either its TE or TM mode. Means are provided for detecting the instantaneous polarization mode of the laser which, in turn, is indicative of the orientation (up/down) of the magnetic domains scanned by the laser radiation.

Abstract: A magneto-optic playback apparatus which plays back information from a recording layer (RL) which exhibits different light absorption of left and right circular polarized beams emitted from a laser (L). The laser (L) operates in two different polarization modes, DE and TM. Polarization converter (PC) converts linear polarized radiation from the laser in one plane to one circular polarization orientation (left or right) in one direction of transmission, and then converts the opposite circular polarized radiation orientation back to linear polarization in the other direction of transmission. The laser switches between modes according to the magnetic orientation of the medium which is determined by the reflected light. Loss control element (LC) selectively increases the TE losses in the extended laser cavity. The self-coupling laser's operation in either the TE or TM mode depends on the differential absorption by the media of right (RCP) or left (LCP) handed circularly polarized beams.

Abstract: An optical-address device, useful e.g. in electronic imaging, features (i) a lens array including a plurality of discrete lens means, each adapted to focus incident collimated light, from a plurality of different incidence directions, onto respectively different pixel spots of its associated multi-spot address zone (of a multi-zone, optical-address region) and (ii) a strip of luminescent material with separately stimulatable regions for sequentially illuminating the lens array with collimated light from the different incidence directions. Light valve imaging apparatus incorporating such optical-address also is disclosed.

Abstract: Two panels, each having a plurality of electrically-addressable, parallel light valve strips are arranged along an optical axis between entrance, exit and intermediate polarizing means. The strips of the respective panels are generally perpendicular and the entrance and exit polarizing means have their directions of polarization mutually aligned and perpendicular to the intermediate polarizing means. By sequentially activating the strips of a first panel and imagewise addressing the strips of the other panel during each such sequential activation an area image is formed.

Abstract: A two-dimensional illuminating array comprising discretely addressable pixel portions (e.g. a light valve array) is imaged by lens means onto optical mapping means (e.g. a light diffracting or refracting array). The mapping means re-images the pixel portions of the illuminating array as a predetermined line pixel pattern at a linear pixel region.

Abstract: Electronic imaging apparatus of the kind having a light valve array comprising a plurality of discretely addressable pixel portions which are transformable between light blocking and light passing states in response to activating electric fields features a plurality of color filter elements respectively of different colors and integral with different respective pixel portions of such array.

Abstract: Electrically controlled color imaging with a mixture of electrophotosensitive particles of different color types is effected using a photoconductive insulator layer as a particle addressing electrode. A layer of such mixture adjacent the electrode is uniformly exposed by time-separated, different-color, light pulses and discrete portions of the photoconductor are selectively addressed, by activating radiation, in synchronization with the pulses and according to the image information of color image to be reproduced.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for imagewise controlling the flow of ions from a source toward an electrostatic image-bearing member utilize a predeterminedly electrically-biased slit means located between the ion source and the member. A portion of the slit means is maintained at a potential intermediate the image and background portions of the electrostatic image and so that ion flow toward the member is controlled in accordance with the image thereon. A substantially neutrally-charged mist is introduced between the slit means and the image-bearing member and charged and attracted to the member in accordance with the image.