Abstract: An electro-optical light deflector utilizing layers of a non-linear electro-optically (NLO) responsive polymer for directing an exiting light beam in a given direction. Sandwiched between each NLO layer of a multi-layer array is a thin film electrically conductive layer that is connected to a voltage source. By applying an electric field across an NLO layer, a change in refractive index is induced and the phase of that portion of the optical beam passing through it is either retarded or advanced. Each layer in the NLO array sees a slightly different electric field and therefore produces a slightly different phase change in the portion of the propogating optical beam. This results in directing the reconstructed beam in a different direction. By applying different voltages to the electrodes, both beam shaping and changing beam direction are possible.

Abstract: An optical waveguide for transmitting light energy is defined by a glass capillary with a core of noncentrosymmetric non-linear optical polymer which has been poled to induce a stable axial alignment of molecules therein. Changes in refractive index of the polymer are induced by an applied electric field. In a preferred embodiment, the waveguide is used as an electric field sensor and may form an arm of a Mach-Zender interferometer. The device is adapted to modulate waveguided electromagnetic energy by a change in refractive index proportional to the applied electric field. In a further embodiment, the birefringent properties of the polymer are used to cause polarized light energy transmitted by the waveguide to undergo a change in polarization, which, when intercepted by a polarization sensitive analyzer, provides an amplitude modulation of the transmitted light energy.