Abstract: When using micro-resonant structures, a resonant structure may be turned on or off (e.g., when a display element is turned on or off in response to a changing image or when a communications switch is turned on or off to send data different data bits). Rather than turning the charged particle beam on and off, the beam may be moved to a position that does not excite the resonant structure, thereby turning off the resonant structure without having to turn off the charged particle beam. In one such embodiment, at least one deflector is placed between a source of charged particles and the resonant structure(s) to be excited. When the resonant structure is to be turned on (i.e., excited), the at least one deflector allows the beam to pass by undeflected. When the resonant structure is to be turned off, the at least one deflector deflects the beam away from the resonant structure by an amount sufficient to prevent the resonant structure from becoming excited.

Abstract: We describe an ultra-small structure that produces visible light of varying frequency, from a single metallic layer. In one example, a row of metallic posts are etched or plated on a substrate according to a particular geometry. When a charged particle beam passed close by the row of posts, the posts and cavities between them cooperate to resonate and produce radiation in the visible spectrum (or even higher). A plurality of such rows of different geometries can be etched or plated from a single metal layer such that the charged particle beam will yield different visible light frequencies (i.e., different colors) using different ones of the rows.

Abstract: We describe an ultra-small structure that produces visible light of varying frequency, from a single metallic layer. In one example, a row of metallic posts are etched or plated on a substrate according to a particular geometry. When a charged particle beam passed close by the row of posts, the posts and cavities between them cooperate to resonate and produce radiation in the visible spectrum (or even higher). A plurality of such rows of different geometries can be etched or plated from a single metal layer such that the charged particle beam will yield different visible light frequencies (i.e., different colors) using different ones of the rows.

Abstract: We describe an ultra-small resonant structure that produces electromagnetic radiation (e.g., visible light) at selected frequencies. The resonant structure can be produced from any conducting material (e.g., metal such as silver or gold). In one example, a number of rows of posts are etched or plated on a substrate, with each row having a particular geometry associated with the posts and cavities between the posts. A charged particle beam is selectively directed close by one of the rows of posts, causing them to resonate and produce radiation (e.g., in the visible spectrum at a predominant frequency). Directing the charged particle beam at a different row yields radiation at a different predominant frequency.

Abstract: When using micro-resonant structures, it is possible to use the same source of charged particles to cause multiple resonant structures to emit electromagnetic radiation. This reduces the number of sources that are required for multi-element configurations, such as displays with plural rows (or columns) of pixels. In one such embodiment, at least one deflector is placed in between first and second resonant structures. After the beam passes by at least a portion of the first resonant structure, it is directed to a path such that it can be directed towards the second resonant structure. The amount of deflection needed to direct the beam toward the second resonant structure is based on the amount of deflection, if any, that the beam underwent as it passed by the first resonant structure. This process can be repeated in series as necessary to produce a set of resonant structures in series.

Abstract: A display of wavelength elements can be produced from resonant structures that emit light (and other electromagnetic radiation having a dominant frequency higher than that of microwave) when exposed to a beam of charged particles, such as electrons from an electron beam. An exemplary display with three wavelengths per pixel utilizes three resonant structures per pixel. The spacings and lengths of the fingers of the resonant structures control the light emitted from the wavelength elements. Alternatively, multiple resonant structures per wavelength can be used as well.

Abstract: A device includes a waveguide layer formed on a substrate. An ultra-small resonant structure emits electromagnetic radiation (EMR) in the waveguide layer. One or more circuits are formed on the waveguide layer and each operatively connected thereto to receive the EMR emitted by the ultra-small resonant structure. The waveguide layer may be transparent at wavelengths corresponding to wavelengths of the EMR emitted by the ultra-small resonant structure. The EMR may be visible light and may encode a data signal such as a clock signal.