Patents by Inventor Michael J. Escuti
Michael J. Escuti has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10859740Abstract: An optical element includes a plurality of stacked birefringent sublayers, such as liquid crystal sublayers, configured to alter a direction of propagation of light passing therethrough according to the Bragg condition. The stacked birefringent sublayers respectively include local optical axes that vary along respective interfaces between adjacent ones of the stacked birefringent sublayers to define respective grating periods. The respective thicknesses of the stacked birefringent sublayers may be less than a wavelength of the light. Related apparatus and methods of operation are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2015Date of Patent: December 8, 2020Assignee: IMAGINEOPTIX CORPORATIONInventors: Michael J. Escuti, D. Jason Kekas, Ravi K. Komanduri
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Patent number: 10386558Abstract: A polarization conversion system includes a geometric phase element and a retarder element. The geometric phase element has optical anisotropy with local optical axis orientations that vary non-linearly in at least one dimension along a surface thereof. The retarder element is arranged to receive light output from the geometric phase element. Related systems and methods are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2014Date of Patent: August 20, 2019Assignee: ImagineOptix CorporationInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Jihwan Kim, Ravi K. Komanduri, Erin Clark
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Patent number: 9690026Abstract: A direct-write lithography apparatus includes a polarization selector stage configured to vary a polarization orientation angle of light from a light source, a focusing element configured to focus the light from the light source into a spot at a focal plane thereof, and a scanning stage configured to scan the spot in at least two dimensions along a surface of a polarization-sensitive recording medium that is arranged proximate to the focal plane such that neighboring scans substantially overlap. The polarization selector stage and the scanning stage are configured to be operated independently of one another. Related fabrication methods of and optical elements fabricated thereby are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2013Date of Patent: June 27, 2017Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Matthew N. Miskiewicz, Jihwan Kim
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Patent number: 9442015Abstract: Polarization based channeled images are optically demodulated to produce directly viewable images. A channeled image flux is converted to an unpolarized flux by a phosphor or other sensor, and the resulting converted flux is demodulated by modulating at a spatial frequency corresponding to a modulating frequency of the channeled image flux. After modulation, the converted flux is spatially filtered to remove or attenuate portions associated with the modulation frequency and harmonics thereof. The resulting baseband flux is then imaged by direct viewing, projection, or using an image sensor and a display.Type: GrantFiled: November 26, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignees: The Arizona Board of Regents on Behalf of the University of Arizona, North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Michael W. Kudenov, Michael J. Escuti
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Patent number: 9335586Abstract: A polarization conversion system includes a lens element, a polarization grating comprising a diffractive element having a spatially-varying local optical axis, and a retarder element. The polarization grating is arranged to receive light that is output from the lens element, and the retarder element arranged to receive polarized light of different polarization states that is output from the polarization grating and change the different polarization states to a same polarization state. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: May 10, 2016Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Ravi K. Komanduri, Jihwan Kim, Kristopher F. Lawler, Jr.
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Patent number: 9298041Abstract: An optical element includes at least two stacked birefringent layers having respective local optical axes that are rotated by respective twist angles over respective thicknesses of the at least two layers, and are aligned along respective interfaces between the at least two layers. The respective twist angles and/or the respective thicknesses are different. The at least two stacked birefringent layers may be liquid crystal polymer optical retarder layers. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: October 5, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Ravi K. Komanduri, Kristopher F. Lawler, Jr.
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Publication number: 20160033698Abstract: An optical element includes a plurality of stacked birefringent sublayers, such as liquid crystal sublayers, configured to alter a direction of propagation of light passing therethrough according to the Bragg condition. The stacked birefringent sublayers respectively include local optical axes that vary along respective interfaces between adjacent ones of the stacked birefringent sublayers to define respective grating periods. The respective thicknesses of the stacked birefringent sublayers may be less than a wavelength of the light. Related apparatus and methods of operation are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Inventors: Michael J. Escuti, D. Jason Kekas, Ravi K. Komanduri
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Patent number: 9195092Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes a first polarization grating, a second polarization grating, and a liquid crystal layer. The first polarization grating is configured to polarize and diffract incident light into first and second beams having different polarizations and different directions of propagation relative to that of the incident light. The liquid crystal layer is configured to receive the first and second beams from the first polarization grating. The liquid crystal layer is configured to be switched between a first state that does not substantially affect respective polarizations of the first and second beams traveling therethrough, and a second state that alters the respective polarizations of the first and second beams traveling therethrough. The second polarization grating is configured to analyze and diffract the first and second beams from the liquid crystal layer to alter the different directions of propagation thereof in response to the state of the liquid crystal layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 24, 2015Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Chulwoo Oh, Ravi Komanduri, Brandon L. Conover, Jihwan Kim
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Publication number: 20150331167Abstract: A direct-write lithography apparatus includes a polarization selector stage configured to vary a polarization orientation angle of light from a light source, a focusing element configured to focus the light from the light source into a spot at a focal plane thereof, and a scanning stage configured to scan the spot in at least two dimensions along a surface of a polarization-sensitive recording medium that is arranged proximate to the focal plane such that neighboring scans substantially overlap. The polarization selector stage and the scanning stage are configured to be operated independently of one another. Related fabrication methods of and optical elements fabricated thereby are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2013Publication date: November 19, 2015Inventors: Michael J. Escuti, Matthew N. Miskiewicz, Jihwan Kim
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Patent number: 8982313Abstract: A beam steering apparatus includes a first beam steering stage and at least a second beam steering stage arranged in-line with the first beam steering stage. The first beam steering stage includes a first polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a first periodic director pattern, and the second beam steering stage includes a second polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a second periodic director pattern. In nonmechanical embodiments, a polarization selector may be arranged to provide a circularly polarized input beam incident on the first polarization grating. In mechanical embodiments, at least one of the first polarization grating and the second polarization grating may be operable to be independently rotated about an azimuth thereof. Related methods of operation are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignees: North Carolina State University, Boulder Nonlinear Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Escuti, Jihwan Kim, Chulwoo Oh, Steven Serati
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Publication number: 20140285878Abstract: A polarization conversion system includes a lens element, a polarization grating comprising a diffractive element having a spatially-varying local optical axis, and a retarder element. The polarization grating is arranged to receive light that is output from the lens element, and the retarder element arranged to receive polarized light of different polarization states that is output from the polarization grating and change the different polarization states to a same polarization state. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 5, 2012Publication date: September 25, 2014Applicant: North Carolina State UniverstiyInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Ravi K. Komanduri, Jihwan Kim, Kristopher F. Lawler, JR.
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Publication number: 20140078298Abstract: Polarization based channeled images are optically demodulated to produce directly viewable images. A channeled image flux is converted to an unpolarized flux by a phosphor or other sensor, and the resulting converted flux is demodulated by modulating at a spatial frequency corresponding to a modulating frequency of the channeled image flux. After modulation, the converted flux is spatially filtered to remove or attenuate portions associated with the modulation frequency and harmonics thereof. The resulting baseband flux is then imaged by direct viewing, projection, or using an image sensor and a display.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 26, 2013Publication date: March 20, 2014Inventors: Michael W. Kudenov, Michael J. Escuti
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Publication number: 20130335683Abstract: A liquid crystal device includes a first polarization grating, a second polarization grating, and a liquid crystal layer. The first polarization grating is configured to polarize and diffract incident light into first and second beams having different polarizations and different directions of propagation relative to that of the incident light. The liquid crystal layer is configured to receive the first and second beams from the first polarization grating. The liquid crystal layer is configured to be switched between a first state that does not substantially affect respective polarizations of the first and second beams traveling therethrough, and a second state that alters the respective polarizations of the first and second beams traveling therethrough. The second polarization grating is configured to analyze and diffract the first and second beams from the liquid crystal layer to alter the different directions of propagation thereof in response to the state of the liquid crystal layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 15, 2013Publication date: December 19, 2013Applicant: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Chulwoo Oh, Ravi Komanduri, Brandon L. Conover, Jihwan Kim
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Patent number: 8530740Abstract: A first aspect of the invention relates to a luminescent object comprising: a. a luminescent layer or core containing a photoluminescent material; and b. a wavelength-selective mirror; wherein the luminescent layer or luminescent core is optically coupled to the wavelength-selective mirror, said wavelength-selective mirror being at least 50% transparent to light absorbed by the photoluminescent material and at least 50% reflective to radiation that is emitted by the photoluminescent material. The luminescent object according to the present invention may advantageously be employed in luminescent solar concentrator systems as it enables highly efficient transportation of radiation emitted by the photoluminescent material following exposure to incident solar light.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: September 10, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.Inventors: Michael G. Debije, Cees W. M. Bastiaansen, Dick J. Broer, Michael J. Escuti, Carlos Sanchez
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Patent number: 8520170Abstract: An optical element includes a first and second stacked birefringent layers. The first birefringent layer includes local anisotropy patterns having respective relative orientations that vary over a first thickness between opposing faces of the first birefringent layer to define a first twist angle. The second birefringent layer includes local anisotropy patterns having respective relative orientations that vary over a second thickness between opposing faces of the second birefringent layer to define a second twist angle different than the first twist angle. Related devices and fabrication methods are also discussed.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: North Carolina State UniversityInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Chulwoo Oh, Ravi Komanduri
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Patent number: 8475033Abstract: A first aspect of the invention relates to a luminescent object comprising an aligned polymer that contains an oriented photoluminescent material, said aligned polymer having a pretilt angle of 10-90°. The luminescent object according to the present invention may advantageously be employed in luminescent solar concentrator systems as it enables highly efficient transportation of radiation emitted by the photoluminescent material following exposure to incident solar light. Another aspect of the invention concerns a photovoltaic device comprising an electromagnetic radiation collection medium containing the aforementioned luminescent object and a photovoltaic cell capable of converting optical radiation to electrical energy which is optically coupled to the luminescent object. Further aspects of the invention include a fluorescent light activated display and a room lighting system comprising the aforementioned luminescent object.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2006Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Michael G. Debije, Cees W. M. Bastiaansen, Dick J. Broer, Michael J. Escuti, Carlos Sanchez
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Publication number: 20120188467Abstract: A beam steering apparatus includes a first beam steering stage and at least a second beam steering stage arranged in-line with the first beam steering stage. The first beam steering stage includes a first polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a first periodic director pattern, and the second beam steering stage includes a second polarization grating comprising a uniaxial birefringent material having a second periodic director pattern. In nonmechanical embodiments, a polarization selector may be arranged to provide a circularly polarized input beam incident on the first polarization grating. In mechanical embodiments, at least one of the first polarization grating and the second polarization grating may be operable to be independently rotated about an azimuth thereof. Related methods of operation are also discussed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 30, 2010Publication date: July 26, 2012Applicants: Boulder Nonlinear Systems, INc., NORTH CAROLINA STATE UNIVERSITY, a constituent inInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Jihwan Kim, Chulwoo Oh, Steven Serati
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Publication number: 20120086903Abstract: A polarizer including a polarization grating comprising a polarization sensitive photo-alignment layer and a liquid crystal composition arranged on said photo-alignment layer. An alignment pattern, corresponding to the polarization pattern of a hologram, is recorded in the photo-alignment layer, and the liquid crystal composition is aligned on the photo-alignment layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Inventors: MICHAEL J. ESCUTI, Carlos Sanchez, Cornelis W.M. Bastiaansen, Dirk J. Broer
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Patent number: 8064035Abstract: A polarizer including a polarization grating comprising a polarization sensitive photo-alignment layer and a liquid crystal composition arranged on said photo-alignment layer. An alignment pattern, corresponding to the polarization pattern of a hologram, is recorded in the photo-alignment layer, and the liquid crystal composition is aligned on the photo-alignment layer.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Stichting Dutch Polymer InstituteInventors: Michael J. Escuti, Carlos Sanchez, Cornelis W. M. Bastiaansen, Dirk J. Broer
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Publication number: 20100110363Abstract: A polarizer including a polarization grating comprising a polarization sensitive photo-alignment layer and a liquid crystal composition arranged on said photo-alignment layer. An alignment pattern, corresponding to the polarization pattern of a hologram, is recorded in the photo-alignment layer, and the liquid crystal composition is aligned on the photo-alignment layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 7, 2010Publication date: May 6, 2010Inventors: MICHAEL J. ESCUTI, Carlos Sanchez, Cornelis W.M. Bastiaansen, Dirk J. Broer