Abstract: A reflective spatial light modulator (SLM) includes a first substrate, a second substrate and an electro-optic material positioned between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a reflective ground layer that acts as a continuous first electrode and the second substrate includes a pixel layer having a plurality of pixel elements formed in a pattern. The pixel elements are formed of a transparent conductive material and are separated by inter-pixel regions formed of a non-conductive material. A transmissivity of the electro-optic material in a vicinity of each of the plurality of pixel elements is controlled by a potential difference applied between the first electrode and a respective one of the pixel elements.

Abstract: A reflective spatial light modulator (SLM) includes a first substrate, a second substrate and an electro-optic material positioned between the first and second substrates. The first substrate includes a reflective ground layer that acts as a continuous first electrode and the second substrate includes a pixel layer having a plurality of pixel elements formed in a pattern. The pixel elements are formed of a transparent conductive material and are separated by inter-pixel regions formed of a non-conductive material. A transmissivity of the electro-optic material in a vicinity of each of the plurality of pixel elements is controlled by a potential difference applied between the first electrode and a respective one of the pixel elements.

Abstract: A non-blocking N×N cross-connect is provided that has an array of liquid crystal (LC) switches in a grid of planar optical waveguides within a light optical circuit (LOC). LC-filled trenches are used in a planar optical waveguide and each trench provides the functionality of a waveguide polarization splitter, a transverse electric (TE) switch cross-point, a transverse magnetic (TM) switch cross-point, or a waveguide polarization combiner. The planar optical waveguide has a refractive index substantially equal to the lowest index of refraction of the LC material. By combining these elements, a cross-connect system is fabricated. Also disclosed is a dynamically adjustable prism constructed with a liquid crystal material.

Abstract: An optical system of the present invention includes a reflective liquid crystal device having a plurality of independently activated liquid crystal elements, and an optical element for directing a plurality of input light beams at the reflective liquid crystal device such that each input light beam impinges upon one of the liquid crystal elements. Each liquid crystal element of the reflective liquid crystal device includes a transparent first electrode, a reflective second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode, and a liquid crystal medium disposed between the first and second electrodes. The liquid crystal elements are independently operable to change between half-wave and zero retardation states in response to an applied voltage.

Abstract: An optical system according to the present invention includes a beam polarization combiner for receiving first and second sets of input beams, and a reflective spatial light modulator having a plurality of individually activated modulating elements each corresponding to a respective one of the different wavelengths of the input beams. Each input beam is directed at a modulating element of corresponding wavelength with input beams of the first and second sets impinging upon the modulating element from respective first and second incoming paths. Each modulating element selectively changes the input beams such that the outgoing path for each reflected beam of each set is superimposed on the incoming path for the other set. The beam combiner receives the reflected sets of beams and directs them in different directions based upon their polarization. The optical system may be used in a wavelength selective switch or a dynamic spectral equalizer.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an optical cross-connection device. The device is fabricated by disposing liquid crystal polarization modulators on a polarization beam splitting cube. The modulators effect switching by changing the polarization state of the light signal passing through the liquid crystal cell. The beam splitting cube directs the signal according to the polarization state. Several prisms are also disposed on the cube. The prisms are used to direct the light signals inside the switch. The device is simple to make, relatively inexpensive, and compact. Because it uses standard LCD technology there are very few mechanical parts subject to fatigue and other reliability issues.