Abstract: An apparatus for emitting light with a controlled directionality and optical divergence from at least one opening includes a light impervious surface structure having the at least one opening, a periodic or quasi-periodic surface topography including one or several surface feature(s) and associated with the at least one opening on the surface structure, whereby light emerging from the opening(s) interacts with surface waves on the surface structure (20) thereby providing controlled directionality and optical divergence of the emitted light.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for emitting light with a controlled directionality and optical divergence from at least one opening. Said apparatus (10) comprises: a light impervious surface structure (20) comprising said at least one opening (30′), a periodic or quasi-periodic surface topography comprising one or several surface feature(s) (40) and associated with said at least one opening on said surface structure, whereby light (IOUTPUT) emerging from said opening(s) (30′) interacts with surface waves on said surface structure (20) thereby providing controlled directionality and optical divergence of the emitted light (IOUTPUT).

Abstract: A transmitter for transmitting data in the form of an optical signal. The transmitter having: a transmitter chip module having a material capable of radiating light of a first wavelength when both a zero voltage potential exists across the material and when illuminated by light of a second wavelength; a light source optically coupled to the transmitter chip module for illuminating the material with light of the second wavelength; and a voltage controller for controlling the voltage potential across the first material. Also provided is a receiver for receiving data in the form of an optical signal having a first wavelength.

Abstract: Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an optical transmission modulation apparatus is provided for modulating light transmitted through the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a metal film having a periodic array of subwavelength-diameter holes provided therein, and a supporting layer. At least a portion of the supporting layer has a selectively variable refractive index, the selectively variable refractive index portion being substantially adjacent to the metal film such that the metal film and the supporting layer form a perforated metal film unit. Selective variation of the refractive index of the selectively variable refractive index portion modulates the intensity of the light transmitted through the perforated metal film unit without substantially changing the direction of the light. Flat panel displays, spatial light modulators and tunable optical filters based on the optical transmission control apparatus are also provided.