Abstract: A reflective mode, magneto-optic spatial light modulator (MOSLM) device has planar electrical conductors which function both as optical mirror surfaces and as the address conductors for random access, selective switching of an associated individual pixel element which is formed from a magneto-optic material that exhibits magnetic domain characteristics, and further has a crossover portion of one of the reflective electrical conductors embedded in the magneto-optic device material at a nucleation region formed in the device material.

Abstract: A reflective mode, magneto-optic spatial light modulator (MOSLM) device has one or more pixel elements formed from a selected magneto-optic material with a respective pair of coincident current select electrical conductors associated with each pixel where at least one of the conductors is planar and thereby develops a reflector surface that reflects incident radiation, such as polarized light of an optical beam, which has passed at least through an associated pixel back through the magneto-optic material and resident single magnetic domain of the pixel.

Abstract: Methods of operation and details of chip design to realize gray-scale capability in magneto-optic chips. Individual pixels are operated in three states by the addition of a stripped state to the usual stable magnetized states in either direction. Varying thicknesses of film are employed along with stacked identically patterend chips operated in tandem. Pixel divisions are divided into individually-addressible areas of differing sizes which can be operated in different combinations to provide varying levels of brightness through each pixel position.

Abstract: A low-anisotropy magnetic material is exchange coupled in juxtaposition with a compatible body of high-anisotropy magnetic material so that a reduced external magnetic field is required for the nucleation and passage of a domain wall from the low-anisotropy material, through the interface between the low- and high-anisotropy materials, and into the high-anisotropy material. The propagation of the domain wall continues to affect a reversal in the direction of magnetization in the high-anisotropy material.

Abstract: A method for producing a large area of single domain magnetic bistability is shown including the steps of selecting the properties of films of magnetic materials such that the saturation field (H.sub.s) that is less than the value of the anisotropy field (H.sub.k) reduced by the value of a demagnetization factor (4.pi.) times the magnetization value (M.sub.s) as stated in the equation:H.sub.s <H.sub.k -4.pi.M.sub.s.Isolated areas are created in these films by means which do not introduce changes in the magnetic properties, such as stress anisotropy effects. Large area stable domains exist in material whose measured magnetic properties meet this relationship independent of temperature and without a requirement for a magnetic bias.

Abstract: A magnetic domain device has at least one post element formed from a material that exhibits magnetic domain characteristics and that is positioned on a non-magnetic substrate material. A pair of electrical drive lines associated with a post element permit coincident current selection of the post element to reverse the direction of magnetization of the post element. This reversal is enhanced by one of the drive lines being configured to a slope portion of the post element so that this drive line is oriented to require a minimum field to reverse the magnetization direction of the post element.

Abstract: A magnetic domain device has at least one post element formed from a material that exhibits magnetic domain characteristics and that is positioned on a nonmagnetic substrate material. A pair of electrical drive lines associated with a post element permit coincident current selection of the post element to nucleate a magnetic domain reversal, and an additional current introduced into an adjacent drive line establishes an additive magnetic field to assist the propagation of a domain wall associated with the nucleated magnetic domain reversal so that the direction of magnetization of the post element is reversed.

Abstract: An improved grid pattern is shown for increasing the density of magnetic post elements, within a magneto-optic display, for example, wherein the post elements are separated by a grid-like pattern of spaces which are filled with conductive elements arranged generally in the X and Y directions. Each quadrilaterally shaped post element is separated by a diagonal so that the first, third, fifth . . . etc. columns of post elements have diagonals running in one direction while the second, fourth, sixth . . . etc. columns have diagonals running in the opposite direction. A region of low anisotropy material is located in the corner of each triangularly shaped magnetic post element opposite the diagonal which forms the triangular element so as to be as close as possible to all extremes of the element.

Abstract: Methods of operation and details of chip design to realize gray-scale capability in magneto-optic chips. Individual pixels are operated in three states by the addition of a stripped out state to the usual stable magnetized states in either direction. Varying thicknesses of film are employed along with stacked identically patterned chips operated in tandem. Pixel divisions are divided into individually-addressible areas of differing sizes which can be operated in different combinations to provide varying levels of brightness through each pixel position.