Abstract: A reconfigurable polarization rotator is formed of an array of very small liquid crystal (LC) cells (e.g., cells of less than 10 ?m in width, termed “microcells”), referred to hereinafter as “microcells”. Each LC microcell is addressable by a separate electrical voltage input that independently controls the polarization rotation performed by the associated LC microcell. By defining a set of adjacent microcells to be held at the same voltage level, that group may be used to form a polarization rotator window of a proper size for a first fiber array configuration. When a fiber array of a different configuration (say, an array with twice the pitch) is used, a different-sized group of adjacent LC microcells is held at a common voltage level so as to form a reconfigured “window” of a new dimension.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled optical wedge is formed by creating an adjustable voltage gradient along the length of a relatively large-sized LC cell. A pair of bias voltages (AC voltages) are applied at the opposing side terminations of the LC cell, their RMS values selected to create a continuous phase variation along the length of the cell, where a defined phase variation is associated with a specific beam steering angle. Adjustments in the applied bias voltages (specifically, changes in the RMS values of the bias voltages) result in changing the beam steering angle, providing for active, controllable beam steering as a function of time. The LC cell may be configured to provide either a linear or nonlinear continuous phase variation, as preferred for different beam steering applications.

Abstract: A module handles beams having multiple channels in an optical network. The module has a dispersion element, a liquid crystal (LC) based switching assembly, and photodetectors. The dispersion element is arranged in optical communication with the beams from inputs and is configured to disperse the beams into the channels across a dispersion direction. The switching assembly is arranged in optical communication with the channels from the dispersion element and is configured to selectively reflect the channels using electrically switchable cells of one or more LC-based switching engines. The photodetectors are arranged in optical communication with the dispersion element, and each are configured to receive selectively reflected channels for optical channel monitoring. Outputs can be arranged in optical communication with the dispersion element and can be configured to receive selectively reflected channels for wavelength selective switching.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled optical wedge is formed by creating an adjustable voltage gradient along the length of a relatively large-sized LC cell. A pair of bias voltages (AC voltages) are applied at the opposing side terminations of the LC cell, their RMS values selected to create a continuous phase variation along the length of the cell, where a defined phase variation is associated with a specific beam steering angle. Adjustments in the applied bias voltages (specifically, changes in the RMS values of the bias voltages) result in changing the beam steering angle, providing for active, controllable beam steering as a function of time. The LC cell may be configured to provide either a linear or nonlinear continuous phase variation, as preferred for different beam steering applications.

Abstract: A reconfigurable polarization rotator is formed of an array of very small liquid crystal (LC) cells (e.g., cells of less than 10 ?m in width, termed “microcells”), referred to hereinafter as “microcells”. Each LC microcell is addressable by a separate electrical voltage input that independently controls the polarization rotation performed by the associated LC microcell. By defining a set of adjacent microcells to be held at the same voltage level, that group may be used to form a polarization rotator window of a proper size for a first fiber array configuration. When a fiber array of a different configuration (say, an array with twice the pitch) is used, a different-sized group of adjacent LC microcells is held at a common voltage level so as to form a reconfigured “window” of a new dimension.

Abstract: A voltage-controlled optical wedge is formed by creating an adjustable voltage gradient along the length of a relatively large-sized LC cell. A pair of bias voltages (AC voltages) are applied at the opposing side terminations of the LC cell, their RMS values selected to create a continuous phase variation along the length of the cell, where a defined phase variation is associated with a specific beam steering angle. Adjustments in the applied bias voltages (specifically, changes in the RMS values of the bias voltages) result in changing the beam steering angle, providing for active, controllable beam steering as a function of time. The LC cell may be configured to provide either a linear or nonlinear continuous phase variation, as preferred for different beam steering applications.

Abstract: A module handles beams having multiple channels in an optical network. The module has a dispersion element, a liquid crystal (LC) based switching assembly, and photodetectors. The dispersion element is arranged in optical communication with the beams from inputs and is configured to disperse the beams into the channels across a dispersion direction. The switching assembly is arranged in optical communication with the channels from the dispersion element and is configured to selectively reflect the channels using electrically switchable cells of one or more LC-based switching engines. The photodetectors are arranged in optical communication with the dispersion element, and each are configured to receive selectively reflected channels for optical channel monitoring. Outputs can be arranged in optical communication with the dispersion element and can be configured to receive selectively reflected channels for wavelength selective switching.

Abstract: One disclosed feature of the embodiments is a method and apparatus to provide a touch screen. First and second layers having inner surfaces coated with indium tin oxide (ITO) are formed. The coated surfaces have a first refractive index. A cavity is formed by the first and second layers and a sealant that seals perimeter of the first and second layers. A fluid is filled in the cavity. The fluid has a second refractive index.

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: A method of manufacturing liquid crystal on silicon devices uses asymmetric placement of scribes on silicon and glass substrate layers to maximize the yield of processed active matrix silicon wafers. Asymmetrical scribing minimizes a dimension from a gasket seal between the substrates to a lower bond pad edge. An opposite glass overhang provides an interconnect redundancy for an ITO plate or a repair site for electrical contact to the ITO plate. Methods of device separation employing partial sawing are also employed.

Abstract: A method for forming walls (8) between substrates (11, 12) in a liquid crystal cell (10) includes the step of forming a cell with a liquid crystal-monomer mixture (50). The cell (10) is then exposed to ultraviolet light (70) causing the monomer to be selectively polymerized to form walls (8) between substrates (11, 12) of the cell. The monomer is selectively polymerized by applying an electric field across the cell through a patterned conductive coating (31, 32) on each substrate (11, 12) to separate the dispersed monomer to the low field, interpixel regions (72). The cell (10) is then exposed to ultraviolet light (70) to polymerize the separated monomer to form the walls (8) in the low field regions (72).