Abstract: An interior rearview mirror assembly for a vehicle includes an interior mirror reflective element and a plurality of icons viewable through a glass substrate of the mirror reflective element by a person viewing the front surface of the mirror reflective element. The icons are arranged behind and along a lower portion of the mirror reflective element, and adjacent ones of the plurality of icons are spaced from and local to one another. A portion of the mirror reflector of the reflective element is viewable between and at least partially around the icons when the interior rearview mirror assembly is normally mounted in the vehicle and viewed by a driver of the vehicle. A plurality of user inputs are associated with respective ones of the icons and are disposed generally local to the respective ones of the icons in a cognitively associated manner.

Abstract: A modulator in an imaging apparatus includes a metamaterial shell surrounding an opaque core. The metamaterial is tunable, so that the metamaterial acts as a waveguide for light at a given wavelength. This property of the metamaterial is used to modulate the light beam in an imaging apparatus. The light beam can be guided around the opaque core under a first voltage condition, or the light beam can be blocked by the opaque core under a second voltage condition.

Abstract: A plasmonic transistor device includes an electro-optic substrate and a conductive layer placed on said electro-optic substrate to establish an interface therebetween. The first conductive layer and electro-optics substrate are made of materials that are suitable for transmission of a surface plasmon along the interface. The conductive layer is further formed with a source input grating and a drain output grating, for establishing the surface plasmon. A means for varying the electro-optic substrate permittivity, such as a light source or voltage source, is connected to the electro-optic substrate. Selective manipulation of the varying means allows the user to selectively increase or decrease the substrate permittivity. Control of the substrate permittivity further allows the user to control surface plasmon propagation from the source input grating along the interface to a drain output grating, to achieve a transistor-like effect for the surface plasmon.

Abstract: A display apparatus using electroplating on an electrode for modulating light includes a layer formed on the electrode. The layer has an insulator with a gap therein, and conductive fine particles are dispersed in the gap.

Abstract: Method for treating a nominally pure crystal having non-linear optical properties. The nominally pure crystal contain foreign atoms at a residual concentration of less than 20 ppm so as to provide specific absorption of incident light. The method includes determining, based on testing on a specifically doped reference crystal of same type as the nominally pure crystal, a threshold value. The threshold value is defined by a temperature at which a migration of ions in the nominally pure crystal to the surface of the nominally pure crystal ceases. The foreign atoms are transformed to a higher valance state by a thermally-supported oxidation process including heating the nominally pure crystal at a heating rate that increases by less than 3 ° C. per minute to a maximum temperature above the threshold value and below a Curie temperature of the nominally pure crystal. An electrical voltage is applied so as to eliminate electrons released during the oxidation process from the nominally pure crystal.

Abstract: A plasmonic logic device can include a dielectric substrate, and first and second metallic input strips that are placed on the substrate. The input metallic strips can be made of different metals that support propagation of surface plasmons at different frequencies. The input metallic strips can be separated by a predetermined gap that causes for the surface plasmons to constructively combine or destructively cancel each other, according to the gap distances and strip materials chosen, to accomplish the desired logic function. A metallic output strip can be placed on the substrate at a distance from the metallic input strips that allows for selective propagation to accomplish different logic functions. The metallic output strip can further be chosen from a material that allows for propagation of surface plasmons over a broad frequency range to allow for evanescent coupling of a surface plasmon from the metallic input strips.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a reconfigurable spatial light modulator capable of spatially modulating an incident wavefront responsive to an image formed on the modulator. A light source is configured to direct a coherent illumination light beam towards the modulator such that the modulator produces a modulated outgoing light beam therefrom. A filter is configured to spatially filter a light pattern formed by the outgoing light beam on a plane to selectively transmit light from a plurality of diffraction peaks therein.

Abstract: A method is provided for co-site interference mitigation in an RF communication system. Spectral nulls created in an optical domain may be used to mitigate interfering signals in an RF signal. The method includes: receiving an RF input signal via an antenna; generating two optical signals that are each modulated using the RF signal; creating a phase delay in one of the two optical signals that corresponds with a spectral null at a frequency of an interfering signal; converting the two optical signals into two corresponding electrical signals and combining the two electrical signals to create spectral nulls via interference between the two signals and form a mitigated output signal. In this way, the spectral null offsets the amplitude of the interfering signal, thereby reducing the signal strength of the interfering signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light control film, comprising: two transparent electroconductive resin substrates; and a light control layer sandwiched by the two transparent electroconductive resin substrates, wherein the light control layer contains a resin matrix and a light control suspension dispersed in the resin matrix, and the thickness of the transparent electroconductive resin substrates is from 130 to 500 ?m.

Abstract: Devices and techniques for forming devices based on electro-optic whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators by using spatially modulated electrodes and electro-optic whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators that effectuate coupling between light in an optical whispering gallery mode in the TE mode and light in another optical whispering gallery mode in the TM mode.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, according to some embodiments, to compositions and devices operable for infra-red transmission and blocking comprising a layered structure having a first electrically conducting layer, a conjugated electrochromic polymer layer, an electrolyte layer and a second electrically conducting layer, wherein the first and second electrically conducting layers have an infrared transparency and the conjugated electrochromic polymers may be operable to be electrically switched between a transparent state that transmits infrared light to an opaque state that does not transmit infrared light. In some embodiments, a device of the disclosure may also have one or more outer substrates sandwiching the other layers. Some embodiments relate to single-layered devices. Some embodiments relate to combined layers. Compositions and devices of the disclosure may be integrated into a wide variety of infrared systems for transmission, shuttering and calibration applications.

Abstract: Techniques and devices for tuning a phase shift of an RF or microwave signal by using an optical tuning mechanism based on photonic elements.

Abstract: A system for laser amplification includes a dual-crystal Pockels cell which is used to control emission of laser pulses from an ultra-fast laser. The Pockels cell is constructed to enable adjustment of the rotational orientation of one crystal relative to the other crystal. The rotational orientation of one or both crystals in the Pockels cell is adjusted to control sidebands in the laser pulse.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate may contain electronic circuitry fabricated on the backplane. The electronic circuitry is placed in electrical communication with the array of interferometric modulators and is configured to control the state of the array of interferometric modulators.

Abstract: A plasmonic transistor device includes an electro-optic substrate and a conductive layer placed on said electro-optic substrate to establish an interface therebetween. The first conductive layer and electro-optics substrate are made of materials that are suitable for transmission of a surface plasmon along the interface. The conductive layer is further formed with a source input grating and a drain output grating, for establishing the surface plasmon. A means for varying the electro-optic substrate permittivity, such as a light source or voltage source, is connected to the electro-optic substrate. Selective manipulation of the varying means allows the user to selectively increase or decrease the substrate permittivity. Control of the substrate permittivity further allows the user to control surface plasmon propagation from the source input grating along the interface to a drain output grating, to achieve a transistor-like effect for the surface plasmon.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a variety of methods and techniques for fabricating a carbon nanotube (CNT) signal modulator for reducing, eliminating, or enhancing the resonance interaction between photonic elements, and a photonic transmission device that may incorporate the signal modulator. The CNT signal modulator comprises a gate CNT on a substrate in a position for receiving an input photonic signal and an input modulation signal; and transmitting an output photonic signal that is reduced, eliminated, or enhanced through the selection of the input modulation signal; and an input modulation signal sender for sending the input modulation signal to the gate CNT and creating the modulated output photonic signal from the gate CNT. The photonic transmission device can contain a plurality of CNTs, each having functional antenna forms that are capable of a resonance interaction of photons between adjacent CNTs when formed as an array on a substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to an appliance for measuring or controlling an optical element (3) comprising illumination means (1) and an associated artificial vision system (2), in which the optical element (3) can be inserted between the illumination means (1) and the artificial vision system (2), said illumination means (1) comprising programmable optoelectronic means for producing a luminous background with spatially and temporally variable brightness. The inventive appliance is characterised in that the programmable optoelectronic means are embodied in such a way as to consecutively generate a plurality of mires, each comprising a pattern which is repeated in a contrasted manner on a uniform background with a high spatial frequency of between 0.01 and 100 patterns/mm, or such that two adjacent patterns are separated by an angle between 0.1 and 30 degrees, said angle being measured from the point of the object on which the pattern is observed.

Abstract: A photoconductive device comprising a photoconductive portion for generating carriers by applied excitation light; a resistance portion in contact with the photoconductive portion; a first conductive portion in contact with the resistance portion; and a second conductive portion that is provided so as to have a gap with respect to the first conductive portion and is in contact with the photoconductive portion.

Abstract: A transmissive electro-optic display includes a substantially transparent front plane and back plane element. The back plane element includes a plurality of electrodes distributed in two dimensions on the backplane, each allowing independent control of a discrete region of the display. The front plane element includes at least one electrode disposed opposite the back plane, and is spaced apart from the back plane element by an interior wall defining a plurality of cells therebetween. A plurality of partially conductive and optically anisotropic elements is rotatably disposed in the plurality of cells, together with a dielectric fluid. When an appropriate electric field and/or a magnetic field is applied to the cells, the corresponding anisotropic elements are caused rotate between a “transmissive” state and an “opaque” state.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed which includes transparent superconductor material.

Abstract: A device that provides light beam switching, agile steering of the light beam over a range of angles, and generation of arbitrary wavefront shapes with high spatial and temporal resolution. The agile device can include a volume diffractive structure comprising Bragg planes having one refractive index and the Bragg planes separated by regions containing an active optical medium. Electrodes (which may be the Bragg planes themselves, or may be arrayed adjacent to the active optical medium) are used to control the electric field intensity and direction across the structure, and thereby control the diffraction efficiency of the structure and the local phase delay imposed on a diffracted wavefront. Means are provided for addressing the many thousands of electrodes required for precise and rapid wavefront control. Applications include free-space atmospheric optical communications, near-eye displays, direct-view 3D displays, optical switching, and a host of other applications.

Abstract: This invention provides a display system that receives an image signal containing a binary data of N bits, wherein N is a positive integer, for displaying an image with a grayscale corresponding to the binary data. The display system further includes a data converter for converting M-bit of the N bits of the binary data into a non-binary data, wherein M is a positive integer and N?M, for applying the non-binary data as a sub-frame in controlling the gray scale in displaying the image. In an exemplary embodiment, the data converter converts consecutive M-bit of the N bits of the binary data into the non-binary data. The display system further includes a spatial light modulator (SLM) having a plurality of pixel elements and the SLM receiving the non-binary data of M bits for controlling the pixel elements.

Abstract: A display device is provided. The display device comprises a substrate. A first electrode layer is disposed on the substrate. An electrochromic material single layer is disposed on the first electrode layer, wherein the electrochromic material single layer has a plurality of spherical holes inside. An electrolytic layer is disposed on the electrochromic material single layer. A second electrode layer is disposed on the electrolytic layer. A power supply is electrically connected to the first and second electrode layers, respectively. The electrochromic material single layer displays red, blue or green colors according to a driving voltage provided by the power supply.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a light control film, comprising: two transparent electroconductive resin substrates; and a light control layer sandwiched by the two transparent electroconductive resin substrates, wherein the light control layer contains a resin matrix and a light control suspension dispersed in the resin matrix, and the thickness of the transparent electroconductive resin substrates is from 10 to 80 ?m.

Abstract: A color filter array comprises orange, lime and purple sub-pixels, optionally with the addition of white sub-pixels. The color filter array is useful in electro-optic displays, especially reflective electro-optic displays. A method is provided for converting RGB images for use with the new color filter array.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an electro-optical device that can achieve desired optical characteristics by eliminating the possibility of transparent electrode conduction failure. An electro-optical device includes a first and a second transparent substrate, an electro-optical material provided between first and second transparent substrates, an optical structure provided on the first or second transparent substrate and having a plurality of segmented lens faces (16a), a conducting structure (2) including a connecting face (23) formed on the optical structure and formed by cutting out a portion of the optical structure or etc., and transparent electrodes formed the plurality of segmented lens faces (16a) and the conducting structure (2), respectively, wherein the transparent electrodes formed on the plurality of segmented lens faces are electrically connected together by the transparent electrode formed on the conducting structure (2).

Abstract: An alarm system notification device that comprises a single strobe, an input selector, and a controller is disclosed. The single strobe may be configured to operate at a first wavelength band in a first configuration and at a second wavelength band in a second configuration, the first wavelength band being different from the second wavelength band. The configuration of the single strobe (either in the first or second configuration) is determined based on a command that is input by the input selector. In response to receiving the command, the controller may control the single strobe so that the single strobe is configured to operate at one of the first wavelength band in the first configuration or the second wavelength band in the second configuration as indicated in the command.

Abstract: A display assembly comprises a backplane assembly comprising a plurality of spaced backplane areas, each backplane area comprising a plurality of electrodes, the backplane areas being separated by gutter areas free from electrodes; an adhesive layer overlying the plurality of spaced backplane areas; and a layer of a solid electro-optic medium overlying the adhesive layer in the plurality of spaced backplane areas. The display sub-assembly can be produced via a single lamination and severed to form a plurality of separate electro-optic displays. Processes for producing the display assembly are also described.

Abstract: A rotating element display includes a matrix having discrete regions of cells of different sizes occupied by rotatably disposed optically and electrically anisotropic elements (e.g., electrically anisotropic bichromal spheres). The regions of larger cells are occupied by larger rotating elements having a first combination of optical properties while the regions of smaller cells are occupied by smaller elements having a second combination of optical properties. The rotating elements having different combinations of optical properties are separately addressable by electromagnetic signals that cause rotation of selected optically dissimilar elements and create a desired color image. In a different aspect, a rotating element display includes a plurality of optically anisotropic rotatable elements occupying cells of a transparent matrix, in a configuration where a background color is viewable through the matrix.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to systems and methods for obtaining images of objects with higher resolution than the diffraction limit. In one aspect, a method for collecting evanescent waves scattered from an object comprises electronically configuring a reconfigurable device to operate as a grating for one or more lattice periods using a computing device. Propagating waves scattered from the object pass through the reconfigurable device and a portion of evanescent waves scattered from the object are projected into the far field of the object. The method includes detecting propagating waves and detecting the portion of evanescent waves projected into the far field for each lattice period using an imaging system.

Abstract: There is provided an optical device including a plurality of polarizers that are arranged along a propagation direction of incident light, where the plurality of polarizers have transmission axes of substantially the same direction, a phaser that is provided between the plurality of polarizers, where the phaser has a retarded-phase axis forming a predetermined angle with the transmission axes of the plurality of polarizers, and a phase modulator that is provided adjacent to the phaser along the propagation direction, where the phase modulator has a retarded-phase axis of substantially the same direction as the retarded-phase axis of the phaser. Here, a phase difference generated in the incident light by the phase modulator is temporally adjusted such that the optical device transmits light in different wavelength ranges at different timings.

Abstract: A lighting device includes: a light guide plate; a light source disposed on a side face of the light guide plate; and a light modulation element disposed on a surface or in the inside of the light guide plate and adhered to the light guide plate. The light modulation element has a pair of transparent substrates disposed separately and oppositely, a pair of electrodes provided on respective surfaces of the pair of transparent substrates, and a light modulation layer provided in a gap between the pair of transparent substrates. The light modulation layer includes a first region, having optical anisotropy, responsive to an electric field, and a second region, having optical anisotropy, unresponsive to an electric field. The second region has a striped structure with average striped texture size of 0.05 ?m to 10 ?m both inclusive in a short axis direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a construction with an optically active glazing, whose optical properties can be varied by supplying electrical power, an electrical power source, which can be electrically connected to the optically active glazing via an electric circuit that contains a first pair of lines connected to the power source, as well as a circuit arrangement arranged in the electric circuit, which circuit arrangement is configured such that below a predetermined threshold voltage, it electrically connects the power source and the glazing and upon reaching the threshold voltage, it electrically isolates the power source from the glazing.

Abstract: In a reflective a display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids (5) e.g. oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate (3) and in the second state the other fluid (6) at least partly adjoins the first support plate, in which picture elements are separated by areas (13) having a hydrophilic surface dyes (or sometimes pigments) are added to the oil (usually hydrocarbon but also possibly silicone or fluorocarbon), to provide sufficient optical intensity.

Abstract: An electrowetting display device includes a first and a second transparent substrates, multiple partition walls, a polar liquid, a non-polar liquid, and a phosphor layer. The non-polar liquid is opaque and immiscible with the polar liquid. The phosphor layer is formed on at least one of the first and the second transparent substrates. The phosphor layer comprises a first part that transforms the short-wavelength light into red light, a second part that transforms the short-wavelength light into green light, and a third part that transforms the short-wavelength light into blue light or allows the short-wavelength light to pass therethrough without transformation. Each of the first, the second, and the third parts is corresponding to one pixel unit.

Abstract: An electro-optic display is produced using a sub-assembly comprising a front sheet, an electro-optic medium; and an adhesive layer. An aperture is formed through the adhesive layer where the adhesive layer is not covered by the electro-optic medium, and the sub-assembly is adhered to a backplane having a co-operating member with the aperture engaged with a co-operating member, thus locating the sub-assembly relative to the backplane. In another form of electro-optic display, a chip extends through an aperture in the electro-optic medium and adhesive layer. In a third form, the aforementioned sub-assembly is secured to a backplane and then a cut is made through both backplane and sub-assembly to provide an aligned edge.

Abstract: The objects of the present invention are to shorten a cavity length of an optoelectronic oscillator and to integrate on a semiconductor or SiO2-substrate. An optoelectronic oscillator 10 have an optoelectronic loop comprising a semiconductor laser 11, an optical waveguide 12 guiding laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser, a photodetector 13 detecting laser light guided by the optical waveguide and outputting an electrical signal, an amplifier 14 amplifying the electrical signal outputted from the photodetector, generating an amplified signal and formed on a semiconductor substrate 15. Laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 11 is controlled by generated amplified signal and it oscillates with a fundamental oscillation frequency determined by a delay time of carrier in the optoelectronic loop circuit or one of the high harmonic components of integral multiples of a fundamental oscillation frequency.

Abstract: An optical signal generator includes a single-mode laser; a reflecting mirror to define another cavity different from a cavity of the single-mode laser, and reflect a part of output light from the single-mode laser to return the part of the output light to the single-mode laser; an intensity modulator provided between the single-mode laser and the reflecting mirror; and a phase adjuster, provided between the single-mode laser and the reflecting mirror, to adjust a frequency difference between a signal on state and a signal off state generated in accordance with intensity modulation by the intensity modulator.

Abstract: A nanostructured optoelectronic device is provided which comprises a nanostructured material and a host material intermingled with the nanostructured material. The host material may have a higher index of refraction than the nanostructured material. The host material's index of refraction may be chosen to maximize the effective active area of the device. In an alternative embodiment, the host material comprises scattering centers or absorption/luminescence centers which absorb light and reemit the light at a different energy or both.

Abstract: The present application is directed towards, among other things, systems and methods for modulating the intensity of laser light at high frequencies for use in projection systems. A laser is modulated by an electro-optical device, such as an intensity modulator, that can change its reflective or transmissive behavior at rates exceeding tens of megahertz under the application of an electric field. In some embodiments, the intensity modulator may be configured as a Fabry-Pérot interferometer or etalon, or a Gires-Tournois etalon. In many embodiments, the intensity modulator may include a transparent relaxor-ferroelectric-type material between the modulator's reflective plates. By applying a voltage to the ferroelectric material, its refractive index may be varied to dynamically change the resonance of the modulator, modulating the intensity of the light transmitted through or reflected from the modulator.

Abstract: A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) array substrate includes a substrate, a plurality of first signal lines, a plurality of second signal lines, a plurality of MEMS switches and a plurality of pixel electrodes. The first signal lines are disposed on the substrate in parallel with one another as well as the second signal lines. The second signal lines intersect with the first signal lines, such that a plurality of pixel regions is defined on the substrate. Each MEMS switch is located at corresponding one of the intersections between the first signal lines and the second signal lines. Each pixel electrode is configured in corresponding one of the pixel regions and electrically connected with the corresponding MEMS switch Compare to thin film transistor, since the operation performance of the MEMS switches would not affected by carrier mobility and on-off current ratio, display performance of the display device can be easily improved.

Abstract: A total internal reflection (TIR) modulator includes a member comprising an electro-optic material; a plurality of first electrode sets; a plurality of second electrode sets; and a first set of electrical conductors, each electrical conductor in the first set of electrical conductors being coupled to one of the second electrode sets wherein the electrodes in each second electrode set are arranged in an interdigitated relationship with the electrodes in one of the first electrode sets; and each of the first electrode sets comprises a first electrode, the first electrodes being arranged in an interdigitated relationship with the electrical conductors in the first set of electrical conductors.

Abstract: A method for manipulating light comprises receiving an incoming beam of light at a tunable optical device, the tunable optical device comprising an organic material having an optical property that can be selectively varied under the influence of an external bias. The method further comprises applying a selected external bias to the tunable optical device to change an optical property of the tunable optical device. The method also comprises controlling an optical property of a beam of light exiting the tunable optical device as a result of the selected external bias.

Abstract: A reflector 38 includes a mirrored surface 48 and a frequency selective surface 46. The frequency selective surface 46 is arranged to reflect radiation of a first frequency band 52 and allow radiation of a second frequency band 50 to pass. The mirrored surface 48 is arranged to reflect radiation of the second frequency band 50. In this manner, the focal power for radiation of the first frequency band 52 is independent to the focal power for radiation of the second frequency band 50. Accordingly, the design of optical components associated with the second frequency band 50 can be undertaken independently of those associated with the first frequency band 52 so as to achieve the optimised focusing for each frequency band.

Abstract: To provide a variable-focal length lens capable of altering its focal length at high speed. The variable-focal length lens has an electrooptic material and electrodes formed on an incident surface of light and on an exit surface of the light of the electrooptic material. An optical axis is set so that the light is inputted into a gap where the electrodes of the incident surface are not formed and is outputted from a gap where the electrodes of the exit surface are not formed. A focus of the light that is transmitted through the electrooptic material becomes variable by varying an applied voltage between the electrodes of the incident surface and the electrodes of the exit surface.

Abstract: A dual display is disclosed, including a first electrowetting display device and a second electrowetting display device, and a reflection transmission switching device therebetween, wherein the first electrowetting display device and the second electrowetting display device have a function of displaying images and can be switched to a transmissive mode. The invention further provides a dual display, comprising a first substrate, a second substrate opposite the first substrate, a first patterned electrode and a second patterned electrode disposed on the first substrate, a reflective layer disposed on the first patterned electrode, a first patterned hydrophobic layer over the first patterned electrode, a second patterned hydrophobic layer over the second patterned electrode, a wall defining a pixel of the dual display, a first non-polar liquid disposed on the first patterned hydrophobic layer, and a second non-polar liquid disposed on the second patterned hydrophobic layer.

Abstract: An electro-optic device includes a shift register and another circuit. Source and drain regions of transistors in the shift register contain the same kind of impurity as that contained in the source and drain regions of transistors in the other circuit and contain a higher concentration of the impurity than a concentration of the impurity in the source and drain regions of transistors in the other circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent electroactive system that includes two electrodes (2, 3) juxtaposed on the same side of a closed space (12) containing electroactive substances. The two electrodes are separated by a distance of less than 250 ?m, and a barrier (1) extending towards the inside of the closed space is placed between the electrodes. The separation between the electrodes is thus not visible, and a mutual neutralization between the electroactive substances is prevented. Advantageously, the electroactive substances are contained in cells (5) separated from each other within the closed space. The barrier (1) can thus be distinct from separation walls (4) between the cells, or can be assimilated with some intercellular walls.

Abstract: A multi-layer film, useful as a front sub-assembly in electro-optic displays, comprises, in this order: a light-transmissive electrically-conductive layer (114); a light-transmissive first protective layer (112); a light-transmissive moisture barrier layer (108); and a light-transmissive second protective layer (106). This multi-layer film can be used in forming an electro-optic display by the processes described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,982,179 or Patent Publication No. 2007/0109219.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for receiving a digital signal having a plurality of significant bits of resolution. The apparatus includes a mode locked laser comprising a single output. The apparatus also includes a beam divider operable to receive the single output. The apparatus also includes a plurality of optical modulators operable to communicate with said beam divider and operable to receive a respective plurality of signals corresponding to a plurality of significant bits of resolution. Optionally, the apparatus also includes a source operable to output a digital waveform with the plurality of signals corresponding to the plurality of significant bits of resolution of the digital waveform, the plurality of signals operable to drive the plurality of optical modulators.