With Particular Medium Or State Of The Medium Patents (Class 359/252)
  • Patent number: 11671580
    Abstract: A system and method are provided for reconstructing 3-D point cloud. A light source generates light that is received by a polarization field generator, which generates a polarization field that illuminates the target object being imaged such that each outgoing ray has a unique polarization state. A camera captures images of the illuminated target object and the captured images are received by a processor that: (1) performs a polarization field decoding algorithm that decodes the polarization field to obtain a set of incident rays; (2) performs a camera ray decoding algorithm to obtain a set of camera rays; (3) performs a ray-ray intersection algorithm that determines intersection points where the incident rays and the camera rays intersect; and (4) performs a 3-D reconstruction algorithm that uses the set of incident rays, the set of camera rays and the intersection points to reconstruct a 3-D point cloud of the target object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY AND AGRICULTURAL AND MECHANICAL COLLEGE
    Inventors: Jinwei Ye, Jie Lu
  • Patent number: 10802301
    Abstract: The optical response of a metasurface is controlled by actuating it via an electrical or magnetic field, temperature control, optical pumping or electromechanical actuation. The metasurface will therefore control the polarization of the incident light. The metasurface comprises an array of patch antennas. The patch antennas are in the form of asymmetrical elements, including rotated rods, cross-shapes, V-shapes, and L-shapes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Pin Chieh Wu, Ruzan Sokhoyan, Ghazaleh Kafaie Shirmanesh, Harry A. Atwater
  • Patent number: 10014422
    Abstract: A semiconductor nanoparticle dispersion is provided. The semiconductor nanoparticle including a plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles having a radius equal to or larger than an exciton Bohr radius; and a solvent dispersed with the plurality of semiconductor nanoparticles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Michinori Shiomi, Takeru Bessho
  • Patent number: 9530945
    Abstract: An integrally packaged optronic integrated circuit device including an integrated circuit die containing at least one of a radiation emitter and radiation receiver and having a transparent packaging layer overlying a surface of the die, the transparent packaging layer having an opaque coating adjacent to edges of the layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Invensas Corporation
    Inventor: Avner Badehi
  • Patent number: 9470636
    Abstract: A device and method for detecting a liquid crystal display panel (100) can perform loaded electrical signal detection on an FFS-type liquid crystal display panel (100), thereby increasing the yield of products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignees: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd., Chengdu BOE Optoelectronics Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yinyong Yang, Hwang Kim
  • Patent number: 9223154
    Abstract: A display device comprises: a first substrate (20), a first polarizer (10), a second polarizer (50), a first electrode (30), a second electrode (31), an electrically controlled birefringence crystal layer (40). The first polarizer (10) is attached to the first substrate (20). The second polarizer (50) is disposed to face the first substrate (20) and parallel to the first substrate (20). The first electrode (30) and the second electrode (31) are disposed between the first substrate (20) and the second polarizer (50) and separate from each other. The electrically controlled birefringence crystal layer (40) is disposed between the first electrode (30) and the second electrode (31) and has a primary electro-optic effect. The corresponding manufacturing method for a display is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Xiaodong Zhou, Jaegeon You, Jikai Yao
  • Patent number: 9164382
    Abstract: A photorefractive composite, a spatial light modulator and a hologram display device using the same include at least one carborane compound expressed as the following Chemical Formulae 1A through 1C: wherein the photorefractive composite exhibits photoconductivity and optical nonlinearity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyu-young Hwang, Gae-hwang Lee, Jae-eun Jung, Chil-sung Choi
  • Patent number: 9097970
    Abstract: A photorefractive composite, a spatial light modulator and a hologram display device using the same include at least one carborane compound expressed as the following Chemical Formulae 1A through 1C: wherein the photorefractive composite exhibits photoconductivity and optical nonlinearity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2015
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kyu-young Hwang, Gae-hwang Lee, Jae-eun Jung, Chil-sung Choi
  • Patent number: 8784675
    Abstract: The ferroelectric substrate 11 of ferroelectric crystals, while being supported by the support plate 14 which is thicker than the ferroelectric substrate 11, is integrated with the support plate 14 by letting the junction 13 mediate between one major surface S1A of the ferroelectric substrate 11 and one major surface S1B of the support plate 14, and therefore, it is possible through the flat surface polishing to perform thinning of the ferroelectric substrate 11, namely, the ferroelectric crystals, and as a result, it is possible to obtain the thin periodically poled structure. By the voltage application method, the domain inverted region is formed in the ferroelectric substrate 11 which is made thin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dainippon Screen Mfg. Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahide Okazaki, Toshiaki Suhara
  • Publication number: 20140111845
    Abstract: A display device comprises: a first substrate (20), a first polarizer (10), a second polarizer (50), a first electrode (30), a second electrode (31), an electrically controlled birefringence crystal layer (40). The first polarizer (10) is attached to the first substrate (20). The second polarizer (50) is disposed to face the first substrate (20) and parallel to the first substrate (20). The first electrode (30) and the second electrode (31) are disposed between the first substrate (20) and the second polarizer (50) and separate from each other. The electrically controlled birefringence crystal layer (40) is disposed between the first electrode (30) and the second electrode (31) and has a primary electro-optic effect. The corresponding manufacturing method for a display is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: BOE Technology Group Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Xiaodong Zhou, Jaegeon You, Jikai Yao
  • Patent number: 8558975
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a liquid crystal display device includes preparing a first substrate and a second substrate, forming a thin film transistor including a gate electrode, semiconductor layer, source electrode, and a drain electrode on the first substrate, forming a pixel electrode connected to the drain electrode on the first substrate, forming a color filter having a transmissive pattern with a plurality of periodic holes, forming a sealant between the first substrate and the second substrate, and bonding the first and second substrates to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Se-Young Park, Jeong-Hyeon Kim, Sung-Chol Yi, Chang-Gu Lee
  • Patent number: 8446657
    Abstract: Embodiments relate to a method and apparatus for producing polarized light, having a modulator crystal, where the modulator crystal incorporates a birefringent electro-optic material. The modulator crystal has an optic axis, a first polarization axis, and a second polarization axis, where the first polarization axis and second polarization axis are each perpendicular to the optic axis and perpendicular to each other. The apparatus can also include an electrode pair, where application of an electric field modulates light passing through the modulator crystal that is polarized along the first polarization axis. Embodiments pertain to a method and apparatus for modulating light. The apparatus incorporates a modulator crystal having an electro-optic material. The device also has at least two electrode pairs, where each electrode pair modulates light passing through the modulator crystal that has a direction of travel that has a component parallel to the optic axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: University of Florida Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Volker M. Quetschke, Wan Wu, Luke Williams, Muzammil A. Arain, Rodica Martin, David Reitze, David B. Tanner, Guido Mueller
  • Patent number: 8422110
    Abstract: An optical switch changes the refractive index of an electro-optical crystal according to an electric field applied to the electro-optical crystal so as to switch depending on whether the electro-optical crystal enables incident light to pass through or whether the electro-optical crystal enables incident light to be totally reflected. The optical switch includes an electrode section including a plurality of electrodes and formed in the electro-optical crystal, a principal plane including the largest area of each electrode on a same plane of the electro-optical crystal; an insulator layer on at least one plane of the electro-optical crystal, the plane being parallel with the electrode section, the insulator layer made of an insulator with lower dielectric constant than the electro-optical crystal; and a temperature control device formed on and in contact with the insulator layer and controls a temperature of the electrode section or dissipates heat generated in the electrode section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Ohta, Osamu Ishibashi, Fujio Okumura
  • Patent number: 8395835
    Abstract: A 3D image display device with a 2D or 3D image mode switching barrier is provided. The image display device includes an image panel, color change regions spaced apart from each other in a repetitive pattern and selectively change into light transmission regions or light blockage regions, and a barrier having the color change regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eun Jung Lim
  • Patent number: 8373917
    Abstract: An electrowetting display, a pixel array substrate thereof, and an electrowetting display pixel structure thereof are provided. The electrowetting display pixel structure is disposed on a substrate. The electrowetting display pixel structure includes a pixel electrode, a hydrophobic insulating layer and a wall. The pixel electrode is covered by the hydrophobic insulating layer. The wall is disposed on the hydrophobic insulating layer. The wall has a first side surface, a second side surface and at least one opening penetrating the first side surface and the second side surface. The opening is used for fluid medium to flow therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Wintek Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Yi Chen, Chih-Yuan Wang
  • Patent number: 8305676
    Abstract: An optical deflector includes multiple voltage-dependent refractive boundaries. Light passes through the refractive boundaries and accumulates a deflection angle. An electrode placed to apply a voltage to the boundaries may be non-uniform to modulate a wavefront as it passes. A scanning laser projector includes the optical deflector to modulate laser light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Microvision, Inc.
    Inventor: Bin Xue
  • Patent number: 8107152
    Abstract: An electrically tunable Lyot type filter is a Lyot that include one or more filter elements. Each filter element may have a planar, solid crystal comprised of a material that exhibits birefringence and is electro-optically active. Transparent electrodes may be coated on each face of the crystal. An input linear light polarizer may be located on one side of the crystal and oriented at 45 degrees to the optical axis of the birefringent crystal. An output linear light polarizer may be located on the other side of the crystal and oriented at ?45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the birefringent crystal. When an electric voltage is applied between the electrodes, the retardation of the crystal changes and so does the spectral transmission of the optical filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Nova Photonics
    Inventor: Fred M. Levinton
  • Patent number: 7927706
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of polymer sheets and multiple layer glass panels having adjustable tint, and, more specifically, the present invention is in the field of polymer sheets and multiple layer glass panels comprising agents that cause a change in light transmission properties when subjected to an electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Solutia Inc.
    Inventor: William Keith Fisher
  • Patent number: 7835058
    Abstract: A switchable apochromatic polarization rotator is provided. A first fixed waveplate has a first principal axis fixed in a first orientation. A second fixed waveplate has a second principal axis fixed in a second orientation. First and second switchable waveplates have principal axes oriented such that broad spectral range electromagnetic radiation transmitted through all of the waveplates has a first rotated polarization, wherein, in response to one or more control signals applied to the switchable waveplates, the principal axes of the switchable waveplates rotate such that the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through all of the waveplates has a second rotated polarization. The switchable waveplates utilize ferroelectric liquid crystal material, nematic liquid crystal material, or be mechanically rotated to adjust for orientation of their principal axes. Utilizing waveplates as described may be used to tune for a desired spectral range and/or compensate for temperature dependencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Bing Wen, Milind P. Mahajan, Bruce K Winker
  • Patent number: 7773291
    Abstract: A light filter or an array of filters can be either one or two dimensional. The filter or filters use multiple beam interference by varying an optical path length between semi-reflective surfaces. The optical path length between the semi-reflective surfaces is varied by changing a thickness of a polymer film in response to an electric field formed between two semi-transparent electrodes. The filter can be configured in either a transmissive or reflective mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Light Resonance Technologies, LLC.
    Inventor: Timothy Smith
  • Patent number: 7772615
    Abstract: Semiconductor electrooptic medium shows behavior different from a medium based on quantum confined Stark Effect. A preferred embodiment has a type-II heterojunction, selected such, that, in zero electric field, an electron and a hole are localized on the opposite sides of the heterojunction having a negligible or very small overlap of the wave functions, and correspondingly, a zero or a very small exciton oscillator strength. Applying an electric field results in squeezing of the wave functions to the heterojunction which strongly increases the overlap of the electron and the hole wave functions, resulting in a strong increase of the exciton oscillator strength. Another embodiment of the novel electrooptic medium includes a heterojunction between a layer and a superlattice, wherein an electron and a hole in the zero electric field are localized on the opposite sides of the heterojunction, the latter being effectively a type-II heterojunction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Connector Optics
    Inventors: Nikolai Ledentsov, Vitaly Shchukin
  • Patent number: 7680406
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liquid-lens assembly using an electrowetting method. The liquid-lens assembly includes a liquid-lens module, a barrel supporting the liquid-lens module, and a housing coupled to the barrel and having an image sensor. Electrodes are provided on the barrel and the housing, so that current is applied to the liquid-lens module through the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electro-Mechanics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Moon Sik Jung
  • Patent number: 7672034
    Abstract: A manufacturing method is provided for a light modulation device that improves utilization efficiency of light. After forming a first reflective layer using a metallic material such as Pt or the like, on a substrate, a light modulating film is formed using an electro-optic material in which refractive index changes in accordance with an applied electrical field. After that, planarization is carried out so that irregularities on an upper surface of the light modulating film are less than or equal to 1/100 of the wavelength of light incident on the light modulation device. A transparent electrode is then formed using ITO, ZnO, or the like, on the light modulating film, and a second reflective layer including a dielectric multilayer is formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshikazu Fujimori
  • Publication number: 20090316247
    Abstract: A light polarization converter includes: a crystal substrate of lithium niobate cut in a plane defined by a direction perpendicular to an optical axis of the crystal substrate; a waveguide formed in the crystal substrate, extending in a direction parallel to the optical axis of the crystal substrate, and containing Zn and Ni therein; and an electrode unit disposed on the crystal substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2008
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Ruey-Ching TWU, Hsuan-Hsien LEE, Hao-Yang HONG, Chin-Yau YANG
  • Patent number: 7605390
    Abstract: Nano-particles are provided with control circuitry to form a programmable mask. The optical characteristics of the nano-particles change to provide patterned light. Such patterned light can be used for example to expose a photoresist on a semiconductor wafer for photolithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Pixelligent Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Zhiyun Chen, Gregory D. Cooper, Serpil Gönen, Erin F. Fleet
  • Patent number: 7605967
    Abstract: An electro-optical modulator includes a substrate, a first electrode over the substrate, a second electrode over the first electrode, the first electrode and second electrode being capable of providing an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode, and a modulating structure between the first electrode and the second electrode, the modulating structure containing at least one liquid crystal cell capable of operating in one of a reflective mode and a transmissive mode under the control of the electrical field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Hsing-Lung Wang, Wei-Ting Hsu, Chu-Chun Yen, Chi-Lun Ting, Wei-Hsin Hou, Chi-Chang Liao, Shie-Chang Jeng
  • Patent number: 7589881
    Abstract: An electro-optic device includes first and second pixels that form first and second images, respectively. The first and second pixels are arranged alternately in a first direction. A light blocking element overlaps the pixels in plan view. The pixels are divided into pixel groups, each corresponding to every two pixels, which are one of the first pixels and one of the second pixels adjacent to each other in the first direction. The light blocking element has openings, each corresponding to one of the pixel groups and located in a region that overlaps the two pixels of the pixel group in plan view. Each first pixel has a light blocking region that partially intercepts light emitted from the first pixel. Each second pixel has a light blocking region that partially intercepts light emitted from the second pixel. The light blocking regions are positioned symmetrically to each other in plan view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2009
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Nobuo Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 7570414
    Abstract: A magnetic photonic crystal for providing asymmetry of spatial frequencies in the propagation of light is provided. The crystal is formed from at least two materials having different indices of refraction which are aligned along the longitudinal axis of the crystal. And arranged in an array whose symmetry does not include a spatial inversion operator such that (x,y)==/=(?x,?y). One or more of the materials forming the array is magnetic such that the magnetic group representation of the array does not include time inversion as a symmetric operator. In operation, when the magnetic material forming the material is magnetized, the group velocity property of light propagated in one direction along the axis of the array is different from the group velocity property of light transmitted in an opposite direction through the array. The magnetic photonic crystal may be used, for example, as an optical memory device or a high speed modulator/demodulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: Douglas Clippinger Allan, Nicholas Francis Borrelli, Karl William Koch, III, John Forrest Wight, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7525712
    Abstract: A switchable apochromatic polarization rotator is provided. A first fixed waveplate has a first principal axis fixed in a first orientation. A second fixed waveplate has a second principal axis fixed in a second orientation. First and second switchable waveplates have principal axes oriented such that broad spectral range electromagnetic radiation transmitted through all of the waveplates has a first rotated polarization, wherein, in response to one or more control signals applied to the switchable waveplates, the principal axes of the switchable waveplates rotate such that the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through all of the waveplates has a second rotated polarization. The switchable waveplates utilize ferroelectric liquid crystal material, nematic liquid crystal material, or be mechanically rotated to adjust for orientation of their principal axes. Utilizing waveplates as described may be used to tune for a desired spectral range and/or compensate for temperature dependencies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Teledyne Scientific & Imaging, LLC
    Inventors: Bing Wen, Milind P. Mahajan, Bruce K Winker
  • Publication number: 20090059343
    Abstract: An electrically tunable Lyot type filter is a Lyot that include one or more filter elements. Each filter element may have a planar, solid crystal comprised of a material that exhibits birefringence and is electro-optically active. Transparent electrodes may be coated on each face of the crystal. An input linear light polarizer may be located on one side of the crystal and oriented at 45 degrees to the optical axis of the birefringent crystal. An output linear light polarizer may be located on the other side of the crystal and oriented at ?45 degrees with respect to the optical axis of the birefringent crystal. When an electric voltage is applied between the electrodes, the retardation of the crystal changes and so does the spectral transmission of the optical filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: NOVA PHOTONICS
    Inventor: Fred M. Levinton
  • Patent number: 7499603
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for an electrooptical modulator. One method embodiment includes receiving an optical input signal to an electrooptical modulator. A first voltage input is applied to a first drive electrode associated with a first optical path in the electrooptical modulator. A second voltage input is applied to a second drive electrode associated with a second optical path in the electrooptical modulator at times alternative to applying the first voltage input to the first drive electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Krawczak, Raymond J. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20080259976
    Abstract: A thin film includes a substrate and a transparent, porous film of organic material, such as 8-hydroxyquinoline aluminum. The organic material is vapor deposited on the substrate such that the film has distinct helical columns extending away from the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2006
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Applicant: THE GOVERNORS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA
    Inventors: Peter C.P. Hrudey, Kenneth L. Westra, Michael Julian Brett
  • Patent number: 7431518
    Abstract: An optical device and a lens unit each include a liquid container containing an insulating liquid and an electroconductive liquid which are mutually immiscible and optically transparent and have different refractive indices. The optical device and the lens unit also have a gas-absorbing material in or around the liquid container. The gas-absorbing material absorbs gas generated by energization. The optical device and the lens unit can maintain their optical characteristics even if voltage is repeatedly applied. An imaging apparatus includes an optical shooting system having the optical device. The imaging apparatus takes pictures by capturing object light coming through the optical shooting system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignees: FUJIFILM Corporation, FUJINON Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kato, Tetsuya Ohtsuka, Hitoshi Miyano
  • Patent number: 7430370
    Abstract: An optical element and a lens unit each includes: a liquid container transmitting light at least in a predetermined optical axis direction, the liquid container containing an insulating liquid and an ionic liquid being mutually immiscible and optically transparent, and having different refractive indices; a first electrode contacting the ionic liquid in the liquid container; and a second electrode insulated from the ionic liquid in the liquid container. The ionic fluid is not subject to electrolysis and does not evaporate easily even at high temperature. Accordingly, the optical element, the lens unit and an image taking apparatus having the optical element can maintain high light-transmission and optical characteristics over a long period even in a high temperature environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignees: Fujinon Corporation, FUJIFILM Corporation
    Inventors: Takashi Kato, Tomonori Masuda, Hitoshi Miyano
  • Patent number: 7426069
    Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed. The optical apparatus includes: a first optical element having a first polarizing layer containing a material having a refractive index that changes in accordance with the magnitude of applied voltage and first and second transparent electrodes sandwiching both sides of the first polarizing layer in the direction of thickness and polarizing light passing through the first polarizing layer in the direction of thickness; and a second optical element having a second polarizing layer containing a material having a refractive index that changes in accordance with the magnitude of applied voltage and third and fourth transparent electrodes sandwiching both sides of the second polarizing layer in the direction of thickness and polarizing light passing through the second polarizing layer in the direction of thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Tatsuo Makii
  • Patent number: 7403677
    Abstract: An apparatus and method to operate on a light beam by using a lens that collimates the light beam to a collimated beam with at least one cross-sectional dimension less than a critical dimension of 400 ?m or less over a working range WR. The apparatus has a bulk electro-optic material of small thickness ?, e.g., less than 300 ?m positioned within working range WR and the collimated beam traverses it along its path. The apparatus has a voltage source for applying a low operating or drive voltage Vdrive, e.g. less than 400 V to the bulk electro-optic material for performing an operation on the collimated beam. The lens for collimating the light beam is a free-space collimator such as a graded index (GRIN) lens or preferably a C-lens. The apparatus is a versatile and scalable platform that can be employed in building various electro-optic devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Agiltron, Inc.
    Inventors: Jing Zhao, Jin Guanghai, Shu Yongjun
  • Publication number: 20080144161
    Abstract: A method for creating an integrated linear polarizer is provided. An electro-optical component is fabricated and may include a bottom electrode, a bottom cladding layer, side cladding features, an electro-optic polymer layer, a top cladding layer, and a top electrode. After fabrication, the electro-optical component is poled to create or enhance polarization properties of the electro-optic polymer layer. The electro-optical component may be heated to at least a first threshold temperature. An electric field may then be applied to the electro-optical component. In the presence of the electric field, the electro-optical component may be cooled to at or below a second threshold temperature that is less than the first threshold temperature. Once the electro-optical component has cooled to the second threshold temperature, the electric field may be removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventors: Dashun Steve Zhou, Michael G. Lee, Alexei L. Glebov
  • Patent number: 7375870
    Abstract: An electrically controlled light modulator device comprises at least one cell, where two deformable dielectric layers meet at an interface, at least one of said layers consisting of viscoelastic relief forming gel. A first support electrode structure and a second signal electrode structures are arranged on separate sides of the dielectric layers in order to create an electric field passing through said layers and in order to create surface reliefs on the viscoelastic gel layer. According to the invention, a third enhancement electrode structure is arranged in the proximity of the first signal electrode structure. Applying enhancement signal voltage between the enhancement electrode structure and the signal electrode structure concentrates locally the electric field passing through the two deformable dielectric layers and therefore enhances the amplitude of the deformation of the viscoelastic gel layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Nokia Corporation
    Inventor: Marcus Schorpp
  • Publication number: 20080111981
    Abstract: A system is used to perform fast and slow applications, for example fast application can be pulse trimming. The system includes a radiation source, an electro-optical modulator, and a beam splitter. The radiation source is configured to generate a polarized beam of radiation. The electro-optical modulator, formed of crystalline quartz, is configured to modulate the beam of radiation. The beam splitter is configured to direct a first portion of the beam to a beam dump and to form an output beam from a second portion of the beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: ASML Netherlands B.V.
    Inventors: Huibert VISSER, Oscar Franciscus Jozephus Noordman, Henri Johannes Petrus Vink, Marcus Gerhardus Hendrikus Meijerink, Koenraad Remi Andre Maria Schreel, Cornelis Cornelia De Bruijn
  • Patent number: 7355776
    Abstract: An acoustic damping material for electro-optic material has an adhesive material combined with a ceramic crystalline material such that the acoustic impedance of the combined adhesive material and the ceramic crystalline material is substantially the same as the acoustic impedance of the electro-optic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Tektronix, Inc.
    Inventor: Christopher P. Yakymyshyn
  • Patent number: 7324257
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electro-optic modulator structure containing an additional set of bias electrodes buried within the device for applying bias to set the operating point. Thus the RF electrodes used to modulate incoming optical signals can be operated with zero DC bias, reducing electrode corrosion by galvanic and other effects that can be present in non-hermetic packages. The buried bias electrodes are also advantageous in controlling charge build-up with consequent improvement in drift characteristics. The bias electrode material is useful for routing bias signals inside the device, in particular to external terminals, as well as forming encapsulating layers to permit operation in non-hermetic environments, thereby lowering manufacturing costs. Embodiments using both X-cut and Z-cut lithium niobate (LiNbO3) are presented. For the latter, the bias electrodes can be split along their axis to avoid optical losses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: JDS Uniphase Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory J. McBrien, Karl Kissa, Glen Drake, Kate Versprille
  • Patent number: 7307781
    Abstract: Techniques for reconfiguring spectral features stored in a medium based on a two-state atomic system with transition dipole moment ? includes causing a chirp to pass into the medium. The chirp includes a monochromatic frequency that varies in time by a chirp rate ? over a frequency band BR during a time interval TR. The amplitude AR of the chirp is constant over BR and equal to AR=(hbar/??)?{square root over ((? ln [2/?]))}, The term hbar is reduced Plank's constant, ln is a natural logarithm function, and ? is a ratio of a circumference of a circle to a diameter of the circle. For ?<<1, the atomic-state populations in the two states are inverted. For ?=1, prior atomic-state populations are erased, with final populations equal in the two states, regardless of populations before erasure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2007
    Assignee: Montana State University
    Inventors: Tiejun Chang, Mingzhen Tian, William R. Babbitt, Kristian D. Merkel
  • Patent number: 7295360
    Abstract: A structure includes a substrate and a light modulating film formed on top of the substrate. The light modulating film is made of polycrystalline PLZT containing Pb, Zr, Ti, and La as constituent elements. The film has a La concentration in the range of 5 at % to 30 at %. The relative dielectric constant at a frequency of 1 MHz is higher than or equal to 1200.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshikazu Fujimori, Takashi Nakamura
  • Patent number: 7268849
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator has a transmissive window with a transparent conductive film forming a ground plane and a direct drive backplane with a plurality of voltage gradient pixels. Each of the voltage gradient pixels has (a) resistive film, (b) resistive metal conductor frame on a boundary of the resistive film, and (c) conductive metal leads between a substrate of the direct drive backplane and the resistive metal frame. Differential voltages applied to the metal frame via the conductive metal leads generate a selective two-dimensional linear voltage gradient across the resistive film. A layer of liquid crystal material is disposed between the transmissive window and the voltage gradient pixels. Liquid crystal material of each voltage gradient pixel is responsive to an electric field generated by the voltage gradient to two-dimensionally alter phase of a wavefront incident thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Assignee: Teledyne Licensing, LLC
    Inventors: Dong-Feng Gu, Bruce K. Winker
  • Patent number: 7206115
    Abstract: The invention provides an optical switching element and a device, an optically addressed type display medium and a display each including such an optical switching element. The optical switching element comprising an optical switching layer including lower and upper charge generating layers and a charge transporting layer sandwiched therebetween, wherein the optical switching element has at least one of the following characteristics. (1) In the charge transporting layer, a charge transporting material to binder polymer ratio calculated according to the formula: [charge transporting material/(charge transporting material+binder polymer)]×100 (% by weight) is 50% by weight or more; (2) a polymer compound is used as the charge transporting material; and (3) the charge generating layer on the light incident side (the lower charge generating layer) has a lower light absorptance than that of the other charge generating layer (the upper charge generating layer).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takehito Hikichi, Hideo Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 7190503
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electro-optical device having a curved display surface with high reliability is provided. A liquid crystal panel 100 comprising a TFT array substrate 10 and a counter substrate 20, each composed of a glass substrate or a quartz substrate, is thinned down to, for example, a thickness of 25 ?m by a polishing process or an etching process. Subsequently, a first polarizing plate 140, first spacers 260, the liquid crystal panel 100, second spacers 270, and a second polarizing plate 150 are superposed on a base 210 having a curved surface 220 in this order, and then the outer circumference of the second polarizing plate 150 is pressed against the base 210 while curving the second polarizing plate 150 along the curved surface 220 of the base 210. Then, in order to maintain such a curved state, the second polarizing plate 150 is fixed to the base 210 by a double-faced tape 280.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsuya Ide
  • Patent number: 7179535
    Abstract: The present invention is in the field of polymer sheets and multiple layer glass panels having adjustable tint, and, more specifically, the present invention is in the field of polymer sheets and multiple layer glass panels comprising agents that cause a change in light transmission properties when subjected to an electric field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Solutia Incorporated
    Inventor: William Keith Fisher
  • Patent number: 7154656
    Abstract: Electro-optical apparatus includes a housing having at least one electrical subassembly (ESA) and at least one optical subassembly (OSA) therein as well as cavities within the housing and paths for transmitting electrical signals between the electrical and optical subassemblies. A glob top material is applied on at least a part of said paths, and hardened mass of a liquid electromagnetic absorber material at least partly fills the cavities in the housing. The hardened absorber material provides radiation absorption for the electro-optical apparatus and the glob top material protects the transmission paths from the absorber material, thereby avoiding undesired absorption of useful signals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2006
    Assignee: Avago Technologies Fiber IP (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.
    Inventors: Salvatore Sabbatino, Piero Gambini, Cristiana Contardi
  • Patent number: 7142344
    Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Ichiro Onuki, Goro Noto, Eriko Kawanami
  • Patent number: 7095559
    Abstract: In a variable optical delay circuit to be used for compensation for polarization mode dispersion of an optical signal and for other purposes, there are provided a first birefringent member, a second birefringent member and a variable optical rotator interposed between the first birefringent member and the second birefringent member for varying a polarization state of light outputted from the first birefringent member. The birefringent members and the variable optical rotator are disposed on the same optical axis, and the optical axis of each of the birefringent members is set to perpendicularly intersect a traveling direction of inputted light. Therefore, by varying the optical rotation angle of the variable optical rotator, an arbitrary delay quantity corresponding thereto is obtainable in a continuous (analog-like) fashion without undergoing spatial separation between polarization components of the inputted light and varying the intensity (loss) of each of the polarization components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventors: Shinji Taniguchi, Tadao Nakazawa, deceased, Yumi Nakazawa, legal representative, Masaharu Doi