With Particular Electrode Structure Or Arrangement, Or Medium Mounting Structure Or Arrangement Patents (Class 359/254)
  • Patent number: 8908251
    Abstract: A tunable metamaterial has a two dimensional array of resonant annular ring elements; and a plurality of voltage controllable electrical tuning elements disposed in or adjacent openings in each of said ring elements, each of said voltage controllable electrical tuning element ohmically contacting portions of only one of said ring elements. The voltage controllable electrical tuning elements may comprise highly doped semiconductor tunnel diodes, or the charge accumulation layer at the semiconductor/insulator interface of a metal-insulator-semiconductor structure, or nanoelectromechanical (NEMs) capacitors. The tunable metamaterial may be used, for example, in an optical beam steering device using the aforementioned tunable optical metamaterial in which a free-space optical beam is coupled into a receiving portion of a plane of the optical metamaterial and is steered out of a transmitter portion of the plane of the optical metamaterial in controllable azimuthal and elevational directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: HRL Laboratories, LLC
    Inventors: Keyvan Sayyah, James H. Schaffner, Pamela R. Patterson
  • Patent number: 8908254
    Abstract: Optical apparatus for a display device. The optical apparatus comprises a cavity, and a first fluid (14) and a second fluid (16), held within the cavity, which are immiscible with each other. The first and second fluids are separated from each other by a meniscus (28) having a peripheral edge (30). The optical apparatus further comprises a fluid motion control system arranged to control movement of the first and second fluids within the cavity using electrostatic forces, and a first surface (26) and a second surface (21). The first surface has a different wettability for the first fluid than for the second surface. The first and second surfaces are arranged in the cavity to determine, upon activation of the fluid motion control system, a motion of the fluids within the cavity which has a preferential initiation at a first part (32) of the peripheral edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Amazon Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bokke Johannes Feenstra, Roy Van Dijk, Robert A. Hayes
  • Patent number: 8854596
    Abstract: An active optical device includes a substrate; a plurality of refractive index variable regions formed on the substrate; and a voltage applier which applies an electric field to the plurality of refractive index variable regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sun-il Kim, Jun-hee Choi
  • Patent number: 8830561
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrophoretic display comprising: (a) microcups comprising partition walls and top-openings; (b) an organic-based electrophoretic fluid filled in the microcups, wherein said fluid comprises charged pigment particles dispersed in a solvent; and (c) a top-sealing layer formed from a sealing composition to enclose the electrophoretic fluid within the microcups. The sealing composition comprises: (i) a water soluble polymer, (ii) a water-based suspension, a water-based dispersion, a water-based emulsion, or a water-based latex, each comprising a polymer; and (iii) water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: E Ink California, LLC
    Inventors: HongMei Zang, Hui Chen
  • Patent number: 8824036
    Abstract: A thermally stabilized, high speed, micrometer-scale silicon electro-optic modulator is provided. Methods for maintaining desired temperatures in electro-optic modulators are also provided. The methods can be used to maintain high quality modulation in the presence of thermal variations from the surroundings. Direct current injection into the thermally stabilized electro-optic modulator is used to maintain the modulation performance of the modulator. The direct injected current changes the local temperature of the thermally stabilized electro-optic modulator to maintain its operation over a wide temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Cornell University
    Inventors: Sasikanth Manipatruni, Rajeev Dokania, Alyssa B. Apsel, Michal Lipson
  • Patent number: 8804226
    Abstract: An optical modulator unit, an optical modulator, and a method of fabricating are provided. The optical modulator unit includes a first contact layer transmitting infrared rays, a lower reflection layer disposed on the first contact layer, an active layer, including a multiple quantum well, disposed on the lower reflection layer, and an upper reflection layer disposed on the active layer. The optical modulator includes a plurality of optical modulator units sharing the first contact layer. The method includes sequentially stacking a first contact layer, a lower reflection layer, an active layer, an upper reflection layer, and a second contact layer on a substrate; etching the second contact layer, the upper reflection layer, the active layer, and the lower reflection layer, exposing a surface of the first contact layer; forming a first electrode on the first contact layer; and forming a second electrode on the second contact layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-hun Lee, Chang-young Park, Jo-ho Lee
  • Patent number: 8792752
    Abstract: Provided is an optical waveguide element module which suppresses reflection of a modulation signal and attenuation of a modulation signal, even when an impedance of a modulation electrode of an optical waveguide element and an impedance of a transmission line for inputting the modulation signal from the external of the optical waveguide element are different from each other. The optical waveguide element module is provided with an optical waveguide element, which has a substrate (1) composed of a material having electro-optical effects, an optical waveguide (2) formed on the substrate, and a modulation electrode (3) which modules optical waves propagating in the optical waveguide; a connector (8), wherein an external signal line which inputs the modulation signal to the modulation electrode is connected to the modulation electrode; and a relay line which connects the connector and the modulation electrode and is formed on a relay substrate (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ryo Shimizu, Toru Sugamata
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8776514
    Abstract: A microactuator for displacing a platform vertically with respect to a substrate includes a first rigid frame, a first flexible bimorph beam connecting the first frame to the substrate, a second rigid frame, a second flexible bimorph beam connecting the second frame to the first frame, and a third flexible bimorph beam connecting a platform to the second frame. Activation of the first, second, and third flexible bimorph beams allows vertical displacement of the platform with respect to the substrate, with negligible lateral shift. A microactuator assembly includes a substrate, a plurality of first rigid frames, a plurality of first flexible bimorph beams, a plurality of second rigid frames, a plurality of second flexible bimorph beams, a platform, and a plurality of third flexible bimorph beams. Activation of the first, second, and third bimorph beams allows vertical displacement of the platform with respect to the substrate, with negligible lateral shift.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventors: Lei Wu, Huikai Xie
  • Patent number: 8773749
    Abstract: A variable focusing lens is provided that can change the focal length at a high speed. The variable focusing lens includes: a single crystal electrooptic material having inversion symmetry; a first anode formed on a first surface of the electrooptic material; a second cathode provided to have an interval to the first anode; and a first cathode and a second anode that are formed on a second surface opposed to the first surface and that are formed at positions opposed to the first anode and the second cathode. An optical axis is set so that, when light enters through a third face orthogonal to the first surface, light exists through a fourth surface opposed to the third face. A voltage applied between the first and the second pair of electrodes is changed to thereby change the focal point of light emitted from the fourth surface of the electrooptic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
    Inventors: Tadayuki Imai, Masahiro Sasaura, Jun Miyazu, Shogo Yagi, Seiji Toyoda
  • Patent number: 8761549
    Abstract: A component, device and improved electro-optical modulation system for increasing compactness, favoring the adaptation of optical and electrical waves, and a method of fabrication. Such a component exhibits a waveguide architecture devised so that the length of the path followed by the luminous flux exhibits, with the length of the path traversed by the electrical control signal, a determined difference for decreasing or compensating for the difference in the speeds of propagation of the luminous flux and of the electrical signal. In particular, the modulation zone includes a path of the luminous flux winding around itself and successively crossing at least two indentations emanating from at least two of these control elements. It thus exhibits a length greater than that traversed by the electrical signal, for example between a first and a second region of interaction between this control signal and this luminous flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignees: Universite Paris Sud 11, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Gilles Rasigade, Laurent Vivien, Delphine Marris-Morini
  • Patent number: 8721074
    Abstract: Ophthalmic lenses, including contact lenses may be enhanced through the incorporation of both active and passive electrical components. Electrical interconnects and die attachment configurations are required to ensure electrical connectivity between the components and the optic portion of the lens as well as providing a means for mounting planar devices on spherical surfaces. Electrical interconnects and die attachment for powered ophthalmic devices, including contact lenses includes realizing conductive traces on optical plastic, attaching planar dies to spherical surfaces and underfilling, overmolding and light blocking to complete the lens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Randall Braxton Pugh, Adam Toner, Praveen Pandojirao-S, James Daniel Riall, Daniel B. Otts, Edward Kernick
  • Patent number: 8711464
    Abstract: A protection circuit includes: a first electrode; a second electrode; and an ionic material which comes into contact with the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein when a given difference in potential is generated between the first electrode and the second electrode, an electric current flows between the first electrode and the second electrode through the ionic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Yukimasa Ishida
  • Patent number: 8712195
    Abstract: Disclosed is an optical modulator module including an optical modulator configured to have a signal electrode and a ground electrode; a conductive package configured to accommodate the optical modulator and have electrical continuity with the ground electrode of the optical modulator; a substrate configured to have a ground electrode on a first surface thereof electrically connected to the package by solder or a conductive adhesive and have a signal electrode on another surface thereof; and a lead pin configured to electrically connect the signal electrode of the optical modulator to the signal electrode of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Fujitsu Optical Components Limited
    Inventor: Masaki Sugiyama
  • Patent number: 8693081
    Abstract: A device and method of making and using the same. The device includes first and second substrates that are spaced to define a fluid space. Polar and non-polar fluids occupy the fluid space. A first electrode, with a dielectric layer, is positioned on the first substrate and electrically coupled to at least one voltage source, which is configured to supply an electrical bias to the first electrode. The fluid space includes at least one fluid splitting structure that is configured to facilitate the movement of the non-polar fluid into a portion of the polar fluid. Fluid splitting structure assisted movement of the non-polar fluid splits the polar fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: University of Cincinnati
    Inventors: Jason Heikenfeld, Matthew Hagedon, Kenneth Dean Andrew
  • Patent number: 8623191
    Abstract: A device and method for displaying grey levels on electronic paper is provided. According to various embodiments, a system for electronic paper can include an electret substrate embedded with at least one first capsule containing a first plurality of charged pigment particles and at least one second capsule containing a second plurality of charged pigment particles. The system can further include a first electrode interfacing with one side of the electret substrate and a second electrode interfacing with a second side of the electret substrate. The first plurality of charged pigment particles can move in the direction of one of the first and second electrodes having a polarity that is opposite to that of the first plurality of the charged pigment particles in response to a voltage applied to the first and second electrodes that is greater than a first threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Andrei Cernasov
  • Publication number: 20130342887
    Abstract: Spatial light modulator configured as a periodic structure of polymer grating layers arranged essentially at equal distances and intermediate spaces to form a periodic grating structure. The surfaces bounding the periodic grating structure have electrodes influencing the refractive index of the active optical medium by an electric field. The electrodes have a pixelated arrangement and can be driven independently of each other with an electrical voltage. The orientation layer thickness and grating period of the periodic grating structure are configured so that they do not correspond to the Bragg condition for the light from at least one light source, and so that for light from the at least one light source incident on the spatial light modulator the light fraction deviated owing to Bragg diffraction is less than the undeviated transmitted light fraction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventors: Norbert LEISTER, Gerald FUETTERER
  • Patent number: 8599465
    Abstract: A method for making an electrowetting device includes: (a) forming a surrounding wall on an upper surface of a substrate to surround a microchamber, the surrounding wall having an inner surface surrounding the microchamber and a top surface above the inner surface, the upper surface of the substrate being non-hydrophobic; (b) coating the surrounding wall and the upper surface of the substrate with a hydrophobic coating material; (c) removing a portion of the hydrophobic coating material formed on the top surface of the surrounding wall, thereby exposing the top surface of the surrounding wall; and (d) disposing a liquid into the microchamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Incha Hsieh
    Inventor: Incha Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8587856
    Abstract: A nonlinear optical system comprises a metallic film having a first side and a second side. The nonlinear optical system further comprises a regular array of slits in the metallic film. The slits connect the first and second sides of the metallic film. The array is configured to selectively transmit through the metallic film light having frequencies of a selected frequency band. The nonlinear optical system still further comprises a nonlinear optical material situated within the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Alcatel Lucent
    Inventors: Gang Chen, Ronen Rapaport
  • Patent number: 8570636
    Abstract: A display element is described. The display element includes: a network; a continuous phase; and a discontinuous mobile phase, which is capable of responding to an externally applied electric field such that under influence of the externally applied electric field, without effecting bulk movement of the continuous phase, the mobile phase displaces from one location to another location through or within the network. A process of manufacturing a display cell is also described. The process includes: obtaining a pair of electrodes; placing a network between the electrodes; assembling the electrodes and the network to form a sub-assembly; and injecting into the subassembly a discontinuous phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Zikon Inc.
    Inventors: Mateusz Bryning, Zbigniew Bryning, Remy Cromer
  • Patent number: 8565559
    Abstract: To achieve high-speed optical modulation using a crystal having a complicated refractive index characteristic with respect to applied electric field, provided is an optical device comprising a substrate; a dielectric film that is formed on the substrate and includes a first optical waveguide and a second optical waveguide that run parallel to each other; a transmission line that is formed on the dielectric film and includes a signal line arranged between the first optical waveguide and the second optical waveguide, a first bias electrode, and a second bias electrode, the first bias electrode and the second bias electrode arranged respectively in a first region that is on a side of the first optical waveguide opposite the second optical waveguide and a second region on a side of the second optical waveguide opposite the first optical waveguide; and a drive circuit section that respectively applies a first bias voltage and a second bias voltage differing from each other to the first bias electrode and the secon
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventor: Hideo Hara
  • Patent number: 8526090
    Abstract: An optical modulator device includes a body portion operative to propagate an optical mode along a longitudinal axis of the body portion, the body portion comprising a first layer disposed on a second layer, wherein the first layer includes a first p-type doped region adjacent to a first n-type doped region along the longitudinal axis of the body portion, and the second layer includes a second n-type doped region disposed on the first p-type doped region and a second p-type doped region adjacent to the second n-type doped region along the longitudinal axis of the body portion, the second p-type doped region disposed on the first n-type doped region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William M. Green, Jessie C. Rosenberg, Yurii A. Vlasov
  • Patent number: 8514475
    Abstract: An electro-optic device includes an electro-optic crystal having a predetermined thickness, a first face and a second face. The electro-optic device also includes a first electrode substrate disposed opposing the first face. The first electrode substrate includes a first substrate material having a first thickness and a first electrode coating coupled to the first substrate material. The electro-optic device further includes a second electrode substrate disposed opposing the second face. The second electrode substrate includes a second substrate material having a second thickness and a second electrode coating coupled to the second substrate material. The electro-optic device additionally includes a voltage source electrically coupled to the first electrode coating and the second electrode coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC
    Inventors: Robert J. Deri, Mark A. Rhodes, Andrew J. Bayramian, John A. Caird, Mark A. Henesian, Christopher A. Ebbers
  • Patent number: 8493645
    Abstract: An optically powered optical modulator comprises an optical modulation component, such as an electro-optical modulator, acousto-optic modulator or magneto-optic modulator, in combination with one or two lens assemblies positioned at one or both apertures of the optical modulation component, so that the optical modulator formed by the combination of the lens assembly or assemblies and the optical modulation component has optical focus power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: PV Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Eiji Yafuso
  • Patent number: 8488227
    Abstract: To include a light modulator having an anode electrode, a matching resistor, a first wire that is connected to the anode electrode and transmits to the anode electrode an input electric signal to the light modulator, a first conductor pad having a capacitor connected to the first wire, a second wire that connects the anode electrode and the matching resistor, and a second conductor pad having a capacitor connected to the second wire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Electric Corporation
    Inventors: Toshitsugu Uesugi, Hiroshi Aruga
  • 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: 8411349
    Abstract: An optical modulator includes an optical modulation substrate, an electrical length adjusting substrate, a package containing the substrates, and a plurality of input ports for inputting high frequency electrical signals. The optical modulation substrate includes a substrate body made of an electro-optic material, a ground electrode and a plurality of signal electrodes provided on the substrate body, optical waveguides propagating lights interacting with the signal electrodes, respectively, and electrode input ports inputting the high frequency electrical signals into the signal electrodes, respectively. The signal electrode includes an interacting part, an input end part provided between the electrode input port and interacting part, and a terminal part. The electrical length adjusting substrate includes conductive lines connected to the input ports for inputting the high frequency electrical signals, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: NGK Insulators, Ltd.
    Inventors: Osamu Mitomi, Yasunori Iwasaki, Yuji Hori, Kenji Aoki, Jungo Kondo
  • Patent number: 8390175
    Abstract: An optical device includes: an optical device body; a first transparent electrode film deposited on a light incident side; a second transparent electrode film so formed that the first and second transparent electrode films face away from each other; and a first ferroelectric film deposited at least between the first and second transparent electrode films, wherein the first ferroelectric film vibrates in response to a drive voltage applied through the first and second transparent electrode films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Koshiishi, Yoshihiro Oshima, Akira Ono
  • Patent number: 8380015
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical control device capable of achieving an accurate match of modulation timing and modulation intensity between optical waves propagating through optical waveguides disposed between a plurality of signal electrodes in an optical control device using an anisotropic dielectric substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Osaka Cement Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuhki Kinpara, Masayuki Ichioka, Junichiro Ichikawa, Satoshi Oikawa, Yasuhiro Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 8379288
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Essilor International (compagnie Generale d'optique)
    Inventors: Sandrine Duluard, Jean-Paul Cano, Claudine Biver
  • Patent number: 8363299
    Abstract: A first apparatus for displaying a color image comprises an electro-optic display (1002) having a plurality of pixels, each of which can be independently set to a light-transmissive optical state or a substantially opaque optical state, and lighting means (1006) arranged to flash separate pulses of light of at least two differing colors on to one surface of the electro-optic display (1002). A second apparatus for generating pulses of light of differing colors comprising a light source and a filter assembly comprising first (1100) and second (1106) electro-optic layers each having a light-transmissive state and a colored state, the two colored states being different, and electrodes to switch these layers between these states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Richard J. Paolini, Jr., Thomas H. Whitesides
  • Patent number: 8360583
    Abstract: An image display device for optically displaying an image is disclosed. This device includes: a light source; an imaging-light generator converting light emitted from the light source, into imaging light representative of the image to be displayed to a viewer, to thereby generate the imaging light; and an exit-pupil controlling unit configured to control a position of an exit pupil of the image display device. The exit-pupil controlling unit includes: an electrically controllable element configured to diffract the imaging light incoming from the imaging-light generator, at an electrically-variable diffraction angle; and a controller configured to electrically control the diffraction angle of diffracted light emitted from the electrically controllable element, to thereby control the position of the exit pupil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Mitsuyoshi Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20130021561
    Abstract: A display device includes: a first substrate; a second substrate on the first substrate and facing the first substrate, the second substrate having a first electrode on a surface thereof; a third substrate on the second substrate and facing the second substrate, the third substrate having a second electrode on a surface thereof, the second electrode facing the first electrode and configured to form an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode; a barrier layer interposed between the second substrate and the third substrate, the barrier layer configured to selectively control transmission and blockage of light in regions thereof corresponding to each of a plurality of pixels; and a first polarizing plate on the third substrate and configured to transmit a portion of light passing through the barrier layer, the portion of light having a first phase, the barrier layer including electrochromic elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: Seon-Hong AHN
  • Patent number: 8346028
    Abstract: The optical device includes a waveguide on a base. The device also includes a modulator on the base. The modulator includes an electro-absorption medium configured to receive a light signal from the waveguide. The modulator also includes field sources for generating an electrical field in the electro-absorption medium. The electro-absorption medium is a medium in which the Franz-Keldysh effect occurs in response to the formation of the electrical field in the electro-absorption medium. The field sources are configured so the electrical field is substantially parallel to the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Kotura, Inc.
    Inventors: Dazeng Feng, Po Dong, Ning-Ning Feng, Mehdi Asghari
  • Patent number: 8329279
    Abstract: An electrooptic apparatus includes an electrooptic material interposed between a pair of substrates, and a film formed above each of surfaces of the substrates facing the electrooptic material. The film is formed by a method including (a) forming a frame-shaped partition in an application area on the substrate, the partition having a side surface facing a center of the application area, (b) applying the material liquid to the application area, and (c) drying the material liquid. In step (a), the partition is formed so that a distance between the side surface of the partition and the center is smaller than a distance between an outer edge of the application area and the center, and so that a height of the partition is smaller than a film thickness of the material liquid at a time when the material liquid is applied and is larger than a thickness of the dried film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Seiko Epson Corporation
    Inventor: Katsumi Suzuki
  • 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: 8279511
    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 that 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: July 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    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: 8254009
    Abstract: An optically powered optical modulator comprises an optical modulation component, such as an electro-optical modulator, acousto-optic modulator or magneto-optic modulator, in combination with one or two lens assemblies positioned at one or both apertures of the optical modulation component, so that the optical modulator formed by the combination of the lens assembly or assemblies and the optical modulation component has optical focus power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: PV Labs, Inc.
    Inventor: Eiji Yafuso
  • Patent number: 8220939
    Abstract: A screen device of the present invention has a light collecting element array including a plurality of light collecting elements that collect incident light from a projector and a back surface sheet. The back surface sheet includes a first electrode plate, a second electrode plate, a photoconductive layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the second electrode plate, and an image recording layer disposed between the first electrode plate and the photoconductive layer. At the back surface sheet, a light reflecting portion is formed at a light collecting region to which the light collected by the light collecting elements is irradiated, and a light absorbing portion is formed at a non-light collecting region to which the light collected by the light collecting elements is not irradiated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Naoki Hiji, Takeo Kakinuma, Chikara Manabe, Tadayoshi Ozaki
  • Patent number: 8213072
    Abstract: An electrofluidic display device including a first structure layer and a second structure layer is provided. The first structure layer includes a first substrate. A trench structure layer is disposed on the first substrate and has a trench surrounding an indent groove of a second substrate. A first electrode layer is disposed on the first substrate. A first hydrophobic layer is disposed on the first electrode layer. The second structure layer having the second substrate is located aside the first substrate with a gap. A groove structure layer is disposed on the second substrate. The groove structure has the indent groove surrounded by the trench. A second electrode layer is disposed on the groove structure layer. A second hydrophobic layer is disposed on the second electrode layer. Polar fluid is disposed in the indent groove. Non-polar fluid is disposed in the gap between the first and second substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventors: Yun-Sheng Ku, Wei-Yuan Cheng, Shu-Wei Kuo, Hsin-Hung Lee, Kuo-Lung Lo
  • Patent number: 8195011
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ultra-compact optical modulator comprising at least one resonator on a semiconductor chip. The EO modulator modulates incoming light having a certain wavelength range and comprises a waveguide layer accommodating at least one resonator having a periodic complex refraction index distribution structure defining a periodic defect band-edge and a cladding layer; and at least one electrode; the waveguide layer, the cladding layer and the electrode forming a capacitor structure; such that when an external voltage is applied to the capacitor structure the free carrier concentration in the waveguide layer is controlled, enabling a modulation of the resonator's refractive index; wherein the periodic defect band-edge is selected to be within the wavelength range, enabling a slow-light propagation of the incoming light within the waveguide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Ramot At Tel-Aviv University Ltd.
    Inventors: Damian Goldring, David Mendlovic
  • Publication number: 20120099035
    Abstract: An optically addressed light valve suitable for selectively limiting the transmission of radiation from high intensity light sources independent of wavelength using a TN liquid crystal cell and a photoconductive material (vanadium doped silicon carbide).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DEFENCE
    Inventor: Christopher David Burgess
  • Publication number: 20120086899
    Abstract: An electrooptic apparatus includes an electrooptic material interposed between a pair of substrates, and a film formed above each of surfaces of the substrates facing the electrooptic material. The film is formed by a method including (a) forming a frame-shaped partition in an application area on the substrate, the partition having a side surface facing a center of the application area, (b) applying the material liquid to the application area, and (c) drying the material liquid. In step (a), the partition is formed so that a distance between the side surface of the partition and the center is smaller than a distance between an outer edge of the application area and the center, and so that a height of the partition is smaller than a film thickness of the material liquid at a time when the material liquid is applied and is larger than a thickness of the dried film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsumi SUZUKI
  • Patent number: 8132917
    Abstract: A projection type display device includes: a light emitting unit that includes at least one light source for emitting a coherent light. An image light generating unit modulates the light emitted by the light emitting unit to generate an image light. A projecting unit projects the image light. A phase modulating unit is arranged either between the light emitting unit and the image light generating unit or between the image light generating unit and the projecting unit and has an area where at least one of a retardation value and an azimuth direction of a slow axis is distributed respectively in different directions or values in a plane orthogonal to an optical axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: Asahi Glass Company, Limited
    Inventors: Mitsuo Osawa, Atsushi Kawamori
  • Patent number: 8111442
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hajime Ikeda, Makoto Higashikawa
  • Patent number: 8089680
    Abstract: An electrophoretic display device is described. The device includes a substrate, first electrodes, an electrophoretic film having electrophoretic particles, and second electrodes. The substrate is has a plurality of pixel regions. First electrodes are disposed respectively on each pixel region, and include first patterns separated from one another and second patterns connected to the first patterns. The second electrode is disposed on the electrophoretic film. The area of one of the electrodes, opposing the other of the electrodes has apertures formed therein, reducing the contact area between the electrode and the electrophoretic film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: LG Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Young Sik Jeong, Sang Yeup Lee
  • Patent number: 8072670
    Abstract: A spatial light modulator has an array of elements organized into element rows and element columns and an array of electrodes organized into electrode rows and electrode columns to activate the array of elements. The modulator has pixel circuitry organized into circuit rows and circuit columns with the pixel circuitry being electrically coupled to the array of electrodes, such that there is at least one translation of either circuits in a column to electrodes in a row or circuits in a row to electrodes in a column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: Compound Photonics Limited
    Inventors: James L. Sanford, Howard V. Goetz, Steven H. Linn
  • Patent number: 8068266
    Abstract: A display substrate includes a base substrate, a reflection-polarization member, a first electrode, an insulation layer and a pixel wall. The reflection-polarization member is disposed on the base substrate to reflect and polarize incident light. The first electrode is disposed in a unit pixel area of the reflection-polarization member. The insulation layer is disposed on the first electrode. The pixel wall is disposed on the insulation layer and defines the unit pixel area. Therefore, the entire area of a unit pixel may be used as a reflective area or a transmissive area, and thus an aperture ratio may be improved in a reflection mode or a transmission mode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyang-Yul Kim, Hee-Seop Kim, Joo-Nyung Jang, Hwa-Sung Woo, Cheol Shin, Dong-Chul Shin, Yong-Hwan Shin
  • Patent number: 8049947
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: E Ink Corporation
    Inventors: Guy M. Danner, Valerie C. Northrop, Jonathan L. Zalesky, Matthew Joseph Kayal, Steven J. O'Neil
  • Patent number: 8023170
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: James G. Ko, Meritt W. Reynolds