Abstract: An optical element according to the present invention has a thin film, in which single-wall carbon nanotubes are laminated, and utilizes a saturable absorption function of the single-wall carbon nanotubes. Further, in a method for producing the optical element according to the present invention, the thin film is formed by spraying, to a body to be coated, a dispersion liquid prepared by dispersing the single-wall carbon nanotubes in a dispersion medium. Accordingly, a nonlinear optical element, which can operate in an optical communication wavelength region and which is extremely inexpensive and efficient, and a method for producing the optical element can be provided.

Abstract: A micromirror array lens consists of many micromirrors with two degrees of freedom rotation and one degree of freedom translation and actuating components. As a reflective variable focal length lens, the array of micromirrors makes all lights scattered from one point of an object have the same periodic phase and converge at one point of image plane. As operating methods for the lens, the actuating components control the positions of micromirrors electrostatically and/or electromagnetically. The optical efficiency of the micromirror array lens is increased by locating a mechanical structure upholding micromirrors and the actuating components under micromirrors. Semiconductor microelectronics technologies can remove the loss in effective reflective area due to electrode pads and wires. The lens can correct aberration by controlling each micromirror independently. Independent control of each micromirror is possible by known semiconductor microelectronics technologies.

Abstract: A micromirror array lens consists of many micromirrors with one degree of freedom rotation and one degree of freedom translation and actuating components. As a reflective variable focal length lens, the array of micromirrors makes all lights scattered from one point of an object have the same periodic phase and converge at one point of image plane. As operational methods for the lens, the actuating components control the positions of micromirrors electrostatically and/or electromagnetically. The optical efficiency of the micromirror array lens is increased by locating a mechanical structure upholding micromirrors and the actuating components under micromirrors. The known semiconductor microelectronics technologies can remove the loss in effective reflective area due to electrode pads and wires. The lens can correct aberration by controlling each micromirror independently. Independent control of each micromirror is possible by known semiconductor microelectronics technologies.

Abstract: A light modulator includes elongated elements arranged parallel to each other. Each elongated element includes a light reflective planar surface with the light reflective planar surfaces configured in a first grating plane. A support structure is coupled to the elongated elements to maintain a position of the elongated elements relative to each other and to enable movement of each elongated element in a direction normal to the first grating plane. The support structure enables movement between a first modulator configuration and a second modulator configuration. In the first modulator configuration, the elongated elements act to reflect an incident light as a plane mirror. In the second modulator configuration, the elongated elements form a stepped blaze configuration along a second grating plane lying at a grating angle to the first grating plane and act to diffract the incident light into at least two diffraction orders.

Abstract: A system for displaying an image includes a first light modulator including a first pixel array oriented at a first angle, and at least a second light modulator including a second pixel array oriented at a second angle different from the first angle. The first pixel array is adapted to produce a first image portion oriented at the first angle, and the second pixel array is adapted to produce a second image portion oriented at the second angle. As such, the first image portion and the second image portion are combined to display the image.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for steering an electromagnetic beam. The device includes a reflective element, a polarizer, a relay focusing element, and a modulation element. The polarizer is configured to transmit light of a specified polarization and to reflect light having other than the specified polarization. The relay focusing element is disposed to provide optical paths for the electromagnetic beam from a first spot position to a second spot position spatially displaced from the first spot position such that the optical paths encounter the reflective element and the polarizer. The modulation element is configured for selectively transforming a polarization of the electromagnetic beam to include a component of the specified polarization at a spatially localized position along the optical paths.

Abstract: A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light. The modulator includes a plurality of elements, each element including a first end, a second end, a first non-linear side, a second non-linear side, and a light reflective planar surface. The light reflective planar surfaces of the plurality of elements lie in one or more parallel planes. The elements are preferably arranged parallel to each other. The modulator also includes a support structure to maintain a position of each element relative to each other and to enable movement of selective ones of the plurality of elements in a direction normal to the one or more parallel planes of the plurality of elements. The plurality of elements are preferably moved between a first modulator configuration wherein the plurality of elements act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein the plurality of elements act to diffract the incident beam of light.

Abstract: A reconfigurable optical interleaver/deinterleaver device combines/separates a pair of optical input signals from and/or to an optical WDM input signal. The interleaver device includes a spatial light modulator having a micro-mirror device with a two-dimensional array of micro-mirrors that flip between first and second positions in a “digital” fashion in response to a control signal provided by a controller in accordance with a switching algorithm and an input command. A pair of collimators, diffraction gratings and Fourier lens collectively collimate, separate and focus the optical input channels and optical add channels onto the array of micro-mirrors. Each optical channel is focused on a plurality of micro-mirrors of the micro-mirror device, which effectively pixelates the optical channels.

Abstract: The hinge (13) should preferably be formed to have a higher resistance than ever against the pivoting of the mirror body (12) to effectively prevent the hinge (13) from being damaged. By adopting a suitable one of a variety of production steps as necessary, the hinge (13) can be formed more finely and with a higher precision and thus the micro mirror unit can be produced more easily in a shorter time. To this end, the hinge (13) is formed from a different material, such as SiNx, from the mirror substrate material from which the frame (11) and mirror body (12) are formed.

Abstract: Described are Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) actuators with hidden combs and hinges. The ability to hide the combs renders the actuators useful in digital micro-mirror devices. Comb actuators provide increased torque, which facilitates the use of stiffer, less fragile hinge structures. Also important, comb actuators do not require mechanical stops to define stable states, and thus avoid problems associated with physical contact. The actuators are infinitely variable through a range of angles.

Abstract: A Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator employs electrostatic comb electrodes to position optical elements along multiple axes. In one embodiment, an actuator assembly includes an actuator support, typically a silicon wafer, supporting a fixed comb with a plurality of teeth. A frame flexibly connected to the actuator support includes a complementary set of movable comb electrodes, the teeth of which are arranged interdigitally with the teeth of the fixed combs. The frame can be tilted with respect to the actuator support along a first fulcrum axis by applying a potential difference between the fixed and movable combs. Each actuator assembly also includes an actuated member, a mirror mount in one embodiment, flexibly connected to the frame. The actuated member and the frame include electrical isolated, interdigitated, combs. The actuated member can be moved relative to the frame along a second fulcrum axis by applying a potential between these interdigitated combs.

Abstract: An apparatus integrating electrostatically actuated MEMS devices and high voltage driver (actuator) electronics on a single substrate, where the driver electronics utilize offset-gate high voltage thin-film transistors (HVTFTs) that facilitate the transmission of high actuating voltages using relatively low control voltages, thereby facilitating the formation of large arrays of electrostatically-actuated MEMS devices. The driver circuit is arranged such that the high actuating voltage is applied to an actuating electrode of the actuated MEMS device and drain electrode of the HVTFT when the HVTFT is turned off, thereby minimizing dielectric breakdown. When the HVTFT is turned on in response to the relatively low control voltage, the high actuating voltage is discharged to ground from the drain (offset) electrode to the source (not offset) electrode.

Abstract: Micromirror systems with concealed multi-piece hinge structures are provided for reflective applications. Generally, light is reflected by these structures adapted for three-dimensional tilt as well as up-and-down or out-of-plane actuation. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable solutions for use in optical switching, projection and other applications, especially optical applications.

Abstract: A projection system, a spatial light modulator, and a method for forming a micromirror array such as for a projection display are disclosed. The spatial light modulator can have two substrates bonded together with one of the substrates comprising a micro-mirror array. The two substrates can be bonded at the wafer level after depositing a getter material and/or solid or liquid lubricant on one or both of the wafers if desired. In one embodiment of the invention, one of the substrates is a light transmissive substrate and a light absorbing layer is provided on the light transmissive substrate to selectively block light from passing through the substrate. The light absorbing layer can form a pattern, such as a frame around an array of micro-mirrors.

Abstract: A method and system for providing a dithered image is provided. In one embodiment, a projector system for providing a dithered image includes a light source comprising a first and a second light emitting diode (LED). The first LED is operable to transmit a first light beam at a first peak wavelength. The second LED is operable to transmit a second light beam at a second peak wavelength. The first peak wavelength is disparate from the second peak wavelength. A digital micromirror device (DMD) is operable to receive the first beam and the second beam and selectively pass a first portion of the first beam and a second portion of the second beam along a projection path. A dichroic reflector operable to receive the first portion and the second portion, passively pass the first portion along the projection path, and substantially reflect the second portion within a wavelength range.

Abstract: An optical deflection module adapted to generate a plurality of angular positions for at least one incident optical beam. For each optical beam, the module comprises a line containing:—a plurality of N cascading deflection elements (MD1, MD2, . . . MDI, . . . MDN) which can each take respectively P1, P2, . . . PI, . . . or PN different angular deflection configurations around at least one given axis; and—a plurality of N?1 optical conjugate elements (MCO1, MCO2, . . . MCO1, . . . , MCON?1) which are each disposed between two successive deflection elements in order to produce an object/image conjugate between the successive deflection elements.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, an apparatus operable to provide optical signal processing includes an inner conductive layer including an at least substantially conductive material and a plurality of at least partially reflective mirror strips disposed outwardly from the inner conductive layer and operable to receive an input optical signal, wherein none of the plurality of strips has a width greater than 40 microns. At least some of the strips are operable to undergo a partial rotation in response to a control signal, the partial rotation resulting in a diffraction of the input optical signal wherein a majority of the diffracted input signal is communicated in one direction.

Abstract: Method of deflecting light includes the steps of providing a substrate and forming a supporting member on the substrate. Next forming step forms electrodes at predetermined positions on the substrate. Next forming step forms a plate-like-shaped thin film member including light reflecting means. Placing step places the plate-like-shaped thin film member on the supporting member so that an opposite surface thereof faces the electrodes. Forming step forms space regulating members on edges of the substrate for regulating a space formed above the substrate in which the plate-like-shaped thin film member is freely movable. Applying step applies predetermined voltages to the electrodes to change a tilt direction of the plate-like-shaped thin film member in accordance with the voltages applied to deflect the input light in an arbitrary direction.

Abstract: There are provided a small optical deflector that can be driven at a high speed with a low voltage, provides a large angle of deflection, has a low distortion even in high speed operation and has a high static flatness of a reflective surface, and a method of producing the optical deflector. The optical deflector drives a movable plate relative to a supporting substrate to deflect a light incident on a reflective surface and has a configuration in which at least two recesses are formed in a surface of the movable plate on which the reflective surface is not formed, and a magnetic material is provided in the recesses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing a micro-mirror device configured to increase a switching frequency thereof. The micro-mirror device includes a substrate with at least one address electrode positioned over the substrate to provide an electrostatic force and includes at least one support member positioned over the substrate and extending upward above the substrate. The micro-mirror device also includes a mirror and a spring member. The mirror is disposed over the at least one address electrode and coupled to the at least one support member. The mirror is configured to deflect toward the substrate in response to the at least one address electrode applying the electrostatic force to the mirror. The spring member is spaced apart between the substrate and the mirror and coupled to the at least one support member. The spring member is operable to deflect separately from the mirror and toward the substrate.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a light modulator in which micromirrors are tilted by an electrostatic force generated by an electrical potential difference between drive electrodes and the micromirrors. The method includes integrally forming support sections disposed at fulcrum points for tilting the micromirrors and axis portions forming axes for tilting the micromirrors.

Abstract: A micro-mirror that comprises a substrate, a hinge structure formed on the substrate and a mirror plate attached to the hinge structure is provided for use in display systems. The mirror plate is capable of rotating from a non-deflected resting state to a state that is at least 14°, and preferably from 15° to 27° from the non-deflected resting state. In operation, the micro-mirror switches between an “ON”-state and “OFF”-state, which are defined in accordance with a rotational position of the mirror plate. The OFF state can be a non-deflected position of the micro-mirror (generally parallel to the substrate), the same angle (though opposite direction) as the ON state, or an angle less than the ON state (though in the opposite direction). Reflected light from the “ON” and “OFF” states are thus separated and the contrast ratio is improved.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator apparatus for an optical microscope system including an optical head with a mounting flange for mounting the optical head to a port of the microscope, a DMD for generating a pattern image of light, a light source mount for receiving a source of illumination, and one or more optical elements for directing light from the source of illumination to the DMD and to direct the pattern image generated by the DMD to the microscope. A DMD controller has a digital input and is connected to the DMD for driving the individual micromirrors of the DMD to generate the pattern image. A pattern generation subsystem is configured to output pattern image data and a digital interface is connected between the digital input of the DMD controller and the pattern generation subsystem, the digital interface configured to provide a digital drive signal to the DMD controller corresponding to the pattern image data.

Abstract: Apparatus which directs light rays from a distant target area scene to a plurality of wavelength detection systems without wavelength degradation. A reflective afocal telescope directs the light rays from the scene to a MEMS mirror array which redirects the rays to selected ones of the detection systems. The MEMS mirror array has individually controllable mirror elements which are driven to predetermined angular orientations to accomplish the light ray redirection. Outputs from the detection systems may be provide to a computer for analysis and/or viewing.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a laser refraction system includes a refracting unit to refract light emitted from a laser. A refracting unit control procedure configures a charge on an OPC according to an image by sending a signal to the refracting unit to control refraction degree and timing.

Abstract: Each of light beam switching elements disposed between input and output fiber collimators includes a support member, a first reflection member mounted on the peripheral portion of the support member and a second reflection member mounted on the peripheral portion of the support member. The first reflection member has a first reflection mirror surface to reflect the light beam from the input fiber collimator, and the second reflection member has a second reflection mirror surface to reflect the light beam reflected by the first reflection mirror surface. A drive actuator allows each of the switching elements to assume a first rotation position in which the light beam from the input fiber collimator is reflected by the first and second mirror surfaces, and a second rotation position in which the light beam from the input fiber collimator passes between the first and second reflection members without being reflected by the mirror surfaces.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator is disclosed, along with methods for making such a modulator, that comprises an array of micromirrors each having a hinge and a micromirror plate held via the hinge on a substrate, the micromirror plate being disposed in a plane separate from the hinge and having a diagonal extending across the micromirror plate, the micromirror plate being attached to the hinge such that the micromirror plate can rotate along a rotation axis that is parallel to, but off-set from the diagonal of the micromirror plate. Also disclosed is a projection system that comprises such a spatial light modulator, as well as a light source, condensing optics, wherein light from the light source is focused onto the array of micromirrors, projection optics for projecting light selectively reflected from the array of micromirrors onto a target, and a controller for selectively actuating the micromirrors in the array.

Abstract: An optical network (100), an optical device, and one or more MEMS optical components (105, 106) are disclosed. The optical network comprises one or more optical input sources (101), one or more optical output collectors (102), and the optical device. The optical device is optically coupled between the one or more optical input sources and the one or more optical output collectors. The optical device is formed on an integrated MEMS chip (104). The optical device comprises the one or more MEMS optical components formed on the integrated MEMS chip. In fact, each MEMS optical component may be monolithically fabricated on, self assemblable on, and reconfigurable or moveable on the integrated MEMS chip.

Abstract: A microscopic optical structure controller for providing singular control of individual microscopic optical structures of a microelectromechanical optical device by a multiplexed stream of individual pixel values generated by a pixel value source. The microscopic optical structure controller includes at least one interconnect coupled to the pixel value source for receiving the multiplexed stream of individual pixel values and at least one mapper communicating with the interconnect for extracting individual pixel values from the multiplexed stream and applying the individual pixel values to one or more individual microscopic optical structures according to a configurable mapping. A method and a driver for providing singular control of individual microscopic optical structures of a microelectromechanical optical device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A deformable mirror element with a high natural frequency has elongate ribbons attached along a longitudinal portion thereof to a support. The ribbon is transversely slit to divide each ribbon into at least two individual wing portions. The wing portions extend laterally from the support and are capable of deforming in response to a force applied to the wing. The deformable mirror element is used in a light valve for modulating one or more beams of incident light. The high natural frequency of the element ensures that the light valve is useful in applications requiring fast response time.

Abstract: A charge control circuit for controlling a micro-electromechanical device having a variable capacitance is disclosed. In one embodiment, a charge storage device is configured to store a charge amount. A switch circuit is configured to control the variable capacitance of the micro-electromechanical device by sharing the charge amount between the charge storage device and the micro-electromechanical device to equalize the charge storage device and the micro-electromechanical device to a same voltage.

Abstract: An electrostatic micromechanical device with continuously variable displacement, that includes: a movable member having a first electrode; an opposing surface having a second electrode; a channel separating the movable member from the opposing surface; a liquid situated in the channel, wherein the liquid has a sufficiently high dielectric constant so as to enable continuously variable and stable control of a displacement of the movable member over a travel range spanning at least half of the channel; the displacement being a result of a voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode; and at least one solid dielectric layer physically situated between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A deformable mirror arrangement has a plurality of constraint mechanisms contacting a deformable mirror at specified contact positions. At least three of these constraint mechanisms are rigid body servo control mechanisms such as high-bandwidth servo control mechanisms, each including a force actuator contacting the mirror at a corresponding one of the contact positions, a position sensor assisting to measure position of the mirror and a servo control unit for controlling the force actuator.

Abstract: A deformable mirror element with a high natural frequency has elongate ribbons attached along a longitudinal portion thereof to a support. A reflective wing portion extends laterally from the support and is capable of deforming in response to a force applied to the wing. The deformable mirror element is used in a light valve for modulating one or more beams of light. The high natural frequency of the element ensures that the light valve is useful in applications requiring fast response time.

Abstract: An optical switching system and method. The method includes tapping a first portion of an incoming data beam from an incoming source; and transferring the incoming data beam from the incoming source to a first path provided by a first MEMS based switching fabric. The method also transfers a monitoring source to monitor a second path of provided by second MEMS based switch fabric, while the second path of the second MEMS based switch fabric is in a stand by mode. A step of tapping a second portion of an outgoing data beam provided by the first MEMS based switching fabric is also included. The method determines if a process condition of the first path by at least the second portion of the outgoing data beam.

Abstract: An aspect of the present invention includes a method to print pattern with improved edge acuity. In one embodiment a method for printing fine patterns comprising the actions of: providing an SLM and providing a pixel layout pattern with different categories of modulating elements, the categories differing in the phase of the complex amplitude. Other aspects of the present invention are reflected in the detailed description, figures and claims.

Abstract: A low-cost, high-performance, reliable micromirror package (300) that replaces the ceramic substrate in conventional packages with a printed circuit board substrate (30) and a molded plastic case (33), and the cover glass with a window (36), preferably an optically clear plastic window. The printed circuit board substrate (30) allows for either external bond pads or flex cable connection of the micromirror package to the projector's motherboard. These packages support flexible snap-in, screw-in, ultrasonic plastic welding, or adhesive welding processes to overcome the high cost seam welding process of many conventional packages.

Abstract: An optical path control apparatus includes a first substrate. A second substrate is movably provided for the first substrate. A mirror section is provided on the second substrate. A driving section moves the second substrate such that a first optical path of input light to the mirror section is optically connected to one of a plurality of second optical paths.

Abstract: A light modulator includes elongated elements and a support structure. The elongated elements are arranged in parallel. Each element includes a light reflective planar surface with the light reflective planar surfaces lying in one or more parallel planes. The support structure is coupled to the elongated elements to maintain a position of the elongated elements relative to each other and to enable movement of each elongated element between a first modulator configuration and a second modulator configuration. In the first modulator configuration, the elongated elements act to reflect an incident light as a plane mirror. In the second modulator configuration, selected groups of elements are deflected and act to diffract the incident light along one or more of a plurality of diffraction planes. The groups of elements are configured according to one of a plurality of selectable group configurations. Each group configuration corresponds to one of the plurality of diffraction planes.

Abstract: An external cavity laser comprises a laser source, a collimation optical element, a blazed diffraction grating, a transform optical element, and a light modulator. The laser source produces a light output comprising a range of light wavelengths. The collimation optical element couples the laser source to the blazed diffraction grating. The collimation optical element collimates the light output. The blazed diffraction grating diffracts the light output into a first diffraction order. The transform optical element couples the blazed diffraction grating to the light modulator, which is located in a transform plane of the transform optical element. The transform optical element converts the first diffraction order to position in the transform plane by focusing the range of light wavelengths to the transform plane. The light modulator comprises an array of light modulating pixels selectively operable in first mode and second modes.

Abstract: A compact light-beam deflecting device with a photonic crystal is provided, which has the capability of deflecting a light beam incident on the photonic crystal by a controlled angle to output a transmitted light beam having a desired direction from the photonic crystal. This light-beam deflecting device comprises the photonic crystal designed to have a photonic band gap wavelength that is different from a wavelength of a light beam to be incident on the photonic crystal, and a deflection controller for applying an amount of energy to the photonic crystal to deflect the light beam incident on a side of the photonic crystal, and to provide a transmitted light beam, which forms the desired angle with respect to the light beam, from the other side of the photonic crystal.

Abstract: Provided is a 2×2 optical switch includes a substrate, a first input fiber and a first output fiber, a second input fiber and a second output fiber, a rotating mirror, torsion bars, and an electrostatic force generating part. The first input fiber and a first output fiber are arranged at a predetermined distance from a central point in a first optical path passing through the central point over the substrate. The second input fiber and a second output fiber are arranged at a predetermined distance from the central point in a second optical path that passes through the central point and is orthogonal to the first optical path. The rotating mirror is positioned at around the central point and turns on a turning shaft. The torsion bars support the rotating mirror and the electrostatic force generating part supplies a drive force to the rotating mirror.

Abstract: A photopolymerisable system is disclosed which can be polymerised by exposure to UV light, for example, to form a solid, light-transmitting sheet material having volume refractive index variations defining an optical diffuser or a hologram, for example. The system includes a silicone monomer, prepolymer, macromonomer or co-monomer capable of undergoing free radical initiated polymerization and further includes a photoinitiator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to improved optical crossconnnect switch configurations and implementations. In one embodiment, a beam directing unit (600) includes an input port array (601), input fixed mirrors (604), an input movable mirror array (606), an output movable mirror array (608), output fixed mirrors (610) and an output port array (611). The pitch of the input mirror array (606) is one-half the pitch of the input port array (601) and the pitch of the output mirror array (601) and the pitch of the output mirror array (608) is one-half the pitch of the output port array (611). In addition, in a reference orientation, each of the mirrors of array (606) directs beams to a common centerpoint of output array (608), and each of the mirrors (608) directs beams to a common centerpoint of array (606).

Abstract: A MEMS driver includes a digital control block receiving an external digital control word and generating control signals for use in controlling a reference current source. The reference current source generates a reference current to a high voltage output stage in response to the digital control signals. The high voltage output stage generates an output current to an integrator in response to the reference current. The integrator provides an output voltage to a drive electrode that electrostically controls the position of the MEMS structure.

Abstract: Provided is an optical switching system which is capable of being operated at a very high speed in a communication wavelength region and of meeting the various requests at a high grade by the provision of an optical switching system having such a construction that a signal light composed of a light pulse train, and a pulse-like control light synchronous therewith are applied to a light control portion composed of a thin film made of carbon nanotubes to selectively transmit the light pulse train in the signal light through the thin film to form an output signal light and then receiving the output signal light thus formed is received.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a laser refraction system includes a refracting unit to refract light emitted from a laser. A refracting unit control procedure configures a charge on an OPC according to an image by sending a signal to the refracting unit to control refraction degree and timing.

Abstract: Techniques for use in a digital mirror device based luminaire. The techniques include using a filter as a gobo for definition.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for emitting light with a controlled directionality and optical divergence from at least one opening. Said apparatus (10) comprises: a light impervious surface structure (20) comprising said at least one opening (30′), a periodic or quasi-periodic surface topography comprising one or several surface feature(s) (40) and associated with said at least one opening on said surface structure, whereby light (IOUTPUT) emerging from said opening(s) (30′) interacts with surface waves on said surface structure (20) thereby providing controlled directionality and optical divergence of the emitted light (IOUTPUT).

Abstract: Optical modulators are provided. A representative optical modulator includes an optical medium that is adapted to propagate optical signals. An array of lattice sites are arranged in the optical medium, with at least some of the lattice sites exhibiting lower refractive indexes than the refractive index of the optical medium. Preferably, a first of the lattice sites incorporates a first optical component that is moveable relative to the optical medium. By moving the first optical component relative to the optical medium, a propagation characteristic of the optical medium can be altered. Optical systems, methods and other optical modulators also are provided.