Abstract: An optical scanning device provides a radiation source 2,200), a collimator lens (4,40), an objective (7,90) for converting a beam (5,30?) to a scanning spot at the position of an information layer (101) of a record carrier (1,100). The device also includes an electrowetting cell (6). The electrowetting cell (6) acts such that a beam (5,30?) enters the objective (7,90) at a predetermined height of an entrance pupil of the objective (7,90) independent of the position of the objective (7,90) and that the beam (5,30?) forms a predetermined angle at the entrance pupil of the objective (7,90) with the optical axis (8). In this way the rim intensity may be kept constant over the entrance pupil of the objective (7,90).

Abstract: A switchable coupler (10) has a first waveguide (15) defining an inlet port (31) for a first unpolarized light input (A) and a first outlet port (32), and also a second waveguide (16) defining an inlet port (41) for a second unpolarized light input (13) and a second outlet port (42). Polarization splitter devices (11, 12) and two electro-optical switches (13,14) are sandwiched between the waveguides (15, 16). The polarization splitter devices (11, 12) are positioned to split the light inputs (A and B) into respective refracted and reflected polarized components (AL and AF; BL and BF), and the electro-optical switch (13) is operable by the application across it of a potential difference (+V) to recombine the polarized components (BL, BF) and to couple them with the light output AT through the first outlet port (32). As shown in FIG.

Abstract: An apparatus and to a method of optoelectrical conversion, comprising the steps of: providing a first electrical signal to an electrical directional element, using the electrical directional element to direct the first electrical signal to an optoelectric converter, using the optoelectric converter for converting the first electrical signal into an optical signal and providing the optical signal to a DUT, using the optoelectric converter for receiving and converting a reflected optical signal reflected by the DUT back into a second electrical signal, and using the electrical directional element to direct the second electrical signal to a receiver.

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.

Abstract: An electro-optic element includes an electro-optic crystal having a birefringent property, and in which a refractive index distribution is generated in accordance with an intensity of an electric field caused inside, a pair of intensity modulating electrodes for applying a voltage for varying the birefringent property of the electro-optic crystal, a pair of scanning electrodes for applying a voltage for varying the refractive index distribution of the electro-optic crystal, and a polarization selection member provided at least on a side of a laser beam emission end face out of a laser beam entrance end face and the laser beam emission end face of the electro-optic crystal, and for selectively transmitting a part with a specific vibration direction out of a light beam emitted from the electro-optic crystal.

Abstract: An apparatus and related methods for controlling propagation of incident radiation are described. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a composite material operable to exhibit at least one of a negative effective permittivity and a negative effective permeability for incident radiation at an operating frequency. The composite material comprises electromagnetically reactive cells of small dimension relative to a wavelength of the incident radiation. Each of the electromagnetically reactive cells comprises first and second electromagnetically reactive segments microelectromechanically movable relative to each other according to an applied control signal such that at least one of a capacitive and inductive property of the electromagnetically reactive cells is temporally controllable according to the applied control signal.

Abstract: A beam-steering element made of a more optically-active material, potassium tantalate niobate, with an improved diffraction efficiency, having a plurality of electrode layers and one electro-optic crystal layer interposed between every two adjacent electrode layers. Each electro-optic crystal layer and the electrode layer adjacent thereto have an aspect ratio of about 1:1. The electrode layers and the electro-optic crystal layers are interposed between two substrates. Preferably, the substrates are transparent to an incoming beam to be modulated by the electro-optic crystal layer.

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.

Abstract: A transition time is a time from a state where a movable portion has been rotationally displaced in the first direction and stopped to a state where driving portions apply the physical action forces to the movable portion to rotationally displace the movable portion in the second direction, which is different from the first direction, and the movable portion reaches a final displacement position. An elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion and the transition time have such a relationship that when the elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion is equal to a certain value, the transition time takes a local maximum value. The elastic force value of the elastic supporting portion is equal to or less than the certain value at which the transition time takes the local maximum value.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system are described herein, and include a controller, and an optoelectronic module coupled to the controller. The optoelectronic module has a substrate, and a stage having a lens. An electromechanical subsystem is coupled to the substrate and to the stage, to hold the stage in a suspended manner over the substrate, and is adapted to move and lock in place the stage to position the lens to steer a light beam, responsive to control signals. A network interface module comprises the optoelectronic module.

Abstract: Interferometric modulators having a separable modulator architecture are disclosed having a reflective layer suspended from a flexible layer over a cavity. The interferometric modulators have one or more anti-tilt members that inhibit undesirable movement of the reflective layer, such as curling and/or tilting. The stabilization of the reflective layer by the anti-tilt members can improve the quality of the optical output of the interferometric modulators, as well as displays comprising such interferometric modulators.

Abstract: An electro-optical scanner includes an optical transparent crystal. The electro-optical scanner further includes an electrode for applying a voltage on the optical transparent crystal for applying an electric field therein for generating a graded electro-optic effect in the transparent crystal for deflecting an optical beam projected therethrough. The electro-optical scanner further includes a voltage controller for controlling the voltage applied to the optical transparent crystal for controlling the optical beam with a controlled deflecting angle projected through the optical transparent crystal.

Abstract: A scanning device includes: an optical element in which a refractive index distribution changes according to the intensity of an electric field generated therein such that an incident laser beam is scanned; first and second electrodes provided on two opposite surfaces of the optical element; and a control unit that controls a voltage applied to at least one of the first and second electrodes such that the electric field is generated in one direction and the other direction opposite to the one direction with time in the optical element.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a transmissive electromechanical light valve including a gate pivotable between a first position to allow light to pass through a valvelet and a second position to prevent light from passing through the valvelet are disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed herein.

Abstract: An electro optic device includes an optical element in which a refractive index distribution, changes according to the intensity of an electric field generated therein such that an incident laser beam is scanned. First and second electrodes are provided on two opposite surfaces of the optical element. A distance between electrodes of the first and second electrodes of the optical element decreases continuously or in a stepwise manner from an emission end surface toward an incident end surface.

Abstract: A multi-state light modulator comprises a first reflector. A first electrode is positioned at a distance from the first reflector. A second reflector is positioned between the first reflector and the first electrode. The second reflector is movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, each having a corresponding distance from the first reflector. In one embodiment, the three positions correspond to reflecting white light, being non-reflective, and reflecting a selected color of light. Another embodiment is a method of making the light modulator. Another embodiment is a display including the light modulator.

Abstract: An optical bus interconnects two or more processors in a multiprocessor system. One or more electrical-to-optical (“E-O”) transmitters are optically coupled to the optical bus using optical couplers. The E-O transmitters receive electrical signals from the processors and convert the electrical signals to optical signals to be guided onto the optical bus. Optical-to-electrical (“O-E”) receivers are also coupled to the optical bus using the optical couplers. The O-E receivers receive optical signals from the optical bus and convert the optical signals to electrical signals for the processors.

Abstract: An image display medium comprising: a display layer; a pair of substrates that retain the display layer therebetween, with at least parts of the pair of substrates configuring a frame portion to which an electrical connection connector for electrical connection to the outside connects, and with at least one of the pair of substrates being transparent; a first scan electrode group; a second scan electrode group; a first electrical contact group; a second electrical contact group; a first connection wire group; and a second connection wire group, wherein the first electrical contact group and the second electrical contact group are disposed apart from each other a distance that is greater than the distance between two mutually adjacent contacts belonging to the first electrical contact group or the second electrical contact group along at least one of a thickness direction and a surface direction of the pair of substrates, is provided.

Abstract: An electro-optical element includes an optical element that scans a laser beam made incident thereon when a refractive index distribution changes according to a size of an electric field generated in the inside of the electro-optical element and a first electrode and a second electrode arranged on two surfaces of the optical element opposed, to each other. At least one of the first electrode and the second electrode is a transparent electrode.

Abstract: A scan-type optical apparatus includes a light source device that emits a laser beam, an electro-optic element that conducts scan of the laser beam emitted from the light source device by varying refractive index distribution in accordance with the level of voltage to be applied, and a light blocking member disposed on an optical path of the laser beam emitted from the electro-optic element when no voltage is applied to the electro-optic element.

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.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator, in which light modulation elements are arranged in a same plane. In the spatial light modulator, a plurality of the light modulation elements are arranged such that there are at least two periods of periodic structure corresponding to an arrangement of the light modulation elements in an arbitrary direction in the plane where the light modulation elements are arranged.

Abstract: An optical deflection device includes an optical deflection element having a pair of transparent boards arranged in a mutually opposing manner. A liquid crystal layer is filled between the boards and forms a chiral smectic C phase. An orientation film orients liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. Electrodes generate an electric field in a substantially parallel direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. A first voltage application part applies, to the electrodes, an ac voltage of a deflection frequency switching the optical deflection direction of the optical deflection element. A second voltage application part applies, to the electrodes, an ac voltage of a higher frequency than the deflection frequency.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus and system having an optoelectronic module, as well as a method of positioning the lens of the optoelectronic module in order to adjust the steering of a light beam are described herein.

Abstract: A Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) package having a housing and a MEMS device bonded within the cavity of the housing. The MEMS device includes a MEMS sensor and a base connected to the MEMS sensor at a first surface. The base includes a first support device that is collocated with the MEMS sensor and a second support device is partially physically isolated from the first support device. An attachment device attaches the second support device to a base surface of the housing. The second support device is isolated from the first support device by one or more cavities. The second support device includes a plurality of posts located adjacent to edges of the base. The plurality of posts include four corner posts and four side posts, each of the four corner posts are separated from two of the four side posts by two of the cavities.

Abstract: A method of controlling the switching of an optically addressable spatial light modulator (OASLM), to a first surface of which a write light signal is applied and to a second surface of which a read light signal is applied. The method comprises applying a bipolar switching waveform to control electrodes of the (OASLM) during each write cycle such that the leading pulse of the waveform applies a voltage across the (OASLM) which is in the photosensitive direction and the trailing pulse applies a voltage which is not in the photosensitive direction.

Abstract: A manufacturing process of an electro-optical apparatus substrate is provided wherein a substrate is coated with a photosensitive resin. A first exposure process is executed with a first reticle to form an uneven portion on the substrate. Subsequently, a second exposure process is executed with a second reticle to remove all the photosensitive resin on portions other than the uneven portion. After the second exposure process, the substrate is developed so as to form an underlying film having an uneven portion.

Abstract: A complex amplitude spatial optical modulation element for low 0th-order diffraction light has a plurality of three-dimensional cells two-dimensionally on an XY plane. Each cell is light transmitting and defines a specific amplitude and phase. An upper surface of each cell has a first region in which a groove is formed and a second region at both sides of the first region with light blocking layers on upper surfaces. The groove has a bottom surface with an area set in accordance with the specific amplitude and a depth set in accordance with the specific phase of the corresponding cell.

Abstract: The invention provides an electro-optical device which displays image of high quality without forming poorly oriented regions that stem from the presence of pole-like spacers, yet achieving a high numerical aperture. Pole-like spacers according to the invention are provided on at least either one of a first substrate and a second substrate holding a liquid crystal layer and on the to-be-provided surface of the one substrate on the side facing the liquid crystal layer, the pole-like spacers having, at the roots thereof, a slope portion with a surface smoothly connecting to the to-be-provided surface.

Abstract: An electro-optical device is provided comprising an electro-optical material and means for applying an electric field to the electro-optical material, in which a plurality of pixel regions DR, DG and DB capable of separately controlling optical states of the electro-optical material are arranged and each pixel region is provided with a light transmitting portion (an aperture portion (212aR, 212aG, and 212aB)) and a light reflecting portion (a reflective surface (212R, 212G, and 212B)). At adjacent pixel regions that are arranged in a predetermined direction, end edges Ea and Eb of each of the light transmitting portions orthogonal to the predetermined arrangement direction are aligned with each other.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a first region and a second region. A light-absorbing layer contacts at least a portion of the second region. The light absorbing layer includes a first layer and a second layer, the second layer having a reflectivity less than about 75%.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an integrated spatial light modulator. The method includes providing a first substrate including a bonding surface, processing a device substrate to form at least an electrode layer, the electrode layer including a plurality of electrodes, and depositing a standoff layer on the electrode layer. The method further includes forming standoff structures from the standoff layer and joining the bonding surface of the first substrate to the standoff structures on the device substrate. In a particular embodiment, the method further includes, after the step of depositing a standoff layer, performing chemical mechanical polishing of the standoff layer to planarize an upper surface of the standoff layer.

Abstract: The invention presents an optical element with which an optical head can be configured, in which there is little deterioration of the correctional effect when the objective lens shifts, as well as an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using such an optical element. The invention also presents a novel optical recording/reproducing apparatus and optical recording/reproducing method. The optical element, includes a first voltage application electrode 13, a first opposing electrode 17 arranged in opposition to the first voltage application electrode 13, and a first phase changing layer 15 arranged between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17. By changing a voltage between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17, a phase that converts plane waves into spherical waves is imparted on light that is incident on the first phase changing layer 15.

Abstract: An electro-absorptive optical modulator module monolithic-integrated on a semiconductor substrate, which includes a distributed feedback laser having a grating for oscillating light and to output the oscillated light through a first end and a second end of the module. An electro-absorptive modulator modulates a first light output through the first end of the distributed feedback laser, and an optical detector provides detection of a second light output through the second end of the module. The optical detector is formed opposite to the second end of the distributed feedback laser on the semiconductor substrate. A first inner window permits attenuation of the intensity of the second light and electrically insulates the distributed feedback laser and the optical detector from each other, with the first inner window being arranged between the distributed feedback laser and the optical detector.

Abstract: The electroabsorption modulator comprises a p-i-n junction structure that includes an active layer, a p-type cladding layer and an n-type cladding layer with the active layer sandwiched between the cladding layers. The electroabsorption modulator additionally comprises a quantum well structure located within the active layer. The p-type cladding layer comprises a layer of heavily-doped low-diffusivity p-type semiconductor material located adjacent the active layer that reduces the extension of the depletion region into the p-type cladding layer when a reverse bias is applied to the electroabsorption modulator. The reduced extension increases the strength of the electric field applied to the quantum well structure by a given reverse bias voltage. The increased field strength increases the extinction ratio of the electroabsorption modulator.

Abstract: An optical element comprising a periodic structure in which a refractive index is distributed periodically and a deforming portion, which mechanically deforms by an external action, wherein the deforming portion is integrally arranged with the periodic structure along the periodic direction of the periodic structure, and is constructed so as to change the periodicity of the periodic structure by deforming in the periodic direction of the periodic structure. A periodicity of the periodic structure (photonic band structure) in which the refractive index changes periodically can be controlled with a simple configuration.

Abstract: An optical deflection device includes an optical deflection element having a pair of transparent boards arranged in a mutually opposing manner. A liquid crystal layer is filled between the boards and forms a chiral smectic C phase. An orientation film orients liquid crystal molecules in the liquid crystal layer in a substantially perpendicular direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. Electrodes generate an electric field in a substantially parallel direction with respect to the liquid crystal layer. A first voltage application part applies, to the electrodes, an ac voltage of a deflection frequency switching the optical deflection direction of the optical deflection element. A second voltage application part applies, to the electrodes, an ac voltage of a higher frequency than the deflection frequency.

Abstract: The invention presents an optical element with which an optical head can be configured, in which there is little deterioration of the correctional effect when the objective lens shifts, as well as an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using such an optical element. The invention also presents a novel optical recording/reproducing apparatus and optical recording/reproducing method. The optical element, includes a first voltage application electrode 13, a first opposing electrode 17 arranged in opposition to the first voltage application electrode 13, and a first phase changing layer 15 arranged between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17. By changing a voltage between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17, a phase that converts plane waves into spherical waves is imparted on light that is incident on the first phase changing layer 15.

Abstract: An electro-active lens is disclosed. The lens includes at least one electro-active cell to provide a lens having at least two focal lengths, the electro-active cell capable of adjusting its focal length based on voltages applied to the electro-active cell. The voltage is supplied by an alternating current source, including a flying capacitor circuit. The electro-active lenses reduce birefringence through the use of a single cholesteric liquid crystal electro-active cell.

Abstract: An interference display unit with a first electrode, a second electrode and posts located between the two electrodes is provided. The characteristic of the interference display unit is that the second electrode's stress is released through a thermal process. The position of the second electrode is shifted and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is therefore defined. A method for fabricating the structure described as follow. A first electrode and a sacrificial layer are sequentially formed on a substrate and at least two openings are formed in the first electrode and the sacrificial layer. A supporter is formed in the opening and the supporter may have at least one arm on the top portion of the supporter. A second electrode is formed on the sacrificial layer and the supporter and a thermal process is performed. Finally, The sacrificial layer is removed.

Abstract: An interference display unit with a first electrode, a second electrode and posts located between the two electrodes is provided. The characteristic of the interference display unit is that the second electrode's stress is released through a thermal process. The position of the second electrode is shifted and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is therefore defined. A method for fabricating the structure described as follow. A first electrode and a sacrificial layer are sequentially formed on a substrate and at least two openings are formed in the first electrode and the sacrificial layer. A supporter is formed in the opening and the supporter may have at least one arm on the top portion of the supporter. A second electrode is formed on the sacrificial layer and the supporter and a thermal process is performed. Finally, The sacrificial layer is removed.

Abstract: An optoelectronic device including a header having an upper surface and including a plurality of conducting pins extending up through the upper surface; an optical device; a tunable optical filter, wherein the optical device and the tunable optical filter are arranged in a vertical stack mounted on and extending above the upper surface of the header and wherein the tunable optical filter is electrically connected to the plurality of conducting pins; and a cap affixed to the header and along with the header defining a sealed interior containing the optical device and the tunable optical filter, wherein the cap has a top surface with a window formed therein, and wherein the window is aligned with the tunable optical filter and the optical device.

Abstract: An electrooptical deflector is presented. The electrooptical deflector includes a material that has a different refractive index for different polarization states and changes its refractive index in response to voltage (e.g., lithium niobate or lithium tantalite). Inside the material is a poled region that includes triangularly-shaped prisms, each of which affects the direction in which an incident light beam propagates. When a light beam of a known polarization state propagates through the material, its direction of propagation (i.e., the amount of deflection) is controlled by a voltage applied to the poled region and the size and number of the prisms in the material.

Abstract: A directional optical coupler is shown and described, which includes an optical cell that is made of a first transparent conductor, a second transparent conductor and an electro-optical member interposed between the two transparent conductors, the electro-optical member having an index of refraction which can be varied only along one crystal axis by application of an electric field.

Abstract: An electro-optically deactivated transmissive material comprises a plurality of chemicals which are sufficient, in combination, to enable formation of an electro-optic material having an index of refraction that is responsive to an electric field. The chemicals are combined with a glassifier so as to form a transmissive material that is less responsive to the electric field than said electro-optic material. The deactivated material has substantially the same refractive index as the electro-optic material in the absence of an electric field. In a preferred embodiment, the deactivated material is arranged with active material to form an optical switch.

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder optical waveguide is disposed in a substrate made of a material having an electro-optic effect. Coplanar-waveguide modulating electrodes are disposed on a principal surface of the substrate. A dielectric layer is disposed on a reverse surface of the substrate. A supporting substrate having a recess is disposed in contact with the dielectric layer such that the recess is located at a position corresponding to a modulating region. The relationship: ?r>?s is satisfied where ?r represents the dielectric constant of the supporting substrate and ?s represents the dielectric constant of the dielectric constant of solid, liquid, or gaseous substance in the recess.

Abstract: The invention provides an electro-optical device capable of reducing power consumption. In an organic EL display, the pixel circuits are provided at the intersection portions of the respective scanning lines and the respective data lines, respectively. The organic EL display includes a shift register and a decoder circuit. The shift register sequentially selects the respective scanning lines in response to the clock signals. The decoder circuit receives address signals, and properly selects any one of the respective scanning lines on the basis of the address signals. Further, when displaying a moving picture, the scanning lines are sequentially selected using the shift register. On the other hand, when a part of a still picture is modified and displayed during display of the still picture, the scanning lines associated with the modification and display are designated using the decoder circuit.

Abstract: An electric field activated bi-stable molecular system configured within an electric field generated by a pair of electrodes is provided for use, e.g., as electronic ink or other visual displays. The molecular system has at least one rotor portion connected to at least one stator portion, wherein the rotor portion rotates with respect to the stator portion between at least two different states upon application of the electric field, thereby inducing a band gap change in the molecular system, wherein in a first state, there is extended conjugation throughout the major portion of the molecular system, resulting in a relatively smaller band gap, and wherein in a second state, the extended conjugation is destroyed, resulting in a relatively larger band gap. A primary advantage of the molecular system is improved contrast. Because the colorant of the present invention is molecular and thus effectively monoplanar, there should be no backside reflection or scattering from the colorant.

Abstract: In order to allow application of any coating under a vacuum over a volatile gelatinous layer, such as polymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) on an optical glass substrate with a transparent electrode, such as indium tin oxide (ITO) on its surface, a layer of an intermediate stress absorbing polymeric material is first applied to cover the volatile gelatinous layer to prevent evaporation and escape of volatiles, thereafter the coating is applied under a very high vacuum using for example a technique called Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) or sputtering.