Switching Patents (Class 359/320)
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Patent number: 8018645Abstract: A display-protective plate for an electronic apparatus, is attached to a case 7 of an electronic apparatus 1 to be used, and protects a display surface of a display 4 that is attached so as to be exposed from the case 7 of the electronic apparatus 1. The protective plate is configured by a plate-shaped transparent base member 11, a color half mirror layer 12 placed on a lower side of the transparent base member, a transparency-switching film 13 formed on a lower face of the color half mirror layer 12, for switching between transmitting and non-transmitting modes, a reflection-increasing film layer 20 placed on a lower face of the transparency-switching film 13, and a backing layer 14 formed on a lower face of the reflection-increasing film layer 20 and located on a portion except for an exposed portion of the display, which are successively laminated.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2008Date of Patent: September 13, 2011Assignee: Nissha Printing Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ryoumei Omote, Takayuki Takagi
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Patent number: 8009349Abstract: The effective focal length of an optical system can be electronically controlled using switchable wave plates in conjunction with polarized light.Type: GrantFiled: September 16, 2009Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: Fakespace Labs, Inc.Inventors: Ian McDowall, Mark Bolas
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Publication number: 20110102875Abstract: Provided is an optical switch member including a bi-stable mechanism, and first and second electro-thermal actuators. The bi-stable mechanism includes a curved-beam disposed on a bending portion of a first cantilever, one end of the first cantilever having a driven portion disposed thereon. The first electro-thermal actuator includes a first beam of a first driven arm disposed on the bending portion. The second electro-thermal actuator includes a second beam of a second driven arm disposed on the bending portion. The ends of the first and second driven arms are adjacent to first and second sides of the driven arm, respectively. Also proposed is an optical switch device including a substrate, a third thermal actuator, and the optical switch member disposed on the substrate to form an optical switch device to thereby integrate the optical switch with variable optical attenuators on the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2009Publication date: May 5, 2011Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITYInventors: Yao-Joe Yang, Bo-Ting Liao, Hsin-Hung Liao, Hsin-Hong Shen
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Patent number: 7932728Abstract: A method of fabricating a MEMS device includes conditioning of an insulating layer by applying a voltage across the insulating layer via a conductive sacrificial layer for a period of time, prior to removal of the conductive sacrificial layer. This conditioning process may be used to saturate or stabilize charge accumulated within the insulating layer. The resistance across the insulating layer may also be measured to detect possible defects in the insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: QUALCOMM MEMS Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Chen-Jean Chou, Chun-chen Wu, Patrick F. Brinkley
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Patent number: 7903324Abstract: An optical switching element including at least a multi-layered optical switching layer that includes a charge generation layer and a charge transport layer wherein, the charge transport layer contains a charge transporting material represented by the following general formula (1). The optical switching element is applicable in a device, a photoaddressable display medium and a display device. The optical switching element may alternatively include a mono-layered optical switching layer that has a charge generating function and a charge transporting function, wherein the mono-layered optical switching layer contains the charge transporting material represented by the following general formula (1).Type: GrantFiled: August 12, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hideo Kobayashi, Takehito Hikichi
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Publication number: 20110013262Abstract: A system for laser amplification includes a dual-crystal Pockels cell which is used to control emission of laser pulses from an ultra-fast laser. The Pockels cell is constructed to enable adjustment of the rotational orientation of one crystal relative to the other crystal. The rotational orientation of one or both crystals in the Pockels cell is adjusted to control sidebands in the laser pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 29, 2010Publication date: January 20, 2011Applicant: AMO Development, LLCInventors: Ruben Zadoyan, Michael Karavitis
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Publication number: 20100315697Abstract: Various embodiments of an optical switch device are provided. In one embodiment, the optical switch device includes a substrate. A photonic crystal, having a dielectric material, is applied on the substrate. An optical gain layer, having an optical gain material, is disposed above the photonic crystal. The photonic crystal is formed with a second-order distributed feedback structure to emit laser light perpendicular to a plane of the photonic crystal and a first-order distributed feedback structure adapted for reflecting light in the plane of the photonic crystal back into the second-order distributed feedback structure. The first-order distributed feedback structure at least one of fully surrounds the second-order distributed feedback structure and is arranged on two opposing edges of the second-order distributed feedback structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Rainer F. MAHRT, Nikolaj MOLL, Thilo H.C. STOEFERLE
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Patent number: 7808697Abstract: An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2009Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
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Patent number: 7800816Abstract: In a reflective a display device based on layer break up or layer displacement having at least two different states, in which one of the fluids (5) e. g oil in a first state adjoins at least a first support plate (3) and in the second state the other fluid (6) at least partly adjoins the first support plate, in which picture elements are separated by areas (13) having a hydrophilic surface dyes (or sometimes pigments) are added to the oil (usually hydrocarbon but also possibly silicone or fluorocarbon), to provide sufficient optical intensity.Type: GrantFiled: April 1, 2005Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: Liquavista B.V.Inventors: Robert A. Hayes, Mickael Joulaud, Thibault J B Roques-Carmes, Stephanie A. Palmier
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Patent number: 7796115Abstract: Bi-stable electrophoretic display device (1) having a normal mode and a scrolling mode, in which image transitions are effected by causing the charged particles (8,9) to toggle between the intermediate optical states (e.g. grey-to-grey) or between an extreme optical state and an intermediate optical state (e.g. white-to-light grey), with a corresponding short update time tscroll. When the device (1) enters a scrolling mode in response to a scrolling command from a user, picture elements are first driven to a special scrolling optical. state, after which drive waveforms for scrolling mode are used for fast toggling between two scrolling states. An increased scrolling speed and very short scrolling time can be realized, without adversely affecting image quality during a normal mode.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2005Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.Inventors: Guofu Zhou, Mark Thomas Johnson, Jan Van De Kamer, Rogier Cortie, Mischa Eduard Tanja Nelis
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Publication number: 20100208333Abstract: A display-protective plate for an electronic apparatus, is attached to a case of an electronic apparatus to be used, and protects a display surface of a display that is attached so as to be exposed from the case of the electronic apparatus. The protective plate is configured by a plate-shaped transparent base member, a color half mirror layer placed on a lower side of the transparent base member, a transparency-switching film formed on a lower face of the color half mirror layer, for switching between transmitting and non-transmitting modes, a reflection-increasing film layer placed on a lower face of the transparency-switching film, and a backing layer formed on a lower face of the reflection-increasing film layer and located on a portion except for an exposed portion of the display, which are successively laminated.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2008Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Ryoumei Omote, Takayuki Takagi
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Patent number: 7733557Abstract: A holographic data storage system that includes a write head that includes a pixellated spatial light modulator and a separate or integral phase mask that varies the phase depending on the location in the phase mask that light passes through. The phase variation can be changed over time in a random, pseudo-random, or predetermined fashion. The spatial light modulator and phase mask can be implemented in a liquid crystal SLM (nematic, ferroelectric, or other), in a DMD SLM, in a magneto-optical SLM, or in any other suitable manner.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2007Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark A. Handschy, Michael J. O'Callaghan
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Publication number: 20100123945Abstract: A waveform controller includes a monitor configured to monitor a waveform of an output pulse obtained by the response of a responsive element to a driving signal supplied thereto and a driving waveform shaper configured to shape a waveform of the driving signal based on a monitoring result obtained by the monitor.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2009Publication date: May 20, 2010Applicant: FUJITSU LIMITEDInventor: Yutaka KAI
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Publication number: 20100085623Abstract: A micro movable device includes: a micro movable substrate including a micro movable unit, the micro movable unit including a frame section, a movable section, and a coupling section which couples the frame section and the movable section to each other; a support base; a first spacer and a second spacer which are provided between the frame section of the micro movable substrate and the base, the first and second spacers joining the frame section and the base to each other; and a fixation member provided between the frame section of the micro movable substrate and the base, the fixation member including a spacer portion which joins the frame section and the base to each other and an adhesive portion which covers the spacer portion and joins the frame section and the base to each other, the fixation member being provided between the first and second spacers.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2009Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Tsuyoshi MATSUMOTO, Norinao KOUMA, Osamu TSUBOI
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Publication number: 20100020378Abstract: A detection means (52) detects optimum driving voltages of a mirror device. A correction means (53) corrects driving voltage values in a table (54b) based on the optimum driving voltages. This makes it possible to drive the mirror to an optimum pivot angle even when the optimum pivot angle of the mirror changes due to, e.g., mirror drift or a change in the environment such as temperature.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2007Publication date: January 28, 2010Inventors: Johji Yamaguchi, Naru Nemoto, Shingo Uchiyama, Tsuyoshi Yamamoto
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Patent number: 7649665Abstract: An apparatus and methods for optical switching using nanoscale optics are disclosed herein. A nano-optics apparatus for use as an optical switch includes a metallic film having a top surface, a bottom surface and a plurality of cylindrical channels containing a dielectric material, the metallic film acting as an outer electrode; and an array of non-linear optical components penetrating the metallic film through the plurality of cylindrical channels, the array acting as an array of inner electrodes.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2006Date of Patent: January 19, 2010Assignee: The Trustees of Boston CollegeInventors: Krzysztof J. Kempa, Zhifeng Ren, Michael J. Naughton, Jakub A. Rybczynski
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Publication number: 20090323149Abstract: When a light intensity upon a perturbation is detected, an error calculation/correction unit (85) in a control unit (8) corrects and updates the above-described initial manipulated variables based on perturbation manipulated variables and manipulated variables, i.e., operation manipulated variables to obtain the maximum light intensity from the light intensity value at each perturbation manipulated variable, thereby adjusting the tilt angle of a mirror. More specifically, assuming that the time series data of an acquired output light intensity can be approximated to a cosine function, the error calculation/correction unit (85) calculates a phase difference ? between the cosine function and a sine or cosine function used to set x- and y-axis perturbation patterns for a circular trajectory perturbation. Manipulated variables at coordinates defined by the phase difference ? and polar coordinates of a radius voltage to perturb the mirror are calculated.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2007Publication date: December 31, 2009Inventors: Masato Mizukami, Johji Yamaguchi, Naru Nemoto, Kunihiko Sasakura
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Patent number: 7636503Abstract: A wavelength selective switch of the present invention angularly disperses lights output from a plurality of input ports of an input and output optical system, to an X-direction, according to wavelength, by a diffraction grating to supply the dispersed lights to a condenser lens. The condenser lens is arranged so that a center axis thereof is shifted to the X-direction relative to an axis passing through the center of spreading angle to the X-direction of output beams from the diffraction grating, and accordingly, at a non-operating time, the light of each wavelength passed through the condenser lens is incident on each movable mirror being tilted by an offset angle corresponding to a shift amount of the condenser lens. As a result, it becomes possible to block the connection between an input side and an output side at the non-operating time without degrading the performance at an operating time.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2008Date of Patent: December 22, 2009Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Tsuyoshi Yamamoto, Tamotsu Akashi, Kohei Shibata, Hirofumi Aota, Shinji Yamashita
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Patent number: 7596290Abstract: A light source supplies optical signal to an optical switch and a detector detects light receiving level. A control unit changes a deflection control amount for changing an angle of a tilt mirror, and outputs the deflection control amount to a driving unit. When an input and an output ports are same, optical offset of the tilt mirror is calculated based on optimal angle at which the light detector detects an optimal point of the light receiving level. Whenever the input and the output port are different, a structure parameter of the tilt mirror is calculated based on the optical offset and the optimal angle. The optical offset and the structure parameter are stored in a memory as a test result.Type: GrantFiled: June 12, 2007Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yoshio Sakai, Yuji Tochio, Kazuyuki Mori, Atsuo Ishizuka
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Publication number: 20090237768Abstract: A system for laser amplification includes a dual-crystal Pockels cell which is used to control emission of laser pulses from an ultra-fast laser. The Pockels cell is constructed to enable adjustment of the rotational orientation of one crystal relative to the other crystal. The rotational orientation of one or both crystals in the Pockels cell is adjusted to control sidebands in the laser pulse.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 31, 2009Publication date: September 24, 2009Applicant: AMO Development, LLCInventors: Ruben Zadoyan, Michael Karavitis
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Patent number: 7589881Abstract: An electro-optic device includes first and second pixels that form first and second images, respectively. The first and second pixels are arranged alternately in a first direction. A light blocking element overlaps the pixels in plan view. The pixels are divided into pixel groups, each corresponding to every two pixels, which are one of the first pixels and one of the second pixels adjacent to each other in the first direction. The light blocking element has openings, each corresponding to one of the pixel groups and located in a region that overlaps the two pixels of the pixel group in plan view. Each first pixel has a light blocking region that partially intercepts light emitted from the first pixel. Each second pixel has a light blocking region that partially intercepts light emitted from the second pixel. The light blocking regions are positioned symmetrically to each other in plan view.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2008Date of Patent: September 15, 2009Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Nobuo Sugiyama
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Patent number: 7572035Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2007Date of Patent: August 11, 2009Inventors: William E. Hewlett, Nigel Evans
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Publication number: 20090116099Abstract: An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 2, 2009Publication date: May 7, 2009Inventor: Brian Edward Richardson
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Patent number: 7508573Abstract: A structure of an optical switch makes the optical switch capable of receiving broadband signals. And the manufacturing procedure is simplified.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2006Date of Patent: March 24, 2009Assignee: Atomic Energy Council - Institute of Nuclear Energy ResearchInventors: Chih-Hung Wu, Kai-Sheng Chang, Hwa-Yuh Shih, Yen-Chang Tzeng
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Patent number: 7499603Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices are provided for an electrooptical modulator. One method embodiment includes receiving an optical input signal to an electrooptical modulator. A first voltage input is applied to a first drive electrode associated with a first optical path in the electrooptical modulator. A second voltage input is applied to a second drive electrode associated with a second optical path in the electrooptical modulator at times alternative to applying the first voltage input to the first drive electrode.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2006Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignee: Lockheed Martin CorporationInventors: John A. Krawczak, Raymond J. Johnson
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Publication number: 20090027763Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device and related methods are described. The MEMS device comprises a first member having a first surface and a second member having a second surface, the first and second surfaces being separated by a gap that is closable by a MEMS actuation force applied to at least one of the first and second members. A standoff layer is disposed on the first surface of the first member, the standoff layer providing standoff between the first and second surfaces upon a closing of the gap by the MEMS actuation force. The standoff layer comprises a plurality of nanowires that are anchored to the first surface of the first member and that extend outward therefrom.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 24, 2007Publication date: January 29, 2009Inventors: Wenhua Zhang, Wei Wu, Shih-Yuan Wang
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Publication number: 20090021824Abstract: An optical path length adjuster enables electro-optical control of a physical path length between two optical elements, suitable for use in the adjustment of an optical path length within three dimensional display devices that generate a virtual image within a defined imaging volume. The adjuster varies an optical path length between an input optical path and an output optical path and includes: a first polarisation switch for selecting a polarisation state for an input beam on the input optical path; first and second beam splitters having at least two possible optical paths of different lengths therebetween, for passing the input beam along a selected one of said at least two possible optical paths according to the selected polarisation state of the input beam and for providing an output beam of light, on said optical output path, that has traveled along the selected optical path.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2005Publication date: January 22, 2009Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONIC, N.V.Inventors: Willem L. Ijzerman, Marcellinus P.C.M. Krijn, Bart A. Salters
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Publication number: 20080297882Abstract: A device and method of optics propagation and signal control integrated with micro-electro-mechanical-switches (MEMS). This device modifies optical transmission properties of a transparent multilayer metal stack by mechanically varying the thickness of an air gap between layers in the stack This is accomplished by utilizing MEMS coupled with the stack to change the optical path in a given layer of the transparent multilayer metal stack. This can be accomplished by developing a hybrid combination of transparent multilayer stacks and MEMS, wherein an air gap is used as one of the dielectric layers. The air gap thickness can be controlled by the MEMS device thereby enabling dramatic control of the optical path.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2003Publication date: December 4, 2008Inventors: Michael Scalora, Mark Bloemer, Salvatore Baglio
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Patent number: 7426069Abstract: An optical apparatus is disclosed. The optical apparatus includes: a first optical element having a first polarizing layer containing a material having a refractive index that changes in accordance with the magnitude of applied voltage and first and second transparent electrodes sandwiching both sides of the first polarizing layer in the direction of thickness and polarizing light passing through the first polarizing layer in the direction of thickness; and a second optical element having a second polarizing layer containing a material having a refractive index that changes in accordance with the magnitude of applied voltage and third and fourth transparent electrodes sandwiching both sides of the second polarizing layer in the direction of thickness and polarizing light passing through the second polarizing layer in the direction of thickness.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2007Date of Patent: September 16, 2008Assignee: Sony CorporationInventor: Tatsuo Makii
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Publication number: 20080218680Abstract: An optical switch for performing high extinction ratio switching of an optical signal includes a beam polarizing element and one or more optical elements. The optical elements are configured to direct an optical signal along a first or second optical path based on the polarization state of the optical signal as it passes through the optical elements. The optical switch performs high extinction ratio switching of the optical signal by preventing unwanted optical energy from entering an output port by using an absorptive or reflective optical element or by directing the unwanted optical energy along a different optical path.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 15, 2008Publication date: September 11, 2008Inventors: Haijun Yuan, Xuehua Wu, Christopher Lin, Giovanni Barbarossa
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Publication number: 20080204858Abstract: A one-dimensional (1D) spatial light modulator (SLM) and an image output device employing the same are provided. The 1D SLM includes: a light deflector including a light guide that is formed of a photonic crystal material having a refractive index that can be varied according to an applied voltage and allows incident light to continue along an original propagation path or deflects the incident light from the original propagation path on a pixel-by-pixel basis, and an electrode portion individually applying a voltage to the light guide; and a light blocking member facing a light exiting surface of the light deflector and blocking a portion of light exiting the light deflector.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 15, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong-hwa Won, Yong-kweun Mun
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Patent number: 7417788Abstract: The invention uses optically active dyes or other optically active materials to perform digital data processing and logic functions on optical data. The data is carried in pulses of photons of wavelengths appropriate to interact with the optically active materials to excite or de-excite them. The use of the invention in performing various optical processing functions is described.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Inventor: Aditya Narendra Joshi
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Patent number: 7411723Abstract: An optical switching device contains an active stage coupled to a passive stage. The index of refraction in the active stage is variable to change the entry direction of a light beam into the passive stage, which has a fixed index of refraction. Because the light beam can enter the passive stage at different angles, the exit direction of the light beam from the passive stage can be changed. The resulting optical switch allows switching without any mechanical components.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2008Assignee: St. Clair Intellectual Property Consultants, Inc.Inventors: John E. Minardi, John L. Janning
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Patent number: 7408700Abstract: An optical switch which minimizes losses in the power of output light while enabling deflection of light within a range of comparatively large deflection angles used for setting switching among output ports. The optical switch is configured to have a first light deflection element deflecting the input light at an angle appropriate to a position of an designated port with an applied first drive voltage; and a second light deflection element finely adjusting a deflection angle of the light output from the first deflection element to the designated port with an applied second drive voltage such that power of light output from the designated port becomes maximum.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yutaka Kai, Setsuo Yoshida
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Patent number: 7382958Abstract: An optical instrument for splitting optical spectrum, comprising a series of hollow core optical wave guides (12, 22, and so on) connected by optical couplers (16, 26, and so on) transporting broad band incident optical wave from one stage to another, a narrow band optical wave guide (14, 24, and so on) made of photonic crystal materials mounted inside each of said hollow core optical wave guide and along it, and specified for confining certain portion of the incident optical spectrum. Said inner narrow band optical wave guides bend out at the ends of said outer hollow core optical wave guides to extract and guide out the selected component of the incident optical spectrum. Said optical couplers couple the output optical waves of said outer hollow core wave guides of the previous stages into said inner optical wave guides of the next stages for further splitting.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2006Date of Patent: June 3, 2008Inventor: Feng Shi
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Patent number: 7372608Abstract: A light control device includes a substrate, a first reflective layer, a light modulating film in which the refractive index varies according to an applied electric field, a transparent electrode, and a second reflective layer having a reflection characteristic such that the reflection band and transmission band exhibit a steep switching pattern at a specified wavelength. The device is configured such that the specified wavelength and the resonant wavelength of a Fabry-Perot resonator defined by the first reflective layer, the light modulating film, the transparent electrode, and the second reflective layer are substantially the same. The reflection-type light control device has improved light utilization efficiency.Type: GrantFiled: November 28, 2006Date of Patent: May 13, 2008Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yoshikazu Fujimori
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Patent number: 7362485Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2007Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshiro Yamaguchi, Yoshinori Yamaguchi, Takayuki Takeuchi, Takashi Ozawa, Shigehiko Sasaki
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Patent number: 7298555Abstract: In one aspect the system serves as a transmitter and comprises an optics system; a plurality of source elements positioned on the focal plane; and, a small angle beam steerer. The plurality of source elements are each capable of providing a point source of radiation to the optics system. The optics system provides a collimated output. The small angle beam steerer receives the collimated output and redirects the collimated output through a small angular deviation. The redirected output is thus transmitted in a desired direction without a need for mechanical gimbals and is capable of covering a large angular range with respect to the optical axis of the optics system. The system can also be implemented as a receiver.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2001Date of Patent: November 20, 2007Assignee: The Boeing CompanyInventor: C. David Capps
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Patent number: 7295360Abstract: A structure includes a substrate and a light modulating film formed on top of the substrate. The light modulating film is made of polycrystalline PLZT containing Pb, Zr, Ti, and La as constituent elements. The film has a La concentration in the range of 5 at % to 30 at %. The relative dielectric constant at a frequency of 1 MHz is higher than or equal to 1200.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 13, 2007Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Fujimori, Takashi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7292382Abstract: A light control unit comprises: a substrate; an insulating film; a first transistor; a reflecting film formed on the insulating film; a light modulating film formed on the reflecting film; a plurality of pairs of electrodes arranged two-dimensionally on the light modulating film; and a polarizing plate formed on a first electrode. Here, the light modulating film is made of a material that varies in refractive index in accordance with the intensity of an electric field applied thereto. For such a material, PLZT containing Pb, Zr, Ti, and La as constituent elements may be used.Type: GrantFiled: February 3, 2006Date of Patent: November 6, 2007Assignee: Rohm Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yoshikazu Fujimori, Ken Nakahara, Takashi Nakamura
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Patent number: 7268933Abstract: An apparatus includes micro-electromechanical (MEM) devices, a charge source, and a discharge mechanism. Each MEM device has different states based on a charged induced thereon. The charge source is to induce the charge thereon such that the MEM devices each enter one of the different states thereof. The discharge mechanism for the MEM devices is to discharge the induced thereon. The discharge mechanism includes one of a resistor for each MEM device and an ultraviolet (UV) light source. The resistor is to discharge the charge on its MEM device to ground. The UV light source is to emit photons onto the MEM devices, such that the photons discharge the charge on the MEM devices via photoelectric effect.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2005Date of Patent: September 11, 2007Assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.Inventors: Robert W. Shreeve, George Z. Radominski, Timothy R. Emery, Alexander Govyadinov
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Patent number: 7263251Abstract: The present invention provides an optical switch having a photonic crystal structure. An optical switch of the invention has a slab optical waveguide structure whose core (35) has a two-dimensional photonic crystal structure where two or more media (33, 34) with different refractive indices are alternately and regularly arranged in a two-dimensional manner. The photonic crystal structure comprises: a line-defect waveguide; and means for altering the refractive index of the line-defect waveguide.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: August 28, 2007Assignee: NEC CorporationInventors: Masayuki Shirane, Masatoshi Tokushima
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Patent number: 7245418Abstract: An OFF state, maximum attenuation level, for an electro-optic attenuator/switch results when either a first or second control voltage is applied to the control input. An AC generator, coupled to the control input, generates minimum and maximum peak voltages that correspond to the first and second control voltages, respectively, so that the maximum attenuation level of the light beam being switched is provided by the electro-optic attenuator while either of the minimum and maximum peak voltages is applied to the control input. An ON state is achieved by introducing a voltage pulse with a magnitude corresponding to the minimum attenuation level. The ON voltage pulse is added to the square wave. This permits operation of the electro-optic switch in a normally OFF state without requiring a DC bias voltage.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: July 17, 2007Assignee: Northrop Grumman CorporationInventors: David B. Hall, Carl Bathelt, Jr.
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Patent number: 7239773Abstract: A light source supplies optical signal to an optical switch and a detector detects light receiving level. A control unit changes a deflection control amount for changing an angle of a tilt mirror, and outputs the deflection control amount to a driving unit. When an input and an output ports are same, optical offset of the tilt mirror is calculated based on optimal angle at which the light detector detects an optimal point of the light receiving level. Whenever the input and the output port are different, a structure parameter of the tilt mirror is calculated based on the optical offset and the optimal angle. The optical offset and the structure parameter are stored in a memory as a test result.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 2004Date of Patent: July 3, 2007Assignee: Fujitsu LimitedInventors: Yoshio Sakai, Yuji Tochio, Kazuyuki Mori, Atsuo Ishizuka
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Patent number: 7198737Abstract: A new photopolymerizable material allows single-step, fast recording of volume holograms with properties that can be electrically controlled. A method for preparing a switchable grating can comprise the steps of placing a mixture between a first and second slide, wherein the mixture has a photopolymerizable monomer, a second phase material, a photoinitiator dye, and a chain extender or cross-linker. The mixture is exposed to a laser and optical intensity pattern is applied to induce photopolymerization. A method for recording slanted reflection gratings can comprise the steps of placing a sample between a first and second glass prism, the sample comprising a polymerizable monomer, a liquid crystal, a chain-extending monomer, a coinitiator, and a photoinitiator. An incident light is split into two beams, wherein the beams enter the sample from opposite sides. The first and second prism are rotated to adjust the slant of the grating.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Science Applications International CorporationInventors: Lalgudi V. Natarajan, Richard L. Sutherland, Vince P. Tondiglia, Timothy J. Bunning, Bob Epling, Donna M. Brandelik
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Patent number: 7183633Abstract: An optical cross-connect switch comprises a base (216), a flap (211) and one or more electrically conductive landing pads (222) connected to the flap (211). The flap (211) has a bottom portion that is movably coupled to the base (216) such that the flap (211) is movable with respect to a plane of the base (216) from a first orientation to a second orientation. The one or more landing pads (222) are electrically isolated from the flap (211) and electrically coupled to be equipotential with a landing surface.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2002Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Analog Devices Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Daneman, Franklin Wall, Behrang Behin, Murali Chaparala, Mark W. Chang, Scott Dalton, Timothy Beerling, Stephen Panyko, Meng-Hsiung Kiang, Boris Kobrin, Chuang-Chia Lin
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Patent number: 7161592Abstract: A pixel electrode and a thin film transistor connected to the electrode are provided above one substrate. A shading film is provided above another substrate. The shading film has an overhanging portion defining a corner cutting in an opening area of each pixel in the crossing area where the data line and the scan line cross with each other. A channel region of the thin film transistor is arranged in the crossing areas. Thus, light resistance is enhanced and a high-grade image is displayed in an electro-optical apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2005Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Masao Murade
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Patent number: 7085037Abstract: An optical switching device contains an active stage coupled to a passive stage. The index of refraction in the active stage is variable to change the entry direction of a light beam into the passive stage, which has a fixed index of refraction. Because the light beam can enter the passive stage at different angles, the exit direction of the light beam from the passive stage can be changed. The resulting optical switch allows switching without any mechanical components.Type: GrantFiled: January 20, 2006Date of Patent: August 1, 2006Inventors: John E. Minardi, John L. Janning
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Patent number: 7075705Abstract: A method for wavelength-selective mixing and/or distribution of polychromatic light. When mixing polychromatic light, lights having only one wavelength are successively fed to each member of a selective chain to form a partial spectrum, and when distributing chromatic light, one wavelength is filtered out of each member and the remaining spectrum is fed after reflection to the next member for being further decomposed. A chain of photonic crystals is used both for mixing and distributing and a wavelength-selective coupler/decoupler is associated to each crystal. Fields of application include the wavelength-selective mixture or distribution of polychromatic light and spectrometric measurements and environment monitoring.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 1998Date of Patent: July 11, 2006Assignee: Deutsche Telekom AGInventors: Hans Wilfried Peter Koops, John Sheridan, Martin Zuern
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Patent number: 7046425Abstract: An optical switching device contains an active stage coupled to a passive stage. The index of refraction in the active stage is variable to change the entry direction of a light beam into the passive stage, which has a fixed index of refraction. Because the light beam can enter the passive stage at different angles, the exit direction of the light beam from the passive stage can be changed. The resulting optical switch allows switching without any mechanical components.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: St. Clair Intellectual Property Consultants, Inc.Inventors: John E. Minardi, John L. Janning