Abstract: An arrangement is provided having an optical waveguide, a Chirp grating and an electro-optic material arranged adjacent the Chirp grating, the electro-optic material, for example liquid crystal material, having a refractive index which can be varied by applying an electric field to the material so as to control how the Chirp grating interacts with the optical waveguide. The Chirp grating has a spatial period that increases gradually along a length of the grating. The arrangement may function as a wavelength selective variable reflector, or as a wavelength selective variable attenuator. The optical waveguide may have a region of cladding made of the electro-optic material, with the Chirp grating arranged adjacent the region of cladding to cause a reflection of particular wavelengths of light when propagating within the optical waveguide, the arrangement being adapted to receive the applied electric field which controls how the Chirp grating interacts with the waveguide.

Abstract: An electromechanical conformal grating device having a period &Lgr;, that includes: an elongated ribbon element including a light reflective surface; a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated ribbon element at both ends over a substrate; an intermediate support; and means for applying a force to the elongated ribbon element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states, where in the second operating state the elongated ribbon element mechanically conforms to the intermediate support forming a conformal grating having alternating raised and lowered portions, and wherein the length of the raised and lowered portions are substantially equal.

Abstract: A tunable phase mask assembly for use in photoinducing an optical wavelength filter in an optical waveguide. The phase mask assembly includes a phase mask having a length extending between two opposite longitudinal ends. The phase mask has grating corrugations projecting from its surface and distributed with a periodicity along its length. The periodicity of the phase mask is tuned by reversibly changing its length between the two longitudinal ends, such as by compressing or stretching the mask. In this manner, the interference pattern of a light beam passing through the phase mask is also tuned, which allows to control the characteristics of a wavelength filter photoinduced using this phase mask assembly.

Abstract: A method of establishing transmission of light through a chirped Bragg-reflector, a method of analyzing the power spectrum of a light signal using a chirped Bragg-reflector, and an arrangement for analyzing the power spectrum of a light signal. The Bragg-reflector reflects, in an unperturbed state, essentially all incident light within a predefined wavelength range. The methods include the steps of directing the light to be analyzed into an input end of a light guiding structure, such as an optical fiber, which light guiding structure is provided with a Bragg-reflector, and sending an acoustic pulse along the light guiding structure, thereby effectively lowering the reflectance of the Bragg-reflector for a certain wavelength at a certain time. By monitoring the light thus transmitted through the Bragg-reflector, a power spectrum analysis of the incident light is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering electromagnetic waves and sensing deposition of chemical species, the apparatus comprising a substrate having a surface relief structure containing at least one dielectric body with physical dimensions smaller than the wavelength of the filtered electromagnetic waves, such structures repeated in a two dimensional array covering at least a portion of the surface of the first substrate. The apparatus may include one, two, or more such arrays, spaced from one another to create one or more cavities between the arrays.

Abstract: The present invention has applications that include detecting color variation in a region, for example, color variations due to temperature changes in an area of ocean water, and, in a more specific application, detecting bioluminescence of certain organisms known to attach themselves to various objects. In one aspect of the invention, an acousto-optic tunable filter hyperspectral imaging system is moved across the region to collect a series of images in which each image represents the intensity of light at a different wavelength. In one embodiment, the acousto-optic tunable filter hyperspectral imaging system includes a motion platform for positioning the acousto-optic tunable filter hyperspectral imaging system over successive Y-coordinates of a region in a direction substantially parallel to a direction of motion of the motion platform.

Abstract: A diffractive grating modulator system, includes: a diffractive grating modulator active to produce a plurality of output orders of diffraction; an illumination source for directing light onto the diffractive grating modulator; an output system arranged to receive one of the orders of diffraction from the diffractive grating modulator; a detector arranged to receive a different one of the orders of diffraction from the diffractive grating and to produce a signal representing the output of the diffractive grating modulator; an electronic driving system responsive to a data stream for operating the diffractive grating modulator; and a feedback system connected to the detector and the electronic driving system and responsive to the signal for calibrating the diffractive grating modulator.

Abstract: Agile steering of a laser beam using a pair of complementary optical elements which are mechanically translated. The elements consist of pixelated steps of varying depth. Structure is provided to steer a laser beam by translating one element with respect to the other element by a distance that is an integer multiple of the step width.

Abstract: A switching and/or rotuing system that utilizes high efficiency switched diffractive gratings to form optical switching, interconnection, and routing networks. The diffractive gratings are electrically, optically, or otherwise switchable, so that they may be turned “off” (a state in which the incident beam is undeviated) or “on” (a state in which the incident beam is diffracted to a new direction). All of the above switching and/or routing operations being accomplished in “free space.

Abstract: An electrical exciting circuit produces a plurality of oscillating electrical excitations, each at an independently controllable frequency. A set of drive electrodes are distributed in an array, and connected so that each receives a respective one of the excitations. A dual frequency liquid crystal (DFLC) material is arranged in the path of a coherent light beam and is disposed in proximity to the set of drive electrodes so as to receive electrical excitations. The DFLC has a dielectric coefficient which varies locally in relation to the frequency of the local electrical excitation received. The voltages and at least two frequencies of the excitations are controlled so as to produce a desired profile of the dielectric coefficient (for at least one polarization) and a corresponding optical phase delay profile for the coherent beam. Preferably, a novel reflective groundplane is included to improve optical reflective efficiency.

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: A display system, including: a light source providing illumination; a linear array of electromechanical grating devices of at least two individually operable devices receiving the illumination wherein a grating period is oriented at a predetermined angle with respect to an axis of the linear array wherein the angle is large enough to separate diffracted light beams prior to a projection lens system for projecting light onto a screen; a polarization sensitive element that passes diffracted light beams according to their polarization state; a segmented waveplate for altering the polarization state of a discrete number of selected diffracted light beams wherein the segmented waveplate is located between the linear array and the polarization sensitive element; a scanning element for moving the selectively passed diffracted light beams on the screen; and a controller for providing a data stream to the individually operable devices.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for an electrically variable optical attenuator. The apparatus is comprised of an Electrically Switchable Bragg Grating device and a polarization-converting reflector. The polarization-converting reflector may be a one-quarter-wave retardation plate or a 45-degree Faraday rotation plate in combination with a mirror. The electrically variable optical attenuator is suited for use in fiber optic communications systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improvement in a wavelength division multiplexer and/or a dense wavelength division multiplexer (WDM/DWDM) by incorporating an electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating. The introduction of the electronically reconfigurable diffraction grating, which is typically fabricated using MEMS (microelectromechanical systems) technology, improves the compact design, durability, and dynamic functionality of the WDM/DWDM system.

Abstract: A method for effecting the desired optical characteristics of an optical system (10) using phase diffractive optics. Incident light (Bi) is directed onto a surface (12i) of a material (12) whose index of refraction (n) is variable over the material. Passage of the incident light through the material effects the phase and amplitude of the light waveform. An optical map (Om) is determined for the surface of the material. This map comprises variations in the index of refraction over the material surface, and the map, in effect, represents any of a range of refractive and diffractive optical elements such as a mirror (1), a lens (2,3,6,7), or a diffraction grating (100). The map is dynamically written onto the material to map the material such that the incident light's passage through the material corresponds to the passage of the light through the optical element currently emulated by the material.

Abstract: A system for modulating a beam of light in accordance with an input data stream having a data rate greater than 2 MHz, includes a source of light for directing light along a predetermined path, and a self-damped electromechanical conformal grating disposed in the predetermined path, the self-damped electromechanical conformal grating. The self-damped electromechanical conformal grating includes an elongated ribbon element including a light reflective surface, a substrate and a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated ribbon element at both ends over the substrate; and at least one intermediate support between the end supports so that there are deformable portions of the elongated ribbon element above and movable into a channel containing a gas.

Abstract: A multilevel diffractive optical element comprising a base and a plurality of phase zones having phase levels of a substantially identical height h, each phase zone being defined by a local modulation depth d and a local number of phase levels &xgr;=d/h, the local number of phase levels &xgr; per phase zone being a real number, an integer of which defines the number of complete levels in the phase zone, which complete levels have identical widths, and a fraction of which, in at least one phase zone, defines an incomplete level which is narrower than the complete levels, said local number of phase levels &xgr;=&xgr;(x, y) varying among different phase zones so as to provide corresponding variation of said local modulation depth d=d(x, y) whereby local diffraction efficiencies and consequently an overall diffraction efficiency of the optical element is arbitrarily controlled.

Abstract: A surface pattern (1) has N visually recognizable patterns which are composed of optically diffractive, microscopically fine relief structures, plane mirror faces or absorbing or scattering structures. The N patterns share at least one independent common surface element (11). The surface element (11) is subdivided into surface parts and has an arrangement of the surface parts which is independent of the N patterns, which has a predetermined structure, and which is not recognizable to the naked eye. A single microscopically fine diffraction structure or a structure which has an absorbing or scattering property or is a plane mirror is applied to each surface part. The relief structures, diffraction structures and other structures are embedded in a plastic laminate (20) and can have their optical performance enhanced by a reflection layer (21). The surface pattern (1) is applied as a security element to a document (2) and allows the document (2) to be identified by machine in a reading machine.

Abstract: A mask for forming gratings in an optical fiber has a pattern that is circumferentially varying about a central axis or region.

Abstract: A mechanical grating device for improving the diffraction efficiency. The mechanical grating device is built on a base having a surface. Above the base a spacer layer, having an upper surface, is provided, and a longitudinal channel is formed in said spacer layer, said channel having a first and second opposing side wall and a bottom. A plurality of spaced apart deformable ribbon elements are disposed parallel to each other. The deformable elements are organized in groups of N elements wherein N is greater than 2. When the device is actuated each of said groups forms a pattern of discrete levels wherein the pattern has n levels wherein n is greater than 2.

Abstract: A grating device with a substantially polarization-independent diffraction efficiency is disclosed. The grating device is preferably a surface grating that can be produced by ruling or holographically, and includes at least two different grating elements with the same grating period, but different modulation depths or blaze angles. The blaze angles and the illuminated areas of the respective grating elements can be selected to produce a substantially polarization-independent and optionally also wavelength-independent response of the grating device.

Abstract: A waveguide that is operative to produce a reflected optical signal having a spectral profile corresponding to a product of a spectral profile of an input optical signal and a predetermined complex-valued spectral filtering function wherein the waveguide includes a plurality of spatially distinct subgratings each possessing a periodic array of diffraction elements. The subgratings are situated and configured based on the predetermined complex-valued spectral filtering function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus particularly useful for telecommunications applications, such as switching (Add/Drop), multiplexing and demultiplexing, is disclosed. The method commences by directing a source of input optical signal(s) (10) onto a movable diffractive optical element or MDOE. Each of the optical signals is associated with a particular wavelength. Next, one or more output stations are supplied. Finally, the MDOE generates and distributes output optical signals among the output station(s). The corresponding system for treating the optical signals from a source thereof includes a source carrying two or more input optical signals, each of the signals being associated with a particular wavelength. Also included is a movable diffractive optical element positioned to intercept the source optical signals for producing and distributing one or more diffracted output optical signals. Finally, one or more output stations are positioned to receive the diffracted optical signal(s) from the MDOE.

Abstract: A mechanical grating device for modulating an incident beam of light by diffraction includes an elongated element including a light reflective surface; a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated element at both ends over a substrate; at least one intermediate support between the end supports; and means for applying a force to the elongated element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states

Abstract: Electromagnetic radiation valves are provided. In one system, a transparent, elastomeric article is provided having a contoured surface including protrusions and intervening indentations. The contoured surface is placed adjacent a transparent plate and a void pattern defined by indentations of the contoured surface is filled with an opaque fluid. The protrusions decrease in cross-sectional area in the direction in which they extend away from the bulk of the elastomeric article, thus compression of the elastomeric protrusions against the transparent plate results in an increase in surface area in elastomeric protrusions against the transparent plate due to deformation of the protrusions, and the opaque fluid is displaced from the voids. Increased transmission of the electromagnetic radiation results. In another system, a similar elastomeric article includes an array of corner cubes that are totally internally reflective of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: An optical arrangement includes a diffractive optical element and a curvature control system for changing curvature of the diffractive optical element. The optical arrangement can be incorporated into an exposure apparatus having an illuminating system for illuminating a mask having a pattern formed thereon and a projecting system for projecting the pattern of the mask onto a wafer, such that the projecting system includes a diffractive optical element and a curvature control system for changing curvature of the diffractive optical element.

Abstract: A switchable holographic device generally comprises a substrate having two generally opposed surfaces and a plurality of holographic fringes recorded in the substrate. The holographic fringes are configured to switch between active and passive states upon application of an electrical field. One or more of the plurality of holographic fringes are positioned such that a surface of the fringe is angled relative to one of the substrate surfaces. The holographic device further comprises a pair of electrodes each positioned generally adjacent to one of the substrate surfaces and operable to apply an electrical field to the fringes to switch the fringes between their active and passive states. One of the pair of electrodes has a plurality of independently controlled segments. Each of the segments is positioned over an area of the substrate having holographic fringes positioned within a common range of angles relative to the substrate surface.

Abstract: A multilevel diffractive optical element comprising a base and a plurality of phase zones having phase levels of a substantially identical height h, each phase zone being defined by a local modulation depth d and a local number of phase levels &xgr;=d/h, the local number of phase levels &xgr; per phase zone being a real number, an integer of which defines the number of complete levels in the phase zone, which complete levels have identical widths, and a fraction of which, in at least one phase zone, defines an incomplete level which is narrower than the complete levels, said local number of phase levels &xgr;=&xgr;(x, y) varying among different phase zones so as to provide corresponding variation of said local modulation depth d=d(x, y) whereby local diffraction efficiencies and consequently an overall diffraction efficiency of the optical element is arbitrarily controlled.

Abstract: A method for damping electro-mechanical ribbon elements over a channel defining a bottom surface and having a bottom conductive layer formed below the bottom surface includes the steps of: providing at least one constant amplitude voltage pulse to at least one ribbon element wherein the actuation pulse causes the ribbon element to contact the bottom surface of the channel; and providing at least one braking pulse to the ribbon elements wherein the braking pulse is separated by a narrow temporal gap from the constant amplitude voltage pulse. Furthermore, the method can also provide a sophisticated damping for ribbon elements which are actuated so that they do not contact the bottom of the channel.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the interaction of molecular species utilizes a sensor device comprising a substrate (1) with a waveguide (2) formed on the surface thereof. A grating (3) is formed in one of the surfaces of the waveguide (2). A beam of light (6) is incident on the grating (3) and the angle of incidence at which maximum reflection occurs is monitored. A first molecular species is immobilized on the waveguide (2). Changes in the angular position of the reflection maximum provide an indication of interaction of the first molecular species with a second molecular species contained in a sample brought into contact with the sensor device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for modulating an incident light beam for forming a two-dimensional projection image. The apparatus includes a plurality of elongated elements each having a reflective surface. The elongated elements are suspended substantially parallel to each other above a substrate with their respective ends supported, forming a column of adjacent reflecting surfaces grouped according to display elements. Alternate ones of each group are deformable by a applying a voltage with respect to the substrate. An approximately flat center section of each deformed element is substantially parallel to and a predetermined distance from a center section of each undeformed element. Limiting the predetermined distance avoids hysteresis in deforming the elements and avoids adhesion of the elements to the substrate.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, an electrically modifiable optical fiber grating device is made by providing a fiber including a grating and forming a plurality of electrically conductive elements along the grating. In response to an electrical signal, the conductive elements modify the grating. In a preferred embodiment, a fiber grating is provided with a plurality of heating elements spaced to selectively heat different portions of the grating. This chirps the spacing between elements of the grating and thereby increases the bandwidth of the device.

Abstract: A mechanical grating device for enhancing the reflective properties is presented. A mechanical grating has a plurality of parallel ribbon elements which are suspended above a channel. An incident light beam is modulated by the actuation of selected ribbon elements. The actuation of the ribbon elements, which changes the height of the ribbon elements relative to the substrate, is a result of an applied voltage that produces an electrostatic force. On the top surface of the ribbon elements is a coating of reflective metal upon which is an optical coating is provided. The optical coating is a stack of at least two different materials with different refractive indices. The thickness and the composition of the sequential layers in the stack are chosen to produce certain desired reflective properties. Embodiments are presented for reducing the mechanical effects of the dielectric optical coating.

Abstract: An optical grating includes a sequence of grating lines, the sequence being such that each grating line is centered on a position which is an integer multiple of a line spacing distance from a datum position on the grating, the sequence of grating lines is non-periodic and the sequence of the grating lines is formed from N concatenated sub-sequences. Each sub-sequence includes a series of one or more instances of a respective grating line pattern. Such an optical grating has a structure that is more amenable to calculation of the grating lines necessary to achieve a desired characteristic. A method of calculating and fabricating such a grating is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for redirecting physical energy includes a substrate defining a first boundary of a region, a first electrode defining a second boundary of the region, the second boundary disposed opposite to the first boundary, a second electrode adjacent to the first boundary for cooperating with the first electrode to apply a non-uniform electric field to the region, the non-uniform electric field having electrical field intensities simultaneously including a first electric field intensity and a second electric field intensity, and a layer of material disposed in the region, the layer having a variable index of refraction responsive to the electric field intensities of the non-uniform electric field, the variable index of refraction including a first index of refraction in response to the first electric field intensity and a second index of refraction in response to the second electric field intensity.

Abstract: A digital scanner composed of a plurality of individually addressable scanning elements. Each of the plurality of individually addressable scanning elements capable of operating in discrete states in response to digital input signals applied to the digital scanner, thereby providing for either a straight passage and optical deflections or displacements, of a light beam passing therethrough dependent upon the state of operation of each scanning element. The scanner thereby capable of steering light over many positions according to digital input signals.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for actuating electromechanical ribbon elements which are suspended over a channel. The channel defines a bottom surface having a bottom conductive layer formed below said bottom surface. A data generator provides a data stream. The data generator is connected to a modulator for generating from said data stream a modulated bipolar voltage signal whose time average is equal to the time average of a bias voltage applied to the bottom conductive layer. The data generator and the modulator are necessary to carry out the method. The method comprises the steps of: providing a data stream; generating from said data stream a modulated bipolar voltage signal whose time average is equal to the time average of a bias voltage applied to the bottom conductive layer; and applying said modulated bipolar voltage signal to the ribbon elements.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a modulator for modulating an incident beam of light includes a substrate having a cavity formed therein and a plurality of spaced-apart deformable elements formed in the cavity. The deformable elements each has a base layer, a poled magnetic layer formed in the base layer and a first light reflection layer deposited on the magnetic layer for reflecting an incident beam of light. Between adjacent deformable elements on the base of the cavity is arranged a second light reflection layer. A conductive element formed in the substrate electro-magnetically energizes the deformable elements to deflect in the cavity. Incident light passing through each one of the first light reflection layers is caused to destructively interfere with light reflected from the second light reflection layers thereby causing modulation of the incident light.

Abstract: A grating light valve is configured to either reflect or diffract an incident beam of light from a light source. Each grating light valve includes a plurality of deformable reflective ribbon structures. Preferably, the grating light valve is located within a vacuum chamber. A directable low power electron gun is also positioned within the chamber. To form an image the gun is scanned across an array of grating light valves and selectably irradiates predetermined ones of the ribbons to charge each such ribbon to a predetermined level. Depending upon the amount of charge so deposited onto the ribbon, it will deflect a predetermined distance toward an underlying substrate. The ribbons are preferably erased in one of two ways. According to the preferred embodiment, each ribbon includes a path of impedance to allow the charge to bleed into the substrate. The impedance is selected to discharge a fully charged ribbon in a period of a single frame.

Abstract: A method of making a modulator for modulating an incident beam of light uses a substantially planar light reflection surface formed by a light reflection layer associated with a plurality of deformable elements and a light reflection layer associated with a plurality of fixed elements. The fixed and deformable elements are arranged in a cavity of a substrate supporting the modulator. Light is modulated when a current is applied to a conductive element operably associated with the deformable elements causing the light reflective layer associated with the deformable element to deflect towards the base of the cavity from its substantial planar relations with the light reflecting layer of the fixed element.

Abstract: A bidirectional bandwidth controlled grating assembly. A spring housing is connected to one of two end plates extending away from the lined surface of the grating. An adjustment rod threaded through the other end plate extends into the spring housing. Inside the spring housing in a preferred embodiment are two compression springs mounted between pressure surfaces in the housing and a piston which is fixed on the adjustment rod. The lined surface of the grating can be made more concave (or less convex) by screwing the rod in a direction into the spring housing compressing one of the springs to push the end plates apart and the surface can be made more convex (or less concave) by screwing the rod in a direction out of the spring housing compressing the other spring to pull the end plates toward each other.

Abstract: A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light uses a substantially planar light reflection surface formed by a light reflection layer associated with a plurality of deformable elements and a light reflection layer associated with a plurality of fixed elements. The fixed and deformable elements are arranged in a cavity of a substrate supporting the modulator. Light is modulated when a current is applied to a conductive element operably associated with the deformable elements causing the light reflective layer associated with the deformable element to deflect towards the base of the cavity from its substantial planar relations with the light reflecting layer of the fixed element.

Abstract: Microlenses 3a and 3b are formed on a first surface of a transparent substrate, and an output efficiency control device 2 which modulates a light amount of incident light is provided on a second surface opposing the first surface. Incident light 4 is made to be incident obliquely to an optical axis of the microlens 3a, to be focused on the output efficiency control device 2. The output efficiency control device 2 modulates a light amount of incident light and outputs the light as outgoing light 5 through the microlens 3b. Because of such a structure, the output efficiency control device 2 can be decreased in size, compared with a diameter of a beam and an aperture of a microlens.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for actuating electro-mechanical ribbon elements which are suspended over a channel. The channel defines a bottom surface and having a bottom conductive layer formed below said bottom surface. A data generator provides a data stream. The data generator is connected to a modulator. Additionally, an actuation voltage generator, connected to the modulator, produces a periodic high frequency voltage signal that has a frequency close to mechanical resonant frequency .function..sub.R of the ribbon elements. The signal from the modulator is applied to the ribbon elements 31 of the electro-mechanical grating device.

Abstract: The optical head has a light source, a collimating lens, an aperture-limiting element and an objective lens in the mentioned order in the direction of progress of light emitted from the light source, and a photo-detecting system for detecting return light having been transmitted through the objective lens and reflected by an optical disk. The aperture-limiting element includes a plurality of stripe transparent electrodes spaced apart at a predetermined interval on an electro-optical crystal substrate, and a substantially circular non-electrode area lacking the stripe transparent electrodes at a center portion of the substrate. The aperture-limiting element can be constructed with a reduced number of components as compared with the prior art construction.

Abstract: A modulator (10) for modulating an incident beam of light includes a substrate (14) having a cavity (32) formed therein and a plurality of spaced-apart deformable elements (12) formed in the cavity (32). The deformable elements (12) each has a base layer (16), a poled magnetic layer (18) formed in the base layer (16) and a first light reflection layer (20) deposited on the magnetic layer (18) for reflecting an incident beam of light. Between adjacent deformable elements on the base (12) of the cavity (32) is arranged a second light reflection layer (36). A conductive element (22, 24) formed in the substrate (14) electro-magnetically energizes the deformable elements (12) to deflect in the cavity (32). Incident light passing through each one of the first light reflection layers (20) is caused to destructively interfere with light reflected from the second light reflection layers (36) thereby causing modulation of the incident light.

Abstract: An optical functional element including two diffraction gratings having metal films formed on their surfaces, which are arranged to oppose each other to form a photonic band, and an optical functional film interposed between these diffraction gratings, the optical functional film consisting of a polymer containing an optical functional material, such as a nonlinear optical material and electro-optic material, dispersed in the polymer.

Abstract: A reconfigurable compound diffraction grating is fabricated using microelectomechanical systems (MEMS) technology. The compound grating structure can be viewed as the superposition of two separately configured gratings. A common lower electrode is placed beneath selected beam elements, known as deflectable beams, to achieve the desired grating configuration (i.e. every other, every third, every fifth, etc.) of the beams in the primary grating. These deflectable beams alone comprise a secondary, lower resolution grating structure. The beam elements are linked to a common upper electrode. Voltage applied across the electrodes creates an electrostatic force that pulls the selected beams down toward the underlying electrode. Changing the vertical position of the selected beams with respect to the other stationary beams presents a different ruling spacing distribution to the incoming radiation. By changing this distribution, the diffracted power among individual diffraction orders of the wavelengths is altered.

Abstract: A method of making a light modulator (10) for modulating an incident beam of light includes a substrate (14) having a cavity (32)formed therein and a plurality of spaced-apart deformable elements (12) formed in the cavity (32). The deformable elements (12) each has a base layer (16), a poled magnetic layer (18) formed in the base layer (16) and a first light reflection layer (20)deposited on the magnetic layer (18) for reflecting an incident beam of light. Between adjacent deformable elements on the base (12) of the cavity (32) is arranged a second light reflection layer (36). A conductive element (22, 24) formed in the substrate (14) electro-magnetically energizes the deformable elements (12) to deflect in the cavity (32). Incident light passing through each one of the first light reflection layers (20) is caused to destructively interfere with light reflected from the second light reflection layers (36) thereby causing modulation of the incident light.

Abstract: An optical switch includes a pump source, a pump director, and a pump-dependent attenuator. The pump-dependent attenuator passes optical signals when it is supplied with pump energy at a pumping wavelength and attenuates optical signals when it is not supplied with pump energy. The pump source generates pump energy for the pump-dependent attenuator, and the pump director optically manipulates the delivery of pump energy to the pump-dependent attenuator. In a preferred embodiment, the pump-dependent attenuator is an erbium-doped fiber (EDF), the pump source is a laser diode, and the pump director is a tunable fiber Bragg grating (FBG). The EDF is located along an optical signal transmission path between an input waveguide and an output waveguide. The tunable FBG is located along a transmission path between the laser diode and the EDF. To operate the switch, pump energy at a pumping wavelength is generated by the laser diode and transmitted toward the tunable FBG.