Switchable flood and spot illuminator
US11236885B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 18, 2020 |
| Grant date | Feb 1, 2022 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 18, 2040 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/0316
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An optical apparatus includes a transparent envelope having opposing first and second faces. An electro-optic material is contained within the transparent envelope and includes molecules oriented in respective predefined directions selected so as to form a geometric-phase structure across an area of the transparent envelope. First and second transparent electrodes are disposed respectively across the first and second faces of the transparent envelope. A controller is coupled to apply a voltage between the first and second transparent electrodes that is sufficient to displace the molecules of the electro-optic material from the predefined directions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.