Optical modulators and apparatus including such modulators
US4335939A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 14, 1980 |
| Grant date | Jun 22, 1982 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 14, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/0311
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical modulator which is capable of passing the greatest intensity of light incident upon it when the light incident upon it is either unpolarized or has a partial or variable state of polarization, comprises a beam splitter (1) to resolve the light beam incident upon it into two plane polarized components having mutually perpendicular polarization states, one or more electro-optic cell or cells (2,18,19,22,23) which is or are arranged to receive both components of the light beam and, in use change the state of polarization of both of the components to a corresponding extent in dependence upon an electrical modulation signal applied to it or them. The optical modulator also includes analyzer means (1,17) arranged to receive the output from the electro-optic cell or cells (2,18,19,22,23) the arrangement being such that the intensity of the light output from the analyzer means (1,17) is a function of the change of the state of polarization generated in both components during their passage through the electro-optic cell or cells (2,18,19,22,23). The beam splitter and the analyzer means may be formed by the same piece of apparatus (1) and in this case the modulator preferably incl…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.