Optical waveguide having two or more refractive indices and method of manufacturing same
US5696865A · kind A · utility
61Cited by
12References
44Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 13, 1996 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S385/901
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical tapered waveguide for use as a single device or in optical arrays is described. The optical waveguide contains at least one inclusive structure. The inclusion may possess an abrupt refractive index interface within the body of the tapered optical waveguide or it may consist of a graded refractive index region within the tapered optical waveguide. Light travels through the entire waveguide structure via total internal reflection. The inclusion provides for a more uniform light distribution output and increases the definition of the image plane by altering the direction of the light rays passing through the waveguide.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.