Apparatus providing variable reflectivity to electromagnetic radiation
US6304362A · kind A · utility
15Cited by
4References
30Claims
0Family size
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 24, 2000 |
| Grant date | Oct 16, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 24, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/0126
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optically responsive variable reflecting surface uses a body of gallium held at a temperature slightly below its bulk melting point. Irradiation of the surface with optical energy produces substantial changes in surface reflectance. Devices employing gallium may be used for switching optical waveguides and in control of lasers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.