Optical shutter
US6525859B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 30, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B2006/4297
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention pertains to an optical shutter comprising an organic free compound, such as a radical cation or a radical anion, and a polydiacetylene compound, wherein the polydiacetylene compound is characterized by having a change in absorption in a wavelength region as a result of a photo-induced heat transfer from the free radical compound. The thermochromic change in absorption is reversed by thermal cooling or by a photo-induced reaction after the photo-induced heat transfer. Also provided is an optical shutter for use as an optical switch in fiber optic communications, and, alternatively, for use in a laser protection device, in a security protection system, or in an eyewear device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.