Optical shutter
US6589451B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 2, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 8, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 26, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/11
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention pertains to an optical shutter comprising an organic free compound, preferably a radical cation or a radical anion, wherein the organic free radical compound forms an oxidized or a reduced product having a change in absorption in a near-infrared or a visible wavelength region as a result of a photo-induced electron transfer reaction of the free radical compound. Preferably, the photo-induced electron transfer reaction occurs in less than 0.1 nanoseconds after absorption of photons by the free radical compound. Also, preferably, the change in absorption is reversible and occurs in less than 10 milliseconds. 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, a security protection system, and an eyewear device.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.