Beam shutter
US6667827B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 23, 2002 |
| Grant date | Dec 23, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2202/40
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A beam shutter is provided which comprises a plane-parallel birefringent element for separation arranged to separate input light beams having orthogonal polarization directions on the same optical path; a plane-parallel birefringent element for synthesis arranged to synthesize light beams having orthogonal polarization directions on different optical paths, for output; the birefringent element for separation and the birefringent element for synthesis being disposed in a spaced apart relationship; and polarization rotating means having a variable Faraday rotator, the polarization rotating means interposed between the birefringent element for separation and the birefringent element for synthesis, for magneto-optically controlling the polarization directions; wherein transmission and interruption of output light beams are controlled by switching the polarization directions by means of the variable Faraday rotator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.