Optical switch device
US6724512B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 23, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F1/31
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention pertains to an optical shutter comprising an organic free radical compound, wherein the optical shutter is reversibly imageable to switch between a non-reflective and transparent state and a reflective state. This switching may be induced by the absorption of photons, the application of an electric current, or thermally. Preferably, the organic free radical compound is a salt of an aminium radical cation. Also provided are optical switch devices and optical buffers comprising such optical shutters, methods of switching an optical signal utilizing such optical shutters and switch devices, and methods of storing an optical signal utilizing such optical buffers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.