Systems and methods for altering the propagation of optical signals within optical media
US6791732B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 20, 2002 |
| Grant date | Sep 14, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 13, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2202/32
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Optical modulators are provided. A representative optical modulator includes an optical medium that is adapted to propagate optical signals. An array of lattice sites are arranged in the optical medium, with at least some of the lattice sites exhibiting lower refractive indexes than the refractive index of the optical medium. Preferably, a first of the lattice sites incorporates a first optical component that is moveable relative to the optical medium. By moving the first optical component relative to the optical medium, a propagation characteristic of the optical medium can be altered. Optical systems, methods and other optical modulators also are provided.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.