Configurable grating based on surface relief pattern for use as a variable optical attenuator
US6930817B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Aug 16, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B5/1861
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A variable modulator assembly includes an active layer. A deformable layer is in operational contact to a first surface of the active layer, and an electrode configuration consisting of a plurality of electrodes is in operational contact to a second surface of the active layer. A controller is configured to selectively apply a variable signal to the selected electrodes of the electrode configuration. Application of the variable signal causes the deformable layer to reconfigure to an alternated shape having distinct peaks and valleys. The distance between the peaks and valleys being determined by the value of the applied variable signal.In an optical modulating method, a variable modulator assembly is positioned to receive light at the deformable layer from a light source. Activation of an electrode configuration by the controller generates a variable signal, causing electrostatic charges to deform the deformable layer into a pattern corresponding to the activated electrodes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.