Multifunctional optical device having a spatial light modulator with an array of micromirrors
US7126740B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 28, 2003 |
| Grant date | Oct 24, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 28, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH04Q2011/0026
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A reconfigurable multifunctional optical device has an optical arrangement for receiving an optical signal, each having optical bands or channels, and a spatial light modulator for reflecting the at least one optical signal provided thereon. The optical arrangement features a free optics configuration with a light dispersion element for spreading each optical signal into one or more respective optical bands or channels for performing separate optical functions on each optical signal. The spatial light modulator includes a micro-mirror device with an array of micro-mirrors, and the respective optical bands or channels reflect off respective micro-mirrors. The free optics configuration includes a common set of optical components for performing each separate optical function on each optical signal. The separate optical functions reflect off separate non-overlapping areas on the spatial light modulator. The separate optical functions include optical switching, conditioning or monitoring functions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.