Diffractive light modulator
US7202988B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 2004 |
| Grant date | Apr 10, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 21, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B26/0808
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In one embodiment disclosed, a light modulator can be configured to have a substantially flat optically active modulator element portion while deflected. The modulator can include a plurality of modulator elements arranged substantially in parallel, with each modulator element including an optically active portion and a support portion on either side of the optically active portion. Further, the optically active portion can have a narrower width than the support portion. In another embodiment disclosed, a movable membrane for light modulation includes a substantially circular optically active portion and a released membrane portion surrounding the circular optically active portion. The substantially circular optically active portion can also include a plurality of gaps configured to expose a lower surface. Further, the substantially circular optically active portion can be essentially flat while in a deflected state.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.