Optical path switching device and method
US7215491B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | May 8, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 4, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F3/00
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical path switching method includes converging and irradiating, on a light absorption layer film provided in a thermal lens forming element including at least the film, each of a control light having a wavelength selected from a wavelength band which is absorbed by the film and a signal light having a wavelength selected from a wavelength band which is not absorbed by the film. A thermal lens is reversibly formed according to a distribution of refraction index created by a temperature increase generated in and around an area of the film in which the control light is absorbed according to whether or not the control light is irradiated. The converged signal light is output either in its converged form or after its spread angle is changed. A includes a hole and reflector where the signal light output is either passed through the hole or reflected by reflector.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.