Microwave frequency electro-optical beam deflector and analog to digital conversion
US7233261B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 24, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jun 19, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 24, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH03M1/22
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A microwave frequency deflection cell analog to digital converter is provided. The phase velocity of an optical wave is effectively reduced to that of a microwave frequency electro-magnetic signal in an optical deflector. The electro-optic effect is used for a controlled deflection of an optical beam. The angle of beam deflection varies in accordance with an applied voltage, which may be a signal in the microwave frequency range. A device of the invention includes a birefringent crystal having transmission line conductors arranged to create an electric field in the crystal in response to an applied voltage, and mirrors arranged to create a multi-bounce path through the crystal for a light beam directed into the crystal on an entrance path that is non parallel to the mirrors. The multi-bounce path effectively slows the velocity of the optical wave to that of the voltage wave, permitting deflection or modulation of the beam by microwave frequency electrical signals.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.