Dynamic optical phase shifter compensator
US7435939B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 9, 2004 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 20, 2024 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/50
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A birefringent, electrically-controlled, wavelength selective, pixelated optical phase shifting device, in which the correct drive voltage for a desired phase shift through any pixel can be determined independently of changes in the drive voltage arising from changes in the environmental conditions, generally temperature. This is achieved by mounting a monitor phase shifting element controlled by its own drive voltage, in close proximity to the pixelated phase shifter, such that the monitor element and the phase shifter experience the same environmental condition. A probe optical beam of predefined wavelength is directed through the monitor element, and the transmitted beam measured as a function of the monitor drive voltage. This functional relationship is used to define the environmental condition in which the monitor element and the phase shifter, are situated, and the correct drive voltage for application to any phase shifter pixel can be determined.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.