Birefringent optical system
US7440075B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 14, 2005 |
| Grant date | Oct 21, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 14, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG11B7/13927
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The invention relates to an optical system comprising a fluid chamber 1 and a birefringent part. The fluid chamber comprises first and second fluids 10, 12 having different indices of refraction, the interface between the fluids forming a meniscus 14. The birefringent part is capable of varying characteristics of a first radiation beam 3b and a second radiation beam 3c, the first and second radiation beams having different polarisations. Variation in the configuration of the meniscus causes variation in the characteristics of the first radiation beam and the second radiation beam. Variation in the configuration of the meniscus may be controlled by electrowetting.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.