Broad spectral range polarization rotator
US7525712B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 29, 2005 |
| Grant date | Apr 28, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 28, 2026 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02B27/286
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A switchable apochromatic polarization rotator is provided. A first fixed waveplate has a first principal axis fixed in a first orientation. A second fixed waveplate has a second principal axis fixed in a second orientation. First and second switchable waveplates have principal axes oriented such that broad spectral range electromagnetic radiation transmitted through all of the waveplates has a first rotated polarization, wherein, in response to one or more control signals applied to the switchable waveplates, the principal axes of the switchable waveplates rotate such that the electromagnetic radiation transmitted through all of the waveplates has a second rotated polarization. The switchable waveplates utilize ferroelectric liquid crystal material, nematic liquid crystal material, or be mechanically rotated to adjust for orientation of their principal axes. Utilizing waveplates as described may be used to tune for a desired spectral range and/or compensate for temperature dependencies.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.