Wavelength-specific optical switch
US7936500B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 29, 2008 |
| Grant date | May 3, 2011 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 15, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/055
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wavelength-specific optical switch combines one or more tunable filters and bandblock reflectors such that the absorption or reflection of selected wavelength bands in the optical spectrum (visible, near infrared, or near ultraviolet) can be switched on and off. The wavelength switch is programmable, multifunctional, general-purpose, solid-state optical filter. The wavelength switch may serve as a tunable notch or bandblock filter, a tunable bandpass filter, a tunable highpass or lowpass filter, or a tunable band reflector. The wavelength switch has particular, but not exclusive, application in optics as a filter, band reflector, and as a means of isolating particular wavelengths or wavelength bands from a collimated light stream for transmission to, or rejection from, a sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.