Rapid switching optical shutter alternately transmitting visible radiation and near infrared radiation
US9316865B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 18, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 19, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 19, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG02F2203/58
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An optical shutter (10) includes a wavelength selective polarizing filter (12) in optical association with a liquid crystal polarization modulator (14) to rapidly switch between optical states to alternately transmit visible radiation and near infrared radiation. The wavelength selective polarizing filter is constructed to impart a polarization state to incident radiation and transmit polarized radiation within at least the visible wavelength region of the electromagnetic spectrum. The liquid crystal polarization modulator is positioned to receive incident radiation for internal propagation through the liquid crystal polarization modulator and is responsive to a first value and a second value of an applied control signal (32) to switch the internally propagating radiation to, respectively, a first polarization state and a second polarization state. The switching between the first and second polarization states produces, in cooperation with the wavelength selective polarizing filter, optical shutter output radiation in different wavelength regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.