×

Optical switching by controllable frustration of total internal reflection

  • US 20020105709A1
  • Filed: 02/08/2002
  • Published: 08/08/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/04/1997
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
Patent Images

1. Apparatus for controllably switching an interface between a reflective state in which light incident upon said interface undergoes total internal reflection and a non-reflective state in which total internal reflection is prevented at said interface, said apparatus comprising:

  • (a) a cell containing a fluid, one side of said cell comprising said interface;

    (b) a membrane suspended in said fluid;

    (c) a first electrode on a first side of said membrane;

    (d) a second electrode on a second side of said membrane opposite said first side of said membrane;

    (e) a third electrode on said one side of said cell;

    (f) a fourth electrode on a second side of said cell opposite said one side; and

    , (g) a voltage source for controllably applying a variable voltage potential between selected ones of said electrodes;

    wherein;

    (i) application of a selected voltage between one of said first and second electrodes and one of said third and fourth electrodes moves said membrane into optical contact with said interface, producing said non-reflective state at said interface;

    (ii) application of another selected voltage between one of said first and second electrodes and one of said third and fourth electrodes moves said membrane away from optical contact with said interface, producing said reflective state at said interface.

View all claims
  • 5 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×