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Optical modulator/switch including reflective zone plate and related method of use

  • US 5,684,631 A
  • Filed: 05/13/1996
  • Issued: 11/04/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/13/1996
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An optical modulator/switch comprising:

  • a reflective zone plate for receiving an incident optical signal and returning a reflected optical signal that is focused at a location a predetermined distance from the reflective zone plate, the reflective zone plate having a first and a second state and defined by (i) a central circular region enclosed by a first plurality of spaced, concentrically-disposed annular-shaped regions, both the circular and annular regions being of a first type and (ii) a second plurality of regions of a second type located between the spaced annular-shaped regions of the first type, the reflective zone plate having one of either a first or a second configuration;

    a zone-plate support, in which or on which the reflective zone plate is defined, the zone-plate support physically configured so that it moves in response to a force, changing state from or to the first state, to or from the second state;

    a conductive layer spaced from the zone-plate support; and

    a controlled voltage source electrically connected to the zone-plate support and the layer;

    wherein,in the first configuration, regions of the first type prevent negative contributions to the amplitude of the reflected optical signal from reaching the focal location and regions of the second type reflect positive contributions to the amplitude of the reflected optical signal to the focal location, and, in the second configuration, regions of the first type reflect positive contributions to the amplitude of the reflected signal to the focal location and regions of the second type prevent negative contributions to the amplitude of the reflected signal from reaching the focal location.

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