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Flat diffraction grating light valve

  • US 5,841,579 A
  • Filed: 06/07/1995
  • Issued: 11/24/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light comprising:

  • a. a plurality of elongated elements, each element having a first end and a second end and a light reflective planar surface, wherein the elements are grouped into a first group and a second group such that the elements of the first group are interdigitated with the elements of the second group, the elements being arranged parallel to each other;

    b. means for suspending the elements of the first group and the second group by their ends;

    c. means for electrically coupling all the elongated elements of the first group in each row together;

    d. means for electrically coupling all the elongated elements of the second group in each row together;

    e. means for applying a first bias voltage to the first group and means for applying a second bias voltage to the second group such that the reflective surfaces are substantially coplanar and in a first plane such that the incident beam of light is reflected; and

    f. means for selectively deflecting the elements of the first group perpendicular to the first plane toward a second plane which is parallel to the first plane such that the incident beam of light is diffracted.

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