Frustrated total internal reflection device having a first spacer and a second spacer
First Claim
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1. A device for processing an optical signal, comprising:
- a refractor having a reflecting surface operable to reflect the optical signal by total internal reflection;
a first spacer having one end coupled to the refractor and an opposing end;
an actuator having a surface coupled to the opposing end of the first spacer;
a second spacer having one end coupled to the surface of the actuator and an opposing end; and
a switchplate coupled to the opposing end of the second spacer, the switchplate having a first position spaced apart from the refractor and a second position in proximal contact with the refractor to frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal.
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Abstract
A device for processing an optical signal includes a refractor with a reflecting surface for reflecting the optical signal by total internal reflection. The device also includes a switchplate and an actuator to place the switchplate into proximal contact with the refractor to frustrate the total internal reflection.
80 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device for processing an optical signal, comprising:
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a refractor having a reflecting surface operable to reflect the optical signal by total internal reflection; a first spacer having one end coupled to the refractor and an opposing end; an actuator having a surface coupled to the opposing end of the first spacer; a second spacer having one end coupled to the surface of the actuator and an opposing end; and a switchplate coupled to the opposing end of the second spacer, the switchplate having a first position spaced apart from the refractor and a second position in proximal contact with the refractor to frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for frustrating the total internal reflection of an optical signal comprising the steps of:
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providing an optical signal at an input surface of a refractor, wherein the refractor comprises a reflective surface coated with an optically absorptive or optically reflective material; reflecting the optical signal at the reflective surface of the refractor by total internal reflection such that the optical signal exits the refractor at a first position on an output surface of the refractor; placing a switchplate in proximal contact with the reflective surface of the refractor; and reflecting the optical signal at a reflective surface of the switchplate such that the optical signal exits the refractor at a second position on the output surface of the refractor.
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15. A device for processing an optical signal, comprising:
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a refractor having a reflecting surface operable to reflect the optical signal by total internal reflection; a first annular glass spacer having one end coupled to the refractor and an opposing end; a bimorph transducer having a surface coupled to the opposing end of the first spacer; a second annular glass spacer having a diameter less than the first spacer and having one end coupled to the surface of the transducer in a position concentric to the first spacer, and an opposing end; and a circular switchplate coupled to the opposing end of the second spacer along the periphery of the switchplate, the switchplate having a first position spaced apart from the refractor and a second position in proximal contact with the refractor to frustrate the total internal reflection of the optical signal. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification