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Method and apparatus for controllable frustration of total internal reflection

  • US 5,999,307 A
  • Filed: 09/04/1997
  • Issued: 12/07/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 09/04/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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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 said total internal reflection is prevented at said interface, said apparatus comprising a member deformable with respect to said interface, said member'"'"'s Young'"'"'s Modulus in portions of said member adjacent said interface being substantially greater than said member'"'"'s Young'"'"'s Modulus in portions of said member away from said interface, wherein E>

  • a/d, where E is said member'"'"'s Young'"'"'s Modulus at portions of said member adjacent said interface, a is the bond energy per unit area due to the Van der Waals force between said interface and said member, and d is a dimension characteristic of roughness of said interface.

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