Spatial light modulator with conformal grating device
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A mechanical conformal grating device for modulating an incident beam of light by diffraction, comprising:
- a) an elongated element including a light reflective surface;
b) a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated element at both ends over a substrate;
c) at least one intermediate support between the end supports; and
d) means for applying a force to the elongated element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states, wherein the elongated element partially conforms mechanically to the intermediate support in the second operating state to form an optical grating with a diffraction grating period determined by placement of the intermediate support.
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Abstract
A mechanical grating device for modulating an incident beam of light by diffraction includes an elongated element including a light reflective surface; a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated element at both ends over a substrate; at least one intermediate support between the end supports; and means for applying a force to the elongated element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states
164 Citations
30 Claims
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1. A mechanical conformal grating device for modulating an incident beam of light by diffraction, comprising:
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a) an elongated element including a light reflective surface;
b) a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated element at both ends over a substrate;
c) at least one intermediate support between the end supports; and
d) means for applying a force to the elongated element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states, wherein the elongated element partially conforms mechanically to the intermediate support in the second operating state to form an optical grating with a diffraction grating period determined by placement of the intermediate support. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
a) applying a voltage across the conductors of the device to switch the device from the first state to the second state; and
b) decreasing the voltage to hold the elongated element in a more optimal second state.
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9. The mechanical conformal grating device claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated element comprises a plurality of parallel spaced apart portions.
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10. The mechanical conformal grating device claimed in claim 1, wherein the intermediate support is not visible when viewing the light reflective surface of the elongated element.
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11. A mechanical conformal grating device array for spatially modulating an incident beam of light by diffraction, comprising a plurality of mechanical conformal grating devices, each grating device comprising:
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a) an elongated element including a light reflective surface;
b) a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated element at both ends over a substrate;
c) at least one intermediate support between the end supports; and
d) means for applying a force to the elongated element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states, wherein the elongated element partially conforms mechanically to the intermediate support in the second operating state to form an optical grating with a diffraction grating period determined by placement of the intermediate support. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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22. A mechanical conformal grating device for modulating an incident beam of light by diffraction, comprising:
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a) an elongated element including a light reflective surface;
b) a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated element at both ends over a substrate;
c) at least one intermediate support between the end supports, wherein the elongated element is secured to the intermediate support and the end supports; and
d) means for applying a force to the elongated element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states, wherein the elongated element partially conforms mechanically to the intermediate support in the second operating state to form an optical grating with a diffraction grating period determined by placement of the intermediate support. - View Dependent Claims (23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
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Specification