2-D diffraction grating for substantially eliminating polarization dependent losses
First Claim
1. A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light comprising:
- a. a plurality of elements, each element including a light reflective planar surface with the light reflective surfaces of the plurality of elements lying in one or more parallel planes;
b. a substantially planar member including a plurality of holes, wherein the holes are positioned such that the plurality of holes substantially optically extend the plurality of elements, the planar member including a light reflective planar surface parallel to the one or more parallel planes of the plurality of elements within a functional area of the modulator; and
c. a support structure coupled to the plurality of elements and to the planar member to maintain a position of the planar member in relation to the plurality of elements and to enable movement of the planar member in a direction normal to the plane of the plurality of elements, and between a first modulator configuration wherein the planar member and the plurality of elements act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein the planar member and the plurality of elements act to diffract the incident beam of light.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A 2D diffraction grating light valve modulates an incident beam of light. A plurality of elements each have a reflective surface with their respective reflective surfaces substantially coplanar. Alternatively, the reflective surfaces of the plurality of elements lie within one or more parallel planes. The elements are supported in relation to one another. Preferably, a planar member includes a plurality of holes arranged in a symmetrical two-dimensional array and configured such that the holes substantially optically extend the elements. Alternatively, one or more elements substantially optically extends the plurality of holes. The planar member includes a light reflective planar surface that is parallel to the plane of the elements within a functional area of the device. The planar member is supported in relation to the elements. By applying an appropriate biasing voltage to the planar member, the planar member can be moved in a direction normal to the plane of the elements. When the planar member and the plurality of elements are in a first configuration, the 2D diffraction grating reflects the incident beam of light as a plane mirror. When the planar member and the plurality of elements are in a second configuration, the 2D diffraction grating diffract the incident beam of light. Preferably, the planar member is a membrane circumferentially coupled to a support structure.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light comprising:
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a. a plurality of elements, each element including a light reflective planar surface with the light reflective surfaces of the plurality of elements lying in one or more parallel planes;
b. a substantially planar member including a plurality of holes, wherein the holes are positioned such that the plurality of holes substantially optically extend the plurality of elements, the planar member including a light reflective planar surface parallel to the one or more parallel planes of the plurality of elements within a functional area of the modulator; and
c. a support structure coupled to the plurality of elements and to the planar member to maintain a position of the planar member in relation to the plurality of elements and to enable movement of the planar member in a direction normal to the plane of the plurality of elements, and between a first modulator configuration wherein the planar member and the plurality of elements act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein the planar member and the plurality of elements act to diffract the incident beam of light. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A method of modulating an incident beam of light comprising:
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a. causing the beam to impinge upon a plurality of elements, each element including a light reflective planar surface with the light reflective surfaces of the plurality of elements lying in one or more parallel planes, and to impinge upon a substantially planar member including a plurality of holes, wherein the holes are positioned such that the plurality of holes substantially optically extend the plurality of elements, the planar member including a light reflective planar surface parallel to the one or more parallel planes of the plurality of elements within a functional area of the modulator; and
b. moving the planar member in a direction normal to the one or more parallel planes of the plurality of elements, and between a first modulator configuration wherein the planar member and the plurality of elements act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein the planar member and the plurality of elements diffract the incident beam of light.
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20. A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light comprising:
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a. means for causing the beam to impinge upon a plurality of elements, each element including a light reflective planar surface with the light reflective surfaces of the plurality of elements lying in one or more parallel planes, and to impinge upon a substantially planar member including a plurality of holes, wherein the holes are positioned such that the plurality of holes substantially optically extend the plurality of elements, the planar member including a light reflective planar surface parallel to the one or more parallel planes of the plurality of elements within a functional area of the modulator; and
b. means for moving the planar member in a direction normal to the one or more parallel planes of the plurality of elements, and between a first modulator configuration wherein the planar member and the plurality of elements act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein the planar member and the plurality of elements diffract the incident beam of light.
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Specification