Differential interferometric light modulator and image display device

• US 7,054,051 B1
• Filed: 11/26/2004
• Issued: 05/30/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 11/26/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Mantis Vision, Ltd.
• Original Assignee: Alces Technology, Inc. (Mantis Vision, Ltd.)
• Inventors: Bloom, David M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Dang, Hung Xuan
• Assistant Examiner(s): TRA, TUYEN Q
• Application Number:
  US10/904,766
• Publication Number:
  US 20060114542A1
• Time in Patent Office: 550 Days
• Field of Search: 359/279, 359/251, 359/276, 359/283, 359/303, 359/337.22, 359/431, 359/438, 359/496, 359/483, 359/514, 359/583
• US Class Current: 359/276
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/06 for controlling the phase of light G02B26/08 takes precedence , measuring optical phase difference G01J9/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0841 the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means

Abstract

A light modulator incorporates a polarization sensitive prism and a novel MEMS ribbon device to impart a relative phase shift to polarization components of an incident light beam. A linear array of phase shifting elements in the MEMS device creates a linear image which is scanned to form a two dimensional scene. Alternatively the deflection of each cantilever in a linear array of atomic force microscope cantilevers may be measured simultaneously.

Claims

1. An image display device comprising:

a polarizing prism that splits a light beam into different paths corresponding to polarization components of the light;

a microelectromechanical device that imparts a relative phase shift to the light in the paths prior to recombination of the light in the polarizing prism;

a scanning mirror for scanning the recombined beam; and

,

a projection lens that magnifies the recombined beam.

2. A device as in claim 1 wherein the polarizing prism is a Wollaston prism.

3. A device as in claim 1 wherein the polarizing prism is a Rochon or Senarmont prism.

4. A device as in claim 1 wherein the microelectromechanical device comprises:

a thin reflective ribbon;

end supports at each end of the ribbon;

an intermediate support located between the end supports; and

, a base.

5. A device as in claim 1 wherein the microelectromechanical device comprises:

a microcantilever such as an atomic force microscope cantilever.

6. An atomic force microscope comprising:

a polarizing prism that splits a light beam into different paths corresponding to polarization components of the light; and

,

an atomic force microscope cantilever that imparts a relative phase shift to light in the paths.

7. An image display device comprising:

an interferometer that splits a light beam into polarization components each of which travels a separate path; and

,

a microelectromechanical phase shifting surface device that imparts a relative phase shift to the polarization component in each path.

8. A device as in claim 7 wherein the phase shifting surface device is electrically controlled.

9. A device as in claim 7 wherein the phase shifting surface device comprises a linear array of phase shifting elements.

10. A device as in claim 9 further comprising a scanning mirror and a projection lens.