Non-circular, mechanically variable optical attenuator

• US 7,162,136 B1
• Filed: 12/22/2004
• Issued: 01/09/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/22/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: West Virginia University
• Original Assignee: West Virginia University
• Inventors: Smith, James E., Nassauer, Frederick J., Pertl, Franz Andreas Johannes
• Primary Examiner(s): Palmer; Phan
• Application Number:
  US11/021,824
• Time in Patent Office: 748 Days
• Field of Search: 385 4- 11, 385/14, 385/140, 385/147, 359227-236, 359483-502
• US Class Current: 385/140
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/04 Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/0418 using attenuators
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/0429 using polarisation elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 1/0488 with spectral filtering
• CPC Class Codes: G01J 2001/0276 Protection
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/02 for controlling the intensity of light G02B26/004 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 5/3025 Polarisers, i.e. arrangements capable of producing a definite output polarisation state from an unpolarised input state G02B5/3008, G02B5/3016 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/266 the optical element being an attenuator
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/276 Removing selected polarisation component of light, i.e. polarizers
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3594 Characterised by additional functional means, e.g. means for variably attenuating or branching or means for switching differently polarized beams

Abstract

A non-circular, mechanically variable optical attenuator using a pair of specially constructed polarizing elements with means enabling a gradual transition from un-crossed polarization vector fields to crossed polarization vector fields using a linear motion with respect to one another. The polarizing elements whose polarization axis varies with spatial position on the element have a polarization vector field that is a function of position on the element. Specifically, the two polarizing elements have a defined orientation of polarization axes or vectors on the polarization vector fields that vary with spatial location on the polarizing element such that when aligned light passes, and when the polarization axes are crossed, light is attenuated. The present attenuator has a practical application for dimmable mirrors or windows by providing a variable optical attenuator that is purely mechanical and non-circular in shape. Dimming of the mirror or window is controlled by gradually sliding one such special polarizer with respect to the other.

Claims

1. An optical attenuator for attenuating light, comprising:

a first polarizing element having a first polarization vector field that varies spatially across said first polarizing element;

a second polarizing element having a second polarization vector field that varies spatially across said second polarizing element, wherein said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element are aligned in series, separated by a pre-defined distance, wherein said second polarization vector field is adapted to being in alignment with said first polarization vector field; and

a mechanical means for attenuating light passing through said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element, wherein said mechanical means gradually translates said first polarizing element in relation to said second polarizing element such that said first polarization vector field is not in alignment with said second polarization vector field.

2. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said first polarizing element comprises:

a first incident surface adapted to receive light from a light source and having a means for allowing light with a pre-defined polarization to pass through, said pre-defined polarization aligns with said first polarization vector field, thereby generating first polarized light; and

a first outlet surface parallel to said first incident surface for said first polarized light to exit said first polarizing element.

3. The optical attenuator of claim 2, wherein said second polarizing element comprises:

a second incident surface adapted to receive said first polarized light; and

a second outlet surface parallel to said second incident surface,

wherein both said second incident surface and said second outlet surface of said second polarizing element are substantially parallel to said first incident surface and said first outlet surface of said first polarizing element.

4. The optical attenuator of claim 2, wherein said first polarized light is attenuated by said second polarizing element when said first polarization vector field is crossed at a relative angle of 90 degrees with said second polarization vector field by said mechanical means.

5. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said first polarization vector field and said second polarization vector field comprise polarization vectors defined by the mathematical expression of {right arrow over (f)}(x,y)=cos(ω

·

y),sin(ω

·

y).

6. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element are of a medium selected from a group consisting of glass and plastic.

7. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said second polarizing element is a reflective medium.

8. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element are polarized acetate film capable of being affixed to a solid surface.

9. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said predefined distance is about ¼

inch or less.

10. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said mechanical means for attenuating light is in communication with said first polarizing element and is selected from the group consisting of:

a motor and a gear box, a handle, and a threaded thumb screw operatively connected to one or more tensioning springs.

11. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element are curved such that a curvature of said first polarizing element is equal to a curvature of said second polarizing element.

12. The optical attenuator of claim 1, wherein said first polarization vector field and said second polarization vector field vary along a vertical axis.

13. An optical attenuator for attenuating electromagnetic radiation, comprising:

a first polarizing element having a first polarization vector field that varies spatially across said first polarizing element;

a second polarizing element having a second polarization vector field that varies spatially across said second polarizing element, wherein said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element are aligned in series, separated by a pre-defined distance, wherein said second polarization vector field is adapted to being in alignment with said first polarization vector field; and

a mechanical means for attenuating electromagnetic radiation passing through said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element, wherein said mechanical means gradually translates said first polarizing element in relation to said second polarizing element such that said first polarization vector field is not in alignment with said second polarization vector field.

14. The optical attenuator of claim 13, wherein said electromagnetic radiation is selected from a group consisting of infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation, and radio waves.

15. A method for attenuating light, comprising the steps of:

(a) selecting a first polarizing element having a first polarization vector field that varies spatially across said first polarizing element;

(b) selecting a second polarizing element having a second polarization vector field that varies spatially across said second polarizing element, wherein said second polarization vector field is adapted to being in alignment with said first polarization vector field;

(c) aligning said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element in a series wherein said first polarizing element is parallel to said second polarizing element and said first polarizing element is separated from said second polarizing element by a pre-defined distance, and

(d) crossing gradually said first polarization vector field with said second polarization vector field thereby gradually attenuating light passing through said first polarizing element and said second polarizing element by mechanically translating said first polarizing element along a vertical axis in relation to said second polarizing element.

16. The method for attenuating light of claim 15, wherein first polarization vector field is defined as {right arrow over (f)}(x,y)=cos(ω

·

y),sin(ω

·

y).

17. The method for attenuating light of claim 15, wherein said second polarization vector field is defined as {right arrow over (f)}(x,y)=cos(ω

·

y),sin(ω

·

y).

18. The method for attenuating light of claim 15, further comprising the step of:

(e) translating said first polarizing element in relation to said second polarizing element such that said first polarization vector field is crossed at a relative angle of 90 degrees with said second polarization vector field, thereby blocking the light from passing through said second polarizing element.

19. The method for attenuating light of claim 15, wherein said step (d) mechanically translates said first polarizing element by a mechanical means selected from the group consisting of:

a motor and a gear box, a handle, and a threaded thumb screw operatively connected to one or more tensioning springs.