Abstract:
A light beam scanning system for deflecting a beam of light in mutually perpendicular planes having a first electro-optic device for deflecting the beam in one plane and a second electro-optic device in series with the first for deflecting the beam emergent from the first device in the same or a second plane. An optical device having a planar rectangular body of an electro-optic substance provided with aligned pairs of electrodes on opposite sides thereof which divide the body into serial prism portions through which a beam of light directed on one end of the body passes successively to cause shifting of the angle of the beam as it emerges through the other end of the body.
Abstract:
Display devices utilize thermotropic materials for recording and displaying information. The display devices incorporate a thermochromic film disposed between a pair of electrically conductive plates, one of which is transparent. Reflectivity of the film is altered by selectively changing the temperature of discrete portions of the film, and hysteresis in the thermochromic material is relied on to retain the information stored in the film for as long as it is needed. The electrically conductive plates may be used as one means to selectively heat the film so as to enhance a thermally generated image. Also disclosed are methods for changing information recorded in such displays.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a wide bandwidth recording medium including a thermochromic material which changes reflectance with temperature. Information is recorded on the recording medium by selectively varying temperatures of discrete portions of the thermochromic material with a modulated energy beam such as a laser beam or electron beam. Techniques are described which permit extremely high resolution of data bits to be obtained in the recording medium even though the recording process is a thermal one. Apparatus is also disclosed for erasably and permanently recording information on thermochromic films.