Liquid crystal light modulators with asymmetrical interfaces
    2.
    发明授权
    Liquid crystal light modulators with asymmetrical interfaces 失效
    具有不对称接口的液晶光调制器

    公开(公告)号:US5040876A

    公开(公告)日:1991-08-20

    申请号:US490155

    申请日:1990-03-07

    IPC分类号: G02F1/1337 G02F1/139

    CPC分类号: G02F1/1337 G02F1/1393

    摘要: Liquid crystal devices whose light transmission properties are respectively responsive to the polarity of an applied voltage enable the realization of high-speed modulators useful for communication and display purposes. Such a polar effect is achieved by establishing asymmetrical interfacial interactions between the surfaces of a liquid crystal layer and alignment layers disposed in respective contact with the surfaces. Asymmetry is introduced in the form of either different anchoring strengths or different tilt angles for liquid crystal molecules at the two surfaces. In either case, both quiescently and in response to an electric field applied perpendicular to the surfaces of the liquid crystal layer, the contour of the longitudinal axes of the molecules is thereby established to have different curvatures, each less than about 45 degrees, at the two surfaces.

    摘要翻译: 其透光性能分别响应于所施加电压的极性的液晶装置能够实现用于通信和显示目的的高速调制器。 通过在液晶层的表面和与表面分别接触的配向层之间建立不对称界面相互作用来实现这种极性效应。 对于两个表面的液晶分子,以不同的锚固强度或不同倾斜角的形式引入不对称性。 在任一种情况下,静态地并且响应于垂直于液晶层的表面施加的电场,因此分子的纵轴的轮廓被建立为具有不同的曲率,每个小于约45度,在 两个表面。

    Polarization encoder device
    3.
    发明授权
    Polarization encoder device 失效
    极化编码器装置

    公开(公告)号:US07127179B2

    公开(公告)日:2006-10-24

    申请号:US10013262

    申请日:2001-12-10

    IPC分类号: H04B10/00

    摘要: A optical polarization encoding device (16) provides wavelength dependent processing of polychromatic optical signals without prior separation into narrow wavelength bands. Embodiments of the encoding device include a wavelength dependent tunable optical switch (400, 500) and a wavelength tunable optical level controller (600). An encoded signal is processed, (e.g., rerouted or attenuated), as a function of wavelength using polarization dependent devices (18). Desired states of polarization are imparted to optical signals to either direct selected wavelengths to selected output ports (optical switch), or to adjust the level of selected channels or wavelengths (level controller). Desired polarizations are achieved simultaneously at all wavelengths contained within the incoming signal by independently varying the birefringence and/or crystallographic orientation of each variable element within the stack.

    摘要翻译: 光偏振编码装置(16)提供多色光信号的波长相关处理,而无需事先分离成窄波段。 编码装置的实施例包括波长依赖的可调谐光开关(400,500)和波长可调光学电平控制器(600)。 使用偏振相关设备(18),编码信号作为波长的函数被处理(例如,重新路由或衰减)。 将期望的极化状态赋予光信号,以将选择的波长指向所选择的输出端口(光开关),或调整所选择的通道或波长(电平控制器)的电平。 通过独立地改变堆叠内的每个可变元件的双折射和/或晶体取向,在输入信号中包含的所有波长下同时实现期望的偏振。

    Over-parameterized polarization controller

    公开(公告)号:US07085052B2

    公开(公告)日:2006-08-01

    申请号:US10387247

    申请日:2003-03-12

    IPC分类号: G02B27/28 G02B5/30

    CPC分类号: G02F1/0136 G02B27/286

    摘要: A controller, particularly for setting a desired or randomized polarization state of an output light beam derived from an input, has more than the minimum number of controllable optical elements needed to determine the state of the output. The controller applies control input values to obtain a desired output state. The controller also selects among plural alternative sets of control values that could obtain the desired output state, so as to minimize other error conditions. The concurrent error conditions can be associated finite control range limits, for example to keep the input values near a middle of their ranges. Additional error conditions can include minimizing the incremental change in the values from one set to the next. The control is particularly useful to avoid problems associated with using finite range control elements such as liquid crystals for differential retardation or orthogonal light components, when controlling an endless or periodic parameter such as polarization. In the preferred arrangement, six retardation cells are used to control two independent variables determining polarization state.

    Polarization analysis unit, calibration method and optimization therefor
    5.
    发明授权
    Polarization analysis unit, calibration method and optimization therefor 失效
    极化分析单元,校准方法及优化

    公开(公告)号:US06816261B2

    公开(公告)日:2004-11-09

    申请号:US10146228

    申请日:2002-05-14

    IPC分类号: G01J400

    摘要: Measurements at multiple distinct polarization measurement states are taken to define the polarization state of an input, for example to calculate a Stokes vector. High accuracy and/or capability of frequent recalibration are needed, due to the sensitivity of measurement to retardation of the input signal. A multiple measurement technique takes a set of spatially and/or temporally distinct intensity measurements through distinct waveplates and polarizers. These can be optimized as to orientation and retardation using initial choices and also using tunable elements, especially controllable birefringence elements. A device matrix defines the response of the device at each of the measurement states. The matrix can be corrected using an iterative technique to revise the device matrix, potentially by automated recalibration. Two input signals (or preferably the same signal before and after a polarization transform) that are known to have a common polarization attribute or other attribute relationship are measured and the common attribute and/or attribute relationship is derived for each and compared. The device matrix is revised, for example by iterative correction or by random search of candidates to improve the accuracy of the device matrix. Optional tunable spectral and temporal discrimination provide additional functions.

    摘要翻译: 采用多个不同极化测量状态的测量来定义输入的偏振状态,例如计算斯托克斯矢量。 由于测量对输入信号的延迟的敏感性,需要高精度和/或频繁重新校准的能力。 多重测量技术通过不同的波片和偏振器采取一组空间和/或时间上不同的强度测量。 可以使用初始选择以及使用可调谐元件,特别是可控双折射元件来定向和延迟这些。 器件矩阵定义了器件在每个测量状态下的响应。 可以使用迭代技术校正矩阵,以便通过自动重新校准来修改器件矩阵。 测量已知具有共同极化属性或其他属性关系的两个输入信号(或优选地,在偏振变换之前和之后的相同信号),并且为每个并且进行比较导出公共属性和/或属性关系。 修改设备矩阵,例如通过迭代校正或通过随机搜索候选来改进设备矩阵的准确性。 可选的可调谐光谱和时间辨别提供附加功能。

    Narrow band polarization encoder
    6.
    发明授权

    公开(公告)号:US06611342B2

    公开(公告)日:2003-08-26

    申请号:US09952570

    申请日:2001-09-14

    IPC分类号: G01B902

    CPC分类号: G01D5/345 G02F1/216

    摘要: An interferometer optical element is provided with a birefringent material in the light path. Specifically, a Fabry-Perot optical resonance cavity is operated in a fully reflective mode and is provided with a birefringent material in a cavity between two reflectors. A first mirror, for example of about 90% reflectance and a second mirror, for example of 99% reflectance, define the cavity. The polarization effect is applied exclusively to the resonant wavelength defined by the spacing of the two reflectors. The input beam is fully reflected back in the direction of incidence. However the resonant wavelength component therein is polarized and can be discriminated, e.g., selectively diverted by a polarization beam splitter. A number of application are disclosed, including using a birefringent liquid crystal material and tuning the apparent optical path length by electrically adjusting the birefringence. The device also is cascadable for selectively operating on certain wavelengths and diversely polarizing some wavelengths and not others. In a preferred embodiment, the input beam is applied at 45 degrees to the fast axis of oriented birefringent nematic liquid crystal, which can optionally involve separately altering and recombining diverse polarization components of the input beam.

    Liquid-crystal modulator array
    7.
    发明授权
    Liquid-crystal modulator array 失效
    液晶调制器阵列

    公开(公告)号:US5132824A

    公开(公告)日:1992-07-21

    申请号:US651028

    申请日:1991-02-05

    IPC分类号: G02F1/139 G02F1/21 H04B10/135

    摘要: A liquid-crystal phase modulator array, comprising a planar electrode on one glass support and an array of finger electrodes on the other glass support with a nematic liquid filling the gap between the two supports. The alignment layer between the finger electrodes and the liquid crystal is rubbed to have an alignment direction extending along the finger electrodes and prependicular to the gap between them. The alignment layer between the planar electrode and the liquid crystal is rubbed in the anti-parallel direction. Voltages are selectively applied to different ones of the finger electrodes to provide a phase modulator array for light passing through the assembly. The alignment direction of the invention eliminates ragged edges adjacent the edges of the finger electrodes arising from an instability. Thereby, the finger electrodes can be made much narrower, and more pixels can be included in the array. The phase modulator of the invention can be advantageously used in a Fourier optical pulse shaper.

    摘要翻译: 一种液晶相位调制器阵列,包括一个玻璃支架上的平面电极和另一个玻璃支架上的指状电极阵列,其中向列液体填充两个支撑件之间的间隙。 手指电极和液晶之间的取向层被摩擦以具有沿指状电极延伸的准直方向并且垂直于它们之间的间隙。 平面电极和液晶之间的取向层在反平行方向上摩擦。 电压被选择性地施加到不同的手指电极,以提供通过组件的光的相位调制器阵列。 本发明的排列方向消除了由不稳定性引起的与手指电极的边缘相邻的不规则边缘。 因此,可以使手指电极变得更窄,并且可以在阵列中包括更多的像素。 本发明的相位调制器可以有利地用于傅立叶光学脉冲整形器。

    Distributed fiber sensor with interference detection and polarization state management
    8.
    发明授权
    Distributed fiber sensor with interference detection and polarization state management 有权
    分布式光纤传感器,具有干扰检测和极化状态管理

    公开(公告)号:US07142736B2

    公开(公告)日:2006-11-28

    申请号:US10919547

    申请日:2004-08-16

    IPC分类号: G02B6/00

    摘要: Polarization effects are managed to provide differential timing information for localizing disturbances affecting two or more counter-propagating light signals on one or more optical waveguides passing through a detection zone. Activity can be localized to a point for a security perimeter. Events causing optical disturbance can be mapped to points along a straight line, a perimeter or arbitrary pattern or an array. Events cause local changes in optical properties in the optical waveguide, in particular an optical fiber. Short term local changes are distinguishable from phase changes of light travel in the waveguide by managing the polarization state of input and output beams.

    摘要翻译: 管理极化效应以提供差分定时信息,用于定位影响通过检测区域的一个或多个光波导上的两个或多个反向传播光信号的干扰。 活动可以本地化到安全边界的一个点。 导致光学干扰的事件可以映射到沿直线,周边或任意图案或阵列的点。 事件导致光波导中光学特性的局部变化,特别是光纤。 通过管理输入和输出光束的偏振状态,短波局部变化与波导中的光行进的相位变化是不同的。

    Distributed fiber sensor with detection and signal processing using polarization state management
    9.
    发明授权
    Distributed fiber sensor with detection and signal processing using polarization state management 失效
    分布式光纤传感器,具有使用偏振状态管理的检测和信号处理

    公开(公告)号:US07139476B2

    公开(公告)日:2006-11-21

    申请号:US10911326

    申请日:2004-08-04

    IPC分类号: H04B10/08

    CPC分类号: G01M11/39 H04B10/00

    摘要: Polarization effects are managed to provide differential timing information for localizing disturbances affecting two or more counter-propagating light signals on one or more optical waveguides passing through a detection zone. Activity can be localized to a point for a security perimeter. Events causing optical disturbance can be mapped to points along a straight line, a perimeter or arbitrary pattern or an array. Events cause local changes in optical properties in the optical waveguide, in particular an optical fiber. Short term local changes are distinguishable from phase changes of light travel in the waveguide, by managing the polarization state of input and output beams, combining orthogonal polarization components and other aspects. The changes in the states of polarization of the counter-propagating light signals are determined and the temporal spacing of corresponding changes in polarization state are resolved to pinpoint the location of the event along the optical fiber.

    摘要翻译: 管理极化效应以提供差分定时信息,用于定位影响通过检测区域的一个或多个光波导上的两个或多个反向传播光信号的干扰。 活动可以本地化到安全边界的一个点。 导致光学干扰的事件可以映射到沿直线,周边或任意图案或阵列的点。 事件导致光波导中光学特性的局部变化,特别是光纤。 通过管理输入和输出光束的偏振状态,组合正交偏振分量和其他方面,短期局部变化可以与波导中光行进的相位变化区别开来。 确定反向传播光信号的极化状态的变化,并且解决极化状态中相应变化的时间间隔,以确定事件沿光纤的位置。

    Tunable liquid crystal etalon filter
    10.
    发明授权
    Tunable liquid crystal etalon filter 失效
    可调式液晶标准具过滤器

    公开(公告)号:US5150236A

    公开(公告)日:1992-09-22

    申请号:US598476

    申请日:1990-10-16

    IPC分类号: G02F1/139 G02F1/21 H04B10/135

    摘要: A tunable liquid-crystal etalon filter comprising two dielectric stack mirrors defining an optical cavity into which is filled a liquid crystal. Electrodes disposed on the outsides of the mirrors apply an electric field to the liquid crystal, changing its refractive index and thereby changing its optical length. Thereby, the optical pass band of the filter can be electrically changed in a low-powered, compact, rugged, and economical structure.

    摘要翻译: 一种可调谐液晶标准具过滤器,包括限定光学腔的两个电介质叠层反射镜,其中填充有液晶。 设置在镜子外侧的电极向液晶施加电场,改变其折射率,从而改变其光学长度。 因此,滤光器的光通带可以以低功率,小型,坚固和经济的结构电气地改变。