摘要:
A memory device may include an access transistor, and a memory cell configured to store an item of information. The memory cell may include first and second electrodes configured to have different optoelectronic states corresponding respectively to two values of the item of information, and to switch between the different optoelectronic states based upon a control signal external to the memory cell, the different optoelectronic states being naturally stable in an absence of the control signal. The memory cell may also include a solid electrolyte between the first and second electrodes.
摘要:
A device (1) for converting an RZ signal into a NRZ signal comprising: an optical bistable means (5), an output level of this means passing from a low level to a high level when an input power level crosses in an upward direction a first threshold, and returning to a low level when an input level crosses in a downward direction a second threshold below the first, the output (7) of the bistable (5) carrying the NRZ signal, a means (2) for converting the RZ signal into a control signal of an output logic level of the bistable (5) receiving the RZ signal, and delivering said control signal of the bistable (5), this signal having a level above the first threshold when the RZ signal passes to 1 and which becomes lower at the second threshold only if the RZ signal passes to 0 and stays there for more than one bit time.
摘要:
A light modulating apparatus containing cholesteric liquid crystals capable of indefinite zero field retention of optical images, including full color and complete gray scale capability, is described. This invention is predicated on establishment of zero field multistable liquid crystal domains representing a continuous distribution of states ranging from the highly reflective planar to the light-scattering focal-conic structures. The zero field multistable domain structure stability is achieved by controlling solid surface-liquid crystal boundary interactions to provide essential equalization of the total system energy of each of the domain structures. This is the first time this equalization, and thus zero field multistability, has been achieved without the use of a polymer gel addition to create rigid polydomains in the liquid crystal mix. The establishment of a particular domain structure, and thus the degree of light reflection or scattering by individual display pixels, is controlled using either a single relatively long voltage pulse or a number of shorter duration successive voltage pulses. The zero field multistability achieved is remarkably stable against both mechanical shocks and thermal variations. Because these displays eliminate the need for backlighting and image refreshing energy input, they represent ultra low power consumption devices ideal for use with portable display systems. Because these displays also eliminate the need for polarizers, analyzers, retarder and color filters, they are ultra thin and particularly well suited for use in ultra large (i.e., billboard) displays using a building block approach which retains total spatial integrity. These displays can also be fabricated as flexible all-plastic units again utilizing the overall thinness of these devices.
摘要:
An optical device comprises a heterojunction bipolar transistor which includes a light guiding layer to which the base contact is made. A ridge is included adjacent to the light guiding layer and acts as the emitter or collector of the transistor, the ridge also defining the lateral extent of the light guiding region. Current injected via the base contact controls the electric field in the region of the ridge and hence the refractive index of the layer controlling the passage of light transmitted along it.
摘要:
An optical D flipflop comprising a 2.times.1 optical switch and a optical bistable element. The flipflop has a first input end adapted to receive optical digital data, a second input end adapted to receive a biasing optical signal and at least one output end for emitting a light beam comprising the bias signal or optical information pulses, depending upon the state of a clock signal applied to the signal flip flop switch. The flip flops, when connected in cascade through light branching circuits, act as a shift register.
摘要:
The unique properties of the Smectic C-phase of a liquid crystal are used to store information represented by the bistable orientation directions of molecular axes. Groups of molecules contained between transparent surfaces which are treated in a particular manner to develop optical homogeneity are used as storage elements. The information state of the storage element is set by causing the molecular axes within the element to assume either a first or a second stable orientation of the axes. Various methods for reading, writing, and erasing information stored in this manner are disclosed.
摘要:
A memory device may include an access transistor, and a memory cell configured to store an item of information. The memory cell may include first and second electrodes configured to have different optoelectronic states corresponding respectively to two values of the item of information, and to switch between the different optoelectronic states based upon a control signal external to the memory cell, the different optoelectronic states being naturally stable in an absence of the control signal. The memory cell may also include a solid electrolyte between the first and second electrodes.
摘要:
A non-volatile programmable electro-optical element alters absorption characteristics of an optical medium that comprises a doped transition metal oxide material including F-centers. The F-centers are electrostatically moved into or out of the regions containing a wavefunction of an optical beam. A specific F-center profile in the transition metal oxide material may be programmed into the optical medium. The F-center profile alters an absorption profile within the optical medium. The spectral range for transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the optical medium may be tailored by the F-centers. Once the absorption profile is set by an electrical signal, the optical element maintains its state even when the electrical signal is turned off. Thus, the programming node may be disconnected from a power supply network, thereby enabling a low power operation of the electro-optical element. The inventive electro-optical element may be employed for both the visible and the infrared wavelength spectrum.
摘要:
The present invention is a device for converting an RZ signal into a NRZ signal which contains an optical bistable device (5), where an output level of this device passing from a low level to a high level when an input power level crosses in an upward direction a first threshold, and returning to a low level when an input level crosses in a downward direction a second threshold below the first, the output (7) of the bistable (5) carrying the NRZ signal, and a device (2) for converting the RZ signal into a control signal of an output logic level of the optical bistable device (5) receiving the RZ signal, and delivering the control signal of the optical bistable device (5), this signal having a level above the first threshold when the RZ signal passes to 1 and which becomes lower at the second threshold only if the RZ signal passes to 0 and stays there for more than one bit time.
摘要:
A light modulating apparatus comprising a liquid crystal light modulating material confined between substrates, elongated electrically-conductive paths supported on opposite sides of the light modulating material by the substrates and a pair of gating systems for supplying voltage pulses to the electrically conductive paths for addressing the light modulating material is disclosed. The light modulating material includes polydomains of polymer network dispersed in a chiral nematic liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy. This material is confined by the substrates between inner surfaces treated to promote homogeneous alignment of the liquid crystal near the inner surfaces. The apparatus provides energy efficient passive control of a bistable light modulating material.