Patent
1978-12-19
1981-01-06
Rosenberg, Richard A.
350355, G02F 103
Patent
active
042433002
ABSTRACT:
An electro-optical modulator/antenna operates in the tunable diffraction ting mode to vary the magnitude of the zero diffraction order and consequently transmits optical information. A relatively thin slab of lithium niobate or equivalent electro-optic material has its lateral surfaces optically polished and its C-axis, or optical axis, running parallel to the polished lateral surfaces. At least one set of interdigital metallic electrodes are deposited on the face or just within the lateral surfaces to form, among other things, a diffraction grating that is orthogonally disposed with respect to the C-axis. When a potential source is coupled to the interdigital electrodes, the electric fields between adjacent electrodes change the crystal's index of refraction in accordance with the linear transverse Pockel's effect. The thin crystal having the electrodes substantially covering at least one of its lateral surfaces, thusly presents a large aperture modulator/antenna capable of modulating incident optical energy over a wide angle of incidence, for example, up to plus and minus 45 degrees. Because of the thinness of the crystal, transmissivity is good and losses are reduced. The cooperation between the diffraction grating phenomenon and the Pockel's effect greatly reduces if not totally eliminates the possibility of arcing between adjacent electrodes as the zero diffraction order is modulated since the potentials creating the modulating electric fields between adjacent interdigital electrodes are greatly reduced in this mode of operation.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3787111 (1974-01-01), Giordmaine et al.
patent: 3923380 (1975-12-01), Hattori et al.
patent: 3930718 (1976-01-01), Jensen
patent: 3958862 (1976-05-01), Scibor-Rylski
patent: 4115747 (1978-09-01), Sato et al.
Richards William E.
Taylor Henry F.
Johnston Ervin F.
Keough Thomas G.
Rosenberg Richard A.
Sciascia Richard S.
The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of
LandOfFree
Large aperture phased element modulator/antenna does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Large aperture phased element modulator/antenna, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Large aperture phased element modulator/antenna will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-282165