Optical: systems and elements – Optical modulator – Light wave temporal modulation
Patent
1994-02-10
1996-07-16
Hille, Rolf
Optical: systems and elements
Optical modulator
Light wave temporal modulation
359 46, 359 57, 359 94, 359314, 2502019, G02F 111, G02F 113, G01T 120
Patent
active
055372422
ABSTRACT:
Low-cost, thin-layer liquid crystal (LC) millimeter wave (MMW) phase modulators and phased array antennae are provided based on several types of open transmission strip-line, parallel-line, and ridge-guide configurations in which surface-aligned LCs are modulated reversibly with small applied electrical fields. Incorporated properly in the open transmission lines, the LC layer can modulate the propagating MMW with nearly its full value of birefringence. The modulator comprises: (a) at least one transmission line supported on a first substrate; (b) a dielectric medium comprising a liquid crystal or a liquid crystal composite and contacting the substrate and the transmission line(s), the liquid crystal or a liquid crystal composite (e.g., polymer-dispersed liquid crystal; PDLC) having an electrically controllable dielectric permittivity; (c) a second substrate disposed opposite the first substrate and separated therefrom by a distance to accommodate the LC or LC composite; (d) means for sealing the LC or LC composite between the two substrates; (e) a source of millimeter waves electrically connected to the transmission line(s) for transmission therealong; and (f) means for varying the dielectric permittivity of the LC or LC composite to thereby modulate the transmission.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5184233 (1993-02-01), Lim et al.
patent: 5194972 (1993-03-01), Lim et al.
patent: 5304960 (1994-04-01), Das
patent: 5355104 (1994-10-01), Wolfson et al.
patent: 5360973 (1994-11-01), Webb
K. C. Lim et al, "Liquid crystal millimeter wave electronic phase shifter", Applied Physics Letters, vol. 62(10), pp. 1065-1067 (8 Mar. 1993).
K. C. Lim and J. D. Margerum, "Liquid crystal optical properties and applications in the millimeter wave range", SPIE Proceedings, vol. 1815, pp. 99-105, Dec. 1992; and.
K. C. Lim et al, "Liquid crystal birefringence for millimeter wave radar", Liquid Crystals, vol. 14, No. 2, pp. 327-337 (1993).
J. Frey et al, "Microwave integrated circuits: an introduction", pp. xi-xvii, in Microwave Integrated Circuits, J. Frey et al, Artech House, Inc., Dedham (1985).
L. J. Lavedan, "Design of waveguide-to-microstrip transitions specially suited to millimetre-wave applications", pp. 81-82, in Microwave Integrated Circuits, J. Frey et al, Artech House, Inc., Dedham (1985).
G. T. Roome et al, "Thin ferrite devices for microwave integrated circuits", pp. 187-196, in Microwave Integrated Circuits, J. Frey et al, Artech House, Inc., Dedham (1985).
Abraham Fetsum
Denson-Low W. K.
Duraiswamy V. D.
Hille Rolf
Hughes Aircraft Company
LandOfFree
Liquid crystal millimeter wave open transmission lines modulator does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Liquid crystal millimeter wave open transmission lines modulator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Liquid crystal millimeter wave open transmission lines modulator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1789135