Optical waveguides – Optical fiber waveguide with cladding – Utilizing multiple core or cladding
Patent
1995-03-27
1998-05-05
Ullah, Akm E.
Optical waveguides
Optical fiber waveguide with cladding
Utilizing multiple core or cladding
G02B 602
Patent
active
057488258
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to large area, thin-panel, video screens. More particularly, this patent teaches improvements in the field of optical waveguide displays. Specifically, techniques for tapping light out of optical fibers with a liquid crystal switching element are described.
2. Prior Art
It has been established that displays can be made using optical waveguides. Methods employing the electro-optic, acousto-optic and thermo-optic effect have previously been described. However, further improvements are required in the switching devices and system architecture to improve the resolution, image quality, power efficiency and price of this technology.
Examples of related U.S. patents include: U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,737,014; 3,871,747; 4,786,128; 5,009,483; and 5,106,181.
Important prior art is contained in the following publications: Chen S. Tsai (Ed.) "Guided Wave Acousto-Optics", Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1990; R. G. Hunsperger "Integrated Optics: Theory and Technolog", Springer-Verlag, Berlin, 1991; K. lizuka "Engineering Optics", Springer-Verlag, Berlin 1987; Bernd R. Hahn and Joachim H. Wendorff, "Piezo and pyroelectricity in polymer blends of poly(vinylidene flouride)/poly(methylmethacrylate)" Polymer, 1985 Vol. 26, October Pages 1611-1618; Bernd R. Hahn and Joachim H. Wendorff, "Compensation method for zero birefringence in oriented polymers", Polymer, 1985, Vol. 26, October Pages 1619-1622; Bernd Hahn and Joachim Wendorff, "Dielectric Relaxation of the Crystal-Amorphous Interphase in Poly(vinylidene fluoride) and Its Blends with Poly(methylmethacrylate), Macromolecules 1985, 18, Pages 718-721; M. Gottlieb & G. B. Brandt, "Temperature Sensing in Optical Fibers Using Cladding & Jacket Loss Effects", Nov. 15, 1981, vol. 20, No. 22, Applied Optics; Karl F. Schoch and Howard E. Saunders, "Conductive Polymers", IEEE Spectrum, June 1992, Vol 29, Number 6, Pages 52-56.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Objects of the Invention
Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to show how a liquid crystal cavity formed inside a flexible waveguide structure can be used to switch light.
A further object is to show how a tapered supercladding improves the resolution and contrast ratio of a waveguide display.
Yet another object is to show how a thin cladding layer can both lower the fiber manufacturing cost and increase the screen contrast ratio.
A further object is to show how a dark cladding material placed in close proximity to the cladding layer can be used to prevent light from traveling between consecutive reflector pits along the length of a fiber.
Another object is to show how electronic control techniques may be utilized to make liquid crystal fiber taps switch at high speed.
Yet another object of the invention is to show how a high efficiency color display can be constructed by separating color components of white light and focusing them into separate waveguide cores.
Another object is to show how brightness non-uniformity caused by temperature and manufacturing irregularities can be reduced with a feed-back system that places a photodetector at, or near, the end of optical waveguides.
A further object is to show how a layer of vertical conductors placed on the backside of waveguide ribbon can be used to simplify the connection of control electronics.
These and many further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more obvious from the following description when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
The invention comprises improvements in the individual components and system architecture of an optical waveguide display.
First, a liquid crystal waveguide tapping system is taught based on forming a waveguide, or fiber, with a liquid crystal layer in its center. The liquid crystal layer changes its index of refraction in the presence of an electric field. By forming a liquid crystal layer in either the cladding, core or supercladding, light can be selectively switched out at different places along the le
REFERENCES:
patent: 4974942 (1990-12-01), Gross et al.
patent: 5009483 (1991-04-01), Rockwell, III
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