Liquid crystal cells – elements and systems – Liquid crystal optical element – Beam dividing switch formed from liquid crystal cell
Reexamination Certificate
2004-10-08
2008-09-23
Nelms, David C. (Department: 2871)
Liquid crystal cells, elements and systems
Liquid crystal optical element
Beam dividing switch formed from liquid crystal cell
C359S315000, C359S322000
Reexamination Certificate
active
07428036
ABSTRACT:
A switchable coupler (10) has a first waveguide (15) defining an inlet port (31) for a first unpolarized light input (A) and a first outlet port (32), and also a second waveguide (16) defining an inlet port (41) for a second unpolarized light input (13) and a second outlet port (42). Polarization splitter devices (11, 12) and two electro-optical switches (13,14) are sandwiched between the waveguides (15, 16). The polarization splitter devices (11, 12) are positioned to split the light inputs (A and B) into respective refracted and reflected polarized components (ALand AF; BLand BF), and the electro-optical switch (13) is operable by the application across it of a potential difference (+V) to recombine the polarized components (BL, BF) and to couple them with the light output ATthrough the first outlet port (32). As shown in FIG. (7), the electro-optical switch (14) is alternatively operable by the application across it of the potential difference (+V) to recombine the polarized components (AL, AF) and to couple them with the light output BTthrough the second outlet port (42).
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GB Search Report.
EP Search Report u.
Greenway Christopher
Richards Thomas J.
Briggs Nathanael R
MBDA UK Limited
Nelms David C.
Nixon & Vanderhye P.C.
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