Optical switching element

Details Optical switching element Optical switching element

1994-04-08

1996-07-02

Hille, Rolf

Optical: systems and elements

Holographic system or element

Using a hologram as an optical element

359 39, 359 51, 359 74, 359 94, G02F 11335, G02F 1137, G02F 113

Patent

active

055328512

ABSTRACT:
An optical switching element having a variable optical path length layer whose optical path length is varied and whose refractive index anisotropy is controlled by application of an external field; external field application device for applying the external field to the variable optical path length layer; a first non-varying optical path length layer formed at at least one surface of surfaces of the variable optical path length layer in a direction of thickness thereof, and having a refractive index which is greater than a maximum refractive index of the variable optical path length layer; and a second non-varying optical path length layer formed at at least one surface of the surfaces of the variable optical path length layer in the direction of thickness thereof, and having a refractive index which is less than a minimum refractive index of the variable optical path length layer. By controlling refractive index anisotropy of the variable optical path length layer, natural light can be modulated. Further, due to interference effects of the first and second non-varying optical path length layers, incident light can be controlled at a high contrast ratio especially in cases in which a specific wavelength is targeted. Accordingly, incident light can be used efficiently, and a good switching characteristic can be obtained.

REFERENCES:
patent: 3736047 (1973-05-01), Gelber et al.
patent: 4147409 (1979-04-01), Apfel
patent: 4529272 (1985-07-01), Kruger et al.
"Thin-Film Optical Filters", H. A. MacLeod, Nikkan Industrial Press, Nov. 30, 1989, pp. 47-51.

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