Optical: systems and elements – Optical modulator – Light wave temporal modulation
Patent
1998-10-08
2000-03-21
Epps, Georgia
Optical: systems and elements
Optical modulator
Light wave temporal modulation
359250, 359251, 359252, 359279, 359569, 359345, 359 88, G02F 103, G09G 336
Patent
active
060409363
ABSTRACT:
Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an optical transmission modulation apparatus is provided for modulating light transmitted through the apparatus. The apparatus comprises a metal film having a periodic array of subwavelength-diameter holes provided therein, and a supporting layer. At least a portion of the supporting layer has a selectively variable refractive index, the selectively variable refractive index portion being substantially adjacent to the metal film such that the metal film and the supporting layer form a perforated metal film unit. Selective variation of the refractive index of the selectively variable refractive index portion modulates the intensity of the light transmitted through the perforated metal film unit without substantially changing the direction of the light. Flat panel displays, spatial light modulators and tunable optical filters based on the optical transmission control apparatus are also provided.
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Ebbesen Thomas Wren
Kim Tae Jin
Thio Tineke
Epps Georgia
Isztwan Andrew G.
Lester Evelyn A.
NEC Research Institute Inc.
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