Optical: systems and elements – Optical modulator – Light wave temporal modulation
Patent
1996-11-06
2000-01-11
Font, Frank G.
Optical: systems and elements
Optical modulator
Light wave temporal modulation
350362, C02F 101
Patent
active
060142464
ABSTRACT:
Devices that comprise novel, mesoscopically periodic materials that combine crystalline colloidal array (CCA) self-assembly with the temperature ined volume phase transitions of various materials, preferably poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) are disclosed. In one embodiment, a PNIPAM CCA is formed in an aqueous media and contained within cell means. In another embodiment, a CCA of charged particles is formed and polymerized in a PNIPAM hydrogel. Methods for making these devices are also disclosed. The devices of the present invention are useful in many applications including, for example, optical switches, optical limiters, optical filters, display devices and processing elements. The devices are further useful as membrane filters. All of these devices have the feature of being tunable in response to temperature. Devices that change diffracted wavelength in response to pressure are also disclosed.
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Asher Sanford A.
Sunkara Hari B.
Weissman Jesse M.
Font Frank G.
Ratiff Reginald A.
University of Pittsburgh of the Commonwealth System of Higher Ed
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