TIR light valve

Details TIR light valve TIR light valve

2009-01-02

2010-10-05

Thompson, Timothy J (Department: 2873)

Optical: systems and elements

Optical modulator

Light wave directional modulation

C359S529000, C372S012000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07808697

ABSTRACT:
An array of light valves switch light by enabling and disabling total internal reflection (TIR) on a surface of the light valve. The disabling of the TIR is accomplished by putting another optical element in contact with the surface and then diffusing or changing the direction of the light. The mechanical mechanism to move the optical element is a simple one in that it only moves the optical element a small distance to change the valve from a first position to a second position.

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