EP0501904A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
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Opto-photo-electric switch
Assignee: International Business Machines Corp
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Filing: 1992-02-26
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2012-02-26
Abstract
Abstract A heterojunction optical switch (10) is taught. Briefly stated, birefringence in the form of a Pockel Cell (12) is utilized such that biasing of the Pockel Cell permits the passage of light therethrough. Preferably, a light detector (14) and resistor (16) are electrically in parallel with the Pockel Cell such that light impinging upon the light detector causes the Pockel Cell to be reverse biased with the result that a separate light source may pass through the Pockel Cell. In this fashion, the Pockel Cell operates as a true optical switch.
Inventors
- 👤 Alfred Phillips, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 14:44
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F3/00; H; H03; H03K; H03K17/00; H03K17/51; H03K17/78
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
38 words
An optical switch, comprising: a Pockel Cell for permitting the passage of a first light therethrough in response to an electrical potential applied thereto ; and first biasing means for applying said electrical potential to said Pockel Cell.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
41 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said first biasing means is comprised of a light detector for producing said electrical potential in response to the impingement of a second light in the form of optical energy on said light detector.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
A device according to claim 1 wherein said first biasing means is comprised of one or more devices from the group consisting of: photodiodes, photocells, and phototransistors.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
A device according to claim 2 wherein said first biasing means is comprised of one or more light detectors from the group consisting of: photodiodes, photocells, and phototransistors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device according to claim 1 wherein said first biasing means is comprised of a power supply.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device according to claim 2 further comprising an impedance means in parallel circuit relationship with said first biasing means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
15 words
The device according to claim 6 wherein said impedance means is comprised of a resistor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device according to claim 2 wherein said first biasing means is comprised of at least two light detectors, configured such that said optical energy must impinge upon each of said at least two light detectors, thereby forming a logical AND gate.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
The device according to claim 2 wherein said light detector is adapted to receive at least two sources of optical energy thereon, such that said light detector produces said electrical potential upon the impingement of optical energy on at least one of said at least two sources of optical energy, thereby forming a logical OR gate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
95 words
A device according to claim 2 further comprising a second biasing means, said second biasing means operatively connected to said Pockel Cell so as to provide an electrical potential to said Pockel Cell in reverse polarity with respect to said first biasing means and for permitting said passage of said first light through said Pockel Cell, whereby upon said impingement of said optical energy on said light detector, said electrical potential to said Pockel Cell is reduced thereby pîYrohibiting the passage of said first light through said Pockel Cell, thereby form a logical INVERTER gate.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 10 wherein said second biasing means is comprised of a voltage source.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 10 wherein said second biasing means is comprised of a light detector.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
95 words
A device according to claim 8 further comprising a second biasing means, said second biasing means operatively connected to said Pockel Cell so as to provide an electrical potential to said Pockel Cell in reverse polarity with respect to said first biasing means and for permitting said passage of said first light through said Pockel Cell, whereby upon said impingement of said optical energy on said light detector, said electrical potential to said Pockel Cell is reduced thereby prohibiting the passage of said first light through said Pockel Cell, thereby form a logical NAND gate.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
95 words
A device according to claim 9 further comprising a second biasing means, said second biasing means operatively connected to said Pockel Cell so as to provide an electrical potential to said Pockel Cell in reverse polarity with respect to said first biasing means and for permitting said passage of said first light through said Pockel Cell, whereby upon said impingement of said optical energy on said light detector, said electrical potential to said Pockel Cell is reduced thereby prohibiting the passage of said first light through said Pockel Cell, thereby form a logical NOR gate.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 13 wherein said second biasing means is comprised of a light detector.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
A device according to claim 14 wherein said second biasing means is comprised of a light detector.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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