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US3610731A
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Bistable optical circuit using saturable absorber within a resonant cavity
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1969-05-19
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Granted: 1971-10-05
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Expires: 1989-05-19
Abstract
Abstract The hysteresis effect produced by a saturable absorber disposed within a resonant cavity is utilized in a bistable optical circuit. Use in an optical memory and optical data-processing system is contemplated.
Inventors
- 👤 Harold Seidel
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-07 21:28
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F3/00; G02F3/02; G02F3/026; G02F3/024; G11; G11C; G11C11/00; G11C11/21; G11C11/42
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
21 words
The combination according to claim 1 wherein said cavity comprises two partially transmissive reflectors; and wherein said source is a laser.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
57 words
A bistable circuit comprising: a power divider for dividing an electromagnetic wave signal into two equal components directed along two different wavepaths; each of said wavepaths including a resonant cavity tuned to the frequency of said signal and including therein a saturable absorber; and means for recombining along a common wavepath wave energy transmitted through said cavities.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
13 words
The circuit according to claim 3, including a signal source of variable intensity.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
38 words
The circuit according to claim 3 wherein said electromagnetic wave signal is an optical beam; said power divider and said recombining means are beam splitters; and wherein each of said cavities comprises a pair of partially transmissive mirrors.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
111 words
The circuit according to claim 3 wherein said signal is derived from a pair of lasers; characterized in that: the first of said lasers is a continuous wave source whose output intensity is insufficient to cause said saturable absorber to switch from its high attenuation state to its low attenuation state; the second of said lasers is a pulsed laser which, when on, increases the combined intensity of said two lasers to a level sufficient to switch said absorber to its low attenuation state; means for pulsing said lasers on and off; and means for combining the output signals from said lasers and directing said combined signal into said power divider.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-10-04 | 1975-04-05 | 1975-10-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-10-04 | 1979-04-05 | 1979-10-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-10-04 | 1983-04-05 | 1983-10-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |