Method and apparatus for modulating coherent electromagnetic radiation

Claim 3

A method of modulating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation as defined in claim 1 wherein said detecting device is positioned in spaced relation to said piezoelectric body and is located between said body and the farthest point from said body at which any two waves of radiation in said beam cross each other to produce phase interference.

Claim 4

A method of modulating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation as defined in claim 1 and further characterized to include the step of maintaining said detecting device and the source of said beam of coherent radiation in a fixed position during the application of said modulating electric signal to said piezoelectric body.

Claim 5

A method of modulating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation as defined in claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric body is a lens which refracts at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation passing therethrough, and which internally reflects at least a portion of the electromagnetic radiation passing therethrough.

Claim 6

A method of modulating a beam of coherent electromagnetic radiation as defined in claim 1 wherein said piezoelectric body is formed by shaping a specimen of predetermined material as a lens capable of refracting and internally reflecting visible electromagnetic radiation to produce said phase interference patterns, such interference patterns being characteristically identifiable with said specimen.

Claim 7

Apparatus for communicating using coherent electromagnetic radiation comprising: a source of coherent, substantially monochromatic electromagnetic radiation; a piezoelectric body interposed in the coherent electromagnetic radiation originating at said source, said body having geometric and radiation transmission properties such that rays of said radiation passed therethrough are bent into converging paths resulting in the development of a phase interference pattern exhibiting characteristic light and dark fringing effects at a selected location spaced from said body; means for applying a modulating electrical signal to said piezoelectric body to change the geometric and radiation transmission properties thereof; detection means positioned at said selected location for detecting proportionate changes in said fringing effects of the radiation interference pattern as said modulating electrical signal is applied to said piezoelectric body to change the radiation transmission properties thereof; and output means controlled by said detection means to provide continual output indication of said proportionate changes in fringing effects.

Claim 8

Apparatus for communicating using coherent electromagnetic radiation comprising: a source of coherent, substantially monochromatic electromagnetic radiation; a piezoelectric body interposed in the coherent electromagnetic radiation originating at said source, said body having geometric and radiation transmission properties such that rays of said radiation passed therethrough are bent into converging paths resulting in the development of a phase interference pattern exhibiting characteristic light and dark fringing effects at a selected location spaced from said body; means for applying a modulating electrical signal to said piezoelectric body to change the geometric and radiation transmission properties thereof; detection means positioned at said selected location for detecting proportionate changes in said fringing effects of the radiation interference pattern as said modulating electrical signal is applied to said piezoelectric body to change the radiation transmission properties thereof; and output means controlled by said detection means to provide continual output indication of said proportionate changes in fringing effects.

Claim 9

Apparatus for communicating as defined in claim 6 wherein said means for applying a modulating electrical signal comprises a source of variable voltage connected to said piezoelectric body.

Claim 10

Apparatus for communicating as defined in claim 6 wherein said source of coherent, substantially monochromatic electromagnetic radiation comprises a laser.

Claim 11

Apparatus for communicating as defined in claim 8 wherein said piezoelectric body is a lens device which alters the course of light waves impinging thereon.

Claim 12

Apparatus for communicating as defined in claim 8 wherein said detecting means comprises a plurality of photodetector devices.

Claim 13

Apparatus for communicating as defined in claim 10 wherein said output means includes a readout device connected to said photodetector devices for indicating to the senses of an observer the character of changes in said phase interference pattern.

Claim 14

Apparatus for communicating as defined in claim 9 wherein said lens has a reflecting surface and said lens is positioned adjacent the excited laser medium of said laser and reflects light into said excited laser medium to develop light oscillation therein.

Claim 15

Apparatus for communicating as defined in claim 11 wherein said piezoelectric body is a lens which refracts light waves passed therethrough, and which internally reflects between its surfaces, a portion of the light which enters the body; and wherein said means for applying a modulating electric signal comprises a source of variable voltage connected to said lens.