US3668558A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Surface wave interference modulator
Assignee: Magnavox Electronic Systems Co
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Filing: 1969-12-11
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Granted: 1972-06-06
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Expires: 1989-12-11
Abstract
Abstract The specification discloses an apparatus for modulating light in which a interferometer of the multiple reflection or multiple transmission type is employed. The interferometer has a pair of spaced optically flat reflective surfaces on at least one of which Rayleigh waves are excited The excited surface may be formed on a piezoelectric member and the Rayleigh waves excited thereon by supplying voltage pulsations to a grid mounted on the surface to be excited.
Inventors
- 👤 Billy Jo Hunsinger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 07:17
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/11
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
108 words
In an apparatus for processing light, an interferometer comprising: first and second plates having respective optically flat first surfaces in adjacent opposed parallel relation and each said first surface having a reflective coating thereon, said first and second plates having respective second surfaces, each said second surface having an anti-reflective coating thereon; exciting means mounted on one of said first surfaces and operable when actuated for exciting surface waves on said one first surface; and wave energy absorbing means mounted on said one first surface at the limits of the region thereof to be excited to prevent reflection of the surface waves at the edges of the plate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
108 words
In an apparatus for processing light, an interferometer comprising: first and second plates having respective optically flat first surfaces in adjacent opposed parallel relation and each said first surface having a reflective coating thereon, said first and second plates having respective second surfaces, each said second surface having an anti-reflective coating thereon; exciting means mounted on one of said first surfaces and operable when actuated for exciting surface waves on said one first surface; and wave energy absorbing means mounted on said one first surface at the limits of the region thereof to be excited to prevent reflection of the surface waves at the edges of the plate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus according to claim 1 in which said support means includes means for adjusting the spacing between said plates thereby to adjust the length of the path between the respective first faces of said plates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
132 words
In an apparatus for processing light; an interferometer comprising: first and second plates having respective optically flat first surfaces in adjacent opposed parallel relation and each said first surface having a reflective coating thereon, said first and second plates having respective second surfaces substantially parallel to their corresponding first surfaces and each said second surface having an anti-reflective coating thereon; exciting means mounted on at least one of said first surfaces and operable when actuated for exciting surface waves on the said first surface; and wherein said at least one first surface plate is piezoelectric in nature and said exciting means is in the form of electrically conductive grid means mounted on the said first surface near one limit of the region of the said first surface which is to be excited.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
132 words
In an apparatus for processing light; an interferometer comprising: first and second plates having respective optically flat first surfaces in adjacent opposed parallel relation and each said first surface having a reflective coating thereon, said first and second plates having respective second surfaces substantially parallel to their corresponding first surfaces and each said second surface having an anti-reflective coating thereon; exciting means mounted on at least one of said first surfaces and operable when actuated for exciting surface waves on the said first surface; and wherein said at least one first surface plate is piezoelectric in nature and said exciting means is in the form of electrically conductive grid means mounted on the said first surface near one limit of the region of the said first surface which is to be excited.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 in which at least said first plate is strongly piezoelectric.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
39 words
An apparatus according to claim 3 in which said grid comprises spaced first and second electrode, a source of pulsating voltage, and means connecting said first and second electrode to respectively opposite sides of said source of pulsating voltage.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
91 words
In an apparatus for processing light; an interferometer comprising: first and second plates having respective optically flat first surfaces in adjacent opposed parallel relation and each said first surface having a reflective coating thereon, said first and second plates having respective second surfaces substantially parallel to their corresponding first surfaces and each said second surface having an anti-reflective coating thereon; a source of collimated monochromatic light on one side of said interferometer; a screen on the other side of said inteRferometer; and condensing lens means between said interferometer and said screen.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
91 words
In an apparatus for processing light; an interferometer comprising: first and second plates having respective optically flat first surfaces in adjacent opposed parallel relation and each said first surface having a reflective coating thereon, said first and second plates having respective second surfaces substantially parallel to their corresponding first surfaces and each said second surface having an anti-reflective coating thereon; a source of collimated monochromatic light on one side of said interferometer; a screen on the other side of said inteRferometer; and condensing lens means between said interferometer and said screen.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
76 words
The method of modulating light which comprises: passing the light through an interferometer of the multiple reflection type having a pair of spaced parallel optically flat reflective surfaces, at least one of said surfaces being formed on a piezoelectric member, and exciting surface waves on at least one of said surfaces by mounting a grid on said at least one surface and supplying voltage pulsations to said grid to excite the said waves on said surface.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
76 words
The method of modulating light which comprises: passing the light through an interferometer of the multiple reflection type having a pair of spaced parallel optically flat reflective surfaces, at least one of said surfaces being formed on a piezoelectric member, and exciting surface waves on at least one of said surfaces by mounting a grid on said at least one surface and supplying voltage pulsations to said grid to excite the said waves on said surface.
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) | 1975-06-06 | 1975-12-06 | 1976-06-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-06-06 | 1979-12-06 | 1980-06-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-06-06 | 1983-12-06 | 1984-06-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |