US3758194A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Interferometric modulator for use in natural light
Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et Aux Énergies Alternatives
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Filing: 1972-05-05
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Granted: 1973-09-11
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Expires: 1992-05-05
Abstract
Abstract The interferometric modulator comprises a plate having parallel faces and cut at right angles to the optic axis in a uniaxial crystal of the type which produces an electro-optical effect and retains its uniaxial character for an electric field applied along the optic axis, and two flat, semi-transparent electrodes placed at right angles to the faces of the plate. A variable voltage is applied between the electrodes so as to vary the refractive index of the crystal for a beam of natural light which strikes the optical system in a direction close to the optic axis and undergoes a series of internal reflections from the electrodes.
Inventors
- 👤 J Daval
- 👤 F Forrat
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 00:33
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/21; G02F1/03; G02F1/213
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
An interferometric modulator for use in natural light, comprising an optical system including a plate having parallel faces and cut at right angles to the optical axis in a uniaxial crystal which produces a linear electro-optical effect and retains its uniaxial character in an electric field applied along the optic axis and two partially replacing flat electrodes disposed respectively on said faces of said plate, and means for applying a variable voltage between said electrodes to vary the refractive index of the crystal in a beam of natural light which strikes said optical system in a direction having only a slight deviation from the optic axis of the crystal, said beam undergoing a series of internal reflections from said electrodes, the crystal being selected from the classes of crystal symmetry consisting of 4 and 4 mm, 3 and 3 m, 6 and 6 mm, and 4 mm, 3 m and 6.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
An interferometric modulator for use in natural light, comprising an optical system including a plate having parallel faces and cut at right angles to the optical axis in a uniaxial crystal which produces a linear electro-optical effect and retains its uniaxial character in an electric field applied along the optic axis and two partially replacing flat electrodes disposed respectively on said faces of said plate, and means for applying a variable voltage between said electrodes to vary the refractive index of the crystal in a beam of natural light which strikes said optical system in a direction having only a slight deviation from the optic axis of the crystal, said beam undergoing a series of internal reflections from said electrodes, the crystal being selected from the classes of crystal symmetry consisting of 4 and 4 mm, 3 and 3 m, 6 and 6 mm, and 4 mm, 3 m and 6.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
An interferometric modulator in accordance with claim 1, wherein said electrodes are metallic deposits.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
An interferometric modulator in accordance with claim 1, wherein the crystal is selected from the group consisting of bromates, chlorates, iodats of alkali metals and thallium.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
An interferometric modulator in accordance with claim 3, wherein the alkali metal is selected from the group consisting of potassium, rubidium and caesium.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3612655A
Cited
US3699347A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-09-10 | 1977-03-12 | 1977-09-11 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-10 | 1981-03-12 | 1981-09-11 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-10 | 1985-03-12 | 1985-09-11 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |