US3790853A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Semiconductor light ray deflector
Assignee: RCA Corp
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Filing: 1973-01-19
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Granted: 1974-02-05
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Expires: 1993-01-19
Abstract
Abstract A semiconductor light ray deflector is presented which provides for the deflection of rays of light due to changes in the refractive index within a semiconductor caused by modulation of the distribution of excess carriers in the semiconductor.
Inventors
- 👤 J Pankove
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 14:52
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; G02F1/01; G02F1/015; G02F1/0151; G02F1/0152; G02F1/293
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A semiconductor light ray deflector which comprises: a. a block of semiconductor material which is transparent to light, said block having two opposite faces through which light can be transmitted; and b. means for introducing a controllable distribution of excess free carriers within said block of semiconductor material so as to cause a change in the refractive index within said block which in turn deflects said light ray as it traverses said block between said opposite faces.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
A semiconductor light ray deflector which comprises: a. a block of semiconductor material which is transparent to light, said block having two opposite faces through which light can be transmitted; and b. means for introducing a controllable distribution of excess free carriers within said block of semiconductor material so as to cause a change in the refractive index within said block which in turn deflects said light ray as it traverses said block between said opposite faces.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
70 words
The semiconductor light ray deflector of claim 1 in which said block of semiconductor material contains a first region and a second region, said first region having one conductivity type and said second region having a different conductivity type whereby a PN junction is formed between said first region and said second region, said first region having at least one contact and said second region having at least one contact.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The semiconductor light ray deflector of claim 2 in which said first region is partially divided into at least two parts by a groove extending into said first region, there being a contact on each part of said region.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The semiconductor light ray deflector of claim 2 comprising a pair of contacts on each of said first and said second regions.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
37 words
The semiconductor light ray deflector of claim 1 in which said means for introducing a controllable distribution of excess free carriers comprises an electron beam which is projected upon a portion of said block of semiconductor material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
52 words
A semiconductor light ray deflector of claim 5 further comprising a mask between said block of semiconductor material and said electron beam, said mask having an opening through which the excitation beam is projected onto said semiconductor block, whereby the shape of the region containing said excess free carrier concentration is determined.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The semiconductor light ray deflector of claim 1 in which said means for introducing a controllable distribution of excess free carriers comprises a light beam having a photon energy greater than the semiconductor gap energy.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
56 words
The semiconductor light ray deflector of claim 7 further comprising a mask between said block of semiconductor material and said light beam, said mask having an opening through which a portion of said light beam is projected onto said semiconductor block, whereby the configuration of said excess free carrier concentration within said semiconductor block is determined.
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) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |