US4157863A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Acousto-optic modulator
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1978-04-06
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Granted: 1979-06-12
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Expires: 1998-04-06
Abstract
Abstract An acousto-optical modulator for modulating light with surface waves. Sure waves are excited on an aluminum plate which is tapered to terminate in a wedge type formation, the surface wave transmitted in the direction of the wedge. The waves are amplified by the wedge and transmitted to a membrane, which has been mirrored on one surface and stretched over a U shaped frame and part of the wedge. Light illuminating the mirrored surface is both spatially and temporally modulated by the surface waves transmitted through the wedge to the membrane.
Inventors
- 👤 Joseph A. Clark
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 03:02
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; G02F1/33
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
77 words
A light modulating device comprising: a plate tapered at one end thereof to terminate in a wedge configuration; a frame coupled to said wedge; means for exciting surface waves in said plate; and light reflective means positioned over said frame and plate, said light reflective means in contact with said frame; whereby a light beam incident upon said reflective means is spatially and temporally modulated by said surface waves as it is reflected from said reflective means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
77 words
A light modulating device comprising: a plate tapered at one end thereof to terminate in a wedge configuration; a frame coupled to said wedge; means for exciting surface waves in said plate; and light reflective means positioned over said frame and plate, said light reflective means in contact with said frame; whereby a light beam incident upon said reflective means is spatially and temporally modulated by said surface waves as it is reflected from said reflective means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said reflective means is a membrane having a reflective surface.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device of claim 1 wherein said exciting means comprises piezo-electric transducers mounted on said plate at the coincidence angle thereof.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The device of claim 2 wherein said frame is a U shaped, plastic member.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
10 words
The device of claim 4 wherein said plate comprises aluminum.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The device of claim 5 wherein the inside angle of said wedge is approximately six degrees, said plate tapered to said angle very slowly, whereby said surface waves are amplified greatly, the amplification inversely proportional to the thickness change of the plate.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device of claim 6 wherein said surface waves are in a plate wave mode when excited onto said plate which are converted to a retarded membrane wave mode when transferred to said membrane.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The device of claim 5 wherein the legs of said frame are in contact with said plate.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
16 words
The device of claim 1 further including a screen to receive and display said reflected light.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
18 words
The device of claim 2, wherein said membrane is stretched, tensioned and glued to said frame and plate.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1982-06-11 | 1982-12-11 | 1983-06-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1986-06-11 | 1986-12-11 | 1987-06-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1990-06-11 | 1990-12-11 | 1991-06-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |