US4240693A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electro-optical device based on electroplating action
Assignee: AT&T Inc
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Filing: 1978-12-26
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Granted: 1980-12-23
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Expires: 1998-12-26
Abstract
Abstract Electrically activated optical switches, couplers, and modulators are disclosed which can be incorporated in waveguide networks in optical communications systems. Disclosed devices comprise an electroplating medium in combination with a suitable source of an electric field whose strength can be varied to cause transition of the electroplating medium between plated and unplated states. Changes of reflectivity and refractive index are the bases of switching and coupling applications, respectively.
Inventors
- 👤 Leo F. Johnson
- 👤 Shobha Singh
- 👤 LeGrand G. Van Uitert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 14:18
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/15; G02F1/1506; G02F1/29; G02F1/31; G02F1/313
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
73 words
Electro-optical device comprising first and second substrate-supported waveguides, said waveguides being essentially parallel for at least a distance, said device comprising coupling means between said waveguides along at least a portion of said distance, said coupling means comprising an electroplating medium which is in contact with said waveguides along said portion, and said coupling means further comprising electrodes for producing an electric field in a direction which is essentially perpendicular to the substrate.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
73 words
Electro-optical device comprising first and second substrate-supported waveguides, said waveguides being essentially parallel for at least a distance, said device comprising coupling means between said waveguides along at least a portion of said distance, said coupling means comprising an electroplating medium which is in contact with said waveguides along said portion, and said coupling means further comprising electrodes for producing an electric field in a direction which is essentially perpendicular to the substrate.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
Device of claim 1 in which said coupling means comprises a porous pad for restricting a flow of metal complexes in said electroplating medium into a region between said waveguides.
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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) | 1983-12-23 | 1984-06-23 | 1984-12-23 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1987-12-23 | 1988-06-23 | 1988-12-23 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1991-12-23 | 1992-06-23 | 1992-12-23 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |