Patent US4583818A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4583818A
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US
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Optical device with surface plasmons
Assignee: Verizon Laboratories Inc
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Filing: 1983-08-08
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Granted: 1986-04-22
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Expires: 2003-08-08
Abstract
Abstract An optical device used as an optical switch or bistable device, with surface plasmons, is comprised of a semiconductor base material forming a non-linear dielectric layer along with a metal layer, with an interface between the metal and semiconductor layers including a submicron grating. The device is optically excited from a light source of given intensity. In accordance with the invention, dispersion relation of surface plasmons may be changed by varying the intensity of an input laser so as to provide bistable or hysteresis effect switching. The concepts of the invention may be implemented in either an unadorned device as set forth, or may be fabricated in an optical waveguide.
Inventors
- 👤 Yung-Jui Chen
- 👤 Gary M. Carter
- 👤 William H. McNeill
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 09:53
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B6/00; G02B6/10; G02B6/12; G02B6/122; G02B6/1226; B; B82; B82Y; B82Y20/00; G02B6/124; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; G02F1/293; G02F1/35; G02F1/3515; G02F3/00; G02F3/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
53 words
In combination an optical bistable device comprising a non-linear dielectric layer, and a metal layer in communication with said dielectric layer, forming an interface between said metal layer and said non-linear dielectric layer, said interface including a submicron grating; and means for optically exciting said device from a light source of given intensity.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
53 words
In combination an optical bistable device comprising a non-linear dielectric layer, and a metal layer in communication with said dielectric layer, forming an interface between said metal layer and said non-linear dielectric layer, said interface including a submicron grating; and means for optically exciting said device from a light source of given intensity.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said non-linear dielectric layer comprises a semiconductor material including silicon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said non-linear dielectric layer comprises a semiconductor material including a compound semiconductor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said metal layer comprises a noble metal.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 4 wherein said metal layer comprises silver.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said submicron grating has a periodicity in the range of 0.2 micron to 1 micron.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
27 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grating has a grating amplitude is in the range of 0.02 micron to 0.2 micron.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grating has a square wave configuration.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grating has a substantially sinusoidal configuration.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grating has a linear dimension on the order of 1 micron.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
26 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said grating has a linear dimension in the range of 0.1 micron to 10 microns.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
37 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said semiconductor material comprises an optical waveguide and associated substrate with said grating being formed on said optical waveguide and with said metal layer disposed thereover.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
27 words
An optical bistable device as set forth, in claim 1 wherein said submicron grating is formed on said semiconductor material with the metal layer being deposited thereover.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
19 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 1 wherein said non-linear dielectric layer comprises a semiconductor material.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
An optical bistable device as set forth in claim 14 wherein said semiconductor material comprises a compound semiconductor such as gallium arsenide.
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) | 1989-04-21 | 1989-10-21 | 1990-04-22 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1993-04-21 | 1993-10-21 | 1994-04-22 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1997-04-21 | 1997-10-21 | 1998-04-22 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |