US4720174A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Liquid crystal optical switching device with integrally attached optical fibers
Assignee: CRYSTONIC SYSTEMS Inc
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Filing: 1985-11-05
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Granted: 1988-01-19
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Expires: 2005-11-05
Abstract
Abstract A liquid crystal optical switching device that is independent of critical angle accuracies in the manufacturer and operation thereof includes an exposed fiber optic proximate the liquid crystal material.
Inventors
- 👤 Anthony P. Baker
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 00:12
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/1326; G02F1/29; G02F1/31; G02F1/313; G02F1/3131; G02F1/3132
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
72 words
A liquid crystal device comprises: a first optical fiber having a portion of the core thereof exposed; a second optical fiber having a portion of the core thereof exposed, said exposed core of said first optical fiber being proximate said portion of said exposed core of said second optical fiber; and means for varying the coupling coefficient between said exposed cores, said means including a liquid crystal material between said exposed cores.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
72 words
A liquid crystal device comprises: a first optical fiber having a portion of the core thereof exposed; a second optical fiber having a portion of the core thereof exposed, said exposed core of said first optical fiber being proximate said portion of said exposed core of said second optical fiber; and means for varying the coupling coefficient between said exposed cores, said means including a liquid crystal material between said exposed cores.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
81 words
Device as claimed in Claim 1 further comprises: a first member having a first surface, said first member having said first optical fiber affixed therein such that said portion of exposed core thereof is substantially coplanar with said first surface of said first member; and a second member having a first surface, said second member having said second optical fiber affixed therein such that said portion of exposed core thereof is substantially coplanar with said first surface of said second member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
Device as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said first and second members are plastic.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
Device as claimed in Claim 2 further comprising: means for retaining said liquid crystal material between said first surfaces of said first and second members.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
Device as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said liquid crystal material retaining means includes a plurality of glass spacers.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
19 words
Device as claimed in Claim 2 further comprising: means for sustaining an electromagnetic field in said liquid crystal material.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
20 words
Device as claimed in Claim 6 wherein said electromagnetic field sustaining means includes a first electrode and a second electrode.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
30 words
Device as claimed in Claim 7 wherein said first electrode overlies said first surface of said first member and said second electrode overlies said first surface of said second member.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
Device as claimed in Claim 8 further comprising: means for matching the indices of refraction of said first surfaces and said electrodes.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
Device as claimed in Claim 9 further comprising: means for matching the indices of refraction between said electrodes and said liquid crystal material.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
Device as claimed in Claim 10 further comprising: a surfactant, said surfactant overlying said second index refraction means and adjacent said liquid crystal material.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
27 words
Device as claimed in Claim 1 wherein each said portion of exposed core is at least equal to an odd integer multiple of the critical coupling length.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
19 words
Device as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said portions of exposed core are axially parallel with said first surfaces.
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) | 1991-01-18 | 1991-07-20 | 1992-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1995-01-18 | 1995-07-20 | 1996-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1999-01-18 | 1999-07-20 | 2000-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |