US5311360A — Method and apparatus for modulating a light beam

Claim 1

Independent Claim 133 words

A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light, comprising: a plurality of elongated elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in one or more parallel planes; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving a first set of the elements in a direction normal to said planes and relative to a second set of the elements, and between a first modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets diffract the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the surfaces of the elements.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 133 words

A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light, comprising: a plurality of elongated elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in one or more parallel planes; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving a first set of the elements in a direction normal to said planes and relative to a second set of the elements, and between a first modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets diffract the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the surfaces of the elements.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 63 words

A modulator as recited in claim 1, wherein the reflective surfaces of adjacent elements lie within planes separated by a distance equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident beam of light, wherein m=an even whole number or zero when the elements are in the first configuration and m =an odd whole number when the elements are in the second configuration.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 26 words

A modulator as recited in claim 2, wherein the reflective surfaces of the plurality of elements are equal in dimensions and are substantially rectangular in plan.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 17 words

A modulator as recited in claim 2, wherein alternate elements are fixed relative to the supporting means.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 35 words

A modulator as recited in claim 2, wherein the means for moving the elements operates to rotate the elements about axes extending generally parallel to their longitudinal dimensions when moving them relative to one another.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 12 words

A modulator as recited in claim 5, wherein the elements are resilient.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 30 words

A modulator as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for moving the first set of elements comprises means for applying an electrostatic force to the first set of elements.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 24 words

A modulator as recited in claim 7, wherein the reflective surfaces are formed by metallic layers deposited on the upper surfaces of said elements.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 23 words

A modulator as recited in claim 8, wherein the means for applying electrostatic force includes a voltage supply coupled to the metallic layers.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 25 words

A modulator as recited in claim 1, wherein the means for moving said first set of elements comprises means for applying an electrostatic force thereto.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 62 words

A modulator as recited in claim 10 wherein said first set of elements has a hysteretic characteristic such that following application of a first electrostatic force thereto to move it into said second configuration, a second electrostatic force of lesser magnitude than that of said first electrostatic force can be used to hold said first set of elements in said second configuration.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 20 words

A modulator as recited in claim 10 wherein the first set of elements are formed of a deformable resilient material.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 97 words

A modulator as recited in claim 1 and further comprising means for moving a third set of the elements relative to a fourth set of the elements and between a third modulator configuration wherein said third and fourth sets act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a fourth modulator configuration wherein said third and fourth sets diffract the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the surfaces thereof, wherein said means for moving includes means for selectively applying electrostatic forces to particular groups of said first set of elements.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 164 words

A modulator for modulating a beam of incident light, comprising; means forming a first planar light reflective surface; a grating having means forming a plurality of second planar light reflective surfaces, the grating being arranged with its second reflective surfaces lying in a plane parallel to and spaced from the first planar reflective surface in a direction normal thereto; and means for moving the grating in a direction normal to said first planar reflective surface and into a position closer thereto while maintaining the second reflective surfaces of the grating substantially parallel to the first planar reflective surface; whereby, when the spacing between the respective first and second light reflective surfaces is equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident light and m=an even whole number or zero, the modulator acts to reflect the incident light as a plane mirror, and when m=an odd whole number the modulator diffracts the incident light as it reflects it, thereby providing modulation of the beam.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 164 words

A modulator for modulating a beam of incident light, comprising; means forming a first planar light reflective surface; a grating having means forming a plurality of second planar light reflective surfaces, the grating being arranged with its second reflective surfaces lying in a plane parallel to and spaced from the first planar reflective surface in a direction normal thereto; and means for moving the grating in a direction normal to said first planar reflective surface and into a position closer thereto while maintaining the second reflective surfaces of the grating substantially parallel to the first planar reflective surface; whereby, when the spacing between the respective first and second light reflective surfaces is equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident light and m=an even whole number or zero, the modulator acts to reflect the incident light as a plane mirror, and when m=an odd whole number the modulator diffracts the incident light as it reflects it, thereby providing modulation of the beam.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 31 words

A modulator as recited in claim 14 wherein said means for moving includes means for selectively applying particular electrostatic forces to discrete groups of said means forming said second reflective surfaces.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 96 words

A modulator as recited in claim 14 wherein the grating is comprised of a plurality of equally sized rectangular elements configured such that an incident beam of light directed normal to said light reflective surfaces is reflected back along the incident ray path when said first set of elements are in said first configuration, and the incident beam is angularly diffracted relative to said incident ray path when said first set of elements are in said second configuration, the angularly diffracted beam lying in a plane including said incident ray path and transversely intersecting said elements.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 58 words

A modulator as recited in claim 14 wherein an incident beam of light directed normal to said light reflective surfaces is reflected back along the incident beam path when said grating is in one position, and said incident beam of light is angularly diffracted relative to said incident beam path when said grating is moved to another position.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 30 words

A modulator as recited in claim 14, wherein the grating is comprised of a plurality of equally sized and equally spaced apart elongated rectangular elements disposed parallel to each other.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 21 words

A modulator as recited in claim 18 wherein each said element of the grating is comprised of a deformable resilient material.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 27 words

A modulator as recited in claim 18, wherein the spacing between each of the elements is substantially equal to the transverse width of each of the elements.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 38 words

A modulator as recited in claim 20, wherein the spacing between the first planar reflective surface and the second planar reflective surfaces of the unmoved grating is equal to one-half the wavelength of the beam of incident light.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 48 words

A modulator as recited in claim 21, wherein the means for moving the grating towards the first planar reflective surface and into the position closer thereto comprises means for applying an electrostatic force between the first planar reflective surface and the second planar reflective surfaces of the grating.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 36 words

A modulator as recited in claim 22 wherein said grating has a hysteretic characteristic such that following application of said electrostatic force said grating can be held in the closer position by a reduced electrostatic force.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 32 words

A modulator as recited in claim 22, wherein the thickness of each element is equal to one-half the spacing between the first planar reflective surface and second reflective surfaces of the grating.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 135 words

A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light, comprising: a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in a first plane; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving alternate ones of the elements relative to the other elements and between a first configuration wherein all elements lie in the first plane and the modulator acts to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein alternate elements lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane and the modulator diffracts the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the planar surfaces of the elements.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 135 words

A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light, comprising: a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in a first plane; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving alternate ones of the elements relative to the other elements and between a first configuration wherein all elements lie in the first plane and the modulator acts to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein alternate elements lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane and the modulator diffracts the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the planar surfaces of the elements.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 66 words

A modulator as recited in claim 25 wherein an incident beam of light directed normal to said light reflective surfaces is reflected back along the incident beam path when said alternate ones of said elements are in said first configuration, and said incident beam is diffracted at an angle to said incident beam path when said alternate ones of said elements are in said second configuration.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 53 words

A modulator as recited in claim 25 wherein said means for moving includes means for selectively moving particular groups of said alternate ones of said beam elements such that a detector placed in the path of the diffracted beam will detect a beam intensity proportional to certain characteristics of the particular groups moved.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 26 words

A modulator as recited in claim 25, wherein said means for moving includes means for selectively applying electrostatic forces to said alternate ones of said elements.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 46 words

A modulator as recited in claim 28 wherein following application of a first electrostatic force to said alternate ones of said elements, application of a second electrostatic force less than said first electrostatic force can be used to hold said alternate ones in said second configuration.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 60 words

A modulator as recited in claim 28, wherein the spacing between the first plane and the second plane is equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident beam of light, wherein m=an even whole number or zero when the elements are in the first configuration and m=an odd whole number when the elements are in the second configuration.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 28 words

A modulator as recited in claim 30, wherein the means for moving the alternate elements operates to rotate the alternate elements when moving them relative to one another.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 18 words

A modulator as recited in claim 31, wherein said other elements are fixed relative to the support means.

Claim 36

Independent Claim 102 words

A method of modulating a beam of light, comprising the steps of: causing the beam to impinge upon a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each including an elongated, light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements being parallel to each other; and moving some of the elements relative to others between a first configuration wherein the the incident beam of light is reflected as by a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the the incident beam of light is diffracted as it is reflected from the elements.

Claim 37

Independent Claim 102 words

A method of modulating a beam of light, comprising the steps of: causing the beam to impinge upon a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each including an elongated, light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements being parallel to each other; and moving some of the elements relative to others between a first configuration wherein the the incident beam of light is reflected as by a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the the incident beam of light is diffracted as it is reflected from the elements.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 77 words

A method as recited in claim 33, wherein in the second configuration the said some of the elements are moved to positions wherein the spacing between the planes of the reflective surfaces of adjacent elements is equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident beam of light, wherein m=an even whole number or zero when the elements are in the first configuration and m=an odd whole number when the elements are in the second configuration.

Claim 39

Dependent Claim 32 words

A method as recited in claim 34, wherein the thickness of each element is equal to one-half the spacing between the planes of the adjacent reflective surfaces when in said first configuration.

Claim 40

Dependent Claim 33 words

A method as recited in claim 35, wherein the said some of the elements are caused to move relative to the other elements by applying electrostatic forces to said some of the elements.

Claim 41

Dependent Claim 172 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator comprising: a plurality of elongated elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in one or more parallel planes; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving a first set of the elements in a direction normal to said planes and relative to a second set of the elements and between a first modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets diffract the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the surfaces of the elements.

Claim 42

Dependent Claim 172 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator comprising: a plurality of elongated elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in one or more parallel planes; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving a first set of the elements in a direction normal to said planes and relative to a second set of the elements and between a first modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets diffract the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the surfaces of the elements.

Claim 43

Dependent Claim 207 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator comprising: means forming a first planar light reflective surface; a grating having means forming a plurality of second planar light reflective surfaces, the grating being arranged with its second reflective surfaces lying in a plane parallel to and spaced from the first planar reflective surface in a direction normal thereto; and means for moving the grating in a direction normal to said first planar reflective surface while maintaining the second reflective surfaces of the grating substantially parallel to the first planar reflective surface; whereby, when the spacing between the respective first and second light reflective surfaces is equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident light and m=an even whole number or zero, the modulator acts to reflect the particular wavelength of the incident light as a plane mirror, and when m=an odd whole number the modulator diffracts the particular wavelength of the beam of incident light as it reflects it, thereby providing modulation of the beam.

Claim 44

Dependent Claim 207 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator comprising: means forming a first planar light reflective surface; a grating having means forming a plurality of second planar light reflective surfaces, the grating being arranged with its second reflective surfaces lying in a plane parallel to and spaced from the first planar reflective surface in a direction normal thereto; and means for moving the grating in a direction normal to said first planar reflective surface while maintaining the second reflective surfaces of the grating substantially parallel to the first planar reflective surface; whereby, when the spacing between the respective first and second light reflective surfaces is equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident light and m=an even whole number or zero, the modulator acts to reflect the particular wavelength of the incident light as a plane mirror, and when m=an odd whole number the modulator diffracts the particular wavelength of the beam of incident light as it reflects it, thereby providing modulation of the beam.

Claim 45

Dependent Claim 174 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator comprising: a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in a first plane; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving alternate ones of the elements relative to the other elements and between a first configuration wherein all elements lie in the first plane and the modulator acts to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein alternate elements lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane and the modulator diffracts the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the planar surfaces of the elements.

Claim 46

Dependent Claim 174 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator comprising: a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in a first plane; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving alternate ones of the elements relative to the other elements and between a first configuration wherein all elements lie in the first plane and the modulator acts to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein alternate elements lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane and the modulator diffracts the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the planar surfaces of the elements.

Claim 47

Dependent Claim 207 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator including at least three modulation components each of which is comprised of: a plurality of elongated elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in one or more parallel planes; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving a first set of the elements in a direction normal to said planes and relative to a second set of the elements and between a first modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets diffract the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the surfaces of the several elements, each said modulation component being designed to diffract a different color into an optical system when illuminated with a beam of white light.

Claim 48

Dependent Claim 207 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator including at least three modulation components each of which is comprised of: a plurality of elongated elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in one or more parallel planes; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving a first set of the elements in a direction normal to said planes and relative to a second set of the elements and between a first modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets act to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second modulator configuration wherein said first and second sets diffract the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the surfaces of the several elements, each said modulation component being designed to diffract a different color into an optical system when illuminated with a beam of white light.

Claim 49

Dependent Claim 241 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator including at least three modulation components each of which is comprised of: means forming a first planar light reflective surface; a grating having means forming a plurality of second planar light reflective surfaces, the grating being arranged with its second reflective surfaces lying in a plane parallel to and spaced from the first planar reflective surface in a direction normal thereto; and means for moving the grating in a direction normal to said first planar reflective surface while maintaining the second reflective surfaces of the grating substantially parallel to the first planar reflective surface; whereby, when the spacing between the respective first and second light reflective surfaces is equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident light and m=an even whole number or zero, the modulator acts to reflect the particular wavelength of the incident light as a plane mirror, and when m=an odd whole number the modulator diffracts the particular wavelength of the beam of incident light as it reflects it, thereby providing modulation of the beam, each said modulation component being designed to diffract a different color into an optical system when illuminated with a beam of white light.

Claim 50

Dependent Claim 241 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator including at least three modulation components each of which is comprised of: means forming a first planar light reflective surface; a grating having means forming a plurality of second planar light reflective surfaces, the grating being arranged with its second reflective surfaces lying in a plane parallel to and spaced from the first planar reflective surface in a direction normal thereto; and means for moving the grating in a direction normal to said first planar reflective surface while maintaining the second reflective surfaces of the grating substantially parallel to the first planar reflective surface; whereby, when the spacing between the respective first and second light reflective surfaces is equal to m/4 times a particular wavelength of the incident light and m=an even whole number or zero, the modulator acts to reflect the particular wavelength of the incident light as a plane mirror, and when m=an odd whole number the modulator diffracts the particular wavelength of the beam of incident light as it reflects it, thereby providing modulation of the beam, each said modulation component being designed to diffract a different color into an optical system when illuminated with a beam of white light.

Claim 51

Dependent Claim 208 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator including at least three modulation components each of which is comprised of: a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in a first plane; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving alternate ones of the elements relative to the other elements and between a first configuration wherein all elements lie in the first plane and the modulator acts to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein alternate elements lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane and the modulator diffracts the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the planar surfaces of the elements, each said modulation component being designed to diffract a different color into an optical system when illuminated with a beam of white light.

Claim 52

Dependent Claim 208 words

In a light modulating device including an array of individual light modulators for modulating an incident beam of light to generate an image, each pixel of which has a chromatic and/or luminous characteristic corresponding to a physical characteristic of a corresponding modulator in the array, an improved modulator including at least three modulation components each of which is comprised of: a plurality of equally spaced apart elements, each including a light reflective planar surface, the elements being arranged parallel to each other and with the light reflective surfaces of the elements lying in a first plane; means for supporting the elements in relation to one another; and means for moving alternate ones of the elements relative to the other elements and between a first configuration wherein all elements lie in the first plane and the modulator acts to reflect the incident beam of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein alternate elements lie in a second plane parallel to the first plane and the modulator diffracts the incident beam of light as it is reflected from the planar surfaces of the elements, each said modulation component being designed to diffract a different color into an optical system when illuminated with a beam of white light.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1997-05-09	1997-11-08	1998-05-10	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2001-05-09	2001-11-08	2002-05-10	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2005-05-09	2005-11-08	2006-05-10	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Method and apparatus for modulating a light beam

Abstract

Inventors

Bibliographic Details

Claims Analysis

References Cited (Backward Citations)

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Assigned Categories & Tags

Assign Category Tag