US5382985A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Thermorefractive optical switch
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1991-06-14
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Granted: 1995-01-17
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Expires: 2011-06-14
Abstract
Abstract An optical switching device is described which comprises a substrate of light absorbent material, a plurality of holes defined through the substrate containing a liquid material having an index of refraction which is highly temperature dependent within a selected temperature range of operation, the liquid-filled holes defining a plurality of waveguides for conducting light through the substrate.
Inventors
- 👤 Roger J. Becker
- 👤 Mark K. Kullen
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 04:45
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02B; G02B26/00; G02B26/02
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 4
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
An optical device, comprising: (a) a substrate of substantially light absorbent material; (b) means defining a plurality of holes of preselected size through said substrate, said holes being defined in a selected array; and (c) a liquid material disposed within said holes, said liquid material having an index of refraction which is substantially temperature dependent over a selected temperature range of operation for said device.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
65 words
An optical device, comprising: (a) a substrate of substantially light absorbent material; (b) means defining a plurality of holes of preselected size through said substrate, said holes being defined in a selected array; and (c) a liquid material disposed within said holes, said liquid material having an index of refraction which is substantially temperature dependent over a selected temperature range of operation for said device.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
39 words
The optical device of claim 1 wherein said substrate comprises a material selected from the group consisting of Teflon, fused silica, acetal delrin, methyl methacrylate, polypropylene, cellulose acetate, polyethylene, borosilicate glass, nylon, soda lead glass, polystyrene, polycarbonate, and polyimide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The optical device of claim 1 wherein said liquid material is selected from the group consisting of methanol, water, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, 1-hexanol, toluene, Dow Corning 702, p-methoxybenzylidene-p'-butylaniline, and carbon disulfide.
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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) | 1998-01-16 | 1998-07-18 | 1999-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-16 | 2002-07-18 | 2003-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-16 | 2006-07-18 | 2007-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |