US6208463B1 — Polarizer apparatus for producing a generally pol…

Claim 1

Independent Claim 232 words

A polarizer apparatus for efficiently producing a generally polarized light beam from a generally unpolarized source light beam within the visible spectrum having orthogonal first and second polarizations produced by a light source, the apparatus comprising: a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements configured for disposition in the source light beam, the elements being sized and configured for the visible spectrum and for interacting with electromagnetic waves of the source light beam to generally (i) transmit light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the elements and defining a transmitted beam of the first polarization, and (ii) specularly reflect light having a polarization oriented parallel with the elements and defining a reflected beam of the second polarization, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100, a light recapture means physically positioned in a different location from the light source and configured for disposition in the reflected beam for intercepting and redirecting the reflected beam so that the reflected beam is not directed back into the light source, the light recapture means being oriented to direct the reflected beam back into the arrangement of elements; and a polarization reorientation means configured for disposition in the reflected beam for changing the polarization orientation of substantially all the reflected beam so that both the reflected and transmitted beams have generally the same polarization, thereby substantially converting all the source light beam to a single polarization.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 232 words

A polarizer apparatus for efficiently producing a generally polarized light beam from a generally unpolarized source light beam within the visible spectrum having orthogonal first and second polarizations produced by a light source, the apparatus comprising: a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements configured for disposition in the source light beam, the elements being sized and configured for the visible spectrum and for interacting with electromagnetic waves of the source light beam to generally (i) transmit light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the elements and defining a transmitted beam of the first polarization, and (ii) specularly reflect light having a polarization oriented parallel with the elements and defining a reflected beam of the second polarization, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100, a light recapture means physically positioned in a different location from the light source and configured for disposition in the reflected beam for intercepting and redirecting the reflected beam so that the reflected beam is not directed back into the light source, the light recapture means being oriented to direct the reflected beam back into the arrangement of elements; and a polarization reorientation means configured for disposition in the reflected beam for changing the polarization orientation of substantially all the reflected beam so that both the reflected and transmitted beams have generally the same polarization, thereby substantially converting all the source light beam to a single polarization.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the light recapture means comprises a specularly reflecting optical element.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 31 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the polarization reorientation means comprises a wave plate disposed in the reflected beam before the reflected beam reaches the arrangement of elongated elements.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 19 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arrangement of elements is disposed in a generally planer layer.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 19 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arrangement of elements is disposed in a generally curved layer.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 19 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arrangement of elements is disposed on or in a lens.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 29 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein elements are sized and configured for the visible spectrum having a wavelength in the range of approximately 0.4 to 0.7 microns.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elements have a period less than approximately 0.4 microns.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the elements have a period less than approximately 0.13 microns.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 32 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the arrangement of elements is oriented with respect to the source light beam at substantially any angle of incidence greater than approximately 15 degrees.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 221 words

A polarizer apparatus for efficiently physically decoupling two orthogonal polarizations of a source light beam within a visible and/or near-visible spectrum into two generally polarized beams and reorienting the polarization of the reflected beam, the apparatus comprising: a light source for emitting a source light beam within the visible and/or near-visible spectrum having a wavelength between approximately 0.4 and 1.0 microns; a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements disposed in the source light beam, the elements being sized and configured for the visible and/or near-visible spectrum and for interacting with electromagnetic waves of the source light beam to generally (i) transmit light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the elements and defining a transmitted beam of the first polarization, and (ii) specularly reflect light having a polarization oriented parallel with the elements and defining a reflected beam of the second polarization, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100, the arrangement of elements being disposed in the source light beam at an orientation so that the reflected beam is not directed back into the light source; and a polarization reorientation means disposed in the reflected beam for changing the polarization orientation of the reflected beam so that both the reflected and transmitted beams have generally the same polarization, thereby substantially converting all the source light beam to a single polarization.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 221 words

A polarizer apparatus for efficiently physically decoupling two orthogonal polarizations of a source light beam within a visible and/or near-visible spectrum into two generally polarized beams and reorienting the polarization of the reflected beam, the apparatus comprising: a light source for emitting a source light beam within the visible and/or near-visible spectrum having a wavelength between approximately 0.4 and 1.0 microns; a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements disposed in the source light beam, the elements being sized and configured for the visible and/or near-visible spectrum and for interacting with electromagnetic waves of the source light beam to generally (i) transmit light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the elements and defining a transmitted beam of the first polarization, and (ii) specularly reflect light having a polarization oriented parallel with the elements and defining a reflected beam of the second polarization, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100, the arrangement of elements being disposed in the source light beam at an orientation so that the reflected beam is not directed back into the light source; and a polarization reorientation means disposed in the reflected beam for changing the polarization orientation of the reflected beam so that both the reflected and transmitted beams have generally the same polarization, thereby substantially converting all the source light beam to a single polarization.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 45 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the polarization reorientation means comprises a wave plate disposed in the reflected beam; and further comprising a specularly reflecting optical element disposed in the reflected beam to direct the reflected beam back to the arrangement of elements.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the elements have a period less than approximately 0.4 microns.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the elements have a period less than approximately 0.13 microns.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 32 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 11 , wherein the arrangement of elements is oriented with respect to the source light beam at substantially any angle of incidence greater than approximately 15 degrees.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 207 words

A polarizer apparatus for efficiently physically decoupling two orthogonal polarizations of a source light beam within a visible and/or near-visible spectrum into two generally polarized beams and recapturing at least one of the two beams, the apparatus comprising: a light source for emitting a source light beam within the visible and/or near-visible spectrum and having a wavelength between approximately 0.4 and 1.0 microns; a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements disposed in the source light beam, the elements being sized and configured for the visible and/or near-visible spectrum and for interacting with electromagnetic waves of the source light beam to generally (i) transmit light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the elements and defining a transmitted beam of the first polarization, and (ii) specularly reflect light having a polarization oriented parallel with the elements and defining a reflected beam of the second polarization, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100; and a light recapture means separate from the light source and disposed in the reflected beam for intercepting and redirecting the reflected beam so that both the reflected and transmitted beams are generally directed to a common area, the light recapture means being oriented to direct the reflected beam back towards the arrangement of elements.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 207 words

A polarizer apparatus for efficiently physically decoupling two orthogonal polarizations of a source light beam within a visible and/or near-visible spectrum into two generally polarized beams and recapturing at least one of the two beams, the apparatus comprising: a light source for emitting a source light beam within the visible and/or near-visible spectrum and having a wavelength between approximately 0.4 and 1.0 microns; a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements disposed in the source light beam, the elements being sized and configured for the visible and/or near-visible spectrum and for interacting with electromagnetic waves of the source light beam to generally (i) transmit light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the elements and defining a transmitted beam of the first polarization, and (ii) specularly reflect light having a polarization oriented parallel with the elements and defining a reflected beam of the second polarization, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100; and a light recapture means separate from the light source and disposed in the reflected beam for intercepting and redirecting the reflected beam so that both the reflected and transmitted beams are generally directed to a common area, the light recapture means being oriented to direct the reflected beam back towards the arrangement of elements.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 55 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the light recapture means comprises a specularly reflecting optical element disposed in the reflected beam, the specularly reflecting optical element being oriented to direct the reflected beam generally in coaxial orientation with the transmitted beam and to direct the reflected beam back towards the arrangement of elements.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the elements have a period less than approximately 0.4 microns.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the elements have a period less than approximately 0.13 microns.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 32 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 16 , wherein the arrangement of elements is oriented with respect to the source light beam at substantially any angle of incidence greater than approximately 15 degrees.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 141 words

A polarizer device adapted for physically decoupling two orthogonal polarizations of a source light beam within a visible and/or near visible spectrum into two generally polarized beams and further treating at least one of the two beams, the device comprising: a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements disposed in the source light beam, the elements having a width, length and thickness sized for the visible and/or near-visible spectrum and to interact with the electromagnetic waves of the source light beam to generally (i) transmit light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the length of the elements and defining a transmitted beam, and (ii) reflect light having a polarization oriented parallel with the length of the elements and defining a reflected beam, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100, the arrangement of elements being disposed in a generally curved layer.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 141 words

A polarizer device adapted for physically decoupling two orthogonal polarizations of a source light beam within a visible and/or near visible spectrum into two generally polarized beams and further treating at least one of the two beams, the device comprising: a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements disposed in the source light beam, the elements having a width, length and thickness sized for the visible and/or near-visible spectrum and to interact with the electromagnetic waves of the source light beam to generally (i) transmit light having a polarization oriented perpendicular to the length of the elements and defining a transmitted beam, and (ii) reflect light having a polarization oriented parallel with the length of the elements and defining a reflected beam, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100, the arrangement of elements being disposed in a generally curved layer.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 19 words

The polarizer device of claim 21 , wherein the arrangement of elements is disposed on or in a lens.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the elements have a period less than approximately 0.4 microns.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 18 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 21 , wherein the elements have a period less than approximately 0.13 microns.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 26 words

The polarizer device of claim 21 , further comprising a substrate having a smooth, curved, generally convex surface upon which the arrangement of elements is disposed.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 26 words

The polarizer device of claim 21 , further comprising a substrate having a smooth, curved, generally concave surface upon which the arrangement of elements is disposed.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 32 words

The polarizer device of claim 21 , wherein the arrangement of elements is oriented with respect to the source light beam at substantially any angle of incidence greater than approximately 15 degrees.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 70 words

A polarizer apparatus, comprising: a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements, configured to be disposed in a source light beam at an angle of incidence greater than approximately 15 degrees, the elements being sized and configured for the visible spectrum to generally (i) transmit a transmitted beam of a first polarization, and (ii) reflect a reflected beam of a second polarization, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 70 words

A polarizer apparatus, comprising: a generally parallel arrangement of thin, elongated elements, configured to be disposed in a source light beam at an angle of incidence greater than approximately 15 degrees, the elements being sized and configured for the visible spectrum to generally (i) transmit a transmitted beam of a first polarization, and (ii) reflect a reflected beam of a second polarization, wherein the extinction ratio is greater than 100.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 68 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 28 , further comprising: a light recapture means physically positioned in a different location from the light source and configured for disposition in the reflected beam for intercepting and redirecting the reflected beam so that the reflected beam is not directed back into the light source, the light recapture means being oriented to direct the reflected beam back into the arrangement of elements.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 56 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 29 , further comprising: a polarization reorientation means configured for disposition in the reflected beam for changing the polarization orientation of substantially all the reflected beam so that both the reflected and transmitted beams have generally the same polarization, thereby substantially converting all the source light beam to a single polarization.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 42 words

The polarizer apparatus of claim 28 , further comprising: a substrate having a curved surface, and an opposite, different surface configured to provide optical power; and wherein the elements are disposed on the curved surface of the substrate in a curved layer.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2004-03-26	2004-09-25	2005-03-27	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2008-03-26	2008-09-25	2009-03-27	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2012-03-26	2012-09-25	2013-03-27	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Polarizer apparatus for producing a generally polarized beam of light

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