US3754144A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Image converter changing information of one frequency to another frequency
Assignee: Northrop Grumman Guidance and Electronics Co Inc
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Filing: 1971-07-16
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Granted: 1973-08-21
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Expires: 1991-07-16
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus is disclosed for reading out information present in the form of variations in intensity of an electric field, including an electro-optic birefringent medium, whose birefringence varies as a function of an applied electric field, associated wth the electric field, means for directing polarized radiation through the electro-optic birefringent medium, means for reflecting the polarized radiation back through the electrooptic birefringent medium, and means for detecting the modulation representative of the information present in the electric field imposed upon the radiation by the birefringence of the electrooptic medium.
Inventors
- 👤 P Caruso
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 13:57
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/01; G02F1/03; G02F1/0338
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
145 words
Image converter apparatus for receiving information contained in a pattern of radiation in a first frequency range and converting it to a similar pattern of radiation in a second frequency range comprising: a combined photoconductor and electro-optic medium, embodied in a single layer of material so that its conductivity changes under illumination with actinic radiation and its birefringence varies as a function of the intensity of an applied electric field thereacross; means for providing a pattern of information in a first frequency range to said photoconductor and electro-optic medium; means for applying an electric field across said photoconductor and electro-optic medium; means for directing polarized radiation of a second frequency range through said electro-optic medium; means for reflecting said polarized radiation back through said electro-optic medium; and means for detecting the modulation pattern of said polarized radiation imposed by the birefringence of said electro-optic medium.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
145 words
Image converter apparatus for receiving information contained in a pattern of radiation in a first frequency range and converting it to a similar pattern of radiation in a second frequency range comprising: a combined photoconductor and electro-optic medium, embodied in a single layer of material so that its conductivity changes under illumination with actinic radiation and its birefringence varies as a function of the intensity of an applied electric field thereacross; means for providing a pattern of information in a first frequency range to said photoconductor and electro-optic medium; means for applying an electric field across said photoconductor and electro-optic medium; means for directing polarized radiation of a second frequency range through said electro-optic medium; means for reflecting said polarized radiation back through said electro-optic medium; and means for detecting the modulation pattern of said polarized radiation imposed by the birefringence of said electro-optic medium.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
27 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for providing a pattern of information in a first frequency range includes a first radiation source.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
37 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 2 in which said means for applying includes a pair of electrodes, one on said side of said photoconductor and electro-optic layer, and means for supplying a voltage across the electrodes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for directing includes a second polarized radiation source.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
17 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 4 in which said polarized radiation source includes a polarizing element.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for directing includes a beam splitting member for passing polarized radiation from said polarized radiation source to said electro-optic medium and for passing radiation from said electro-optic medium to said means for detecting.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
25 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for reflecting includes a metal surface at one surface of said electro-optic layer medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 1 in which said means for detecting includes a crossed polarizer.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 6 in which said beam splitting member is a polarizing device oriented to perform as a crossed polarizer and function as said means for detecting.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The image converter apparatus of claim 1 further including sensor means responsive to said means for detecting.
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) | 1976-08-20 | 1977-02-19 | 1977-08-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-20 | 1981-02-19 | 1981-08-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-20 | 1985-02-19 | 1985-08-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |