US3791716A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device for deflecting a light beam
Assignee: Commissariat à l'Énergie Atomique et Aux Énergies Alternatives
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Filing: 1972-04-18
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1992-04-18
Abstract
Abstract The device comprises at least one liquid-crystal cell placed on the path of the beam and constituted by a film of liquid crystals interposed between two walls provided with electrodes between which a potential difference can be applied by suitable means. The incidence of the light beam is oblique with respect to the first wall-liquid crystal interface which is encountered. Use is made of liquid crystals for which the direction of propagation of the light beam is dependent on the potential difference applied between the electrodes.
Inventors
- 👤 J Borel
- 👤 J Robert
- 👤 J Deutsch
- 👤 G Labrunie
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 19:19
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; G02F1/31; G02F1/01; G02F1/13; G02F1/137; G02F1/139; G02F1/292
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
15 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein said liquid crystals are of the nematic type.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
104 words
A device according to claim 1, wherein the exit wall is provided with a reflecting surface and wherein the oblique angle of incidence of the light beam with respect to the first wall-liquid crystal interface encountered is such that, for a first value of said potential difference, the angle of incidence is smaller than the limiting angle and wherein the light beam passes into the liquid crystal film after refraction and wherein, for a second value of the potential difference, the angle of incidence is larger than the limiting angle and wherein the light beam undergoes total reflection from said first wall-liquid crystal interface.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
A device according to claim 3, wherein said reflecting surface of the exit wall is constituted by the electrode deposited on said wall, the other electrode depositEd on the entrance wall being transparent.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
54 words
A device according to claim 3, wherein the entrance wall is constituted by a transparent block having the shape of an isosceles prism which is truncated along two planes parallel to each other and perpendicular to the height of said prism, and said incident light beam passes into said block at a normal incidence.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
A device according to claim 3, wherein said reflecting surface of the exit wall is constituted by a reflecting film deposited on the rear face of the exit wall, the two electrodes being transparent.
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) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |