US4125318A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
TIR modulator
Assignee: Xerox Corp
•
Filing: 1977-04-01
•
Granted: 1978-11-14
•
Expires: 1997-04-01
Abstract
Abstract An electro-optic modulator/deflector for use with a light beam comprising at least two wavelengths of light including an electro-optical material and an electrode pattern adjacent a first surface of said material arranged in response to a voltage supply to provide an electric field in the material to influence the deflection of the light beam at the moment of total internal reflection at the first surface. The light beam is divided into its constituent wavelengths which are directed to different parts of the first surface, the electrode pattern comprising interdigitated electrodes arranged so as to modulate separately the different wavelengths by predetermined respective amounts.
Inventors
- 👤 Marek T. Scibor-Rylski
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:35
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; G02F1/31; G02F1/315
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
127 words
An electro-optic modulator/deflector for use with a light beam formed of at least two wavelengths of light including an electro-optical material and an electrode pattern adjacent a first surface of said material arranged in response to a voltage supply to provide an electric field in the material to influence the deflection of the light beam at the moment of total internal reflection at the first surface, means for dividing the light beam into its constituent wavelengths and for directing said constituent wavelengths at different parts of said first surface, and electrode pattern comprising interdigitated electrodes arranged so as to modulate separately the different wavelengths by predetermined respective amounts in a manner whereby one of the orders of the diffraction pattern for each wavelength is extinguished substantially simultaneously.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
127 words
An electro-optic modulator/deflector for use with a light beam formed of at least two wavelengths of light including an electro-optical material and an electrode pattern adjacent a first surface of said material arranged in response to a voltage supply to provide an electric field in the material to influence the deflection of the light beam at the moment of total internal reflection at the first surface, means for dividing the light beam into its constituent wavelengths and for directing said constituent wavelengths at different parts of said first surface, and electrode pattern comprising interdigitated electrodes arranged so as to modulate separately the different wavelengths by predetermined respective amounts in a manner whereby one of the orders of the diffraction pattern for each wavelength is extinguished substantially simultaneously.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
An electro-optical modulator accroding to claim 1, in which the pitch of the interdigitated electrodes decreases along the length of the electrode pattern, a voltage of a first value being applied across said interdigitated electrodes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
An electro-optical modulator according to claim 1 in which said interdigitated electrodes are arranged in at least two sets for modulating respectively the at least two wavelengths.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
An electro-optical modulator according to claim 3 in which the sets have different pitches.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
16 words
An electro-optical modulator as defined in claim 3 in which the sets have the same pitches.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
An electro-optical modulator according to claim 5 wherein a voltage of a first value is applied to one set of said interdigitated electrodes and a voltage of a second value is applied to the other set of interdigitated electrodes, said first voltage value being different than said second value.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
An electro-optical modulator as defined in claim 4 wherein a voltage of a first value is applied to one set of said interdigitated electrodes and a voltage of a second value is applied to the other set of interdigitated electrodes, said first and second voltage values being equal.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3958862A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-11-13 | 1982-05-15 | 1982-11-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-11-13 | 1986-05-15 | 1986-11-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-11-13 | 1990-05-15 | 1990-11-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |