GB2076173A - A Device for Modulating the Permeability of the Path of Electromagnetic Radiation - Google Patents
A Device for Modulating the Permeability of the Path of Electromagnetic Radiation Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2076173A GB2076173A GB8110247A GB8110247A GB2076173A GB 2076173 A GB2076173 A GB 2076173A GB 8110247 A GB8110247 A GB 8110247A GB 8110247 A GB8110247 A GB 8110247A GB 2076173 A GB2076173 A GB 2076173A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- modulating
- voltage
- permeability
- electro
- magnetic radiation
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 230000035699 permeability Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 230000005670 electromagnetic radiation Effects 0.000 title claims description 19
- 239000002305 electric material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 6
- 238000004868 gas analysis Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 230000005374 Kerr effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000003287 optical effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000008602 contraction Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001276 controlling effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000001105 regulatory effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000006641 stabilisation Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000011105 stabilization Methods 0.000 claims description 2
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/02—Details
- G01J1/04—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/02—Details
- G01J1/04—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
- G01J1/0403—Mechanical elements; Supports for optical elements; Scanning arrangements
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/02—Details
- G01J1/04—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
- G01J1/0407—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. manifolds, windows, holograms, gratings
- G01J1/044—Optical elements not provided otherwise, e.g. manifolds, windows, holograms, gratings using shutters
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/10—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void
- G01J1/20—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detectors, e.g. by varying incidence angle
- G01J1/34—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detectors, e.g. by varying incidence angle using separate light paths used alternately or sequentially, e.g. flicker
- G01J1/36—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter by comparison with reference light or electric value provisionally void intensity of the measured or reference value being varied to equalise their effects at the detectors, e.g. by varying incidence angle using separate light paths used alternately or sequentially, e.g. flicker using electric radiation detectors
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02B—OPTICAL ELEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS
- G02B26/00—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements
- G02B26/02—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the intensity of light
- G02B26/04—Optical devices or arrangements for the control of light using movable or deformable optical elements for controlling the intensity of light by periodically varying the intensity of light, e.g. using choppers
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01J—MEASUREMENT OF INTENSITY, VELOCITY, SPECTRAL CONTENT, POLARISATION, PHASE OR PULSE CHARACTERISTICS OF INFRARED, VISIBLE OR ULTRAVIOLET LIGHT; COLORIMETRY; RADIATION PYROMETRY
- G01J1/00—Photometry, e.g. photographic exposure meter
- G01J1/02—Details
- G01J1/04—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts
- G01J1/0488—Optical or mechanical part supplementary adjustable parts with spectral filtering
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Spectroscopy & Molecular Physics (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)
- Spectrometry And Color Measurement (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Materials By Optical Means (AREA)
Abstract
A device for modulating light in which a modulating element (1) mounted on a spring element (3) is caused to vibrate in the path (2) of a light beam by an element (4) of piezo- electric material which together with the spring element (3) is clamped between two terminal members (5). An A.C. voltage generator (9) is. connected across the terminal member (5) to energize the element (4) of piezo-electric material, the magnitude of vibration being proportional to the magnitude of the A.C. voltage. A variable D.C. voltage is superimposed on the A.C. voltage in order to adjust the zero or rest position of the modulating element (1) with respect to the light beam (2). The modulating element (1) may be an opaque element or a filter. If a filter is used it may be zones of different permeabilities. The application is to gas analysis instruments. <IMAGE>
Description
SPECIFICATION
A Device for Modulating the Permeability of the Path of Electro-magnetic Radiation
The present invention relates to a device for modulating the permeability of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, more particularly of a light path.
A number of devices of the above type are known and can be divided into devices having mechanically moving parts and those having no mechanically moving parts.
The last referred to devices are based, for example, on the Kerr effect (see Kohlrausch,
Praktische Physik, Vol. 1, page 642, Teubner
Verlagsgesellschaft, Stuttgart 1960). The Kerr effect exhibits the feature that the optical permeability of particular media changes under the action of high-voltage fields. In many cases, this system has the disadvantage that it is necessary to supply high voltage, whereby its use in the medical field is greatly limited, more particularly for safety reasons.
The known devices comprising mechanically moving parts include more particularly those comprising rotating mirrors and filters. A disadvantage of such devices is the limited useful life of the rotor mounting, which requires regular attention. At high speeds, the rotor bearing requires relatively high driving power. In addition, these devices have the disadvantage that special means are necessary for frequency stabilization.
It is an object of the present invention to overcome partially or wholly some or all of the above referred to disadvantages.
According to the present invention there is provided a device for modulating the permeability of a beam of electro-magnetic radiation, including a modulating element in the path of the beam of electro-magnetic radiation; means for mounting said modulating element so that it can vibrate with one degree of freedom; a piezoelectric element so as to cause the mounting means to vibrate and the modulating element to modulate the beam of electro-magnetic radiation in synchronism therewith.
The present invention will now be described in greater detail by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing, wherein the sole figure is a diagrammatic representation of one preferred form of a device for modulating the optical permeability of a light path.
Referring to the drawing, the device basically comprises: an element 1 for modulating a light beam 2; a spring element 3 which supports the modulating element 1; an element 4 of piezoelectric material; electrical terminal connecting members 5; a holder 6; an A.C. voltage generator 9; and a variable D.C. voltage source 10.
The spring element 3 is driven by the element 4 of piezoelectric material which is secured to the spring element 3. The element 4 of piezoelectric material is contacted on both sides and provided with electrical terminal connecting members 5.
The spring element 3, the element 4 of piezoelectric material and the terminal connecting members 5 are gripped between two plate-form insulating members 8 in the holder 6 by means of the screw 7. On application of a voltage to the terminal connecting members 5, a change of length occurs in the element 4 of piezoelectric material, which results in a bending deformation of the spring element 3.
Thus, when an A.C. voltage is applied to the element 4 of piezo-electric material through the terminal connecting members from the voltage generator 9, the piezo-electric material is energized and the resultant expansion and contraction thereof in synchronism with the A.C.
waveform, causes the spring element 3 to be set into vibration so that the modulating element 1 interrupts the light beam 2 each time it crosses the zero or null point as shown in the drawing.
Whilst in the embodiment shown in the drawing the modulating element 1 is opaque so that it effectively chops the light beam 2, it may be a filter or attenuator which either alters the characteristics of the light transmitted therethrough or reduces its magnitude.
In this alternative form, the filter may have zones of differing permeability, so that according to magnitude of the A.C. voltage applied to the piezoelectric element, so one or more such zones may be brought into the modulating effect on the light beam.
The amplitude of vibration can be infinitely regulated by varying the magnitude of the A.C.
voltage output from the generator 9. For accurately positioning the modulating element in relation to the beam, a D.C. voltage from the variable D.C. voltage source 10 is superimposed upon the A.C. voltage supplied by the voltage generator 9. In this way, fine mechanical adjustments otherwise necessary are substantially eliminated.
The above described construction has the following advantages over the known art:- (a) no friction occurs in the mounting;
(b) no friction losses;
(c) no wear;
(d) no high voltage is required, the maximum operating voltage being below 20 volts;
(e) a high quality vibrating system is achieved;
(f) the vibration in amplitude of the vibrating system is readily adjustable by controlling the output from the A.C. generator;
(g) the zero position of the modulating element is readily adjusted by varying the magnitude of the D.C. voltage applied;
(h) the device is easy to construct, employs a minimum number of components and is robust in use.
The device for modulating the permeability of the path of a beam of electro-magnetic radiation is specifically designed for gas analysis instruments.
Claims
1. A device for modulating the permeability of a beam of electro-magnetic radiation, including a
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.
Claims (8)
1. A device for modulating the permeability of a beam of electro-magnetic radiation, including a modulating element in the path of the beam of electro-magnetic radiation; means for mounting said modulating element so that it can vibrate with one degree of freedom; a piezo-electric vibrating element associated with the mounting means; and means for energizing the piezoelectric element so as to cause the mounting means to vibrate and the modulating element to modulate the beam of electro-magnetic radiation in synchronism therewith.
2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the modulating element is a filter, and the electromagnetic radiation is light.
3. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the filter has zones of differing permeability.
4. A device according to Claim 3, wherein one or more zones of differing permeability of the filter modulate the light beam according to the degree of energization of the piezoelectric element.
5. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the modulating element is an opaque element, and the electro-magnetic radiation is light.
6. A device according to Claim 1, wherein the modulating element consists of the combination of an opaque element and a filter.
7. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position of rest of the modulating element is adjustable by means of a variable D.C. voltage which is superimposed upon an A.C. voltage which constitutes the means for energizing the piezoelectric element.
8. A device for modulating the permeability a light beam, constructed substantially as herein described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawing.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| DE3014328A DE3014328C2 (en) | 1980-04-15 | 1980-04-15 | Device for modulating the optical transmittance of a beam path |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB2076173A true GB2076173A (en) | 1981-11-25 |
| GB2076173B GB2076173B (en) | 1984-08-15 |
Family
ID=6099998
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB8110247A Expired GB2076173B (en) | 1980-04-15 | 1981-04-01 | A device for modulating the permeability of the path of electro-magnetic radiation |
Country Status (9)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| JP (1) | JPS56154703A (en) |
| AU (1) | AU542586B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1175499A (en) |
| CH (1) | CH653141A5 (en) |
| DE (1) | DE3014328C2 (en) |
| FR (1) | FR2480446B1 (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2076173B (en) |
| SE (1) | SE8102415L (en) |
| ZA (1) | ZA812462B (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0208866A2 (en) * | 1985-07-13 | 1987-01-21 | Hartmann & Braun Aktiengesellschaft | Gas analyzer with large area pyroelectric detector |
| GB2379746A (en) * | 2001-09-18 | 2003-03-19 | Marconi Caswell Ltd | Shutter assembly for telecommunication networks |
Families Citing this family (9)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FR2528990A1 (en) * | 1982-06-22 | 1983-12-23 | Thomson Csf | Electrically driven optical periodic modulator - has piezoelectric resonator with dihedral edge illuminated by incident radiation |
| DD211168A1 (en) * | 1982-11-01 | 1984-07-04 | Tech Hochschule | DEVICE FOR MODULATING OPTICAL GEAR DIFFERENCES |
| JPS6033315U (en) * | 1983-08-12 | 1985-03-07 | 株式会社村田製作所 | light modulator |
| JPS61118U (en) * | 1984-06-05 | 1986-01-06 | 株式会社村田製作所 | light modulator |
| DE3520867A1 (en) * | 1985-06-11 | 1986-12-11 | Grün Optik Wetzlar GmbH, 6330 Wetzlar | DEVICE FOR SEPARATELY DETECTING RADIATION PROPORTS PROVIDED WITH A POLARIZATION IDENTIFIER OF A MEASURING LIGHT BEAM |
| JPS62106209U (en) * | 1985-12-24 | 1987-07-07 | ||
| US4850697A (en) * | 1988-03-16 | 1989-07-25 | Dynatech Electro-Optics Corporation | Resonant piezoelectric chopper for infrared radiation |
| JP2836269B2 (en) * | 1991-03-07 | 1998-12-14 | 三菱マテリアル株式会社 | Optical switch |
| DE19809908C2 (en) * | 1998-03-07 | 2003-06-26 | Univ Dresden Tech | Vibration chopper for an optical modulator for radiation sensors in a row or matrix arrangement |
Family Cites Families (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB535507A (en) * | 1939-04-05 | 1941-04-10 | Electrical Res Prod Inc | Piezo-electric devices |
| US3110824A (en) * | 1960-10-31 | 1963-11-12 | Eastman Kodak Co | Piezoelectric actuating element |
| US3259014A (en) * | 1961-06-30 | 1966-07-05 | Bell Telephone Labor Inc | Light modulator using a variable spacing diffraction grating |
| US3442570A (en) * | 1966-03-02 | 1969-05-06 | Hughes Aircraft Co | Piezoelectric laser beam deflector |
| GB1455774A (en) * | 1974-02-07 | 1976-11-17 | Pye Ltd | Radiation detecting system |
| JPS5352137A (en) * | 1976-10-22 | 1978-05-12 | Nippon Telegr & Teleph Corp <Ntt> | Optical waveguide simple connector |
-
1980
- 1980-04-15 DE DE3014328A patent/DE3014328C2/en not_active Expired
-
1981
- 1981-04-01 GB GB8110247A patent/GB2076173B/en not_active Expired
- 1981-04-10 CH CH2419/81A patent/CH653141A5/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1981-04-13 FR FR8107373A patent/FR2480446B1/en not_active Expired
- 1981-04-14 CA CA000375403A patent/CA1175499A/en not_active Expired
- 1981-04-14 ZA ZA00812462A patent/ZA812462B/en unknown
- 1981-04-14 AU AU69495/81A patent/AU542586B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1981-04-14 SE SE8102415A patent/SE8102415L/en unknown
- 1981-04-15 JP JP5569981A patent/JPS56154703A/en active Pending
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EP0208866A2 (en) * | 1985-07-13 | 1987-01-21 | Hartmann & Braun Aktiengesellschaft | Gas analyzer with large area pyroelectric detector |
| EP0208866A3 (en) * | 1985-07-13 | 1987-07-15 | Hartmann & Braun Aktiengesellschaft | Gas analyzer with large area pyroelectric detector |
| GB2379746A (en) * | 2001-09-18 | 2003-03-19 | Marconi Caswell Ltd | Shutter assembly for telecommunication networks |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB2076173B (en) | 1984-08-15 |
| DE3014328A1 (en) | 1981-10-22 |
| CH653141A5 (en) | 1985-12-13 |
| AU542586B2 (en) | 1985-02-28 |
| FR2480446A1 (en) | 1981-10-16 |
| JPS56154703A (en) | 1981-11-30 |
| AU6949581A (en) | 1981-10-22 |
| ZA812462B (en) | 1982-05-26 |
| SE8102415L (en) | 1981-10-16 |
| CA1175499A (en) | 1984-10-02 |
| FR2480446B1 (en) | 1985-08-02 |
| DE3014328C2 (en) | 1984-01-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCNP | Patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |