WO2001004697A1 - Dispositif electro-optique permettant l'accord en longueur d'onde - Google Patents

Dispositif electro-optique permettant l'accord en longueur d'onde Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2001004697A1
WO2001004697A1 PCT/US2000/018882 US0018882W WO0104697A1 WO 2001004697 A1 WO2001004697 A1 WO 2001004697A1 US 0018882 W US0018882 W US 0018882W WO 0104697 A1 WO0104697 A1 WO 0104697A1
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Prior art keywords
substrate
electromagnetic waves
steps
refraction
index
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Application number
PCT/US2000/018882
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English (en)
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WO2001004697A9 (fr
Inventor
James J. Cowan
Original Assignee
Coho Holdings, Llc
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Publication date
Application filed by Coho Holdings, Llc filed Critical Coho Holdings, Llc
Priority to AU60866/00A priority Critical patent/AU6086600A/en
Priority to EP00947213A priority patent/EP1203260A1/fr
Priority to CA002378180A priority patent/CA2378180A1/fr
Publication of WO2001004697A1 publication Critical patent/WO2001004697A1/fr
Publication of WO2001004697A9 publication Critical patent/WO2001004697A9/fr

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Classifications

    • 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
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/13—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  based on liquid crystals, e.g. single liquid crystal display cells
    • G02F1/133—Constructional arrangements; Operation of liquid crystal cells; Circuit arrangements
    • G02F1/1333—Constructional arrangements; Manufacturing methods
    • G02F1/133371—Cells with varying thickness of the liquid crystal layer
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
    • G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour 
    • G02F1/21—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  by interference
    • G02F1/216—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour  by interference using liquid crystals, e.g. liquid crystal Fabry-Perot filters
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G02—OPTICS
    • G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
    • G02F2203/00—Function characteristic
    • G02F2203/34—Colour display without the use of colour mosaic filters

Definitions

  • One aspect of the present invention is directed towards an electro-optic device allowing continuous wavelength tuning.
  • Another technique for creating displays involves the use of electrically-variable stratified mediums to create a dynamic version of the imaging technique developed by Lippmann at the end of the last century. Basically, color is extracted when light is partially transmitted and reflected from multiple layers in a stratified medium, where the spacing of the layers dictates which color resonates. This interference phenomenon can be quite efficient.
  • the piezoelectric materials under investigation require high voltages (large power) and have no long term persistence, i.e., they relax to their static state when power is removed.
  • a complex manufacturing process is required to produce the multiple layers composed of uncommon materials which typically results in poor yields and high cost .
  • LCDs reflective liquid crystal displays
  • the application is leveraged off the huge flat-panel display industry.
  • One group of investigators has demonstrated time-stable, virtually zero-power consumption LCDs that are produced using standard nematic phase liquid crystals aligned with an underlying surface structure.
  • the liquid crystal molecules align to the surface structure, they produce domains within a liquid cell that are mechanically robust.
  • mild vibrations and other physical shocks typically do not disturb the alignment.
  • Optical effects of the surface structure typically just an asymmetric profile grating
  • Each pixel consists of red, green, and blue sub-pixels, wherein the sub-pixels include a grating with a pitch such that the diffraction angle of the dispersed light matches the acceptance angle of the pixel window.
  • Liquid crystal is used as a shutter over each window or pixel to block light.
  • volume holographic medium such as a photo-polymer is infused with liquid crystal material.
  • the liquid crystal collects in pockets within the photo-polymer and has no particular alignment when an electric field is not present.
  • a volume hologram is then recorded within the medium using a diffusing screen as the object in a manner similar to that used in the manufacture of high-efficiency, non-specular reflecting diffusers. Most of the liquid crystal pockets migrate to areas where the recording intensity is weak, further accentuating the resulting stratification comprising the volume hologram.
  • the liquid crystals in the pockets align with the electric field, and the light reflected from the hologram is then predominantly scattered by the liquid crystal pockets.
  • the result is a device that can be switched between a high brightness single color reflection and a milky white reflection. Stacking three such devices with red, green, and blue reflections yields a full color display. Unfortunately, the design requires a high voltage operation and includes having to write three separate volume holograms in production.
  • an electro-optical device comprises a substrate having successive reflective steps spaced from an electrode, where the steps reflect incident electromagnetic waves such as broadband light.
  • a voltage applied to an electrode disposed adjacent to the substrate adjusts the wavelength of the electromagnetic waves in the space between the substrate and the electrode.
  • the voltage applied to an electrode such as a transparent conductive strip adjusts a wavelength or band of wavelengths that is reflected to an observer.
  • the space between the electrode and substrate includes a material having a variable index of refraction that is adjusted based on an applied voltage.
  • a material filling this space can be, for example, a liquid crystal.
  • the material is disposed so that it is in communication with the reflective steps of the substrate.
  • an image can be produced for an observer by adjusting light reflected from multiple reflective steps of the substrate.
  • the reflective steps can be angled with respect to a planar axis of the substrate to reduce potential glare.
  • Another embodiment according to the principles of the present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for tuning which of multiple incident electromagnetic waves pass through an electro-optic device.
  • the electro-optic device comprises a first transparent substrate having terraced steps on a face.
  • a second transparent substrate also having terraced steps is disposed to face the terraced steps of the first substrate.
  • a material, such as liquid crystal, having a variable index of refraction is provided between the first and second substrate to adjust wavelengths of passing light.
  • Wavelengths of light corresponding to a spacing of terraced steps of the first and second substrate become resonant between the first and second substrate and are reflected out an end of the electro-optic device into which the wavelength of light was originally directed.
  • the electro-optic devices according to the principles of the present invention are advantageous because wavelengths of light can be selected dynamically based on a controlling input.
  • Other optical devices such as thin film filters are limited to a preselected wavelength as set at a factory.
  • Fig. 1 is an electron micrograph scan of a MORPHO Butterfly wing.
  • Fig. 2 is a side-view diagram of a reflective surface texture for supporting coherent reflections of light energy.
  • Fig. 3 is a top-view diagram of a reflective surface texture for supporting coherent reflections of light energy.
  • Fig. 4 is a cutaway view of a reflective surface texture for supporting coherent reflections of light energy.
  • Fig. 5 is a photograph of a photo-resist material including reflective surface textures for supporting coherent reflections of light energy.
  • Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a cross-sectional view of an electro-optic device for wavelength tuning according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 7 shows a top view of separate pixel regions that support wavelength-tuning according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8A is a top view of an asymmetrical reflective surface texture according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 8B is a side view of an asymmetrical reflective surface texture according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 9 is a photograph of embossed plastic including asymmetrical reflective surface textures according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 10 is a photograph of a complex asymmetrical reflective surface texture according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 is a graph illustrating diffraction efficiency versus wavelength for a symmetrical reflective surface texture according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 12 is a graph illustrating diffraction efficiency versus wavelength for an asymmetrical reflective surface texture according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional diagram of tilted reflective surface textures according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional diagram of an electro- optic wavelength tuning device according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 15 is a graph of diffraction efficiency versus wavelength of an electro-optic tuning device for a tuned reflected wavelengths in a range of wavelengths between 1250 and 1400 nanometers according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 16 is another graph of diffraction efficiency versus wavelength of an electro-optic tuning device for a tuned reflected wavelengths in a range of wavelengths between 1290 and 1300 nanometers according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 17 is a graph of diffraction efficiency versus wavelength of an electro-optic tuning device for a transmitted spectrum of non-tuned wavelengths in a range of wavelengths between 1250 and 1400 nanometers according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 18 is a graph of diffraction efficiency versus wavelength of an electro-optic tuning device for a tuned reflected wavelength in a range of wavelengths between 1500 and 1650 nanometers according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 19 is another graph of diffraction efficiency versus wavelength of an electro-optic tuning device for a transmitted spectrum of non-tuned wavelengths in a range of wavelengths between 1500 and 1650 nanometers according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 20 is a wavelength multiplexor system including an electro-optic device according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 21 is a wavelength multiplexor system including an angled electro-optic device for multiplexing wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 22 is a wavelength multiplexor system including multiple angled electro-optic devices for multiplexing wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 23 is a wavelength multiplexor system including multiple electro-optic devices and optical circulators for multiplexing wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Fig. 24 is a wavelength multiplexor system including an electro-optic device for multiplexing wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention.
  • One aspect of the present invention is generally directed towards an electro-optical device for controlling the wavelength and, therefore, color of reflected light off a surface texture. By controlling reflected light in a plurality of pixel regions, a multi-colored image can be produced for an observer.
  • Fig. 1 is an electron micrograph scan of a South American butterfly that produces brilliant iridescent colors even though there is no color pigment present in its wing.
  • the brilliant color of the wing results from ribbed gratings that resemble a linear grating when viewed from above.
  • An analysis of this wing reveals that the wing acts similar to a volume multilayer stack composed of quarter wavelength thicknesses of two different media. Incident light reflecting off of the surface of the wing adds coherently to produce a brilliant blue color of light for an observer's eye.
  • Fig. 2 is a side view of a digitized surface texture having a high efficiency reflection surface otherwise known as an Aztec surface texture based in part on the principles of Fig. 1.
  • a plurality of fine terraced steps 28 or gratings at equal spacings 32 are superimposed onto a coarse circular grating as viewed from above in Fig. 3.
  • the terraced steps 28 form a parabolic- shaped cross-section as shown by line A in Fig. 2.
  • a coating 14 of highly reflective material is provided on the surface of each terraced step 28.
  • broadband light reflects off the surface of the terraced surface texture or substrate 12
  • the light is reflected off the equally spaced terraced steps 28 at a wavelength given by twice the step spacing 32 times the index of refraction of the surrounding medium 20.
  • the light reflecting off multiple terraced steps 28 adds coherently to produce light of a certain bandwidth as found in the aforementioned butterfly wing.
  • U.S. Patent # 4,888,260, U.S. Patent # 4,874,213, U.S. Patent # 4,839,250, U.S. Patent # 4,496,216 all issued to Cowan, describe methods and devices related to the present application; the entire teaching of all of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. These patents describe the formation of the Aztec surface texture using laser interferometry .
  • Fig. 3 is a top view of depressions 305 or cones formed in substrate 12 such as plastic. Based on a positioning of stepped depressions 305 as shown, a honeycomb pattern 300 is produced. Each depressions 305 is formed by successively deeper steps 28 of preferably equal area. That is, the surface area as viewed from above of the deepest inner step 310 is preferably equal to surface area of middle step 315 and outer step 320.
  • honeycomb pattern 300 is optionally formed by stepped cones 305 that protrude out towards an observer.
  • outer step 320 as viewed from above in Fig. 3 is optionally farthest away from observer and steps are successively formed so that innner step 310 is closest to an observer.
  • Fig. 4 is a cutaway view of a depression 305 formed on the surface of substrate 12.
  • reflective steps 28 are optionally shaped like cones protruding outward towards an observer.
  • Fig. 5 is an actual photograph of the stepped, parabolic-shaped depressions 305 that form a honeycomb pattern 300 resulting from a technique using a photo- resist and laser technology.
  • a surface texture including depressions 305 is formed in a photresist material.
  • a nickel master can be used to emboss or stamp plastic in a future process.
  • a nickel master is formed by coating the photoresist surface texture in Fig. 5 with silver and, thereafter, electroplating a layer of nickel over the silver. This layer of nickel is then separated from the photoresist to form a first generation nickel master.
  • a second generation complementary nickel master can then be electroplated from the first nickel master.
  • a master is either a flat surface with honeycomb depressions 305 or, alternatively, a protruding honeycomb array of cones .
  • Either master can be used to create impressions such as depressions 305 or cones in a material such as plastic to produce substrate 12.
  • the process of creating surface textures including cones or depressions 305 involves embossing or pressing the master directly into a substrate 12 such as a plastic sheet or surface that has been softened by heat or solvent.
  • a nickel master formed on the outer surface of a drum can be rolled to make an imprint in a soft resinous and light sensitive material that is hardened using UV light after an impression is formed.
  • the master creates impressions in the plastic as a tire leaves patterns in wet snow.
  • impressionions of the nickel master in the plastic are substantially identical such that the pattern in the plastic complements that of the master.
  • a final step involves coating the surface of the plastic with a reflective material such as aluminum or silver.
  • This is general procedure for generating substrate 12 such as embossed plastic as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • substrate 12 such as embossed plastic as shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • each groove or terraced step 28 in the sidewall of a depression 305 formed by stamping the nickel master into plastic effectively is a shelf or step 28 having preferably equal surface area.
  • successive steps 28 such as inner step 310, middle step 315 and outer step 320 are substantially parallel.
  • the step or grooved surface is over-coated with reflective metal and illuminated with broadband incident light such as white light, the reflected color in the zero order will be characteristic of the step spacing 32 and an equal amount of light will be resonantly reflected from each successive equal surface area layer.
  • the surface texture is coated with aluminum having a zero order efficiency of 90% or, alternatively, silver having a 98% efficiency in the visible spectral region. It should be noted that other reflective materials can be used to achieve similar results as provided by an aluminum or silver coating.
  • Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the tuneable electro- optic device 50 according to the principles of the present invention.
  • a reflective coating 14 of material such as metal or plastic is applied to the surface of substrate 12 such as embossed plastic.
  • Reflective coating 14 is typically an evaporated metal deposit of material approximately 50 nanometers thick.
  • Spacers 16 are formed of suitable insulating material such as glass and act to support transparent superstrate 18 directly over or adjacent to the reflective coating 14 on substrate 12. In one embodiment, substrate 12 is separated from superstrate 18 by approximately 20 micrometers .
  • Medium 20 between the reflective substrate 12 and the transparent superstrate 18 is preferably liquid crystal or a similar material having a variable index of refraction that can be controlled.
  • medium 20 such as a liquid crystal reacts to an applied voltage 40 across the reflective coating on substrate 12 and pixelated transparent conductive strips 60 on the underside of transparent superstrate 18.
  • the applied voltage 40 or electric field in medium 20 in each pixelated area such as a depression 305 or multiple neighboring depressions 305, controls the index of refraction of medium 20.
  • a desired wavelength of coherent reflected light 70 is tuned from incident light 65 by controlling the applied voltage 40 via microcontroller or microprocessor 35.
  • An optical alignment layer 62 as is well known in certain LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) applications, is used to align the liquid crystals in medium 20.
  • medium 20 is a tuned liquid crystal and there is a greater separation between substrate 12 and superstrate 18, proportionally more time is needed to tune the liquid crystal to an appropriate index of refraction.
  • incident light 65 comprised of broadband wavelengths, for example, in the range of 400 to 700 nanometers is directed towards the surface of transparent superstrate 18 as shown in Fig. 6.
  • the incident light 65 penetrates to the liquid crystal medium 20 and reflects off the reflective surface of terraced steps 28.
  • Wavelengths of reflected light 70 that correspond to the spacing 32 of each successive step 28 add constructively, creating high intensity reflected light 70 of predominantly one wavelength or narrow bandwidth.
  • This reflected light 70 can be tuned for an observer 45 as electro-optic device 50 is optionally a display.
  • the overall height of spacers 16 is at least 1.6 micrometers.
  • height of spacers 16 is preferably several times the depth of a depression 305. It should be noted that the principles of the present invention are optionally achieved using a different spacing 32 or number of terraced steps 28. For example, a greater number of steps 28 in a depression 305 results in more narrow bands of reflected light 70.
  • the index of refraction of medium 20 directly above the substantially parallel terraced steps 28 is changed to control the color of light reflected 70 back to an observer 45.
  • the wavelength of the incident light 65 transmitted into the liquid crystal medium 20 changes when it travels through medium 20.
  • the degree to which the wavelength of incident light 65 changes depends on the index of refraction of medium 20 that is traversed by incident light 65.
  • the wavelength of coherent reflected light 70 that adds constructively is therefore controlled by the applied voltage, since the applied voltage is used to control the index of refraction of medium 20.
  • One aspect of the present invention is directed towards generating reflected light 70 in the visual spectrum.
  • the number of terraced steps 28 for a particular depression or cone 305 can be varied to adjust the bandwidth of reflected light 70. It is recognized that the bandwidth of coherent light reflected off terraced steps 28 is inversely proportional to the number of steps in a depression or cone 305. For example, a depression 305 with five steps can generally produce reflected light 70 having a bandwidth of approximately lOOnm. A reflective texture including nine terraced steps 28 generally results in a more narrow bandwidth of reflected light 70 of roughly 50-60nm. Accordingly, the number of steps 28 in a depression 305 or cone can be varied to produce more or less monochromatic reflected light 70.
  • any color can be produced by mixing appropriate quantities of primary colors red, green and blue.
  • the present invention optionally achieves this by creating pixelated zones as shown in Fig. 7 of these three colors, similar to pixels on a display of a televison set.
  • Transparent conductive strips 60 above each corresponding depression 305 or cone form colored pixel regions that are driven by a voltage source to create an electric field that adjusts the index of refraction of medium 20 to produce the desired color of reflected light 70.
  • a higher resolution picture can be produced for an observer 45.
  • the viewing region according to the principles of the present invention can be made highly flexible and flat.
  • the spacing 32 of the terraced steps 28 on each cone or depression 305 are optionally selected in one embodiment for optimizing a color pattern.
  • successive spacings 32 of substantially parallel terraces 28 in a cone or depression 305 for a red region is optionally different than the successive spacing of substantially parallel terraces 28 in a cone or depression 305 for a blue region.
  • a group of three closely packed cones or depressions 305, corresponding to red, green and blue can have terraced steps 28 of three different heights (not shown) optimized for an appropriate color in each region.
  • This configuration is advantageous in applications where the index of refraction of medium 20 has a limited range of refractive indices.
  • some liquid crystal material has an index of refraction that varies by .2 or .3 based on a swing of applied voltage .
  • each depression 305 is formed by a single pixel region
  • a pixel can be formed by enlarging a conductive strip 60 to include multiple neighboring depressions 305 of honeycomb pattern 300.
  • the resulting surface texture can bend as though it were a piece of flexible paper, without causing damage to the electro-optical device 50. Consequently, the present invention is advantageous in applications where a viewing screen is exposed to harsh environments that would otherwise damage a viewing screen if it were inflexible .
  • light 66 is optionally shown through a transparent embossed substrate 12 of the device 50 to create the same visual effect to an observer 45.
  • light 66 such as broadband light shines through substrate 12 to produce coherent light for an observer 45.
  • “Moving” images can be formed by selectively energizing pixel regions similar in some respects to the way a picture is produced by a television set .
  • a microprocessor 35 controls the voltage 40 applied across multiple pixel regions or conductive strips 60 to produce an image.
  • a static image can be produced on a display according to the principles of the present invention by maintaining the voltage of each pixel for longer periods of time.
  • Depressions 305 can be asymmetrically shaped as illustrated in Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B, which are a top-view and side-view of an asymmetrical surface texture respectively. These asymmetrically-shaped depressions 305 or cones are advantageous when creating images on electro-optic device 50. Depending on an orientation of the asymmetrical depressions 305 and angle of viewing, certain orders of light can be more easily viewed by observer 45. For example, an observer looking directly down onto a flat substrate 12 views reflected light 70 from many different angles.
  • the asymmetrical surface textures can be used to beneficially produce a more consistent image and reflections of light across the surface of substrate 12 to an observer 45 when they are strategically placed on a viewing screen.
  • Fig. 12 is a graph illustrating different diffraction efficiencies for different wavelengths of reflected light 70 for asymmetrically-shaped depressions 305. Accordingly, a textured surface can be optimized for viewing different orders of light. Instead of a parabolic shaped stepped depression 305, steps 28 can be formed in a linear fashion so that diffracted light is concentrated in one order and in one direction for an observer 45.
  • Fig. 9 is a photograph of asymmetrical surface textures according to the principles of the present invention as previously described.
  • Fig. 10 is a photograph of a cross-sectional view of a complex asymmetrical surface texture.
  • steps 28 can be formed as successive grooves in medium 20 rather than ideally shaped steps 28 as previously shown in other figures.
  • the principles of the present invention can be achieved by providing a coating 14 only on top surfaces of steps 28 rather than the whole surface including sidewalls.
  • the calculated diffraction efficiencies of the symmetrical and asymmetrical surface textures are unique as illustrated in Fig. 11 for symmetrically shaped depressions 305 (see Fig. 3) and Fig. 12 for asymmetrically shaped depressions 305 (see Fig.
  • the zero order reflection covers a range of light in the visible spectrum and is predominant over all of the diffracted orders.
  • Fig. 12 for the asymmetrical surface textures, on the other hand, the incident visible spectrum is divided into blue, green, and red. These colors correspond respectively to the -1, 0 and +1 orders. Notably, each order generally has a comparable diffraction efficiency. As previously mentioned, these surface textures can be used to optimize reflections off a textured surface .
  • Fig. 13 is a side view of tilted reflective surface textures according to the principles of the present invention.
  • the glare produced by reflected light off a display prevents observers from viewing an image on the display, thwarting its very purpose.
  • Tilting depressions 305 as shown according to the principles of the present invention is advantageous in display applications where a glare might render it difficult or impossible to view a picture on a display.
  • Substrate 12 includes depressions 305 or cones that are angled with respect to conductive strip 60 and transparent superstrate 18.
  • the depressions 305 are tilted with respect to a planar axis of the substrate 12.
  • glare 75 is produced because some incident light 65 provided at a 30 degree angle with respect to a normal axis of superstrate 18 reflects off the surface of transparent superstrate 18.
  • glare 75 in the present application is reflected away from observer 45.
  • the depressions are tilted at an angle ⁇ of ⁇ /2 degrees with respect to substrate 12.
  • internally refracted light 67 reflects off reflective coating 14 of substrate 12 towards observer 45 to produce a colored beam 70 without any glare 75.
  • beam 70 is zero-order diffracted light from grating or steps 28 of corresponding depressions 305.
  • Fig. 14 is a side view diagram of an electro- optical device for tuning wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention.
  • the electro-optic device 51 is similar to the electro- optic device 50 as previously described in Fig. 6.
  • cones 305 or depressions of spacing 132, i.e., the distance between each terraced step, as shown in Fig. 14 are formed in a first substrate 113 and second substrate 112 using techniques as previously discussed.
  • the first substrate 113 and second substrate 112 such as plastic are preferably transparent.
  • a reflective coating 115 is applied to the exposed surfaces of each substrate.
  • Reflective coating 115 can be applied by means of vacuum deposition to the surface of substrate 112 such as embossed plastic and is preferably a high-index (n » 2) non-absorbing dielectric material approximately 100 nanometers thick. It should be noted that coating 115 can also be a thin evaporated layer of reflective metal, such as silver having a thickness of approximately 30 nanometers .
  • Spacers 116 are formed of suitable insulating material such as glass and act to support a separation of the first conductive superstrate 119 and second conductive superstrate 118.
  • the first substrate 113 and second substrate 112 are positioned so that the cones 305 of each substrate face each.
  • the substrates are parallel.
  • Medium 120 between the reflective first substrate 113 and second substrate 112 is a material having a variable index of refraction.
  • medium 120 is a liquid crystal material 20, which reacts to an applied voltage 140 across first conductive superstrate 119 and second conductive superstrate 118.
  • electro-optic device 51 in contrast to the electro-optical device 50, electro-optic device 51 as shown in Fig. 14 does not include pixel regions for creating colored beams of light for an observer 45. Also electro-optic device 51 does not necessarily require liquid crystal alignment layers since alignment of crystals is achieved by the grating structure or steps 128 formed on first substrate 113 and second substrate 112.
  • broadband incident light 166 from, for example, a fiber is incident to first conductive superstrate 119.
  • the incident light 166 penetrates through the first substrate 113 and corresponding coating 115 to medium 120.
  • the wavelengths of incident light 166 that transmits out of device 51 to produce output light 167 are adjusted according to the index of refraction of medium 120.
  • This light is then transmitted to second substrate and corresponding terraced steps 128.
  • a portion of incident light 166 transmits through to the second substrate to produce output light 167 while a portion of incident light 166 striking surface texture of second substrate 112 reflects towards first substrate 113, opposite to the original direction of incident light 166.
  • first conductive layer 119 and second conductive layer 118 can be minimized by providing anti -reflective surface textures at corresponding exposed end surfaces of electro-optic device 51 .
  • output light 168 that does not pass completely through electro- optic device 51 is zero order light having a bandwidth less than 10 nanometers. As mentioned previously, more narrow bands are achieved by providing more steps 128. Accordingly, electro-optic device 51 can be used to extract certain wavelengths from, for example, a broadband light source such as light in a fiber optic cable carrying incident light 166.
  • Device 51 has advantageous properties because it can selectively tune a wavelength that is to be filtered from an incoming incident light 166. Thus, a single device can be dynamically tuned at different times to extract different wavelengths of incident light 166. Another advantage of electro-optic device 51 is that the surface textures including depressions 305 or cones can be cheaply and easily replicated. In contrast, the process of manufacturing thin film coatings is tedious and expensive.
  • Fig. 15 is a graph illustrating transmissive- reflective characteristics of electro-optic device 51 described above for a spectral band of incident light between 1250 to 1400 nanometers. As shown, the peaks or spikes 1500 indicate which broadband incident light 166 gets reflected as output light 168 and which light passes through electro-optic device 51 as output light 167. The calculations as shown in the graph are based on a configuration of electro-optic device 51 where the first substrate 113 and second substrate 112 have ten steps 128 per cone 305 or depression at adjacent spacings of 1.0 micrometer, a step spacing 132 of 0.8 micrometers, and a substrate separation that is supported by a length of spacers 116 of twenty micrometers.
  • depressions 305 on the facing of first substrate 113 for this example are offset by one hundred and eighty degrees. That is, the depressions or cones 305 on facing substrates do not necessarily line up with each other. The same results are expected, however, whether the depressions 305 on opposite facings are aligned or not.
  • Fig. 16 is a graph illustrating a magnification of peak 1500 shown in Fig. 15.
  • the graph illustrates that a configuration of electro-optic device 51 can be electrically tuned so that wavelengths in a specific range such as a 0.5 nanometer range are reflected as output light 168 while other wavelengths pass through device 51 as output light 167.
  • Fig. 19 is a graph illustrating the transmissivity of wavelengths between 1500 and 1650 for incident light 166 through electro-optical device 51. As shown, most wavelengths are transmitted through electro-optic device 51 as output light 167 at an efficiency of greater than 88%. The transmission efficiency through device 51 is lower than that shown in Fig. 17 because reflectivity losses occur at a device 51 interface such as air. Higher transmissivity of wavelengths through electro- optical device 51 can be achieved by affixing an embossed antireflection surface to outer surface of first conductive layer 119 and second conductive layer 118.
  • Fig. 20 is a wavelength multiplexor system according to the principles of the present invention. As shown, multiple wavelengths ⁇ x through ⁇ 10 are provided by first optical fiber 201. This incident light is directed through electro-optic device 51, which is tuned to reflect ⁇ 10 back towards first optical fiber 201 and pass wavelengths ⁇ ⁇ -X 9 to couple onto second optical fiber 202. A lengthwise axis of optical device
  • first optical fiber 51 is aligned with the axis of first optical fiber 201 and second optical fiber 202 to support appropriate coupling of wavelengths to each fiber.
  • Fig. 21 is a wavelength multiplexor system for multiplexing wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention.
  • Incident light K ⁇ X ⁇ is directed towards electro-optical tuning device 51 that is tilted at an angle with respect to a lengthwise axis of first optical fiber 201.
  • electro-optic device 51 is tuned to ⁇ 10 as shown, wavelength ⁇ 10 is reflected back from device 51 into second optical fiber 202 that is disposed to receive this reflected light.
  • Wavelengths ⁇ - L - ⁇ g pass through electro-optic device and couple onto third optical fiber 203. Accordingly, electro-optic device 51 can be tuned to reflect out certain wavelengths to support wavelength division multiplexing.
  • Fig. 22 is another wavelength multiplexor system for multiplexing wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention. Incident light of wavelengths X- L and ⁇ 2 is provided by first optical fiber 201.
  • first electro-optical device 53 and second electro-optic device can be tuned to multiplex a tuned wavelength to other fibers. If this system as in Fig. 22 is expanded to include cascaded electro-optic devices, multiple wavelengths from one fiber can be multiplexed to another single fiber or split among multiple fibers.
  • Fig. 23 is yet another wavelength multiplexor system for multiplexing wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention. The operation of such a system is similar to the systems as previously described. However, a first optical circulator 230 and a second optical circulator 235 are also tuned to redirect selected wavelengths. For example, first optical circulator 203 allows wavelengths X 1 -X 2 to pass through to second electro-optical device 52, which is tuned to reflect back X towards first optical circulator 230 as shown. First optical circulator 230 receives wavelength X x and is tuned to redirect wavelength X ⁇ out second optical fiber 202.
  • first electro-optical device 53 is tuned to reflect back wavelength ⁇ 4 provided by third optical fiber to second optical circulator 235. Wavelength ⁇ 4 is then redirected by second optical circulator 235 onto fourth optical fiber 204. Accordingly, the optical circulators and electro-optic devices can be tuned to support redirection of wavelengths onto selected fibers. It should be noted that optical circulators are optionally replaced with an optical splitter or angled mirror that allows electromagnetic waves to pass in one direction through the mirror but reflects such waves in an opposite direction. Thus, selected waves that are reflected back from an electro-optic device 51 can be redirected to other fibers.
  • Fig. 24 is another system for multiplexing wavelengths according to the principles of the present invention.
  • a wavelength ⁇ 2 incident from a first optical fiber 201 can be redirected to fourth optical fiber 204 by tuning electro-optic device 51 to a wavelength of ⁇ 2 .
  • Wavelengths other than ⁇ 2 such as X ⁇ and ⁇ 3 - ⁇ n are transmitted through electro-optic device 51 onto third optical fiber 203.
  • a wavelength ⁇ '2 provided at second optical fiber 202 can be redirected towards third optical fiber 203 so that the wavelength is effectively added to an output fiber.
  • lenses can be used to expand incident light from fibers so that optical energy is more equally distributed along a surface of the electro-optic device 51.

Abstract

Des textures de surface gravées dans un substrat, par exemple en plastique, sont constituées par des creux ou des cônes de surface présentant des gradins en terrasse réfléchissants placés à égale distance et destinés à prendre en charge les réflexions cohérentes de lumière incidente. On produit une couleur ou une largeur de bande souhaitée de lumière cohérente réfléchie par ces gradins en terrasse en ajustant l'indice de réfraction d'un matériau en communication avec les gradins en terrasse dudit substrat. L'indice de réfraction de chaque zone de gradins en terrasse est de préférence régulé sur la base d'un champ électrique appliqué. Ainsi, la lumière réfléchie par plusieurs zones régulées peut être utilisée pour produire une image destinée à un observateur.
PCT/US2000/018882 1999-07-12 2000-07-12 Dispositif electro-optique permettant l'accord en longueur d'onde WO2001004697A1 (fr)

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AU60866/00A AU6086600A (en) 1999-07-12 2000-07-12 Electro-optic device allowing wavelength tuning
EP00947213A EP1203260A1 (fr) 1999-07-12 2000-07-12 Dispositif electro-optique permettant l'accord en longueur d'onde
CA002378180A CA2378180A1 (fr) 1999-07-12 2000-07-12 Dispositif electro-optique permettant l'accord en longueur d'onde

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US60/143,284 1999-07-12

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US7094595B2 (en) 2000-10-30 2006-08-22 Sru Biosystems, Inc. Label-free high-throughput optical technique for detecting biomolecular interactions
US7309614B1 (en) 2002-12-04 2007-12-18 Sru Biosystems, Inc. Self-referencing biodetection method and patterned bioassays
US7460303B2 (en) 2000-08-01 2008-12-02 Aztec Systems, Inc. Directional diffuser
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WO2005115119A3 (fr) * 2004-05-25 2009-04-30 Cowan James J Structure a relief de surface
US8111401B2 (en) 1999-11-05 2012-02-07 Robert Magnusson Guided-mode resonance sensors employing angular, spectral, modal, and polarization diversity for high-precision sensing in compact formats
US9778267B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2017-10-03 X-Body, Inc. Methods for identifying modulators of ion channels
US10359573B2 (en) 1999-11-05 2019-07-23 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Resonant waveguide-granting devices and methods for using same
US11016100B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2021-05-25 X-Body, Inc. Methods for identifying modulators of ion channels

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US10359573B2 (en) 1999-11-05 2019-07-23 Board Of Regents, The University Of Texas System Resonant waveguide-granting devices and methods for using same
US8111401B2 (en) 1999-11-05 2012-02-07 Robert Magnusson Guided-mode resonance sensors employing angular, spectral, modal, and polarization diversity for high-precision sensing in compact formats
US7460303B2 (en) 2000-08-01 2008-12-02 Aztec Systems, Inc. Directional diffuser
US7094595B2 (en) 2000-10-30 2006-08-22 Sru Biosystems, Inc. Label-free high-throughput optical technique for detecting biomolecular interactions
US7221512B2 (en) 2002-01-24 2007-05-22 Nanoventions, Inc. Light control material for displaying color information, and images
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US9063274B2 (en) 2002-01-24 2015-06-23 Nanoventions, Inc. Light control material for displaying color, information, and images
EP1476782A4 (fr) * 2002-01-24 2006-06-07 Nanoventions Inc Matiere de commande de lumiere permettant l'affichage de couleur, d'information et d'images
US7309614B1 (en) 2002-12-04 2007-12-18 Sru Biosystems, Inc. Self-referencing biodetection method and patterned bioassays
US7497992B2 (en) 2003-05-08 2009-03-03 Sru Biosystems, Inc. Detection of biochemical interactions on a biosensor using tunable filters and tunable lasers
WO2005115119A3 (fr) * 2004-05-25 2009-04-30 Cowan James J Structure a relief de surface
US9778267B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2017-10-03 X-Body, Inc. Methods for identifying modulators of ion channels
US11016100B2 (en) 2007-07-11 2021-05-25 X-Body, Inc. Methods for identifying modulators of ion channels

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CA2378180A1 (fr) 2001-01-18
EP1203260A1 (fr) 2002-05-08
AU6086600A (en) 2001-01-30

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