US3909108A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical switch and modulator
Assignee: United States Department of the Navy
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Filing: 1974-05-28
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Granted: 1975-09-30
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Expires: 1994-05-28
Abstract
Abstract First and second optical waveguides are disposed along a coextensive parallel length sufficient in relation to the distance of propagation of optical energy for light transfer from one guide to the other. Thus, light propagating along one guide of the parallel waveguide arrangement will emerge from the other optical waveguide. Electrodes are disposed contiguous to the waveguides for generating electric fields of opposite sense upon the application of an electrical potential. Antisymmetric changes are thus induced in the refractive indices of the optical waveguides causing the light energy to be coupled back into the originally energized waveguide and modulating the intensity of the outputs of both waveguides.
Inventors
- 👤 Henry F Taylor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 01:28
CPC Classifications
G; G02; G02F; G02F1/00; G02F1/29; G02F1/31; G02F1/313; G02F1/3132
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
An optical switch and modulator for selectively coupling light energy from one light path to another comprising: a first optical waveguide positioned to receive said light energy; a second optical waveguide disposed parallel to said first optical waveguide along a predetermined co-extensive length; the propagation constant for a guided mode of said second optical waveguide being substantially equal to the propagation constant of a guided mode of said first optical waveguide for causing a shift of the center of guided-wave energy distribution from said first optical waveguide to said second optical waveguide within said predetermined co-extensive length and coupling light energy therebetween; a source of electrical potential; electrodes disposed contiguous to said first and second optical waveguides along said predetermined co-extensive length for generating electric fields of opposite sense thereacross upon common connection to an electrical potential; and means for selectively connecting said source of electrical potential to said electrodes, inducing simultaneous changes of opposite sense in the refractive indices of said waveguides for controlling the coupling of light energy therebetween.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
An optical switch and modulator for selectively coupling light energy from one light path to another comprising: a first optical waveguide positioned to receive said light energy; a second optical waveguide disposed parallel to said first optical waveguide along a predetermined co-extensive length; the propagation constant for a guided mode of said second optical waveguide being substantially equal to the propagation constant of a guided mode of said first optical waveguide for causing a shift of the center of guided-wave energy distribution from said first optical waveguide to said second optical waveguide within said predetermined co-extensive length and coupling light energy therebetween; a source of electrical potential; electrodes disposed contiguous to said first and second optical waveguides along said predetermined co-extensive length for generating electric fields of opposite sense thereacross upon common connection to an electrical potential; and means for selectively connecting said source of electrical potential to said electrodes, inducing simultaneous changes of opposite sense in the refractive indices of said waveguides for controlling the coupling of light energy therebetween.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
An optical switch and modulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said predetermined coextensive length is substantially equal to the distance of optical propagation required for light energy to be transferred from one optical waveguide to the other optical waveguide.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
An optical switch and modulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein said first and second optical waveguides are spaced from each other by a distance of the order of one optical wavelength of the light energy to be transferred therebetween.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
24 words
An optical switch and modulator as claimed in claim 1 wherein one of said electrodes is disposed between said first and second optical waveguides.
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) | 1978-09-29 | 1979-03-31 | 1979-09-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-09-29 | 1983-03-31 | 1983-09-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-09-29 | 1987-03-31 | 1987-09-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |