Qinetiq Limited

Gilbert William Smith

Mark Edward McNie

Keith Loder Lewis

Christopher William Slinger

Andrew Maxwell Scott

Kevin Michael Brunson

A micro-opto-electro-mechanical systems (MOEMS) electro optical modulator () having an electrically tuneable optical resonator comprising an asymmetric Fabry-Perot etalon incorporating a mirror () resiliency biased with respect to a substrate () and moveable in relation thereto in response to a voltage applied there-between. The optical modulator () is capable of modulating electromagnetic radiation having a plurality of wavelengths. The modulator is adapted to modulate the transmission of short wave infrared radiation (SWIR), medium wave infrared radiation (MWIR) and long wave infrared radiation (LWIR) and the reflection of visible radiation. A spatial optical modulator having a plurality of said MOEMS optical modulators (). A method of addressing said spatial optical modulator.

Optical modulator

An optical interference filter () is provided by a substrate () in which is formed a plurality of parallel slots so as to define layers (slots and substrate laminae) of alternating refractive index. As shown, the filter comprises a central Fabry-Perot resonator slot cavity () between two mirror groups () of alternating slots and substrate laminae, and is coupled to optical fibers () accommodated in V-grooves () on either side. For tuning, one mirror group () may be movable in the direction of arrow (A), or, where the central resonator is provided by substrate material, by altering its temperature. One or more further Fabry-Perot filters may be formed in the substrate and coupled to the filter (). The invention encompasses non-resonating filters.

Growing community of inventors

Malvern, United Kingdom

Gilbert William Smith