Jds Uniphase Corporation

Optical Coating Laboratory, Inc.

Rolic Ltd.

Markus Duelli

Karen Denise Hendrix

Bryant P Hichwa

Kim Leong Tan

Anthony D McGettigan

Donald M Friedrich

Thomas A Mayer

Klaus Schmitt

Clark Pentico

Minyao Mao

Andrew Thomas Taylor

David M Shemo

Jerry Zieba

Robert W Hallock

Edward S Sherman

John D Corless

Charles Andy Hulse

Leland Scott Black

The invention relates to a polarization compensating element (PCE) for a liquid crystal, e.g. liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS), display system manufactured using a linearly photo-polymerizable polymer (LPP) for orienting a photo-polymerizable liquid crystal polymer (LCP) film. To decrease the reflection, polarization conversion, and interference events in an LPP/LCP assembly the &#x394;N birefringence value of the LCP material is minimized. Dielectric coatings are added at various locations throughout the assembly for minimizing the amount of reflection, polarization conversion, and interference effects and for suppressing spatial retardance ripples.

Polarization controlling elements

The present invention relates to trim retarders used to compensate for residual birefringence created by liquid crystal display panels. In particular the present invention relates to a trim retarder with negative out-of-plane birefringence provided by a form birefringent multi-layer dielectric stack for compensating for retardances resulting from liquid crystal on silicon display panels.

Trim retarders incorporating negative birefringence

The inventive coupling device enables a high interconnection density of single mode optical fiber in active and passive devises used in a fiber optic telecommunication system. The coupling device comprise a micro-lens formed by terminating a single mode optical fibers with an optimized gradient index fiber, thus avoiding a significant increase in fiber diameter. The gradient index is optimized to provide a long working distance to the minimum spot size so that efficient coupling can be achieved in a free space interconnection between either multiple single mode fibers or a single mode fiber to a transmitting or receiving device.

Compact optical fiber coupler

A integrating light pipe re-circulates color to improve efficiency. A number of color filters, such as blue, green, and red filters, on the end of the light pipe transmit a selected color and reflect the remaining light back into the light pipe, where it is spatially homogenized and re-circulated back to the output of the light pipe. The re-circulated homogenized light illuminates the filters, and the process repeats. Thus, most of the light from the light source eventually is transmitted through one of the color filters. The filters can provide straight boundaries between the resultant color beams, which are provided to a scrolling element, such as a rotating prism, rotating mirror drum, or linear oscillating optical element, and hence to a light valve. The combination of the re-circulating light pipe and scrolling element provide continuous color scrolling and efficient use of the broad-spectrum light from the light source.

Scrolling color projection system

A recirculating light polarizer utilizes a reflective polarizer on the exit face of a light integrator, such as a light pipe or light tunnel. Light is provided to the light integrator and light of one polarization is transmitted through the polarizer, the remaining light being reflected back into the integrator. The back-reflected light accumulates polarization shift before it eventually is reflected back to the polarizer. The reflected light is further homogenized on its trip back to the polarizer. This process is typically repeated several times to enhance the light output from the light pipe assembly, with some light being lost in each cycle due to various loss mechanisms. A polarization state modifier, such as a retarder plate or phase-shifting coatings, may be included in the recirculating light path to enhance polarization shift.

Polarizing light pipe

An electrostatic comb drive suitable for micro-electro-mechanical systems (&ldquo;MEMS&rdquo;) application uses shaped fingers to achieve bi-directional actuation from a unipolar actuation pulse. The finger shape also provides auto-braking of the movable member of the drive using a simple actuating pulse. In a further embodiment, an end stop inhibits overshoot and a back spring pushes the movable portion of the device back toward an operating position. In yet a further embodiment, a Vernier scale is provided on the movable portion of the drive relative to the fixed portion of the drive to indicate relative shift of these portions after the device is fabricated.

Bi-stable electrostatic comb drive with automatic braking

A switching signal having multiple sequential pulses is applied to a MEMS switch. A first pulse moves the switch from a first switch position toward a second switch position. After a selected dwell period, a second pulse is applied to dampen ringing or overshoot of the movable portions of the switch. In a further embodiment, non-symmetrical switching signals are used to cycle the switch from the first state to the second state, and back to the first.

Method of actuating MEMS switches

Growing community of inventors

Santa Rosa, CA, United States of America

Markus Duelli