Pixel intensity modulator

Abstract

An apparatus to modulate the intensity of a pixel displayed on a screen focused optical energy from a broadband source onto a reflective first face of a planar member. The first face is disposed in said first propagation path at a selected angle thereto to direct optical energy along a second propagation path. A planar mirror is disposed in the second propagation path. The plane of the mirror is actuatable to orientate the mirror within a range of angles to said second propagation path between a first angle limit and a second angle limit. A second focusing lens disposed in the second propagation path to focus optical energy reflected from the first face onto the mirror. The mirror when at the first angle limit reflects optical energy along the second propagation path to the first face and when at the second angle limit reflects optical energy along a third propagation path adjacent an edge of the planar member and external thereto so that flux of optical energy along the third propagation path is a function of the present orientation of the mirror between the first angle limit and the second angle limit. The screen is disposed in the third propagation path wherein the flux of optical energy along the third propagation path when focused on the screen determines the intensity of the pixel.