The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 23, 2002
Filed:
Feb. 29, 2000
LaserComm Inc., Plano, TX (US);
Abstract
The invention relates to apparatus and methods for transforming a spatial mode of an optical signal. The apparatus includes an optical phase element for imparting a predetermined spatially selective phase delay to the optical signal, and a mask in optical communication with the optical phase element. The mask, in one embodiment, includes an optically attenuating region disposed in a predetermined spatial pattern. In one aspect of the invention, the optical signal is transformed from a first spatial mode to a second spatial mode. In another aspect of the invention, the mask includes an absorbing material arranged in a predetermined spatial pattern. In yet another aspect of the invention, the mask includes a scattering material arranged in a predetermined spatial pattern. The invention also relates to a method for transforming a spatial mode of an optical signal. The method includes the step of receiving the optical signal having a first spatial mode with an intensity distribution and a phase. The method further includes the steps of selectively spatially attenuating the intensity distribution of the first spatial mode of the optical signal, selectively spatially delaying the phase of the optical signal, and propagating the selectively spatially attenuated and delayed optical signal. The first spatial mode of the optical signal is substantially transformed into a second spatial mode.