Accession Number:

ADD002633

Title:

Liquid Crystal Optical Switch Coupler.

Descriptive Note:

Patent,

Corporate Author:

DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON D C

Personal Author(s):

• Milton,A. Fenner

Report Date:

1975-11-11

Pagination or Media Count:

5.0

Abstract:

The patent describes an optical switch to divert a portion of optical energy from a multimode transmission line. Two rod-like dielectric materials positioned adjacent each other sandwich a liquid crystal material between the two. Input and output fiber bundles are connected to each of the rods. By use of optically transparent electrodes the index of refraction of the liquid crystal is controlled to pass one polarization of light when the crystal index of refraction is the same as the two rod-like dielectric materials and no light transfers when the index of refraction is lower.

Descriptors:

• *Waveguide couplers
• *Optical switching
• *Optical waveguides
• *Liquid crystals
• *Patents
• Fiber optics transmission lines
• Multimode
• Refractive index
• Dielectric waveguides
• Electric fields

Subject Categories:

• Fiber Optics and Integrated Optics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE