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Accession Number:
ADD014100
Title:
Optical Switches Using Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals.
Descriptive Note:
Patent Application, Filed 15 Feb 89,
Corporate Author:
DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE WASHINGTON DC
Report Date:
1989-02-15
Pagination or Media Count:
40.0
Abstract:
This invention comprises a new group of fiber optic switching devices that use layers of surface-established ferroelectric liquid crystals FLCs as the switching media. In each of the devices light impinges upon the ferroelectric liquid crystal a an angle of 90 degrees normal incidence with the surface plane. Each FLC gives 0 degrees or 90 degree optical rotation, depending upon he polarity of the electric voltage applied. A series of polarizing beam splitters are used to separate unpolarized light into its s and p polarization components. After ferroelectric liquid crystal switching, other polarizing beam splitters are used to direct the s and p light to output optical paths. The switches discussed include voltage controlled 2 x 2, 1 x 4, 1 x 6, 1 x 8, 4 x 4 and dual plane devices that use one or more layers of surface stabilized ferroelectric liquid crystals to direct optical signals. Patent application. jhd
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE