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US 2002/0118530 A1Published application
Enhancing the output of a polarized light source using birefringent materials
OwnerEric C. Hannah, Michael O'Connorinventors
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A light source may enhance the generation of circularly polarized light of a desired polarization state. The light that is produced by a lamp and initially rejected by a circular polarizer may be subjected to polarization reversal. The polarization reversed light may again impinge on the circular polarizer. A substantial percentage of the previously rejected and then polarization reversed light is passed by the circular polarizer.
Claims21
A light source comprising:
- a lamp;
- a circular polarizer to pass light in one polarization state;
- and
- a device to reverse the state of polarization of light that is not passed by said circular polarizer, said device including a birefringent material.
1 more element
A reflective spatial light modulator comprising:
- a light source including a lamp, a circular polarizer to pass light in one polarization state, and a device to reverse the polarization state of light that is not passed by said circular polarizer, said device including a birefringent material;
- and
- a modulator to receive the light from said light source.
A method comprising:
- generating light;
- passing a first portion of said light in a first circular polarization state and rejecting a second portion of said light in a second circular polarization state;
- and
- reversing the polarization state of said second portion by passing said second portion through a birefringent material.
1 more element
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.