Wavelength switching devices
OwnerRobert I Scottinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Described herein is optical apparatus (10) including switching apparatus (22, 24) for switching a beam between a first optical path (12) and a second optical path (14). The switching apparatus (22, 24) includes means (22) for altering the polarisation of the beam in accordance with an applied voltage, and means (24) for directing the beam along either the first optical path (12) or the second optical path (14) in accordance with its polarisation.
Claims17
Switching apparatus for altering the wavelength of radiation generated from a first wavelength to a second wavelength, comprising a voltage sensitive crystal and radiation modifying means, the radiation modifying means acting to alter the wavelength of the radiation in accordance with the polarisation of the radiation emitted by the voltage sensitive crystal.
A method of switching a transmitted beam between a first and a second wavelength, the method comprising the step of altering the polarisation of the beam in accordance with the desired wavelength.
A method of switching a beam between a first and a second optical path, the method comprising the step of altering the polarisation of the beam in accordance with the desired optical path.
Switching apparatus for switching a beam between a first and a second optical path, the apparatus comprising means for altering the polarisation of the beam in accordance with the desired optical path.
A method of switching a beam between a first and a second optical path substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.
Switching apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 and FIGS. 4a and 4b accompanying drawings.
A method of switching a beam between a first and a second wavelength as hereinbefore described with reference to FIGS. 4a and 4b of the accompanying drawings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.