Liquid crystal-based laser beam scanners and laser signal receivers

Abstract

Embodiments of the disclosure provide laser beam scanners and receivers for controlling the directions of laser beams. An exemplary scanner may include a first polarizer configured to polarize a laser beam emitted from a laser source. The scanner may also include first and second transparent electrodes disposed in parallel with the first polarizer. The first transparent electrode may be closer to the first polarizer than the second transparent electrode. The scanner may also include a liquid crystal disposed between the first and second transparent electrodes and configured to selectively alter at least one property of the laser beam polarized by the first polarizer in response to a signal applied to the first or second transparent electrodes. The signal may generate a predetermined pattern on the first or second electrode to direct the laser beam polarized by the first polarizer to a predetermined direction corresponding to the predetermined pattern.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.