Proximity coupled electro-optic devices

Abstract

One or more electrodes of an electro-optic device are supported on a separate substrate which is held in close contact with the electro-optic element of the device so that the electric fields that are created when voltages are applied to such electrodes are proximity coupled into the electro-optic element. Proximity coupling is especially advantageous for multi-gate light valves and the like where separate electrical connections have to be made to a multitude of electrodes because it permits those connections to be made remotely from the electro-optic element. However, the broader aspects of proximity coupling are applicable to electro-optic devices in general, including bulk and TIR electro-optic modulators and straight through and TIR multi-gate electro-optic light valves.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.