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US 6,473,543 B2Granted
Optical component
AssigneeBartels Mikrotechnik GmbH
InventorFrank Bartels
Life of this patent
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AssigneeBartels Mikrotechnik GmbH
InventorFrank Bartels
Estimating the term…
An optical component comprises channels in which liquids of suitable refractive index are arranged. By displacing the liquids within the channels by means of suitable actuators, the light is optionally led through the liquid. By selecting a suitable refractive index, light beams may be deflected at any desired angles. In a miniaturized embodiment, light beams can be controlled at high frequencies. In a light-conducting basic body, suitable cavities are connected to channels, and arranged in the channels is a liquid with a refractive index which essentially corresponds to the refractive index of the basic body. By means of piezoelectric actuators, which are arranged on the cavities, the liquid is displaced into the channels. As a result, light which leads through the basic body is deflected in optionally two different directions, and an optical switch is provided.
An optical component comprising:
The optical component according to claim, whereby said first (20) and second (201) cavities and said piezoelectric actuator (24) are dimensioned so that said liquid (F) together with said corresponding design of said first (20) and second (201) cavities functions as a fluid directional amplifier of said actuator (24).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.