US 6,476,966 B1 · Continuously variable, wavelength-independent polarization rotator

Abstract

A useful optical device to provide continuously variable rotation of polarization of linearly polarized light in a wavelength-independent manner. This device features a cell of twisted nematic liquid crystal sandwiched between an input window and a rotatable output window, both with surfaces prepared so as to orient the nematic liquid crystal molecules. This optical device has different applications such as: variable-angle polarization rotator; using broad band polarizers as an energy attenuator; working in both cases as a wavelength independent and temporal pulse width independent device. The low cost, the very wide field of view, the wavelength and pulse width independence, the high efficiency, and its mechanical simplicity make of this new optical device a very useful and novel invention.

Claims16

Dependent claims

An optical device for rotating the polarization of linearly polarized infrared, visible and ultraviolet radiation, comprising:

an input transparent window with oriented surface coating;
an output transparent window with oriented surface coating;
a twisted Nematic liquid crystal disposed between said coated windows;
a spacer located between the input window and the output window;
means for facilitating proper alignment and precise adjustment of the spacer;
and
control means that when continuously rotating in a first direction continuously rotates one of said input window and said output window, in a second direction opposite to the first direction, whereby the direction of polarization of linearly polarized radiation entering or exiting the device is continuously rotated.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Continuously variable, wavelength-independent polarization rotator

Life of this patent

Continuously variable, wavelength-independent polarization rotator

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims16