Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to beamsplitters that include optical elements to correct for beam offset. In one embodiment, a beamsplitter includes a first plate having two approximately parallel and opposing planar surfaces and a partially reflective layer coating one of the planar surfaces, and a compensator plate having two approximately parallel and opposing planar surfaces. The compensator plate is positioned so that an incident beam of light passing through the compensator plate acquires a first beam offset. Subsequently, the incident beam of light with the first beam offset passing through the first plate is split into a reflected beam and a transmitted beam by the partially reflective layer where the transmitted beam has a second beam offset that substantially cancels the first beam offset such that the transmitted beam is approximately parallel to and aligned with the incident beam.
Abstract:
An electrical interconnect includes first and second electrical contacts to be electrically connected, each electrical contact having a plurality of electrically conductive nanowires extending outwardly from a respective electrical contact; and the nanowires of the first electrical contact configured to mesh with the nanowires of the second electrical contact such that an electrical connection is established between the first electrical contact and the second electrical contact. A method for interconnecting electrical contacts includes meshing a first array of electrically conductive nanowires extending from a first electrical contact with a second array of electrically conductive nanowires extending from a second electrical contact so as to establish an electrical connection between said first and second electrical contacts.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention are directed to photovoltaic cells that include a surface relief grating to couple out-of-plane light into the leaky slab modes of the photovoltaic cells. In one embodiment of the present invention, a photovoltaic cell comprises a bottom electrode, a light-absorption layer disposed on the bottom electrode, and a top electrode disposed on the light-absorption layer. The top electrode is configured with a grating that enables light incident on the grating to be scattered into the light-absorption layer and traps incident light with particular polarizations and incident angles in the grating to interact with the light-absorption layer.
Abstract:
A system and methods for dividing an optical beam in a hollow metallized waveguide are disclosed. The method includes directing an optical signal into a first section of a hollow metallized waveguide. The optical signal is adiabatically expanded in a second section of the hollow metallized waveguide coupled to the first section. The optical signal is split with an in-plane optical beam splitter located in a third section of the hollow metallized waveguide coupled to the second section.
Abstract:
A computer system has an optical data distributing device for transmitting and distributing optical signals. A laser source generates light for forming the optical signals, and an optical fiber with a graded index of refraction couples the light from the laser source to the optical data distributing device. A lens is disposed to image light generated by the laser source into an input end of the optical fiber. The magnification of the lens is selected as a function of a ratio of a numerical aperture and diameter of the laser source divided by a ratio of a numerical aperture and diameter of the optical fiber.
Abstract:
An optical resonator configured to be tuned using piezoelectric actuation, includes a core, the core being configured to transmit light; a piezoelectric layer; a first electrode and a second electrode. The piezoelectric layer is interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode. A voltage difference across the first and second electrodes alters a geometric dimension of the piezoelectric layer such that physical force is applied to the core and a resonant optical frequency of the resonator is changed. A method of utilizing mechanical stress to tune an optical resonator includes applying physical force to the resonator by subjecting a piezoelectric material to an electric field, the physical force changing a resonant frequency of the resonator.
Abstract:
A computer system has an optical data distributing device for transmitting and distributing optical signals. A laser source generates light for forming the optical signals, and an optical fiber with a graded index of refraction couples the light from the laser source to the optical data distributing device. A lens is disposed to image light generated by the laser source into an input end of the optical fiber. The magnification of the lens is selected as a function of a ratio of a numerical aperture and diameter of the laser source divided by a ratio of a numerical aperture and diameter of the optical fiber.
Abstract:
Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to three-dimensional displays. In one aspect, a display comprises a pixel array (104) and an optical element array (102) disposed in close proximity to the pixel array. The pixel array is operated to display two or more images. The optical element array is configured and operated to direct each image to an associated viewing position, enabling a viewer to separately view each image from the associated viewing position.
Abstract:
A gain clamped optical device includes a semiconductor stack and a resonant cavity configured to emit stimulated light. A window created in the optical device is configured to emit the stimulated light in an LED mode.