Switchable Zero Order Diffraction Gratings as Light Valves.

Abstract

The aim of this project is to fabricate a light valve which operates on the principle of the cancellation of the zero order of diffraction. The light valve consists of two facing aligned phase gratings in a transparent medium. Displacing one grating with respect to the other by one-half of one grating period switches the valve from a transmitting to an absorbing state. The light valve is to be about 1-2 mm square and be mass producible into matrix addressable arrays. Arrays of this type can operate as displays or as spatial light modulators for optical signal processing. We have chosen to fabricate the light element using polyvinilydine fluoride (PVF2) which is a transparent piezoelectric. The gratings are embossed into the plastic and the piezoelectricity is used to produce the motion needed for switching.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA150129

Entities

People

  • J. Melngailis

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Construction
  • Diffraction
  • Elements
  • Engineering
  • Fabrication
  • Films
  • Flat Panel Displays
  • Gratings (Spectra)
  • Light Transmission
  • Massachusetts
  • Materials
  • Military Research
  • Optical Modulators
  • Program Management
  • Reactive Ion Etching
  • Signal Processing
  • Technical Information Centers

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Technology.
  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Optical Physics and Photonics.