Patent ID: 9726827
Date: 2017-08-08
CPC Classifications: G02B

Claim:
1. A method for simultaneously switching light between N light inputs and M light outputs at a switching rate corresponding to a time duration of about 10 microseconds, the method comprising: determining a first function representing a spatial distribution of the M light outputs in an output surface, wherein said M light outputs are spatially-discrete, wherein M>1; illuminating only a first surface area of a first two-dimensional (2D) array of micro-reflector elements with light from a first light input of the N light inputs, wherein N>1, illuminating only a second surface area of said first 2D array with light from a second light input of said N light inputs, wherein the first area and the second area are spatially separate from one another and respectively correspond to the first and second light inputs; calculating a second function representing a Fourier transform of said first function at the intermediate plane; and positioning micro-reflector elements of the first 2D array in a pattern represented by the second function.