Patent ID: 7177494
Filing Date: 2007-02-13
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
1. An optical control device, comprising: a first member including an electrical conductor; a second member including an electrical conductor; an active stage providing a total internal reflection stage between the first member and the second member, the active stage including a liquid crystal with an index of refraction that can be varied from about 1.56 to about 1.73, and the total internal reflection associated with the total internal reflection stage covers the optical visible spectrum; a first transmission region for transmitting a first optical signal toward the first member; and a second transmission region for transmitting a second optical signal toward the second member; wherein the index of refraction of the active stage can be varied to reflect at least one of the first optical signal and the second optical signal while permitting the transmission of at least one of the other of the first optical signal and the second optical signal through the first and second member.