Patent ID: 6560014
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
An electro-optic waveplate for changing the state of polarization of light passing therethrough while providing a substantially constant birefringence when the principal birefringent axes of the electro-optic waveplate are rotated, comprising:a birefringent material having two principal orthogonal birefringent axes that are rotatable in the presence of suitably applied voltages, the birefringent material having a first end and a second end and having a longitudinal axis of length L defined therebetween; at least four voltage sources providing at least four related different voltages simultaneously along sequential or contiguous regions of the birefringent material for providing at least four controllable and varying electric fields to the birefringent material, such that retardance of the birefringent material remains substantially constant while the birefringent axes thereof are rotated for changing the state of polarization of light passing therethrough to a desired state, wherein the at least four different voltages have a phase relationship or a phase and magnitude relationship therebetween.