Patent ID: 6525860
Filing Date: 2003-02-25
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
An electronically variable light attenuator, comprising:an array of liquid crystal regions, the regions in a first set thereof being interspersed with the regions in a second set thereof, such array being adapted to receive a beam of light directed along an axis; a pair of electrodes, at least one of the sets of liquid crystal regions being disposed between the pair of electrodes, such pair of electrodes being disposed along a common surface of the array of liquid crystal regions to produce an electric field having components disposed parallel to such common surface; wherein the regions in the first set are configured to produce a first diffraction pattern in response to the received light and the regions in the second set are configured to produce a second diffraction pattern in response to the received light; and wherein the pair of electrodes are arranged to enable the first and second diffraction patterns to combine with a degree of interference along an axis selected in accordance with an electric field produced through the at least one of the sets liquid crystal regions disposed between the pair of electrodes.