Patent ID: 7733556
Filing Date: 2010-06-08
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
1. An optical processing device comprising: a first birefringent element imparting a first phase shift to light passing therethough, the birefringence of said element having a functional variation with temperature; and at least a second birefringent element disposed serially to said first element such that said light traverses both elements, said second birefringent element imparting a second phase shift to said light; wherein the birefringence of said second element has a functional variation with temperature different from that of said first element, and wherein said elements are mutually aligned such that the functional variation of the birefringence of said optical processing device is reduced in comparison with the functional variation of said birefringence of either one of said elements alone, and wherein one of said birefringent elements is pixilated, at least one of said pixels being activated by means of an applied control signal to impart a controllable phase shift to light traversing said at least one pixel.