Patent ID: 6560382
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: G02B,G02F,H04N

Abstract:
A system for directing optical energy through multiple optical modulation channels, comprising:an optical switch having first and second optical output ports for selectively directing an optical signal out of said first or second optical output ports; wherein said optical switch further includes: a Pockels cell for selectively transforming said optical signal between first and second polarization states; a birefringent mirror for directing said optical signal through said first optical output port when said optical signal has said first polarization state, and directing said optical signal through said second optical output port when said optical signal has said second polarization state; and a waveplate for transforming said second polarization state into said first polarization state; a first optical modulation channel for modulating said optical signal received from said first optical output port; a second optical modulation channel for modulating said optical signal received from said second optical output port; and wherein said first and second optical modulation channels each includes an acousto-optic modulator for intensity modulating said optical signal.