Patent ID: 6384953
Filing Date: 2002-05-07
Classification: G01J,G02B

Abstract:
A light valve comprising:first and second transparent layers, said layers disposed to oppose one another and thereby have inwardly facing surfaces and outwardly facing surfaces; first and second metallic layers, one such metallic layer disposed upon a portion of said inwardly facing surface of said first transparent layer and the other said metallic layer disposed upon a portion of said inwardly facing surface of said second transparent layer wherein said metallic layers are disposed to oppose each other; and first and second spectral coupling layers, one such spectral coupling layer disposed upon said outwardly facing surface of said first transparent layer opposite of said first metallic layer and the other said spectral coupling layer disposed upon said outwardly facing surface of said second transparent layer opposite of said second metallic layer; wherein said metallic layers are spaced-apart to create an air gap therebetween, said metallic layers and said air gap creating an optical cavity through which light is selectively transmitted, and wherein said air gap is adjustable upon an application of heat to said layers so that light passed through said optical cavity is controlled.