Patent ID: 7146070
Filing Date: 2006-12-05
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a polarization insensitive wave guide switching means, comprising: a wave guide substrate; at least one planar wave guide attached to the wave guide substrate; a liquid crystal material attached to the wave guide substrate, the liquid crystal material in operative optical contact with the at least one planar wave guide, the liquid crystal material having a first and second state, wherein the index of refraction of the liquid crystal material in the first state matches the index of refraction of the at least one planar wave guide, and wherein the index of refraction of the liquid crystal material in the second state does not match the index of refraction of the at least one planar wave guide; a means for applying an electric field across the liquid crystal material, wherein the liquid crystal material switches between the first state mid the second state as the electric field is applied; wherein a beam of light in any polarization propagating in the wave guide is not reflected when the beam of light in any polarization reaches the liquid crystal material in the first state, and wherein the beam of light in any polarization is reflected when the liquid crystal material is in the second state.