Patent ID: 6661495
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: C09K,G02B,G02F

Abstract:
An apparatus comprising:first and second linear polarizers; first and second quarter wave plates positioned between the first and second linear polarizers; a beam splitting mirror positioned between the first and second quarter wave plates, and; a first optical element positioned between the first linear polarizer and the first quarter wave plate, the first optical element formed from polymer dispersed liquid crystal material, wherein the first optical element is configured to transmit substantially all light incident thereon without substantial alteration when the first optical element operates in an inactive state, and wherein the first optical element is configured to alter a substantial portion of a first bandwidth of light incident thereon when the first optical element operates in an active state; a second optical element positioned between the first optical element and the first quarter wave plate, the second optical element formed from polymer dispersed liquid crystal material, wherein the second optical element is configured to transmit substantially all light incident thereon without substantial alteration when the second optical element operates in an inactive state, and wherein the second optical element is configured to alter light a substantial portion of a second bandwidth of light incident thereon when the second optical element operates in an active state, and; a third optical element positioned between the first optical element and the first quarter wave plate, the third optical element formed from polymer dispersed liquid crystal material, wherein the third optical element is configured to transmit substantially all light incident thereon without substantial alteration when the third optical element operates in an inactive state, and wherein the third optical element is configured to alter a substantial portion of a third bandwidth of light incident thereon when the third optical element operates in an active state; wherein the third optical element is positioned between the second optical element and the first quarter wave plate.