Patent ID: 6775044
Filing Date: 2004-08-10
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
An optical device comprising a liquid crystal element for modulating a light signal having multiple operating wavelengths including a longest operating wavelength, the device having a maximum operating temperature, said liquid crystal element having a thickness such that the liquid crystal element is capable of causing a maximum extinction ratio of the light signal to occur, at a wavelength greater than or equal to the longest operating wavelength and at a temperature greater than the maximum operating temperature, within a range of voltage-inducable variability of the liquid crystal element, the device further comprising a voltage controller connected to the liquid crystal element so as to be capable of providing a bias voltage to drive the liquid crystal element to a maximum extinction ratio of the light signal at any of the operating wavelengths of the light signal and at any temperature below the maximum operating temperature of the device and above a minimum operating temperature of the device.