Patent ID: 6667827
Filing Date: 2003-12-23
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A beam shutter comprising:a plane-parallel birefringent element for separation arranged to separate input light beams having orthogonal polarization directions on the same optical path; a plane-parallel birefringent element for synthesis arranged to synthesize light beams having orthogonal polarization directions on different optical paths, for output; said birefringent element for separation and said birefringent element for synthesis being disposed in a spaced apart relationship; and polarization rotating means having a variable Faraday rotator, said polarization rotating means interposed between said birefringent element for separation and said birefringent element for synthesis, for magneto-optically controlling the polarization directions; wherein transmission and interruption of output light beams are controlled by switching the polarization directions by means of said variable Faraday rotator.