Patent ID: 7102822
Filing Date: 2006-09-05
Classification: G02B,G03B,H04N

Abstract:
1. A method of producing a modulated beam of electromagnetic energy, comprising: [a] providing an initial substantially collimated beam of electromagnetic energy having random polarization across substantially the entire beam; [b] resolving from the initial substantially collimated beam of electromagnetic energy a first resolved beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially a first polarization and a second resolved beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially a second polarization, whereby the first and second polarizations are different from one another; [c] forming from the first resolved beam of electromagnetic energy and the second resolved beam of electromagnetic energy a substantially rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy having substantially the same polarization across substantially the entire beam of electromagnetic energy; [d] separating the substantially rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy into two or more separate substantially rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy whereby each of the separate substantially rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy has substantially the same polarization and different electromagnetic energy as that of the other separate substantially rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy; [e] prior to step [f], adjusting at least one of the two or more separate substantially rectangular beams of electromagnetic energy by removing at least a predetermined portion of electromagnetic energy from said at least one beam at a beam stop; [f] altering the polarization of a plurality of portions of each separate substantially rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy by passing each separate substantially rectangular beam of electromagnetic energy through a respective one of a plurality of altering means whereby the polarization of the plurality of portions of each beam of electromagnetic energy is altered in response to a stimulus means by applying a signal means to the stimulus means in a predetermined manner; [g] combining the beams after at least the altering of [f]; and [h] resolving at least one of the beams after at least the altering of [f] to at least one beam having substantially the same polarization.