Patent ID: 6585382
Filing Date: 2003-07-01
Classification: G02B,G02F

Abstract:
An optical system for producing an attenuated or directed signal, comprising:means for receiving at least one incident signal of electromagnetic radiation; attenuating/directing means for accepting said at least one incident signal of electromagnetic radiation from said receiving means and for providing at least one attenuated or directed output signal of electromagnetic radiation, said attenuating/directing means including a single stage comprising a switchable mirror; means operably associated with said single stage for controlling said switchable mirror in such a manner as to attenuate said at least one incident signal as it strikes said switchable mirror; said controlling means further preselectively controlling the amount of said attenuation of said at least one incident signal; said switchable mirror directing said at least one incident signal to at least one of two angular directions; means operably associated with said single stage for controlling the amount of said at least one incident signal directed to said at least one of said two angular directions; and means for outputting said at least one incident signal after it propagates into and out of/from said switchable mirror in free space.