Patent ID: 6470105
Filing Date: 2002-10-22
Classification: G02F

Abstract:
A bistable switchable waveguide having first and second states, said waveguide guiding light along a predetermined path in said first state, said waveguide comprising:a guide layer comprising a layer of a material having a first index of refraction when the molecules of said material are aligned in a first direction and a second index of refraction when said molecules are aligned in a second direction; first and second surfaces in contact with said guide layer, said guide layer being sandwiched between said first and second surfaces, said first surface causing said molecules of said guide layer adjacent to said first surface to be aligned in said first direction, and said second surface having first and second regions in which said second surface causes said molecules of said guide layer adjacent to said second surface to be aligned in said first direction, said second surface further comprising a third region in which said second surface causes said molecules of said guide layer adjacent to said second surface to be aligned in said second direction; and first and second electrodes for causing said molecules of said guide layer to be preferentially aligned in said second direction in a region bounded by said third region and said first surface.