Patent CA-1137797-A (CA)
Inventor: HENRY CHARLES R
IPC: G03H5/00
Filed: 1978-08-30
Granted: 1982-12-21
Abstract: ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE      Disclosed, a system comprising elements distributed in three-dimensions which is designed for the utiliza-tion of propagating energy and/or energy fields which is/are affected by the shape, the surface characteris-tics, the size, the composition, and particularly, the distribution of the elements and/or the distribution of the voids between the elements; all of which may func-tion together as a system of modulators, detectors, demodulators, collectors, absorbers, transmitters, oscillators, transformational devices, transducers, or any combination of the above functions.  Such a system of elements is described as having an ordered, three-dimensional distribution with respect to an orderly sys-tem of points which occur in specific relative positions. Modulating elements may be integral with this point dis-tribution, such as in the case of a crystal lattice. In one such embodiment, crystals, whose atoms have distribution in planes with interfacial angles of between approximately 39° and approximately 54°, are utilized. In other embodiments, distinct elements larger than atoms are arranged in ordered, three-dimensional point distributions.  While many different shapes, sizes, and distributions of elements with various surfaces may be utilized, spherical elements are preferred due to their symmetry.  The centers of such elements are preferably coincident with respective points in the ordered point distribution.  In some embodiments of the invention, the spherical elements are stacked in pyramids wherein numerous sets of parallel planes of elements coexist.            The distributions of these sets of parallel planes is a function of the face-to-base angles of the pyramids. These face-to-base angles occur between the angles of approximately 39° and approximately 54°.  The interac-tion of propagating energy and/or energy fields with these sets of planes of elements may be utilized for the distribution, transmission, detection, and collec-tion of mechanical, electromagnetic magnetic, gravita-tional, electrostatic, electromechanical, and/or pressure vacuum energy.  Additionally, this propagating energy and/or energy field may be of a controlled or of a more random nature and may originate inside and/or outside the distribution of elements.  Modulating elements utilized may display various modulation characteristics depending of the size, shape, position, and composi-tion of each element relative to the propagating energy and/or energy field with which they interact.  There may be optical modulating elements which are substan-tially transmissive or diffractive, as well as elements exhibiting substantial or near total reflectivity. Also, mixtures of reflective diffractive, and refrac-tive elements may be-utilized.  In one embodiment, electro-optic liquid crystal media are used in combina-tion with reflective elements which provides for the individual control of the electro-optic liquid crystal elements.  The three-dimensional arrays of elements that embody the primary concern of this invention may also comprise many distinct but integral portions, some of which may function as modulators or encoders of propagating energy and/or energy fields incident thereon or emitted therefrom -while other portions of the array may function as screens, resolvers, or demod-ulators.  In some instances a single element may func-tion as a modulator and demodulator simultaneously.