BEAM SWITCH FOR AN OPTICAL IMAGING SYSTEM

摘要

The present invention relates to a beam switch (1) for an optical imaging system. An at least partially reflecting foil (2), is sandwiched in a slanted position in a space between a first plate (3) and a second plate(4). The switch (1) further comprises a foil electrode (6) associated with said foil (2) and a first transparent electrode (5) associated with said first plate (3) and/or a second electrode (7) associated with said second plate (4). Application of a first voltage potential difference between said foil electrode (6) and at least one of said plate electrodes (5, 7) is arranged to attract said foil (2) towards a position essentially parallel with said first plate (3), in order to reflect light incident on said first plate (3) in a first direction. Application of a second voltage potential difference is arranged to allow said foil (2) to take said slanted position, reflecting light incident on said first plate (3) in a second direction.