Configurable grating based on surface relief pattern for use as a variable optical modulator

摘要

A variable modulator assembly includes an active layer (14) having a first and second surface. A deformable layer (16) is in operational contact to the first surface of the active layer, and an electrode configuration consisting of a plurality of electrodes (20) is in operational contact to the second surface of the active layer. A controller is configured to selectively apply a variable signal to the selected electrodes of the electrode configuration. Application of the variable signal causes the deformable layer to reconfigure to an alternated shape having distinct peaks and valleys. The distance between the peaks and valleys being determined by the value of the applied variable signal. <??>In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, provided is an optical modulating method, including positioning the variable modulator assembly to receive light from a light source. <IMAGE>