| 摘要 |
<p>interferometric multimode fiber optic switches and modulators include combinations of various components. Two electro-optical crystals (27, 37) have a dielectric beam splitting coating (48) affixed to portions thereof. The coated portions of the two crystals are juxtaposed. Means (17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 51, 52, 53, 54) are provided for varying the indices of refraction of the two crystals (27, 37) with respect to each other. Light entering into the first crystal (27) and travelling within the two crystals (27, 37) can be switched to selectively exit from one crystal (27) or from the other (37) by varying the index of refraction of one of the crystals (27, 37) with respect to that of the other. By interferometric principle of operation, the phase relation of light is transformed into spacial direction. The crystals (27, 37) can be selected from the group consisting of lithium niobate, lithium tantalate, and barium strontium niobate. The dielectric beam splitting coating (48) can be formed of multiple layers of material such as zirconium oxide and silicon dioxide. The indices of refraction of the crystals (27, 37) are varied by applying electric fields of one polarity at opposite surfaces thereof. Light enters the various crystals (27, 37), and is reflected, and is transmitted at various surfaces (31, 34, 42, 46) thereof so that, upon entering a particular area, within the crystals (27, 37), reinforcement or interference of light can occur.</p> |
