High-precision optical manipulation materials

This technology is a suite of optical components that can control incoming light signals with high precision and without distortion, potentially leading to breakthroughs in virtual reality glasses, LIDAR systems, chemical spectrometers, holographic displays, and more.

Unmet Need: Precise and tunable manipulation of light signals

Manipulation of incoming and outgoing light has many applications in the fields of optoelectronics, telecommunications, and chemical research. To continue advancements in these fields, methods are needed for more precise and tunable manipulation of light signals.

The Technology: Optical components that precisely control incoming light signals without distortion

This technology is a class of optical components used for controlling light signals. The technology includes methods for manipulation of light traveling through free space or light traveling from an integrated and controllable source. These methods are thoroughly defined and present many degrees of flexibility and extreme precision. Improving upon the state-of-the-art, this technology permits interaction with light exclusively at wavelengths of interest, outlines geometry for manipulation to any polarization angle, and enables complete control over the amplitude and phase of the output signal. Similarly, it allows for hologram image generation with spatial resolution beyond the limit of visual detection.

This technology has been validated in its designs for modulating both free-space and integrated-source light signals.

Applications:

  • Virtual or augmented reality
  • Holographic imager
  • Advanced LIDAR systems
  • Optical spectrometry tools
  • Polarimetry tools
  • Electronically controllable lens or light filter
  • Super-resolution imaging or lithography tools
  • Radar-transparent materials

Advantages:

  • Presents many degrees of flexibility, allowing for extreme precision
  • Permits interaction with light exclusively at wavelengths of interest
  • Outlines geometry for manipulation to any polarization angle
  • Enables complete control over the amplitude and phase of the output signal
  • Allows for hologram image generation with spatial resolution beyond the limit of visual detection

Lead Inventor:

Nanfang Yu, Ph.D.

Patent Information:

Patent Issued

Related Publications:

Tech Ventures Reference: