Importance

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Abstract

A linear light valve array having transversely driven, discretely addressable, electro-optic gates which selectively change the polarization of incident light is disclosed. The array has a plurality of spaced gates. Each gate includes a planar light receiving top surface which receives incident polarized light, and first and second spaced parallel electrode receiving surfaces that are arranged substantially normal to the top receiving surface. Discretely addressable electrodes are formed on such receiving surfaces. In response to an applied voltage, the electrodes of a gate establish a transverse electric field which changes the plane of polarization of light passing through the gate and substrate. In another aspect of this invention, a method of making such a linear light valve array is disclosed. In accordance with this method, a strip of photoresist material is formed on a wafer of electro-optic material. Grooves are then cut in the wafer on each side of the strip. A conductive layer is formed on the top surface of the wafer in the grooves and on the strip. The photoresist and its overlying conductive layer are removed. A plurality of evenly spaced parallel grooves are then cut in the wafer to define the gates.

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First Claim