Importance

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Abstract

The invention provides an optical coupling switch and flat panel display including an array of such optical coupling switches. The optical coupling switch includes a light storage plate adapted to set up conditions for total internal reflection such that light injected into the plate is internally reflected. A light tap is disposed proximal to a coupling surface of the light storage plate for coupling internally reflected light out of the light storage plate and into the light tap when the light tap is brought into contact with the light storage plate coupling surface. The light tap is capable of movement in a direction perpendicular to the light storage plate in response to an applied electrostatic force. The optical coupling switch includes a scattering mechanism, such as a scattering surface or scattering medium, for scattering light in the light tap into a viewing volume. With this configuration, the optical coupling switch provides an elegantly uncomplicated geometry that accommodates a range of actuation schemes for efficiently producing high-speed optical switching. Also provided is an optical display in which an array of light taps are disposed proximal to a light storage plate coupling surface. Each light tap is adapted to move in response to an applied electrostatic force in a direction perpendicular to the coupling surface, and each light tap includes a scattering surface for scattering coupled light. A light source is disposed at an edge of the light storage plate for injecting light into the plate. Control circuitry is provided connected to the array of light taps for applying an electrostatic force to selected one or more of the light taps in the array.

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First Claim