US PATENT SUBCLASS 359 / 240
.~.~ Changing bulk optical parameter

Current as of: June, 1999
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359 /   HD   OPTICS: SYSTEMS (INCLUDING COMMUNICATION) AND ELEMENTS

237  DF  OPTICAL MODULATOR {3}
238  DF  .~ Light wave temporal modulation (e.g., frequency, amplitude, etc.) {3}
240.~.~ Changing bulk optical parameter {5}
241  DF  .~.~.~> By actinic radiation (e.g., photochromic) {3}
245  DF  .~.~.~> Electro-optic {11}
280  DF  .~.~.~> Magneto-optic {2}
285  DF  .~.~.~> Acousto-optic {2}
288  DF  .~.~.~> Thermo-optic {1}

DEFINITION

Classification: 359/240

Changing bulk optical parameter:

(under subclass 238) Subject matter comprising structure for controlling a light parameter by changing a bulk optical parameter of an optically transmitting medium.

(1) Note. "Bulk optical parameter" refers to those inherent internal characteristics of an optical element which can be defined by mathematical expressions describing their effect on light radiation (e.g., index of refraction, transmissivity, etc.) and which can be changed without producing a significant change in the shape, size, or contours of the optical element itself.

(2) Note. Included here are devices in which an optical parameter of the light control element is changed as a result of an applied electrical or magnetic field, an applied acoustic wave, a change in chemical structure, or by any other mechanism which primarily alters the bulk optical parameters rather than the physical shape, size, or contours of an optical medium.

SEE OR SEARCH THIS CLASS, SUBCLASS:

577+, for light control by light interference.

738+, for light controlling structure combined with a lens.

SEE OR SEARCH CLASS 345, Computer Graphics Processing, Operator Interface Processing, and Selective Visual Display Systems,

48+, and 84+ for selective electrical control of displays having light-controlling display elements.

372, Coherent Light Generators, appropriate subclasses for lasers including light control means.