METHOD FOR RAISING EFFICIENCY OF LINEAR OPTOELECTRONIC DIGITAL-TO-ANALOG SIGNAL CONVERTER Russian patent published in 2000 - IPC

FIELD: optoelectronic information engineering; data display systems. SUBSTANCE: method includes input of parallel light flux formed by laser radiation source through prism into planar optical waveguide and output of one's complement converted input signal. Sufficient difference between refraction indices of waveguide and second upper substrate ensures propagation of light flux over waveguide by means of full internal returns. Changing refraction index of liquid crystal layer provides for full controlled internal returns of incoming light flux on lower surfaces. Applying input signal voltage corresponding to zero value to transparent bit electrodes provides for reflection of entire light flux; supplying one through liquid crystal layer ensures passage of half, then quarter, etc. of light flux and remaining portion of the latter incident on glass plates is reflected due to full internal return. EFFECT: improved efficiency and precision of digital signal conversion to optical analog signal. 8 dwg