A. Johnson - San Leandro CA, US David Hice - Morgan Hill CA, US
International Classification:
G02B026/02
US Classification:
359/230000
Abstract:
A light shutter for controlling a light signal between occluded and uninterrupted states. The shutter has a frame which mounts a beam under compression so that it assumes either of two bi-stable buckled positions. An occluder is mounted on the beam, A shape memory alloy actuator is provided which applies a force transverse on the beam as the actuator is heated to its shape change transition temperature. The transverse force bends the beam, causing it to buckle to the opposite bi-stable position. This moves the occluder into or out of the path of the light signal.