Pipeline pixel applications in liquid crystal-on-silicon chips

Abstract

Example embodiments include LCOS ICs. The LCOS IC includes multiple pixels, column drivers, and multiple conductive lines. The pixels are arranged in a pixel array. The column driver is configured to supply a plurality of signals to pixel columns included in the pixel array. Each of the conductive lines couples a column driver to a subset of pixels in a column of pixels. The conductive lines are configured such that two or more of the signals may be supplied to two or more of the subset of pixels with some overlapping duration.

Description

Technical field [0001] The embodiments described herein generally involve optical switches. More specifically, example embodiments relate to a liquid crystal on silicon integrated circuit (LCOS IC) that can be included in an optical switch. Background technique [0002] The signal-carrying light can be multiplexed onto the optical fiber to increase the capacity of the optical fiber and / or enable bidirectional transmission. Optical switches are often used to multiplex, demultiplex, or dynamically route specific channels where signals carry light. One type of optical switch is the wavelength selector switch (WSS), which routes a specific channel based on the wavelength of the specific channel. [0003] In some WSS, liquid crystal on silicon (LCOS) technology is used to build a display engine that deflects the wavelength of a specific channel. In LCOS technology, liquid crystals can be applied to the surface of silicon chips. The silicon chip may be coated with a reflective layer....

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0004] In some WSS, voltage differences between pixels can damage the pixel

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