CPC G02B 27/28 (2013.01) [G02B 5/3058 (2013.01); G02B 5/3083 (2013.01); G02B 27/286 (2013.01); G02B 30/25 (2020.01); G02F 1/0136 (2013.01); H04N 23/75 (2023.01); G02B 27/283 (2013.01); G02F 2201/17 (2013.01); H04N 2213/001 (2013.01)] | 20 Claims |
1. A system to create a plurality of light paths comprising:
a polarization modulator to receive polarized light and to modulate a polarization of some or all of the polarized light;
a digital control to select a polarization; and
a shaped optical path length extender (OPLE) having an entry surface and an exit surface, to direct light entering the OPLE with a first polarization through the entry surface and along a first light path through the OPLE to exit through the exit surface, and to direct the light entering the OPLE with a second polarization through the entry surface and along a second light path through the OPLE to exit through the exit surface;
wherein the system acts as a digitally selectable optical element, in which switching the polarization of the light provides different outputs.
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