Abstract:
The invention concerns a micromirror comprising a fixed part (31), a mobile part (41, 48) including reflecting means (48) and articulating means linking the mobile part to the fixed part. Said micromirror is characterised in that the articulating means are formed by a pivot (47) located beneath the mobile part between the latter and the fixed part and designed to enable the mobile part to move along axes of rotation contained in the mobile part and passing through an axis of the pivot, and wherein the fixed part comprises at least a cavity (36) opposite at least a zone of one end of the mobile part. The invention also concerns an array of pivoting micromirrors and a method for making such micromirrors. Said micromirrors are useful in optical routing or image projection systems.
Abstract:
Optical cross-connect (100) involve the general concept of a two dimensional array (104) of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) tilt mirrors (106) being used to direct light coming from a first optical fiber (110) to a second optical fiber (111). Each MEMS tilt mirror (106) in the two dimensional array can rotate about its x and y axis and is suspended by a plurality of suspension arms (450) attached to a glass substrate.
Abstract:
Optical cross-connect systems (100) involve the general concept of a two dimensional array (104) of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) tilt mirrors (106) being used to direct light coming from a first optical fiber (110) to a second optical fiber (111). Each MEMS tilt mirror (106) in the two dimensional array (104) can tilt about two non-colinear axes (x,y) and is suspended by a plurality of suspension arms (450) attached to a silicon on insulator substrate.
Abstract:
A micrometer sized, single-stage, vertical thermal actuator capable of repeatable and rapid movement of a micrometer-sized optical device off the surface of a substrate. The vertical thermal actuator is constructed on a surface of a substrate. At least one hot arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end located above the surface. A cold arm has a first end anchored to the surface and a free end. The cold arm is located above the hot arm relative to the surface. A member mechanically and electrically couples the free ends of the hot and cold arms such that the member moves away from the substrate when current is applied to at least the hot arm. The hot arm can optionally include a grounding tab to minimize thermal expansion of the cold arm.
Abstract:
Optical cross-connect systems (100) involve the general concept of a two dimensional array (104) of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) tilt mirrors (106) being used to direct light coming from a first optical fiber (110) to a second optical fiber (111). Each MEMS tilt mirror (106) in the two dimensional array (104) can tilt about two non-colinear axes (x,y) and is suspended by a plurality of suspension arms (450) attached to a silicon on insulator substrate.
Abstract:
A micromachine and a manufacturing method according to the present invention are suitable for a micromachine that has a dynamic first microstructured portion serving as a drive portion, and a static second microstructured portion adapted to perform a switching function and functions to be performed as an optical element. The second microstructured portion can be manufactured at least without complex steps, such as a silicon process, by forming a static second microstructure on the dynamic first microstructured portion or in such a way as to be overlaid thereon by mold transfer. Thus, the microstructured portion of a complex shape can be easily formed with good reproducibility. This contributes to increased productivity thereof. Especially, when a plurality of elements are arranged in an array, similarly as in the case of a spatial light modulator, the stable reproduction thereof is achieved by the mold transfer. Thus, as compared with the case of manufacturing all elements in a silicon process, the probability of an occurrence of a defect is very low. Consequently, this contributes to improved yield of micromachines.
Abstract:
A capacitive MEMS device is formed having a material between electrodes that traps and retains charges. The material can be realized in several configurations. It can be a multilayer dielectric stack with regions of different band gap energies or band energy levels. The dielectric materials can be trappy itself, i.e. when defects or trap sites are pre-fabricated in the material. Another configuration involves a thin layer of a conductive material with the energy level in the forbidden gap of the dielectric layer. The device may be programmed (i.e. offset and threshold voltages pre-set) by a method making advantageous use of charge storage in the material, wherein the interferometric modulator is pre-charged in such a way that the hysteresis curve shifts, and the actuation voltage threshold of the modulator is significantly lowered. During programming phase, charge transfer between the electrodes and the materials can be performed by applying voltage to the electrodes (i.e. applying electrical field across the material) or by UV-illumination and injection of electrical charges over the energy barrier. The interferometric modulator may then be retained in an actuated state with a significantly lower actuation voltage, thereby saving power.
Abstract:
A display apparatus comprises a modulator for selectively interacting with light in an optical path to form an image on the display apparatus. A controllable first electrostatic actuator provides a first mechanical support for the modulator, the first mechanical support providing a supportive connection from a first location on the modulator to a surface over which the modulator is supported. A second mechanical support provides a supportive connection from a second location on the modulator to the surface. The first electrostatic actuator drives the modulator in a plane substantially parallel to the surface.