Abstract:
A MEMS system including a fixed electrode (504) and a suspended moveable electrode (508) that is controllable over a wide range of motion. In traditional systems where an fixed electrode (504) is positioned under the moveable electrode (508), the range of motion is limited because the support structure supporting the moveable electrode becomes unstable when the moveable electrode (508) moves too close to the fixed electrode (504). By repositioning the fixed electrode (504) from being directly underneath the moving electrode (508), a much wider range of controllable motion is achievable. Wide ranges of controllable motion are particularly important in optical switching applications.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device (100) has a substrate (102) and a generally planar moving element (106), such as a mirror, disposed in parallel to the surface (108) of the substrate. An actuator is operatively engageable with the moving element (106) for selectively actuating the moving element (106) between a first position in a plane horizontal to the surface of the substrate and a second position in that plane. The MEMS device (100) may be effectively used as an optical switch. Various different actuators can be used. Preferably, the device is fabricated using a surface micromachining process.
Abstract:
A display apparatus comprises a first substrate having a front-facing surface and a rear-facing surface. The display apparatus further comprises a second substrate in front of the front-facing surface of the first surface, a reflective aperture layer including a plurality of apertures disposed on the front-facing surface of the first substrate and a plurality of MEMS light modulators for modulating light directed towards the plurality of apertures to form an image.
Abstract:
The invention relates to MEMS-based display devices. In particular, the display devices may include actuators having two mechanically compliant electrodes. In addition, bi-stable shutter assemblies and means for supporting shutters in shutter assemblies are disclosed inclusion in the display devices.
Abstract:
Summary A method for generating a deflectable mirror structure comprises forming a hinge structure (15) in a first monocrystalline silicon device layer (14) above a substrate (10) comprising an address electrode and forming, in a second device layer (44) above the first monocrystalline silicon device layer (14), a mirror structure (48) supported by the hinge structure. A micromirror device comprises a deflectable mirror structure generated accordingly.
Abstract:
Physical forces sufficient to deform an electronic device 700 and/or packaging for the electronic device 700 can damage the device. Some mechanical components in a device, for example, in a microelectromechanical device and/or in an interferometric modulator 722 are particularly susceptible to damage. Accordingly, provided herein is a packaging system and packaged electronic device that resists physical damage, a method for manufacturing the same, and a method for protecting an electronic device 700 from physical damage. The packaging system for the electronic device includes one or more spacers 730 that prevent or reduce damage to the electronic device arising from contact with the a backplate 750. In some embodiments, the packaged electronic device comprising spacers is thinner than a comparable device manufactured without spacers.