Abstract:
An analog beam-steering free-space optical switch for connecting and switching a plurality of optical signals includes a plurality of optical devices and electrostatic actuators for driving the optical devices. Each optical device is pivotally borne to allow rotation around a prescribed center, and each electrostatic actuator includes the substrate that holds the optical devices and a plurality of driving electrodes secured to the substrate. The application of electrostatic voltage between an optical device and the driving electrodes generates electrostatic driving torque for causing the optical device to tilt with respect to the substrate around the center of rotation, whereby the direction of reflection of an optical signal is changed. The driving electrodes are arranged in a radial pattern relative to the electrode center. Each driving electrode is formed such that the electrode width of a prescribed outer portion relative to the electrode center decreases with progression toward the outside. In addition, each driving electrode is shaped such that the width of a prescribed inner portion with respect to the electrode center decreases with progression toward the inside. Forming the driving electrodes in this way improves the driving torque characteristic of the micromirror and extends the range of steering angles within which stable positioning can be performed by low-voltage drive.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device has a substrate (102), and at least one, generally planar moving element (106), such as an absorber or a mirror, disposed in parallel to the surface of the substrate. An actuator is operatively engageable with the moving element for selectively actuating the moving element between a series of successive, closely spaced positions in a plane horizontal to the surface of the substrate. The MEMS device may be effectively used as a variable attenuator and beam splitter. Various different actuators can be used. Preferably, the device is fabricated using a surface micromachining process.
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:
An optical cross-connect (100) involves the general concept of a two dimensional array (104) of micro electromechanical 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 rotate about its x and y axis and is suspended by a plurality of suspension arms (450) attached to a substrate.
Abstract:
Optical cross-connect systems (100) involve the general concept of a two dimensional array (104) of microelectromechanical systems (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 substrate.
Abstract:
A monolithically fabricated micromachined structure couples a reference frame (56) to a dynamic plate (58). Performance of torsional oscillators or scanners benefits greatly by coupling the frame (56) to the plate (58) with folded torsional flexure hinges (96) rather than torsion bars. A folded torsion flexure hinge (96) for supporting the plate (58) from the frame (56) is made up of three basic hinge segments (102a, 102b, 102c). Each basic hinge segment (102a, 102b, 102c) has a longitudinal axis (98) which is not oriented perpendicular to the rotation axis (62) of the plate (58). An intermediaire region (104) of the folded torsional flexure hinge (96) couples together immediately adjacent ends (106) of the basic hinge segments (102a, 102b, 102c). A basic hinge segment (102b) may include a torsion sensor (108) for measuring angular rotation of the plate (58) about axis (62) with respect to the frame (56).
Abstract:
A micro-electro-mechanical optical device is disclosed. The micro-electro-mechanical optical device includes a micro-electro-mechanical structure coupled with an optical device. Both the micro-electro-mechanical structure and the optical device are disposed on a substrate surface. The micro-electro-mechanical structure lifts the optical device a predetermined distance above the plane of the substrate surface. Thereafter, the lifted optical device is moveable relative to the plane of the substrate surface in response to an electrostatic field generated between the optical device and the substrate.
Abstract:
For a small sensor produced through a MEMS process, when an electrode pad, wiring, or a shield layer is formed in a final step, it is difficult to nondestructively investigate whether a structure for sensing a physical quantity has been processed satisfactorily. In the present invention, in a physical quantity sensor formed from an MEMS structure, in a structure in which a surface electrode having through wiring is formed on the surface of an electrode substrate and the periphery thereof is insulated, forming a shield layer comprising a metallic material on the surface of the electrode substrate in a planar view and providing a space for internal observation inside the shield layer makes it possible to check for internal defects.
Abstract:
The MEMS device has a suspended mass (31) supported via a pair of articulation arms (32) by a supporting region (33). An electrostatic driving system (36), coupled to the articulation arms (32), has mobile electrodes (38) and fixed electrodes (39) that are coupled to each other. The electrostatic driving system is formed by two pairs of actuation assemblies (36), arranged on opposite sides of a respective articulation arm (32) and connected to the articulation arm through connection elements (30). Each actuation assembly (36) extends laterally to the suspended mass (31) and has an auxiliary arm (37) carrying a respective plurality of mobile electrodes (38). Each auxiliary arm is parallel to the articulation arms (32). The connection elements (30) may be rigid or formed by linkages.