公开(公告)号：US07023606B2

公开(公告)日：2006-04-04

申请号：US10857058

申请日：2004-05-28

Applicant: Andrew G. Huibers

Inventor： Andrew G. Huibers

IPC: G02B26/00 ,  G02B26/08 ,  G02F1/29 ,  G02F1/00

CPC classification number: G03B21/28 ,  Y10S359/904

Abstract: In order to minimize light diffraction along the direction of switching and more particularly light diffraction into the acceptance cone of the collection optics, in the present invention, micromirrors are provided which are not rectangular. Also, in order to minimize the cost of the illumination optics and the size of the display unit of the present invention, the light source is placed orthogonal to the rows (or columns) of the array, and/or the light source is placed orthogonal to a side of the frame defining the active area of the array. The incident light beam, though orthogonal to the sides of the active area, is not however, orthogonal to any substantial portion of sides of the individual micromirrors in the array. Orthogonal sides cause incident light to diffract along the direction of micromirror switching, and result in light ‘leakage’ into the ‘on’ state even if the micromirror is in the ‘off’ state. This light diffraction decreases the contrast ratio of the micromirror. The micromirrors of the present invention result in an improved contrast ratio, and the arrangement of the light source to micromirror array in the present invention results in a more compact system. Another feature of the invention is the ability of the micromirrors to pivot in opposite direction to on and off positions (the on position directing light to collection optics), where the movement to the on position is greater than movement to the off position. A further feature of the invention is a package for the micromirror array, the package having a window that is not parallel to the substrate upon which the micromirrors are formed. One example of the invention includes all the above features.

Abstract translation: 为了最小化沿着切换方向的光衍射，并且更特别地，将光衍射最小化到收集光学器件的接收锥体中，在本发明中，提供了不是矩形的微镜。 此外，为了最小化本发明的照明光学器件的成本和显示单元的尺寸，将光源与阵列的行（或列）正交放置，和/或将光源正交 到帧的定义阵列的有效区域的一侧。 然而，入射光束虽然正交于有源区域的侧面，但是不是与阵列中的各个微镜的任何相当大部分的侧面正交。 正交侧使得入射光沿着微镜切换的方向衍射，并且即使微镜处于“关闭”状态，也导致光“泄漏”进入“打开”状态。 该光衍射降低了微镜的对比度。 本发明的微反射镜导致对比度提高，并且在本发明中光源到微镜阵列的布置导致更紧凑的系统。 本发明的另一个特征是微镜能够相对于打开和关闭位置（将光引导到收集光学器件）的相对方向枢转，其中到打开位置的移动大于移动到关闭位置。 本发明的另一个特征是用于微镜阵列的封装，该封装具有不与形成微反射镜的基板平行的窗口。 本发明的一个实例包括所有上述特征。

公开(公告)号：US07002726B2

公开(公告)日：2006-02-21

申请号：US11034294

申请日：2005-01-11

Applicant: Satyadev R. Patel ,  Andrew G. Huibers

Inventor： Satyadev R. Patel ,  Andrew G. Huibers

IPC: G02B26/00

CPC classification number: B82Y30/00 ,  G02B26/0841 ,  H04N5/7458

Abstract: A spatial light modulator is disclosed, along with a method for making such a modulator that comprises an array of micromirror devices. The center-to-center distance and the gap between adjacent micromirror devices are determined corresponding to the light source being used so as to optimize optical efficiency and performance quality. The micromirror device comprises a hinge support formed on a substrate and a hinge that is held by the hinge support. A mirror plate is connected to the hinge via a contact, and the distance between the mirror plate and the hinge is determined according to desired maximum rotation angle of the mirror plate, the optimum gap and pitch between the adjacent micromirrors. In a method of fabricating such spatial light modulator, one sacrificial layer is deposited on a substrate followed by forming the mirror plates, and another sacrificial layer is deposited on the mirror plates followed by forming the hinge supports. The two sacrificial layers are removed via the small gap between adjacent mirror devices with spontaneous vapor phase chemical etchant. Also disclosed is a projection system that comprises such a spatial light modulator, as well as a light source, condensing optics, wherein light from the light source is focused onto the array of micromirrors, projection optics for projecting light selectively reflected from the array of micromirrors onto a target, and a controller for selectively actuating the micromirrors in the array.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种空间光调制器，以及用于制造这样的调制器的方法，该调制器包括微镜器件阵列。 根据所使用的光源确定中心到中心的距离和相邻的微反射镜装置之间的间隙，以优化光学效率和性能质量。 微反射镜装置包括形成在基底上的铰链支撑件和由铰链支撑件保持的铰链。 镜板通过触点连接到铰链，并且根据镜板的期望的最大旋转角度，相邻微镜之间的最佳间隙和间距来确定镜板和铰链之间的距离。 在制造这种空间光调制器的方法中，将一个牺牲层沉积在衬底上，随后形成镜板，并且另一牺牲层沉积在镜板上，随后形成铰链支架。 通过具有自发气相化学蚀刻剂的相邻反射镜装置之间的小间隙去除两个牺牲层。 还公开了一种投影系统，其包括这样的空间光调制器以及光源，聚光光学器件，其中来自光源的光聚焦到微镜阵列上，用于投射从微镜阵列反射的光的投影光学器件 以及用于选择性地致动阵列中的微镜的控制器。

公开(公告)号：US06999224B2

公开(公告)日：2006-02-14

申请号：US10798777

申请日：2004-03-10

Applicant: Andrew Huibers

Inventor： Andrew Huibers

IPC: G02B26/00

CPC classification number: G02B26/0841 ,  H04N9/312 ,  H04N9/3182

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for increasing contrast in micromirror-based image display devices. As a result the displayed image is a more faithful reproduction of the original and is more pleasing to human perception than is possible with a low contrast display. The method and apparatus comprise a micromirror design and a modulation scheme for driving micromirrors with a combination of analog and digital techniques to achieve partial and full micromirror deflection. The analog techniques permit the mirrors to be deflected to positions intermediate between the resting position and the position of maximum deflection. These intermediate deflections appear as intermediate light levels in an image. Compared to digital modulation, the analog techniques provide an increase in the number of light levels that can be displayed by a system that is limited by its incoming data rate and maximum micromirror speed.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种用于增加基于微镜的图像显示装置中的对比度的方法和装置。 因此，显示的图像是对原始图像的更忠实的再现，并且比对比度低的显示可能更令人喜欢人类的感觉。 该方法和装置包括微镜设计和用于通过模拟和数字技术的组合来驱动微反射镜以实现部分和全部微镜偏转的调制方案。 模拟技术允许镜子偏转到静止位置和最大偏转位置之间的位置。 这些中间偏转在图像中显示为中间光级。 与数字调制技术相比，模拟技术可以增加受到其数据速率和最大微镜速度限制的系统可显示的光级数。

公开(公告)号：US06995040B2

公开(公告)日：2006-02-07

申请号：US11093943

申请日：2005-03-29

Applicant: Satyadev R. Patel ,  Andrew G. Huibers ,  Steve S. Chiang

Inventor： Satyadev R. Patel ,  Andrew G. Huibers ,  Steve S. Chiang

IPC: H01L21/44

CPC classification number: B81C1/00214 ,  B81B7/0077 ,  B81B2201/042 ,  B81C1/00333 ,  B81C1/00896 ,  B81C1/00904 ,  B81C2203/0118 ,  B82Y30/00 ,  G02B26/0833 ,  H01L24/97 ,  H01L2224/48091 ,  H01L2224/97 ,  H01L2924/01005 ,  H01L2924/01006 ,  H01L2924/01013 ,  H01L2924/01018 ,  H01L2924/01019 ,  H01L2924/0102 ,  H01L2924/01023 ,  H01L2924/01027 ,  H01L2924/01033 ,  H01L2924/01039 ,  H01L2924/01049 ,  H01L2924/01054 ,  H01L2924/01058 ,  H01L2924/01072 ,  H01L2924/01074 ,  H01L2924/01077 ,  H01L2924/01079 ,  H01L2924/01082 ,  H01L2924/01322 ,  H01L2924/04953 ,  H01L2924/09701 ,  H01L2924/10253 ,  H01L2924/10329 ,  H01L2924/12036 ,  H01L2924/12042 ,  H01L2924/12044 ,  H01L2924/14 ,  H01L2924/1433 ,  H01L2924/15787 ,  H01L2924/19041 ,  H01L2924/19042 ,  H01L2924/3025 ,  H01L2924/00014 ,  H01L2224/85 ,  H01L2924/00

Abstract: A method for forming a MEMS device is disclosed, where a final release step is performed just prior to a wafer bonding step to protect the MEMS device from contamination, physical contact, or other deleterious external events. Without additional changes to the MEMS structure between release and wafer bonding and singulation, except for an optional stiction treatment, the MEMS device is best protected and overall process flow is improved. The method is applicable to the production of any MEMS device and is particularly beneficial in the making of fragile micromirrors.

公开(公告)号：US06980197B2

公开(公告)日：2005-12-27

申请号：US11067362

申请日：2005-02-24

Applicant: Peter W. Richards

Inventor： Peter W. Richards

IPC: G09G3/20 ,  G09G3/34 ,  G02B26/08 ,  G02F1/03 ,  G09G3/00

CPC classification number: G09G3/346 ,  G09G3/2018 ,  G09G2300/08

Abstract: An integrated driver for controlling operations of display systems having spatial light modulators that are operated in binary states is provided.

公开(公告)号：US06970281B2

公开(公告)日：2005-11-29

申请号：US11034398

申请日：2005-01-11

Applicant: Andrew Huibers ,  Satyadev Patel

Inventor： Andrew Huibers ,  Satyadev Patel

IPC: B81C20060101 ,  G02B26/00 ,  G02B26/08 ,  G02F1/29 ,  H04N5/74

CPC classification number: B82Y30/00 ,  G02B26/0841 ,  H04N5/7458

Abstract: A spatial light modulator is disclosed, along with a method for making such a modulator that comprises an array of micromirror devices. The center-to-center distance and the gap between adjacent micromirror devices are determined corresponding to the light source being used so as to optimize optical efficiency and performance quality. The micromirror device comprises a hinge support formed on a substrate and a hinge that is held by the hinge support. A mirror plate is connected to the hinge via a contact, and the distance between the mirror plate and the hinge is determined according to desired maximum rotation angle of the mirror plate, the optimum gap and pitch between the adjacent micromirrors.In a method of fabricating such spatial light modulator, one sacrificial layer is deposited on a substrate followed by forming the mirror plates, and another sacrificial layer is deposited on the mirror plates followed by forming the hinge supports. The two sacrificial layers are removed via the small gap between adjacent mirror devices with spontaneous vapor phase chemical etchant. Also disclosed is a projection system that comprises such a spatial light modulator, as well as a light source, condensing optics, wherein light from the light source is focused onto the array of micromirrors, projection optics for projecting light selectively reflected from the array of micromirrors onto a target, and a controller for selectively actuating the micromirrors in the array.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种空间光调制器，以及用于制造这样的调制器的方法，该调制器包括微镜器件阵列。 根据所使用的光源确定中心到中心的距离和相邻的微反射镜装置之间的间隙，以优化光学效率和性能质量。 微反射镜装置包括形成在基底上的铰链支撑件和由铰链支撑件保持的铰链。 镜板通过触点连接到铰链，并且根据镜板的期望的最大旋转角度，相邻微镜之间的最佳间隙和间距来确定镜板和铰链之间的距离。 在制造这种空间光调制器的方法中，将一个牺牲层沉积在衬底上，随后形成镜板，并且另一牺牲层沉积在镜板上，随后形成铰链支架。 通过具有自发气相化学蚀刻剂的相邻反射镜装置之间的小间隙去除两个牺牲层。 还公开了一种投影系统，其包括这样的空间光调制器以及光源，聚光光学器件，其中来自光源的光聚焦到微镜阵列上，用于投射从微镜阵列反射的光的投影光学器件 以及用于选择性地致动阵列中的微镜的控制器。

公开(公告)号：US06950217B2

公开(公告)日：2005-09-27

申请号：US10751145

申请日：2004-01-02

Applicant: Peter Richards

Inventor： Peter Richards

IPC: G02B7/00 ,  G02B26/00 ,  G02B26/08 ,  G02F1/01

CPC classification number: H04N9/3114 ,  G02B26/008 ,  G02B26/0833

Abstract: A spatial light modulator having a photo-detector for use in digital display systems is provided. The spatial light modulator modulates a light beam having multiple light components of different frequencies so as to produce color images. The photo-detector detects a component of the light beam and generates a timing signal. The timing signal is then used to synchronize the operation of the spatial light modulator with the sequence of incident light color components.

Abstract translation: 提供具有用于数字显示系统的光检测器的空间光调制器。 空间光调制器调制具有不同频率的多个光分量的光束，以便产生彩色图像。 光检测器检测光束的分量并产生定时信号。 然后定时信号用于使空间光调制器的操作与入射光颜色分量的顺序同步。

公开(公告)号：US06856447B2

公开(公告)日：2005-02-15

申请号：US10407061

申请日：2003-04-02

Applicant: Peter Richards ,  Andrew G. Huibers

Inventor： Peter Richards ,  Andrew G. Huibers

IPC: B81B3/00 ,  G02B26/08 ,  G03B21/28 ,  G09G3/20 ,  G09G3/34 ,  G11C11/408 ,  G02B26/00

CPC classification number: G09G3/34 ,  G02B26/0841 ,  G03B21/28 ,  G09G3/2022 ,  G09G3/346 ,  G09G2300/08 ,  G09G2310/02 ,  G09G2320/0261 ,  G09G2320/0266 ,  G11C11/408 ,  Y10S359/904

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for selectively updating memory cells of a memory cell array are provided. The memory cells of each row of the memory cell array are provided with a plurality of wordlines. Memory cells of the row are activated and updated by separated wordlines. In an application of display systems using memory cell arrays for controlling the pixels of the display system and pulse-width-modulation (PWM) technique for displaying grayscales, the pixels can be modulated by different PWM waveforms. The perceived dynamic-false-contouring artifacts are reduced thereby. In another application, the provision of multiple wordlines enables precise measurements of voltages maintained by memory cells of the memory cell array.

Abstract translation: 提供了选择性地更新存储单元阵列的存储单元的方法和装置。 存储单元阵列的每一行的存储单元被提供有多个字线。 该行的存储单元被分离的字线激活和更新。 在使用用于控制显示系统的像素的存储单元阵列和用于显示灰度级的脉宽调制（PWM））技术的显示系统的应用中，可以通过不同的PWM波形来调制像素。 感知到的动态假轮廓伪像由此减弱。 在另一个应用中，提供多个字线可以精确测量由存储单元阵列的存储单元维持的电压。

公开(公告)号：US06838302B2

公开(公告)日：2005-01-04

申请号：US10338561

申请日：2003-01-07

Applicant: Andrew G. Huibers

Inventor： Andrew G. Huibers

IPC: B81C3/00 ,  H01L21/00

CPC classification number: B81C3/002

Abstract: A method for making a MEMS device comprises forming a plurality of micromechanical elements on a first substrate; forming circuitry and electrodes on a second substrate, the first and second substrates extending in a plane in X and Y directions; aligning the first and second substrates in the X and Y directions and moving the substrates toward each other in a Z direction and bonding the first and second substrates with a gap therebetween in the Z direction to form an assembly; singulating the assembly into assembly portions; and altering the gap for each assembly portion. Another embodiment involves aligning the first and second substrates in the X and Y directions and moving the substrates toward each other in a Z direction and bonding the first and second substrates with a gap therebetween in the Z direction to form an assembly; actuating and testing the micromechanical elements of the assembly; and altering the gap for each assembly. A further embodiment involves aligning the first and second substrates in the X and Y directions and moving the substrates toward each other in a Z direction and bonding the first and second substrates with a gap therebetween in the Z direction to form an assembly; wherein the micromechanical elements are actuated while bonding of the substrates.

Abstract translation: 制造MEMS器件的方法包括在第一衬底上形成多个微机械元件; 在第二基板上形成电路和电极，所述第一和第二基板在X和Y方向上的平面中延伸; 使第一和第二基板沿X方向和Y方向对齐，并且沿Z方向彼此移动基板，并且在Z方向上将第一和第二基板之间的间隙接合以形成组件; 将组件分成组装部分; 并改变每个组装部分的间隙。 另一实施例涉及使第一和第二基板沿X方向和Y方向对准，并使基板沿Z方向彼此相对移动，并且在Z方向上将第一和第二基板之间的间隙接合以形成组件; 启动和测试组件的微机械元件; 并改变每个装配的间隙。 另一实施例涉及在第一和第二基板之间沿X方向和Y方向对准并沿Z方向彼此移动基板，并且在Z方向上将第一和第二基板之间的间隙接合以形成组件; 其中所述微机械元件在所述基板的接合的同时被致动。

公开(公告)号：US20040233505A1

公开(公告)日：2004-11-25

申请号：US10346506

申请日：2003-01-15

Applicant: REFLECTIVITY, INC., a California corporation

Inventor： Andrew G. Huibers ,  Satyadev R. Patel

IPC: G02B026/00

CPC classification number: G02B26/0841

Abstract: A MEMS device is disclosed comprising: a substrate; a movable micromechanical element movable relative to the substrate; a connector and a hinge for allowing movement of the micromechanical element, wherein the connector is made of a material different than the hinge. In another embodiment of the invention, the connector has a conductivity greater than the hinge. In a further embodiment of the invention, the hinge provides at least 90% of the restoring force to the MEMS device, and the connector provides 10% or less of the restoring force. In a further embodiment of the invention, the connector and the hinge have different spring constants. In a still further embodiment of the invention, the connector experiences a lower strain at maximum deflection of the micromechanical element than the hinge.

Abstract translation: 公开了一种MEMS器件，包括：衬底; 可移动微机械元件，其相对于所述基板移动; 用于允许微机械元件移动的连接器和铰链，其中连接器由不同于铰链的材料制成。 在本发明的另一个实施例中，连接器的导电率大于铰链。 在本发明的另一实施例中，铰链提供至少90％的恢复力到MEMS装置，并且连接器提供10％或更小的恢复力。 在本发明的另一实施例中，连接器和铰链具有不同的弹簧常数。 在本发明的另一个实施例中，连接器在微机械元件的最大偏转处经受比铰链更低的应变。