Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for a stacked via having a top via structure and a bottom via structure. In one aspect, the bottom via structure includes a bottom dielectric layer and a bottom via extending through the bottom dielectric layer. The bottom via includes a bottom metal formed on the bottom dielectric layer, where the bottom via is substantially filled by a dielectric material. The top via structure includes a top dielectric layer over the bottom metal and a top via extending to a top plane of the bottom via in the top dielectric layer. The top via includes a top metal formed on the top dielectric layer, where the top metal is in electrical contact with the bottom metal at a peripheral area of the bottom via structure.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods for an electromechanical systems (EMS) device having one or more flexible support posts. In one aspect, the EMS device includes a substrate, a stationary electrode over the substrate, one or more flexible support posts over the substrate, and a movable electrode over the stationary electrode and supported by the one or more flexible support posts. The movable electrode is configured to move across a gap between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode upon electrostatic actuation, where the one or more flexible support posts include a first organic material and can be configured to compress to permit the movable electrode to move across the gap.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods for an electromechanical systems (EMS) device having one or more flexible support posts. In one aspect, the EMS device includes a substrate, a stationary electrode over the substrate, one or more flexible support posts over the substrate, and a movable electrode over the stationary electrode and supported by the one or more flexible support posts. The movable electrode is configured to move across a gap between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode upon electrostatic actuation, where the one or more flexible support posts include a first organic material and can be configured to compress to permit the movable electrode to move across the gap.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for packaging an array of electromechanical systems (EMS) devices such as interferometric modulators (IMODs). In one aspect, a backplate including an aperture can be sealed to a substrate supporting an array of unreleased EMS devices to form a package. A release etch may be performed through the aperture after sealing the backplate to the substrate. By performing the release etch after sealing the backplate to the substrate, the effect on the array of EMS devices of the formation and outgassing of the sealant material can be reduced.
Abstract:
An apparatus may include a first layer having a range of first layer indices of refraction. The range of first layer indices of refraction may include at least two indices of refraction. The apparatus may include a second layer proximate the first layer. The second layer may have a second index of refraction that is outside (e.g., lower than) the range of first layer indices of refraction. An interface between the first layer and the second layer may include an array of microlenses of substantially randomized sizes. The microlenses may include sections of features that are substantially spherical, polygonal, conical, etc. According to some implementations, the first and second layers may be disposed between an array of display device pixels and a substantially transparent substrate, such as a glass substrate, a polymer substrate, etc.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for forming electromechanical devices having a gap between a movable layer and a fixed layer. In one aspect, the movable layer may be supported by hinge structures, and the design of the hinge structure may be controlled to provide a desired amount of flexure, providing electromechanical devices with a desired gap height. The height of the gap may be larger than the thickness a sacrificial material used during the fabrication process. In another aspect, the design of the hinge structure may be used to control threshold voltages of electromechanical devices.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods for an electromechanical systems (EMS) device having a non-electrically active absorber. In one aspect, the EMS device includes a stationary electrode over a substrate, a dielectric layer over the stationary electrode, an absorber over the dielectric layer, and a movable electrode over the absorber. The movable electrode is configured to move to a plurality of positions between the absorber and the movable electrode to define a plurality of gap heights. Furthermore, the absorber includes a non-electrically active material. In some implementations, the absorber can include an optical layer having a plurality of particles in an electrically insulating material.
Abstract:
Various implementations described herein involve interferometric modulators (IMODs), which may be single-mirror IMODs (SMIs). Such IMODs may include an absorber stack and a mirror stack. The absorber stack and the mirror stack may define a gap therebetween and may be capable of being positioned in a plurality of positions relative to one another to form a plurality of gap heights. A hinge area may physically connect the mirror stack and an anchor area. Some such IMODs have hinge areas without any metal layer. However, the hinge area may be capable of forming an electrical connection with at least one metal layer of the mirror stack. For example, such IMODs may have a hinge area that includes a non-metal conductor.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides devices, systems, and methods for improving creep resistance and mechanical strength of a MEMS display device. The MEMS display device can include a movable reflective structure connected and supported by a support structure. The movable reflective structure can include at least a transition metal layer sandwiched between two aluminum or aluminum alloy layers. The aluminum or aluminum alloy layers can be doped with the transition metal upon annealing. The transition metal layer between the aluminum or aluminum alloy layers can control the mechanical, optical, and electrical properties of the MEMS display device.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods for an electromechanical systems (EMS) device made of organic materials. In one aspect, the EMS device includes a stationary electrode over a substrate and a movable electrode over the stationary electrode, where the movable electrode is configured to move across a gap between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode by electrostatic actuation. One or more layers between the movable electrode and the stationary electrode may be made of polymer material. One or more layers in the EMS device may include an optical layer made of polymer material and configured to attenuate energy of light corresponding to one or more wavelength ranges. In some implementations, the optical layer may include a plurality of absorber particles in a host material that is electrically insulating.