Abstract:
An optical switch device includes a rolling shutter or membrane attached at one of its edges to a substrate near an optical port in the substrate. The rolling shutter can assume one of two states. In a first closed state, the membrane is uncoiled onto the substrate over the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the shutter. In a second open state, the membrane is rolled up away from the port such that light directed at the port impinges on the port. In one embodiment, a mirror is formed on the membrane such that when the membrane is in the closed state over the substrate, light directed at the port is reflected by the mirror. In one configuration, the optical port includes a hole or aperture such light passed through the port without interference. The device can include a latch electrode the far end of the membrane such that when it is rolled out, it can be held in position by a latching voltage applied across the latch electrode and the substrate. Slits can be formed in the membrane to keep the mirror flat by relieving strain in the membrane and to allow gases in proximity to the device to pass through the membrane as it is activated. The shutter can include dimples to minimize the area of contact between the membrane and the substrate to reduce the probability of the two sticking together. The attachment edge of the membrane can be made shorter than its width to reduce distortions in the membrane to keep the mirror flat. A raised annular rim can be provided around the port such that when the shutter is held down over the port it is pulled taut and flat over the rim. This feature is also used to maintain flatness in the mirror. The switch device can be used as part of an array of optical switches.
Abstract:
The objective is to cause a substrate on which a shutter is provided and a substrate that opposes it to be electrically continuous. [Means of Solution] On a first substrate 10, a shutter 28 that controls the passing or blocking of light, a driver 52 for driving the shutter 28, and a protruding part 62 having a plurality of side faces 66 rising from the first substrate 10 so as to circumscribe a prescribed space are respectively provided so as to contain a laminate structure of a first conducting film 54 and an insulating film 16. The outermost layer of the respective plurality of side faces 66 is made of the insulating film 16 that covers the first conducting film 54, and has an aperture 68 which exposes part of the first conducting film 54. Conducting particles 70 are arranged in the prescribed space circumscribed by the plurality of side faces 66, and on the side nearest the first substrate 10, contact the first conducting film 54 exposed from the aperture 68 in the plurality of side faces 66, and on the side nearest the second substrate 12, contact a second conducting film 22.
Abstract:
A method of the invention includes reducing stiction of a MEMS device by providing a conductive path for electric charge collected on a bump stop formed on a substrate. The bump stop is formed by depositing and patterning a dielectric material on the substrate, and the conductive path is provided by a conductive layer deposited on the bump stop. The conductive layer can also be roughened to reduce stiction.
Abstract:
A micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) transducer comprises a layer of dielectric material having an electrode formed in the layer of dielectric material.A region of the layer of the dielectric material is adapted to provide a leakage path which, in use, removes unwanted charge from the layer of dielectric material.
Abstract:
Es wird eine einfache und kostengünstige Realisierungsform für ein Halbleiterbauelement mit einer mikromechanischen Mikrofonstruktur vorgeschlagen, die eine akustisch aktive Membran (21) als auslenkbare Elektrode eines Mikrofonkondensators, ein feststehendes akustisch durchlässiges Gegenelement (22) als Gegenelektrode des Mikrofonkondensators und Mittel zum Anlegen einer Ladespannung zwischen der auslenkbaren Elektrode (21) und der Gegenelektrode (22) des Mikrofonkondensators umfasst. Damit die Funktionsfähigkeit dieses Halbleiterbauelements auch durch Überlastsituationen, bei denen es zu einer Berührung zwischen Membran und Gegenelektrode kommt, nicht beeinträchtigt wird, sind die auslenkbare Elektrode (21) und die Gegenelektrode (22) des Mikrofonkondensators zumindest bereichsweise entgegengesetzt dotiert, so dass sie im Berührungsfall eine Diode bilden. Außerdem ist die Ladespannung zwischen der auslenkbaren Elektrode (21) und der Gegenelektrode (22) so gepolt, dass diese Diode in Sperrrichtung geschaltet ist.
Abstract:
The present disclosure relates to the mitigation of stiction in electromechanical devices. In some embodiments, an electromechanical device may be provided with one or more restoration portions that provide an assisting mechanical force for mitigating stiction. The restoration portions may be implemented as one or more deflectable elements, where the deflectable elements may have various configurations or shapes, such as a chevron, cross, and the like. For example, the restoration portion can be a cantilever that deflects when at least one component comes into contact or proximity with another component. Multiple restoration portions also may be employed and placed strategically within the electromechanical device to maximize their effectiveness in mitigating stiction.
Abstract:
Methods of fabricating an electromechanical systems device that mitigate permanent adhesion, or stiction, of the moveable components of the device are provided. The methods provide an amorphous silicon sacrificial layer with improved and reproducible surface roughness. The amorphous silicon sacrificial layers further exhibit excellent adhesion to common materials used in electromechanical systems devices.
Abstract:
A spatial light modulator for use in display applications. The spatial light modulator includes a support substrate and a flexible member coupled to the support substrate. The spatial light modulator also includes a mirror plate coupled to the flexible member and characterized by an activated position. The mirror plate is adapted to rotate in relation to the flexible member from the activated position to a second activated position in a time less than 6.0 µs.
Abstract:
Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties.