Patent · US Active

Spatial light modulators for phased-array applications

US10746983B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
3References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 14, 2018
Grant dateAug 18, 2020
Priority date
Expiry dateFeb 19, 2039

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG02B27/0087
  • WIPO fieldOptics
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A capacitive micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) structure or device and methods of making and operating the same are described. Generally, the MEMS device provides a large stroke while maintaining good damping, enabling fast beam steering and large scan angles. In one embodiment, the capacitive MEMS device includes a bottom electrode formed over a substrate; an electrically permeable damping structure formed over the bottom electrode, the electrically permeable damping structure including a first air-gap and a dielectric layer suspended above and separated from the bottom electrode by the first air-gap; and a plurality of movable members suspended above the damping structure and separated therefrom by a second air-gap, each of the plurality of movable members including a top electrode and being configured to deflect towards the bottom electrode by electrostatic force. Other embodiments are also described.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.