Moveable microelectromechanical mirror structures and associated methods
US6428173B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 3, 1999 |
| Grant date | Aug 6, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 3, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01H2001/0063
- WIPO fieldOptics
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) are provided that are adapted to controllably move mirrors in response to selective thermal actuation. In one embodiment, the MEMS moveable mirror structure includes a thermally actuated microactuator adapted to controllably move along a predetermined path substantially parallel to the first major surface of an underlying microelectronic substrate. A mirror is adapted to move accordingly with the microactuator between a non-actuated and an actuated position. In all positions, the mirror has a mirrored surface disposed out of plane relative to the first major surface of the microelectronic substrate. The microactuator provided herein can include various thermal arched beam actuators, thermally actuated composite beam actuators, arrayed actuators, and combinations thereof. The MEMS moveable mirror structure can also include a mechanical latch and/or an electrostatic latch for controllably clamping the mirror in position. A MEMS moveable mirror array is also provided which permits individualized control of each individual MEMS moveable mirror structure within the array. The MEMS moveable mirror structures and the associated arrays can be used i…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.