Patent · US Expired

Microelectromechanical device and method utilizing a porous surface

US7417784B2 · kind B2 · utility

65Cited by
321References
15Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateApr 19, 2006
Grant dateAug 26, 2008
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 19, 2026

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB81C2201/0115
  • WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

A microelectromechanical device (MEMS) utilizing a porous electrode surface for reducing stiction is disclosed. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical device is an interferometric modulator that includes a transparent electrode having a first surface; and a movable reflective electrode with a second surface facing the first surface. The movable reflective electrode is movable between a relaxed and actuated (collapsed) position. An aluminum layer is provided on either the first or second surface. The aluminum layer is then anodized to provide an aluminum oxide layer which has a porous surface. The porous surface, in the actuated position, decreases contact area between the electrodes, thus reducing stiction.

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