Deformable ferrofluid layer devices for optical modulation and micromolding
US8861064B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 14, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 8, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T428/24479
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention is directed to a device (10, 10a-10d) comprising: a set of on-chip circuits (110-160, 170, 180), each of the circuits configured to generate a magnetic field (300) perpendicular to a planar surface of the set when energized; a ferrofluidic layer (40) interfaced to the planar surface; and a logic circuit (50) configured to selectively energize (200, 200a) one ore more circuits of the set such as to generate a magnetic field at the energized circuits and a deformation (41, 44, 45) of the ferrofluidic layer in response thereto and to modulate optical beams (IR1, IR2) directed to the ferrofluid layer. Preferably, an additional liquid layer (60) is interfaced to the ferrofluid layer, opposite to the on-chip circuits, which is not miscible with the ferrofluid layer. The invention can be applied to micro-display/projection devices, programmable optical reflecting lenses, or to micro-molding applications for surface replication.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.