Abstract:
The invention relates to an optical microelectromechanical structure (MEMS) comprising - an (at least one) optically transmissive layer (UTL) - an (at least one ) intermediate layer structure (IL) - a (at least one) device layer (DL) said intermediate layer structure (IL) defining one or more optical paths (OP) between said substantially optically transmissive layer (UTL) and said device layer (DL), said intermediate structure layer (IL) defining the distance (d) between said optically transmissive layer (UTL) and said device layer (DL).
Abstract:
The present invention provides a MEMS device in which a warp that is deformation of a beam is reduced and which aims to improve the characteristic thereof, a method for manufacturing the MEMS device and a diffraction-type MEMS device. The MEMS device of the present invention includes a substrate-side electrode and a beam driven by a static electricity generated between the substrate-side and the beam, in which the beam is formed of a plurality of thin films including a driving-side electrode and is provided with deformation prevention means for preventing the deformation of the beam due to the warp of thin films caused by film stress. The diffraction-type MEMS device of the present invention is configured such that in the above-described configuration the substrate-side electrode is made common and a plurality of beams are provided independently to each other so as to be opposed to the substrate electrode.
Abstract:
A plate (21) vertically movable with respect to substrate (11), is fixed to the substrate through flexure units (27a,27b). The electrodes (23a,23b) of the plate, generate an electrostatic force between the plate and substrate by voltage application. The plate is provided with a mirror (12) that is capable of moving into or back from an optical path. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) micro-actuator device; (2) optical switch; and (3) optical switch array.
Abstract:
A MEMS-based optical switch (100) having improved characteristics and methods for manufacturing the same are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, an optical switch includes a single comb (122) drive actuator (104) having a deflecting beam structure (124) and a mirror (102) coupled to the actuator. The mirror is capable of being moved between an extended position interposed between waveguide channels (106) and a retracted position apart from the waveguide channels. The actuator applies a force capable of deflecting the beam structure and moving the mirror to one of the extended positions or the retracted position and the beam structure returns the mirror to the other of the extended position or the retracted position in the absence of the application of force.
Abstract:
A bi-stable micro-actuator is formed from a first and a second silicon-on-insulator wafer fused together at an electrical contact layer. A cover has a V-groove that defines an optical axis. A collimated optical signal source in the V-groove couples an optical signal to an optical port in the V-groove. A mirror surface on the transfer member blocks or reflects the optical signal. The transfer member has a point of support at the first and second end. The central portion of the transfer member carrying a mirror is displaced from the compressive axis with transfer member in a bowed first or second state. The mirror blocks or reflects the optical axis. An expandable structure applies a compressive force between the first and second point of support along the compressive axis to hold the transfer member in a bowed first state or a bowed second state. A control signal is applied to a heating element in the expandable structure to reduce the compressive force transferring the transfer member to a second state. The central portion of the transfer member moves from a bowed first state past the compressive axis into a bowed second state to clear the optical axis.
Abstract:
A MEMS system including a fixed electrode (504) and a suspended moveable electrode (508) that is controllable over a wide range of motion. In traditional systems where an fixed electrode (504) is positioned under the moveable electrode (508), the range of motion is limited because the support structure supporting the moveable electrode becomes unstable when the moveable electrode (508) moves too close to the fixed electrode (504). By repositioning the fixed electrode (504) from being directly underneath the moving electrode (508), a much wider range of controllable motion is achievable. Wide ranges of controllable motion are particularly important in optical switching applications.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device (100) has a substrate (102) and a generally planar moving element (106), such as a mirror, disposed in parallel to the surface (108) of the substrate. An actuator is operatively engageable with the moving element (106) for selectively actuating the moving element (106) between a first position in a plane horizontal to the surface of the substrate and a second position in that plane. The MEMS device (100) may be effectively used as an optical switch. Various different actuators can be used. Preferably, the device is fabricated using a surface micromachining process.