Abstract:
A multicolor optical image-generating device comprised of an array of grating light valves (GLVs) organized to form light-modulating pixel units for spatially modulating incident rays of light. The pixel units are comprised of three subpixel components each including a plurality of elongated, equally spaced apart reflective grating elements arranged parallel to each other with their light-reflective surfaces also parallel to each other. Each subpixel component includes means for supporting the grating elements in relation to one another, and means for moving alternate elements relative to the other elements and between a first configuration wherein the component acts to reflect incident rays of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the component diffracts the incident rays of light as they are reflected from the grating elements. The three subpixel components of each pixel unit are designed such that when red, green and blue light sources are trained on the array, colored light diffracted by particular subpixel components operating in the second configuration will be directed through a viewing aperture, and light simply reflected from particular subpixel components operating in the first configuration will not be directed through the viewing aperture.
Abstract:
A modulator for modulating incident light, the modulator comprising a plurality of equally spaced elements (116), each including a light reflective planar surface. The elements are parallel to each other with their light reflective surfaces parallel to each other. The modulator includes means for moving the elements relative to one another between a first configuration wherein the modulator reflects the incident light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the modulator diffracts the incident rays of light as they are reflected. At least one of the facing surfaces (114) (110) of the elements and underlying substrate (108) is configured to reduce any tendency to stick as they are pulled together. The light reflective surfaces of the elements remain parallel to each other in both the first and the second configurations and the perperdicular spacing between the reflective surfaces of adjacent elements is equal to m/4 times the wavelength of the incident light, wherein m = an even whole number or zero when the elements are in the first configuration and m = an odd number when the elements are in the second configuration.
Abstract:
A silicon microphone (10) with a high-aspect-ratio corrugated diaphragm (200). The microphone (10) comprises a compliant diaphragm (200) on which at least one ring-shaped corrugation (210) is formed in the vicinity of the edge of the diaphragm (200) which is fixed to the substrate (100), wherein the depth of the corrugation (210) to the thickness of the diaphragm (200) is larger than 5:1, preferably 20:1, and the walls of the corrugation (210) are inclined to the surface of the diaphragm (200) at an angle in the range of 80º to 100º. The microphone (10) with a high-aspect-ratio corrugated diaphragm (200) can achieve a consistent and optimal sensitivity and reduce impact applied thereto in a drop test so that the performances, the reproducibility, the reliability and the yield can be improved.
Abstract:
Verfahren zum Herstellen eines mikromechanischen Bauelements (100), aufweisend die Schritte: - Ausbilden einer Zugangsöffnung (7) in einem MEMS-Element (5) oder in einem Kappenelement (6) des Bauelements (100); - Verbinden des MEMS-Elements (5) mit dem Kappenelement (6), wobei zwischen dem MEMS-Element (5) und dem Kappenelement (6) wenigstens eine Kaverne (8a, 8b) ausgebildet wird; und - Verschließen der Zugangsöffnung (7) zur wenigstens einen Kaverne (8a, 8b) unter einer definierten Atmosphäre mittels eines Lasers (9).
Abstract:
A method for fabrication of substrate having a nano-scale surface roughness is presented. The method comprises: patterning a surface of a substrate to create an array of spaced-apart regions of a light sensitive material; applying a controllable etching to the patterned surface, said controllable etching being of a predetermined duration selected so as to form a pattern with nano-scale features; and removing the light sensitive material, thereby creating a structure with the nano-scale surface roughness. Silanizing such nano-scale roughness surface with hydrophobic molecules results in the creation of super- hydrophobic properties characterized by both a large contact angle and a large tilting angle. Also, deposition of a photo-active material on the nano-scale roughness surface results in a photocathode with enhanced photoemission yield. This method also provides for fabrication of a photocathode insensitive to polarization of incident light.
Abstract:
An apparatus for preventing stiction of a three-dimensional MEMS (microelectromechanical system) microstructure, the apparatus including: a substrate; and a plurality of micro projections formed on a top surface of the substrate with a predetermined height in such a way that a cleaning solution flowing out from the microstructure disposed thereabove is discharged.
Abstract:
The present disclosure describes a Parylene micro check valve (10) including a micromachined silicon valve seat (15) with a roughened top surface to which a membrane cap (20) is anchored by twist-up tethers (25). The micro check valve is found to exhibit low cracking pressure, high reverse pressure, low reverse flow leakage, and negligible membrane-induced flow resistance when used as a valve over a micro orifice through which flow liquid and gas fluids.
Abstract:
A multicolor optical image-generating device comprised of an array of grating light valves (GLVs) organized to form light-modulating pixel units for spatially modulating incident rays of light. The pixel units are comprised of three subpixel components each including a plurality of elongated, equally spaced apart reflective grating elements arranged parallel to each other with their light-reflective surfaces also parallel to each other. Each subpixel component includes means for supporting the grating elements in relation to one another, and means for moving alternate elements relative to the other elements and between a first configuration wherein the component acts to reflect incident rays of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the component diffracts the incident rays of light as they are reflected from the grating elements. The three subpixel components of each pixel unit are designed such that when red, green and blue light sources are trained on the array, colored light diffracted by particular subpixel components operating in the second configuration will be directed through a viewing aperture, and light simply reflected from particular subpixel components operating in the first configuration will not be directed through the viewing aperture.
Abstract:
A method of the invention includes reducing stiction of a MEMS device by providing a conductive path for electric charge collected on a bump stop formed on a substrate. The bump stop is formed by depositing and patterning a dielectric material on the substrate, and the conductive path is provided by a conductive layer deposited on the bump stop. The conductive layer can also be roughened to reduce stiction.
Abstract:
A method for reducing stiction in a MEMS device by decreasing surface area between two surfaces that can come into close contact is provided. Reduction in contact surface area is achieved by increasing surface roughness of one or both of the surfaces. The increased roughness is provided by forming a micro-masking layer on a sacrificial layer used in formation of the MEMS device, and then etching the surface of the sacrificial layer. The micro-masking layer can be formed using nanoclusters (520). When a next portion of the MEMS device is formed on the sacrificial layer (810), this portion will take on the roughness characteristics imparted on the sacrificial layer by the etch process. The rougher surface (910) decreases the surface area available for contact in the MEMS device and, in turn, decreases the area through which stiction can be imparted.