Abstract:
An actuation device employing square-loop latchable magnetic material (14, 16) having a magnetization direction (polarization) capable of being changed in response to exposure to an external magnetic field is disclosed. The magnetic field is created by a conductor assembly with non-solenoid configuration. Once the magnetization direction of the material is so changed, the external magnetic field is no longer required to maintain the new magnetization direction. The latchable magnetic material (14) is disposed on the mobile electrode (20) of a switching device, and another magnetic material (16) is disposed in spaced relation to the latchable magnetic material on a stationary electrode or surface (28). By applying an electrical current to a conductor assembly arranged proximate the latchable material, a magnetic field is created about the latchable magnetic material, to change the magnetization direction and thereby enable the attraction or repulsion of another magnetic material located on the stationary electrode. The resulting relative displacement of the mobile (20) and stationary (18) electrodes effects the selective connection or disconnection of electrical contacts carried on or associated with the respective electrodes of the actuation device without requiring additional power in order to maintain the switched state of the electrodes.
Abstract:
A micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) optical device having a reduced footprint for increasing yield on a substrate. The MEM device includes an optical element having an outer edge and supported by a support structure disposed on a substrate. The support structure is mechanically connected to the substrate through first and second pairs of beams which move the structure to an active position for elevating the optic device above the substrate. When in an elevated position, the optical device can be selectively tilted for deflecting optic signals. The beams are connected at one end to the support structure, at the other end to the substrate and are disposed so that the first and second beam ends are located proximate the optical device outer edge. In a preferred embodiment, a stiction force reducing element is included on the outer edge of the optical device for reducing the contact area between the optic device edge and the substrate.
Abstract:
An optical signal processing apparatus includes at least two mirror array chips mounted on an upper surface of a base in close proximity to each other to form a compound array. Each mirror array chip includes a substrate, and a plurality of spaced-apart mirrors mounted on an upper surface of the substrate. The mirrors are movable in response to an electrical signal. A plurality of electrical leads for conduct the electrical signals to the mirrors, at least a portion of the electrical leads extending at least partially along the upper surface of the base between a lower surface of the substrate and the upper surface of the base.
Abstract:
An article comprising a micro-machined, passively self-assembling inductor (102) is disclosed. The inductor is fabricated using MEMS technology and advantageously utilizes materials compatible with CMOS such that the inductor is monolithically integrable with a CMOS chip. The inductor includes passive self-assembly means (110, 114) by which the inductor loop (104) is moved away from an underlying substrate (100), typically silicon, in the final steps of inductor assembly. Such passive self-assembly does not require separate actuation or monitoring steps.
Abstract:
A switching element according to this invention comprises a photostrictive member (12). Exposing the member to control light (18) results in a dimensional change in the material. This change is utilized for changing the relative position between an optical fiber (e.g., 111) and another element (e.g., 112), exemplarily a further fiber, a corrugated member, or a mirror, such that signal radiation is directed to a predetermined output port. A variety of exemplary switching elements are disclosed, including interferometric, beam-steering, evanescent field and mode conversion switching elements. Disclosed are also optical communication systems that utilize such switching elements, including passive optical networks.
Abstract:
A micro-electro-mechanical (MEM) optical device having a reduced footprint for increasing yield on a substrate. The MEM device includes an optical element having an outer edge and supported by a support structure disposed on a substrate. The support structure is mechanically connected to the substrate through first and second pairs of beams which move the structure to an active position for elevating the optic device above the substrate. When in an elevated position, the optical device can be selectively tilted for deflecting optic signals. The beams are connected at one end to the support structure, at the other end to the substrate and are disposed so that the first and second beam ends are located proximate the optical device outer edge. In a preferred embodiment, a stiction force reducing element is included on the outer edge of the optical device for reducing the contact area between the optic device edge and the substrate.