Abstract:
A micro-oscillation element includes a base frame, an oscillating portion, and a link portion connecting the base frame and the oscillating portion to each other. The oscillating portion has a movable functional portion, a first driving electrode connected to the movable functional portion, and a weight portion joined to the first driving electrode. The link portion defines an axis of the oscillating motion of the oscillating portion. The second driving electrode, fixed to the base frame, generates driving force for the oscillating motion in cooperation with the first driving electrode.
Abstract:
A micro rocking device comprises a frame (113) and a rocking member (111) connected to the frame (113) through connecting parts (112). Each connecting part (112) has two torsion bars (112a) each having holes (112b). Therefore, the torsion bars (112a) have relatively high rigidity with respect to the frame (113) and relative low rigidity with respect to the rocking member (111).
Abstract:
A MEMS device which utilizes a capacitive sensor or actuator is enhancement by initially fabricating the capacitive assembly which comprises the sensor or actuator as two sets of interdigitated fingers in a noninterdigitated configuration. One of the two sets of fingers is coupled to a movable stage. The stage is moved from an initial position to a post-release position in which the two sets of interdigitated fingers are interdigitated with each other. The stage is carried by two pairs flexures which maintain the stability of motion of the stage and when in the post-release position provide stiffness which prevents deflection of the set of fingers coupled to the stage. The stage and hence the assembled sets of fingers are then locked into the post-release position.
Abstract:
Provided is a vertical comb-type electrode structure capable of a large linear-displacement motion. The vertical comb-electrode structure includes: a first substrate including a plurality of vertical static comb-electrodes; and a second substrate stacked on an upper surface of the first substrate, the second substrate including a plurality of vertical moving comb-electrodes, wherein the static comb-electrodes vertically move a predetermined distance toward the moving comb-electrodes so that no gaps between the static comb-electrodes and the moving comb-electrodes exist.
Abstract:
A micro-oscillating element is provided with a frame (113) and a oscillating member (111) connected with the frame (113) via a connector (112). Each connector (112) includes two torsion bars (112a), each torsion bar (112a) being constructed so that the rigidity becomes relatively high toward the frame (113) and relatively low toward the oscillating member (111) by forming a plurality of holes (112b).
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:
하부 기판 위에 확실하게 고정된 구성요소와 상기 하부 기판 위에서 이동 가능한 구성요소로 이루어진 미소 기전 시스템(MEMS)을 제조하는 프로세스가 제공된다. 상기 프로세스는 상기 하부 기판과는 별개인 상부 기판을 사용한다. 상기 하부 기판의 하부 층으로부터 공통적으로 돌출하는 복수의 포스트를 상기 상부 기판 안에 형성하기 위해 상기 상부 기판의 상부 층을 선택적으로 에칭한다. 상기 포스트는 상기 하부 기판에 고정되는 고정된 구성요소와 상기 고정된 구성요소에 대해 이동될 수 있는 하나 이상의 고정된 구성요소에만 탄성적으로 지지되는 가동 구성요소를 포함한다. 상기 하부 기판은 그 상부 표면에 적어도 하나의 오목부가 형성된다. 그런 다음, 상기 고정된 구성요소가 사기 하부 기판 위에 직접 위치하고 상기 가동 구성요소가 상기 오목부의 상향으로 위치하도록 상기 상부 기판이 위에서 아래로 상기 하부 기판의 상부에 결합된다. 최종적으로, 상기 고정된 구성요소를 상기 하부 기판의 상부에 계속 고정하면서, 상기 가동 구성요소가 상기 오목부 위에서 부유적이게 되어 상기 하부 기판에 대해 이동할 수 있도록 상기 가동 구성요소를 상기 하부 층으로부터 해제하도록 상기 하부 기판의 상기 하부 층을 제거한다. 상부 기판, 하부 기판, 고정된 구성요소, 가동 구성요소, 오목부
Abstract:
A process for fabricating a micro- electro-mechanical system (MEMS) composed of fixed components fixedly supported on a lower substrate and movable components movably supported on the lower substrate. The process utilizes an upper substrate separate from the lower substrate. The upper substrate is selectively etched in its top layer to form therein a plurality of posts which project commonly from a bottom layer of the upper substrate. The posts include the fixed components to be fixed to the lower substrate and the movable components which are resiliently supported only to one or more of the fixed components to be movable relative to the fixed components. The lower substrate is formed in its top surface with at least one recess. The upper substrate is then bonded to the top of the lower substrate upside down in such a manner as to place the fixed components directly on the lower substrate and to place the movable components upwardly of the recess. Finally, the bottom layer of the upper substrate is removed to release the movable components from the bottom layer for floating the movable components above the recess and allowing them to move relative to the lower substrate, while keeping the fixed components fixed to the top of the lower substrate.