Abstract:
A modulator for modulating incident rays of light, the modulator comprising a plurality of equally spaced apart beam elements, each of which includes a light reflective planar surface. The elements are arranged parallel to each other with their light reflective surfaces parallel to each other. The modulator includes means for supporting the beam elements in relation to one another and means for moving the beam elements relative to one another so that the beams move between a first configuration wherein the modulator acts to reflect the incident rays of light as a plane mirror, and a second configuration wherein the modulator diffracts the incident rays of light as they are reflected therefrom. At least one of the facing surfaces of the beam elements and underlying substrate is configured to reduce any tendency to stick as they are pulled together. In operation, the light reflective surfaces of the beam elements remain parallel to each other in both the first and the second configurations and the perpendicular spacing between the reflective surfaces of adjacent beam elements is equal to m/4 times the wavelength of the incident rays of light, wherein m=an even whole number or zero when the beam elements are in the first configuration and m=an odd number when the beam elements are in the second configuration.
Abstract:
In an integrated MEMS device, moving silicon parts with smooth surfaces can stick together if they come into contact. By roughening at least one smooth surface, the effective area of contact, and therefore surface adhesion energy, is reduced and hence the sticking force is reduced. The roughening of a surface can be provided by etching the smooth surfaces in gas, plasma, or liquid with locally non-uniform etch rate. Various etch chemistries and conditions lead to various surface roughness.
Abstract:
In certain embodiments, a device is provided including a substrate and a plurality of supports over the substrate. The device may further include a mechanical layer having a movable portion and a stationary portion. The stationary portion may disposed over the supports. In certain embodiments, the device further includes a reflective surface positioned over the substrate and mechanically coupled to the movable portion. The device of certain embodiments further includes at least one movable stop element displaced from and mechanically coupled to the movable portion. In certain embodiments, the at least a portion of the stop element may be positioned over the stationary portion.
Abstract:
Methods of forming a protective coating on one or more surfaces of a microelectromechanical device are disclosed comprising the steps of forming a composite layer of a sacrificial material and a protective material, and selectively etching the sacrificial material to form a protective coating. The protective coatings of the invention preferably improve one or more aspects of the performance of the microelectromechanical devices in which they axe incorporated. Also disclosed are microelectromechanical devices formed by methods of the invention, and visual display devices incorporating such devices.
Abstract:
A micro-electromechanical variable capacitor with first and second capacitor plates spaced apart to define a gap therebetween. The first plate has two control electrodes and an active electrode. The second plate is movable relative to first plate when a voltage is applied to produce a potential difference across the control electrode and the second capacitor plate. This has the effect of varying the capacitance of the capacitor. The facing surface of at least one of the plates is formed in such a way that it has a roughened surface. The degree of roughness is sufficient to prevent the facing surfaces adhering together through stiction.
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:
미소 구조체는 제1 구조층과, 공극부를 사이에 두고 상기 제1 구조층과 마주보고 상기 제1 구조층에 부분적으로 고정된 제2 구조층을 포함한다. 상기 제1 구조층과 상기 제2 구조층의 적어도 한쪽은 변위가 가능하다. 또한, 상기 제1 구조층과 상기 제2 구조층이 대향하는 표면들의 거칠기는 서로 다르다. 미소 구조체, 반도체, 적층, 에칭
Abstract:
본 발명은 3 차원 멤즈 미세구조체를 구비하는 멤즈 소자가 구조체 기판 또는 건조판에 고착되는 것을 방지하는 장치에 관한 것으로, 더욱 상세하게는 미세구조체와 구조체 기판 사이에 존재하는 세척액을 제거하면서 발생하는 표면장력으로 미세구조체가 기판에 고착되는 현상을 방지하기 위해 건조판; 및 세척액 제거를 위해 상부에 위치하는 미세구조체로부터 흘러나오는 세척액이 배출되도록 상기 건조판 상부 면에 소정의 높이로 복수 개 형성되는 미세돌기를 포함하는 3 차원 멤즈 미세구조체의 고착방지를 위한 부양 장치에 관한 것이다. 멤즈(MEMS), 미세구조체, 세척액, 고착방지
Abstract:
The invention relates to a process for forming a semiconductor component with a buried rough interface comprising: a) the formation of a rough interface (22) of predetermined roughness R2 in a first semiconductor substrate (16), with: * the selection of a semiconductor substrate (16), presenting a surface (14) with roughness R1>R2, * a thermal oxidation step for this substrate until an oxide-semiconductor interface (22) of roughness R2 is obtained, b) preparation of the oxidized surface of this first semiconductor substrate in view of assembly with a second substrate, c) the assembly of the surface of the oxide and of the second substrate.