Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To develop spatial light modulators having integrated optical compensation structures and further provide methods for making the spatial light modulators.SOLUTION: A spatial light modulator 40 comprises an integrated optical compensation structure, e.g., an optical compensation structure arranged between a substrate and a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements, or an optical compensation structure located on the opposite side of the light-modulating elements from the substrate. The individually addressable light-modulating elements 44 are configured to modulate light transmitted through or reflected from the transparent substrate 42.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a display device comprising an array of addressable light-modulating elements.SOLUTION: A spatial light modulator 40 comprises an integrated passive optical compensation structure 41, or a passive optical compensation structure 41 located on the opposite side of the light-modulating elements 44 from a transparent substrate 42. The individually addressable light-modulating elements 44 are configured to modulate light transmitted through or reflected from the transparent substrate 42. Methods for making the spatial light modulators 40 involve fabricating a passive optical compensation structure 41 over a substrate, and fabricating a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements 44 over the passive optical compensation structure 41. The passive optical compensation structure 41 may include one or more of a supplemental frontlighting source, a diffuser, a black mask, a diffractive optical element, a color filter, an anti-reflective layer, a structure that scatters light, a microlens array, and a holographic film.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a device that selectively absorbs and/or reflects light using the principles of optical interference.SOLUTION: Described herein is the use of a diffusion barrier layer between metallic layers in MEMS devices. The diffusion barrier layer prevents mixing of two metals, which may alter desired physical characteristics and complicate processing. In one example, the diffusion barrier layer may be used as part of a movable reflective structure in interferometric modulators.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a system and a method of illuminating interferometric modulators using backlighting. SOLUTION: An interferometric modulator array device with backlighting is disclosed. The interferometric modulator array device includes a plurality of interferometric modulator elements, wherein each of the interferometric modulator elements includes an optical cavity. The interferometric modulator array includes an optical aperture region, and at least one reflecting element is positioned so as to receive light passing through the optical aperture region and reflect at least a part of the received light to the cavities of the interferometric modulator elements. In some embodiments, the interferometric modulator elements may be separated from each other such that an optical aperture region is formed between the plurality of adjacent interferometric modulator elements. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a spatial light modulator having an integrated optical compensation structure. SOLUTION: The spatial light modulator 40 includes: an integrated optical compensation structure 41, e.g., an optical compensation structure arranged between a substrate 42 and a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements 44, or an optical compensation structure located on the opposite side of the light-modulating elements as to the substrate. The individually addressable light-modulating elements are configured to modulate light transmitted through or reflected from the transparent substrate. A method for manufacturing the spatial light modulator involves fabricating the optical compensation structure over the substrate and fabricating a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements over the optical compensation structure. The optical compensation structure may be a passive optical compensation structure. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a spatial light modulator having an integrated optical compensation structure and methods for making the same. SOLUTION: A spatial light modulator 40 comprises an integrated optical compensation structure, e.g., an optical compensation structure 41 arranged between a substrate 42 and a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements 44, or located on the opposite side of the light-modulating elements from the substrate. The individually addressable light-modulating elements are configured to modulate light transmitted through or reflected from the transparent substrate. Methods for making such spatial light modulators involve fabricating an optical compensation structure over a substrate and fabricating a plurality of individually addressable light-modulating elements over the optical compensation structure. The optical compensation structure may be a passive optical compensation structure, and may include one or more of a supplemental frontlighting source, a diffuser, a black mask, a diffractive optical element, a color filter, an anti-reflective layer, a structure that scatters light, a microlens array, and a holographic film. COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method and apparatus for controlling a depth of a cavity between two layers of a light modulating device.SOLUTION: A method of manufacturing a light modulating device includes the steps of: forming a substrate; forming a sacrificial layer over at least a portion of the substrate; forming a reflective layer over at least a portion of the sacrificial layer; and forming one or more flexure controllers over the substrate. The flexure controllers are configured so as to operably support the reflective layer and to form cavities, upon removal of the sacrificial layer, of a depth measurably different than the thickness of the sacrificial layer, wherein the depth is measured perpendicular to the substrate.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for forming layers within a MEMS device to achieve a tapered edge.SOLUTION: Certain MEMS devices include layers patterned to have tapered edges. One method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of an etch leading layer. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the deposition of a layer in which the upper portion is etchable at a faster rate than the lower portion. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of multiple iterative etches. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of a liftoff mask having an aperture including a negative angle, such that a layer can be deposited over the liftoff mask and the mask layer is removed, thereby leaving a structure having tapered edges.
Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a microelectromechanical (MEMS) device (1300) including a substrate (20), a movable element (1340) over the substrate (20), and an actuation electrode (142) above the movable element (1340).SOLUTION: The movable element (1340) includes a deformable layer (1302) and a reflective element (1314). The deformable layer (1302) is separated from the reflective element (1314).