Jones, Tullar & Cooper, P.C.
Single crystal silicon micromirror and array
A micromirror is fabricated in a substrate by defining a mirror platform on a first side of the substrate, defining an actuator structure corrected to the platform on a second side of the substrate, and then releasing the mirror platform for motion with the actuator. The actuator may be a comb drive structure having interdigitated movable finger electrodes connected to the mirror platform and stationary finger electrodes mounted on the substrate. The movable and stationary finger electrodes preferably are asymmetrical, and when activated, controllably move the mirror platform either horizontally or vertically with respect to the surface of the substrate.The comb drive structure may be connected at one of its ends to a torsional support beam secured to the substrate, for torsional motion of the mirror platform with respect to the substrate. Alternatively, the comb drive may be connected at both ends to spaced torsional support beams for vertical motion of the platform with respect to the substrate. In the latter case, the actuator preferably includes spaced hinges to allow expansion of the actuator length.
Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
G
G02B
inventional
Noel C. Seung B.
MacDonald Lee