Method of manufacturing spatial light modulator and electronic device employing it

• US 20030016435A1
• Filed: 07/11/2002
• Published: 01/23/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 12/01/1995
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Hiroshi Koeda, Mitsuro Atobe, Shinichi Yotsuya
• Original Assignee: Hiroshi Koeda, Mitsuro Atobe, Shinichi Yotsuya
• Inventors: Atobe, Mitsuro, Yotsuya, Shinichi, Koeda, Hiroshi
• Granted Patent: US 6,650,461 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 359/295
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0841 the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means

Abstract

A spatial light modulator is constructed from a conductive silicon mirror substrate and a glass electrode substrate including sodium, anode-bonded together. The silicon mirror substrate has micromirrors arranged in a matrix, torsion bars coupling these micromirrors in the x-direction, and a frame coupled to both ends of the torsion bars. A glass electrode substrate has a central depression, a rim around the periphery thereof, pillars projecting from within the depression, and electrodes and wiring driving micromirrors formed within the depression in an inclining manner. Both ends of the torsion bars are bonded to the rim of the frame portion, and intermediate portions of the torsion bars are bonded to the pillars. Both ends of the torsion bars are cut away from the frame portion during dicing.

Claims

1. A projector comprising:

a light source that emits light;

at least one modulation device that modulates the light emitted from said light source, said at least one modulation device comprising;

a plurality of micromirrors each of which has a reflective layer on a front surface that reflects the light; and

a plurality of electrodes that drive said plurality of micromirrors by a coulomb force; and

a projection lens that projects the light modulated by said at least one modulation device.

2. The projector of claim 1, further comprising a color filter located between said light source and said modulation device.

3. The projector of claim 2, wherein said color filter is a rotary color filter.

4. The projector of claim 1, further comprising a separating prism for separating the light into at least two wavelength regions.