Support post architecture for micromechanical devices
First Claim
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1. A micromirror device comprising:
- a substrate;
at least one hinge support pillar supported by said substrate, said hinge support pillar comprised of a first pillar material enclosed by a first metal sheath and said substrate;
at least one hinge connected to said hinge support pillar;
at least one mirror support pillar connected to said hinge, said mirror support pillar comprised of a second pillar material enclosed by a second metal sheath and a layer forming said hinge; and
at least one mirror element supported by said mirror support pillar.
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Abstract
Support pillar 426 for use with a micromechanical device, particularly a digital micromirror device, comprising a pillar material 422 supported by a substrate 400 and covered with a metal layer 406. The support pillar 426 is fabricated by depositing a layer of pillar material on a substrate 400, patterning the pillar layer to define a support pillar 426, and depositing a metal layer 406 over the support pillar 426 enclosing the support pillar. A planar surface even with the top of the pillar may be created by applying a spacer layer 432 over the pillars 426. After applying the spacer layer 432, the spacer layer 432 is etched to expose the tops of the pillars.
157 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A micromirror device comprising:
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a substrate; at least one hinge support pillar supported by said substrate, said hinge support pillar comprised of a first pillar material enclosed by a first metal sheath and said substrate; at least one hinge connected to said hinge support pillar; at least one mirror support pillar connected to said hinge, said mirror support pillar comprised of a second pillar material enclosed by a second metal sheath and a layer forming said hinge; and at least one mirror element supported by said mirror support pillar. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A micromirror device comprising:
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a substrate; at least one hinge support pillar supported by said substrate, said hinge support pillar comprising a pillar material enclosed by a metal sheath and said substrate; at least one hinge connected to said hinge support pillar; and at least one mirror element supported by said at least one hinge. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A support pillar for a micromechanical device comprising:
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a substrate; a pillar material supported by said substrate, said pillar material formed in the shape of the desired support pillar; and a metal layer at least partially supported by said substrate, wherein said metal layer is formed over said pillar material enclosing said pillar material. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification