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Light valve target comprising electrostatically-repelled micro-mirrors

  • US 5,768,009 A
  • Filed: 04/18/1997
  • Issued: 06/16/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/18/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A projection system comprising, in combination:

  • a) means for generating a beam of light and directing said beam at a target;

    b) said target comprising a plurality of electrostatically-actuable micro-mirrors and being arranged to receive said beam;

    c) means for distributing electrical charge in a predetermined pattern over said target so that predetermined amounts of charge are deposited upon selected micro-mirrors;

    d) each of said micro-mirrors including a hinge for joining a micro-mirror element to a base electrode;

    e) said micro-mirror element, said base electrode and said hinge each comprising electrically-conductive material whereby said micro-mirror element will be electrostatically repelled from said electrode to pivot about said hinge in response to the input of a quantity of electrical charge from said means for distributing; and

    f) means for receiving light reflected from said target and generating a visible image therefrom.

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