Spatial light modulator having improved contrast ratio
First Claim
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1. A spatial light modulator, comprising:
- at least one torsion hinge, said torsion hinge defining a deflection axis;
a light modulation surface; and
a support member supported by said torsion hinge and extending to said light modulation surface, said support member defining support edges in said light modulation surface, said support edges substantially oriented at a 45 degree angle to a projection of said deflection axis onto said light modulation surface.
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Abstract
A spatial light modulator (70) comprised of an array of micromirrors (72) each having support post (74). The support post (74) defines support post edges (76) in the upper surface of the mirrors (72). These support post edges (76) are all oriented at 45 degree angles with respect to an incident beam of light from a light source (80) to minimize diffraction of light from the edges (76) into the darkfield optics when the mirrors are oriented in the off-state. The present invention achieves an increased contrast ratio of about 20% over conventional designs.
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11 Claims
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1. A spatial light modulator, comprising:
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at least one torsion hinge, said torsion hinge defining a deflection axis; a light modulation surface; and a support member supported by said torsion hinge and extending to said light modulation surface, said support member defining support edges in said light modulation surface, said support edges substantially oriented at a 45 degree angle to a projection of said deflection axis onto said light modulation surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A display system, comprising:
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a light source generating a light beam; at least one torsion hinge, said torsion hinge defining a deflection axis; a light modulation surface; and a support member supported by said torsion hinge and extending to said light modulation surface, said support member defining support edges in said light modulation surface, said support edges substantially oriented at a 45 degree angle to a projection of said deflection axis onto said light modulation surface. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification