Multimirror stack for vertical integration of MEMS devices in two-position retroreflectors
First Claim
1. A retroreflector comprising:
- a substrate;
a moveable micromirror formed over the substrate and adapted to be tilted into at least two distinct positions; and
a multimirror stack positioned on the substrate, the multimirror stack including a plurality of fixed structures bonded together, each such fixed structure having a reflective surface, wherein the multimirror stack is configured such that an optical ray incident at a predetermined angle with respect to the substrate is subject to retroreflection for the at least two distinct positions of the moveable micromirror, such retroreflection including a reflection off the moveable micromirror and a reflection off one of the plurality of fixed structures.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A retroreflector is provided with a substrate over which a moveable micromirror is formed. The moveable micromirror is adapted to be tilted into at least two distinct positions. A multimirror stack is also positioned on the substrate. The multimirror stack includes multiple fixed structures bonded together. Each of the fixed structures has a reflective surface, and the multimirror stack is configured with respect to the moveable micromirror to provide retroreflection paths. An optical ray incident at a predetermined angle with respect to the substrate is subjected to retroreflection for at least two distinct positions of the moveable micromirror. Each retroreflection includes a reflection off the moveable micromirror and a reflection off one of the fixed structures.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. A retroreflector comprising:
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a substrate;
a moveable micromirror formed over the substrate and adapted to be tilted into at least two distinct positions; and
a multimirror stack positioned on the substrate, the multimirror stack including a plurality of fixed structures bonded together, each such fixed structure having a reflective surface, wherein the multimirror stack is configured such that an optical ray incident at a predetermined angle with respect to the substrate is subject to retroreflection for the at least two distinct positions of the moveable micromirror, such retroreflection including a reflection off the moveable micromirror and a reflection off one of the plurality of fixed structures. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for directing an optical ray, the method comprising:
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providing a retroreflector comprising a substrate, a moveable micromirror formed over the substrate and adapted to be tilted into at least two distinct positions, and a multimirror stack positioned on the substrate, the multimirror stack including a plurality of fixed structures bonded together, each such fixed structure having a reflective surface;
propagating the optical ray incident at a predetermined angle with respect to the substrate to provide a first retroreflection of the optical ray, such first retroreflection including a reflection off the moveable micromirror and a reflection off a first of the plurality of fixed structures; and
changing a tilt of the moveable micromirror to retroreflect the optical ray with a second retroreflection that includes a reflection off the moveable micromirror and a reflection off a second of the plurality of fixed structures. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A retroreflector comprising:
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support means;
moveable reflection means formed over the support means and adapted to move into at least two distinct positions; and
fixed reflection means positioned on the support means, the fixed reflection means configured such that an optical ray incident at a predetermined angle with respect to the support means is retroreflected for the at least two distinct positions of the moveable reflection means along distinct paths, each such path including a reflection off the moveable reflection means and off a portion of the fixed reflection means. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification