Micromachined optomechanical switches
First Claim
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1. A MEMS optomechanical switch comprising:
- a substrate;
a signal source capable of transmitting a radiation signal;
an electrode coupled to the substrate;
a micromachined plate rotatably coupled to the substrate about a pivot axis;
a micromirror having an orientated reflective surface, the micromirror being mounted to the micromachined plate such that the orientation of the reflective surface relative to the radiation signal is substantially constant as the micromachined plate rotates about the pivot axis; and
an electrical source coupled to at least one of the electrode and the micromachined plate, such that an electrical force can be generated between the electrode and the micromachined plate, and wherein the micromachined plate rotates about the pivot axis due to the generation of the electrical force.
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Abstract
In at least one embodiment, a MEMS optomechanical switch in accordance with the present invention includes a substrate, a signal source capable of transmitting a radiation signal, an electrode coupled to the substrate, and a micromachined plate rotatably coupled to the substrate about a pivot axis. The switch further includes a micromirror having an orientated reflective surface, mounted to the micromachined plate and an electrical source coupled to at least one of the electrode and the micromachined plate.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A MEMS optomechanical switch comprising:
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a substrate;
a signal source capable of transmitting a radiation signal;
an electrode coupled to the substrate;
a micromachined plate rotatably coupled to the substrate about a pivot axis;
a micromirror having an orientated reflective surface, the micromirror being mounted to the micromachined plate such that the orientation of the reflective surface relative to the radiation signal is substantially constant as the micromachined plate rotates about the pivot axis; and
an electrical source coupled to at least one of the electrode and the micromachined plate, such that an electrical force can be generated between the electrode and the micromachined plate, and wherein the micromachined plate rotates about the pivot axis due to the generation of the electrical force. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A MEMS optomechanical switch comprising:
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a substrate;
an electrode coupled to the substrate;
a micromachined plate rotatably coupled to the substrate about a pivot axis, the micromachined plate and electrode being capable of generating an electrical force therebetween;
a micromirror having an orientated reflective surface, wherein the micromirror is mounted to the micromachined plate; and
a landing electrode positioned to prevent the micromachined plate from contacting at least one of the substrate and the electrode. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A MEMS optomechanical switch comprising:
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a substrate;
a signal source capable of transmitting a radiation signal;
an electrode coupled to the substrate;
a micromachined plate rotatable coupled to the substrate about a pivot axis;
a micromirror having a reflective surface, the micromirror being mounted to the micromachined plate, wherein the reflective surface is substantially along a single plane having a normal to the plane, wherein the normal to the single plane is substantially aligned with the pivot axis; and
an electrical source coupled to at least on of the electrode and the micromachined plate, such that an electrical force can be generated between the electrode and the micromachined plate, and wherein the micromachined plate rotates about the pivot axis due to the generation of the electrical force. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification