Hidden flexure ultra planar optical routing element
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A structure for steering light, comprising:
- a base layer;
a first conductive layer overlying a portion of said base layer;
a flexure assembly overlying a portion of said first conductive layer; and
a beam layer overlying and coupled to said flexure assembly, said beam layer adapted to rotate relative to said base layer;
wherein a portion of underlying edges of said flexure assembly and said beam layer are adapted to contact said base layer upon rotation of said beam layer.
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Abstract
The present invention provides improved MEMS devices and methods for use with fiber-optic communications systems. In one embodiment, an apparatus for steering light has a beam layer (160) with a reflective surface. The device uses a multi-layer electrode stack underlying the beam layer to rotate the beam layer into a desired position. Additionally, an underlying rotation and support structure provides a stable platform for the beam layer when the device is activated. In one embodiment, the underlying structure provides a multi-point landing system to maintain a generally flat beam layer upper surface when the device is activated.
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Citations
40 Claims
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1. A structure for steering light, comprising:
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a base layer;
a first conductive layer overlying a portion of said base layer;
a flexure assembly overlying a portion of said first conductive layer; and
a beam layer overlying and coupled to said flexure assembly, said beam layer adapted to rotate relative to said base layer;
wherein a portion of underlying edges of said flexure assembly and said beam layer are adapted to contact said base layer upon rotation of said beam layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
providing the structure for steering light as provided in claim 1;
applying a voltage to said first conductive layer to rotate said beam layer to a desired position, said beam layer having a substantially planar upper surface when in said desired position; and
directing a light at said beam layer.
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16. The structure as in claim 1 wherein a portion of said flexure assembly comprises an I-beam.
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17. An apparatus for steering light, said apparatus comprising:
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a base layer;
a first conductive layer overlying said base layer;
a second conductive layer;
a third conductive layer, wherein each of said first, second and third conductive layers are in a separate plane from the other two conductive layers, and each of said conductive layers comprise at least a portion thereof that is electrically coupled to at least a portion of said other two conductive layers; and
a beam layer coupled to a rotation device, said rotation device positioned between at least one of said conductive layers and said beam layer;
wherein said rotation device and beam layer rotate in response to a voltage applied to said coupled portions of said conductive layers. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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24. A method of making an apparatus for steering light, said method comprising:
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providing a base layer having a first portion and a second portion;
forming first and second stacked electrodes on said first portion and said second portion, said stacked electrodes on said first portion electrically isolated from said stacked electrodes on said second portion;
forming a flexure assembly coupled to said base layer and electrically isolated from said first and second stacked electrodes; and
forming a beam layer coupled to said flexure assembly. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27)
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28. A structure for steering light, comprising:
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a base layer;
a first conductive layer overlying a portion of said base layer;
a flexure assembly, with a portion of said flexure assembly comprising an I-beam, said flexure assembly overlying a portion of said first conductive layer; and
a beam layer overlying and coupled to said flexure assembly, said beam layer adapted to rotate relative to said base layer;
wherein a portion of underlying edges of said flexure assembly and said beam layer are adapted to contact said base layer upon rotation of said beam layer. - View Dependent Claims (29)
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30. A structure for steering light, comprising:
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a base layer;
a first conductive layer overlying a portion of said base layer;
a second conductive layer overlying a portion of said first conductive layer, said first conductive layer comprising a greater surface area than said second conductive layer;
a flexure assembly, with a portion of said flexure assembly comprising an I-beam, said flexure assembly overlying a portion of said first conductive layer; and
a beam layer overlying and coupled to said flexure assembly, said beam layer adapted to rotate relative to said base layer;
wherein said first conductive layer and said second conductive layer each have a central portion separate from a remaining portion of the respective conductive layers, said central portions coupled together. - View Dependent Claims (31)
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32. A structure for steering light, comprising:
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a base layer;
a first conductive layer overlying a portion of said base layer;
a second conductive layer overlying a portion of said first conductive layer, said first conductive layer comprising a greater surface area than said second conductive layer;
a third conductive layer overlying a portion of said second conductive layer, said third conductive layer having a smaller surface area than said second conductive layer;
a flexure assembly, with a portion of said flexure assembly comprising an I-beam, said flexure assembly overlying a portion of said first conductive layer; and
a beam layer overlying and coupled to said flexure assembly, said beam layer adapted to rotate relative to said base layer. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34)
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35. A structure for steering light, comprising:
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a base layer;
a stacked conductive element overlying a portion of the base layer, the stacked conductive element having a first section that is thicker than a second section;
a beam layer spaced apart from the base layer and coupled to a flexure assembly;
wherein the flexure assembly is adapted to permit rotation of the beam layer relative to the base layer and about an axis of rotation when a voltage is applied to the stacked conductive element; and
wherein the first section is disposed closer to the axis of rotation than is the second section. - View Dependent Claims (36, 37, 38, 39, 40)
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Specification