Fast switching method for a micro-mirror device for optical switching applications
First Claim
1. A method of switching optical signals using micro-mirror structures and control, the method comprising:
- selecting an optical path for a micro-mirror device, the mirror device being coupled to a torsion bar device;
moving the micro-mirror device about a torsion bar device, the micro-mirror device being operated about the torsion bar device through an operating range, the micro-mirror device being subjected to a mechanical force from the torsion bar and being subjected to an electro-static force applied to the micro-mirror device and positioning the micro-mirror device to a selected switching location within the operating range to a selected region within a predetermined time; and
controlling the micro-mirror device during a portion of time during the moving by receiving position signals periodically at a predetermined frequency from a sensing device coupled to the micro-mirror device, the position signals being indicative of a position of the operating range and selectively applying an electro-static force based upon one or more of the position signals such that the micro-mirror device is moved to the selected switching location to form the optical path without substantial oscillation of the micro-mirror device within the predetermined time of less than 10 milliseconds, wherein the electro-static force and the torsion force are equal to zero at the selected switching location.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A fast method of switching optical signals using micro-mirror structures and control. The method selects an optical path for a micro-mirror device, the mirror device being coupled to a torsion bar device. The micro-mirror device is moved or pivoted about a torsion bar device, the micro-mirror device being operated about the torsion bar device through an operating range. The micro-mirror device is subjected to a mechanical force from the torsion bar and being subjected an electro-static force applied to the micro-mirror device. The method positions the micro-mirror device to a selected switching location within the operating range a selected region within a predetermined time. The micro-mirror device is controlled during a portion of time during the moving by receiving position signals periodically at a predetermined frequency from a sensing device coupled to the micro-mirror device. The position signals are indicative of a position of the operating range and selectively applying an electrostatic force based upon one or more of the position signals such that the micro-mirror device is moved to the selected switching location without substantial oscillation of the micro-mirror device within the predetermined time of less than 10 milliseconds.
98 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method of switching optical signals using micro-mirror structures and control, the method comprising:
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selecting an optical path for a micro-mirror device, the mirror device being coupled to a torsion bar device;
moving the micro-mirror device about a torsion bar device, the micro-mirror device being operated about the torsion bar device through an operating range, the micro-mirror device being subjected to a mechanical force from the torsion bar and being subjected to an electro-static force applied to the micro-mirror device and positioning the micro-mirror device to a selected switching location within the operating range to a selected region within a predetermined time; and
controlling the micro-mirror device during a portion of time during the moving by receiving position signals periodically at a predetermined frequency from a sensing device coupled to the micro-mirror device, the position signals being indicative of a position of the operating range and selectively applying an electro-static force based upon one or more of the position signals such that the micro-mirror device is moved to the selected switching location to form the optical path without substantial oscillation of the micro-mirror device within the predetermined time of less than 10 milliseconds, wherein the electro-static force and the torsion force are equal to zero at the selected switching location. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method of switching optical signals using micro-mirror structures and control, the method comprising:
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selecting an optical path for a micro-mirror device, the mirror device being coupled to a torsion bar device;
moving the micro-mirror device about a torsion bar device, the micro-mirror device being operated about the torsion bar device through an operating range, the micro-mirror device being subjected to a mechanical force from the torsion bar and being subjected to an electro-static force applied to the micro-mirror device and positioning the micro-mirror device to a selected switching location within the operating range to a selected region within a predetermined time; and
controlling the micro-mirror device during a portion of time during the moving by receiving position signals periodically at a predetermined frequency from a sensing device coupled to the micro-mirror device, the position signals being indicative of a position of the operating range and selectively applying an electro-static force based upon one or more of the position signals such that the micro-mirror device is moved to the selected switching location to form the optical path without substantial oscillation of the micro-mirror device within the predetermined time of less than 10 milliseconds, wherein the substantial oscillation includes a predetermined frequency that may be damped and continues for an amount of time that exceeds milliseconds. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification