Integrated continuous spectrum spatial light modulator
First Claim
1. A spatial light modulator system comprising:
- a high fill factor MEMS array of tilting mirrors used to attenuate a plurality of wavelength channels in an optical network, said array of tilting mirrors supported by symmetrically located flexures whose rotational axis passes through the center of gravity of the mirror and wherein each mirror further comprises means for providing strain relief; and
an interface control circuit controlling said array of tilting mirrors, said interface circuit receiving and storing control signals to reconfigure wavelength channel definitions wherein said control circuit and said array of mirrors are not fabricated on the same monolithic substrate.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A novel spatial light modulator system has a high fill factor MEMS array of tilting mirrors used to attenuate wavelength channels in an optical network and an interface control circuit controlling the tilting mirror array via received control signals. The control signals include definitions of the wavelength channels and desired attenuation. This control circuit may or may not be on the same chip as the mirror array. Each mirror is supported by one or more flexures, located symmetrically or asymmetrically with respect to the mirror'"'"'s center of gravity, providing single-axis or two-axis rotation. Stiffener ribs at mirror edges provide a flatter mirror. Landing electrodes held at the same potential as the mirror prevent stiction, while strain relief slots relieve stress on the mirror or flexures. Mirrors fabricated from polysilicon or metal are polished flat using a CMP technique. This SLM design is non-interferometric, therefore increased angular tilt provides increased attenuation.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. A spatial light modulator system comprising:
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a high fill factor MEMS array of tilting mirrors used to attenuate a plurality of wavelength channels in an optical network, said array of tilting mirrors supported by symmetrically located flexures whose rotational axis passes through the center of gravity of the mirror and wherein each mirror further comprises means for providing strain relief; and an interface control circuit controlling said array of tilting mirrors, said interface circuit receiving and storing control signals to reconfigure wavelength channel definitions wherein said control circuit and said array of mirrors are not fabricated on the same monolithic substrate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A spatial light modulator system comprising:
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a high fill factor MEMS array of tilting mirrors used to attenuate a plurality of wavelength channels in an optical network; and an interface control circuit controlling said array of tilting mirrors, said interface circuit receiving and storing control signals to reconfigure wavelength channel definitions wherein each mirror in said MEMS array of tilting mirrors further comprises a single tilting cantilever with an asymmetric flexure resulting in 2-axis rotation. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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11. A spatial light modulator system comprising:
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a high fill factor MEMS array of tilting mirrors used to attenuate a plurality of wavelength channels in an optical network; and an interface control circuit controlling said array of tilting mirrors, said interface circuit receiving and storing control signals to reconfigure wavelength channel definitions wherein each mirror in said MEMS array of tilting mirrors is supported by side support flexures whose rotational axis is offset from the center of gravity of the mirror wherein each mirror further comprises means for providing strain relief.
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12. A spatial light modulator system comprising:
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a high fill factor MEMS array of tilting mirrors used to attenuate a plurality of wavelength channels in an optical network; an interface control circuit controlling said array of tilting mirrors, said interface circuit receiving and storing control signals to reconfigure wavelength channel definitions wherein said control circuit and said array of mirrors are not fabricated on the same monolithic substrate and wherein each mirror has at least one landing electrode having a same potential as said mirror.
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13. A spatial light modulator system comprising:
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a high fill factor MEMS array of tilting mirrors used to attenuate a plurality of wavelength channels in an optical network; and an interface control circuit controlling said array of tilting mirrors, said interface circuit receiving and storing control signals to reconfigure wavelength channel definitions wherein each mirror in said MEMS array of tilting mirrors further comprises means for maintaining mirror flatness wherein said means for maintaining mirror flatness further comprises at least one stiffener rib located above or below the mirror plane and wherein each of said MEMS mirrors is fabricated of a polysilicon or metal layer and wherein said mirror layer is polished flat using a CMP (Chemical Mechanical Planarization) technique.
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Specification