Digital optical switch apparatus and process for manufacturing same
First Claim
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1. A micro-machined device comprising:
- a) a housing;
b) a support structure coupled to the housing;
c) a mass coupled to the support structure by a pair of single-gimbaled structures for providing rotational movement of the mass about first and second axes of rotation; and
d) a plurality of electrodes coupled to the housing in a diagonal relationship, one or more of the plurality of the electrodes capable of being energized with electrical power to provide a selectable force to the mass for moving the mass in one of a plurality of angular directions to a discrete stopping position for digital positioning of the mass to one of a plurality of digital switching positions.
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Abstract
The present invention provides a digital optical switch apparatus and process for manufacturing the apparatus. The apparatus includes a mirror assembly coupled to a top cap and to a bottom cap. The top and bottom caps each include one or more electrodes that, when energized with electrical energy, move a mirrored surface to one of a plurality of discrete positions. Mirror assemblies can be cascaded to create a packaged assembly having any multiple of discrete positions. The process includes planar micro-machining techniques to create isolated islands for electrical feed through. The process enables mechanical bonding of multiple tiers via a single bond region and through a bond-pad window.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A micro-machined device comprising:
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a) a housing; b) a support structure coupled to the housing; c) a mass coupled to the support structure by a pair of single-gimbaled structures for providing rotational movement of the mass about first and second axes of rotation; and d) a plurality of electrodes coupled to the housing in a diagonal relationship, one or more of the plurality of the electrodes capable of being energized with electrical power to provide a selectable force to the mass for moving the mass in one of a plurality of angular directions to a discrete stopping position for digital positioning of the mass to one of a plurality of digital switching positions. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A micro-machined device for controllably directing a beam of light, the device comprising:
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a) a mirror coupled to a support structure by a pair of single-gimbaled dual-axis hinges for providing rotational movement of the mass about first and second axes of rotation; b) a top cap bonded to the mirror support structure and having therein a window to allow light to reach the mirror; c) a bottom cap bonded to the mirror support structure; d) a plurality of electrodes disposed on at least one of the top cap and the bottom cap, one or more of the plurality of the electrodes capable of being energized with electrical energy to provide a selectable force to the mirror for moving the mirror in a plurality of angular directions, the mirror including one or more portions contacting at least one of the top cap and the bottom cap during angular movement to stop movement of the mirror such that the mirror position is one of a plurality of discrete predetermined angular positions for digital positioning of the mirror to one of a plurality of digital switching positions. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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21. A micro-machined device for controllably directing a beam of light, the device comprising a plurality of mirror assemblies, each mirror assembly comprising:
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a) a mirror coupled to a support structure by a pair of single-gimbaled dual-axis hinges for providing rotational movement of the mass about first and second axes of rotation; b) a top cap bonded to the mirror support structure and having therein a window to allow light to reach the mirror; c) a bottom cap bonded to the mirror support structure; and d) a plurality of electrodes disposed on at least one of the top cap and the bottom cap, the electrodes when energized with electrical energy provide a selectable force to the mirror for moving the mirror in a plurality of angular directions, the mirror including one or more portions contacting at least one of the top cap and the bottom cap during angular movement to stop movement of the mirror such that the mirror position is one of a plurality of discrete predetermined angular positions, wherein light exiting a first mirror assembly is directed to enter a second mirror assembly. - View Dependent Claims (22, 23, 24)
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Specification