Analog interferometric modulator
First Claim
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1. A device for modulating light, comprising:
- a first layer;
a second layer, wherein a gap is present between the first and second layers, and the first layer and second layer are stationary relative to each other;
a third layer disposed in the gap between the first and second layers;
a switch for electrically isolating the third layer; and
a control circuit configured to selectively induce an electric field between the first and second layers by applying a bias voltage across the first layer and the second layer;
wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the third layer to move within the gap by varying the bias voltage, wherein movement of the third layer is based on an electrostatic force between the electric field and a charge applied to the third layer and a mechanical restorative force acting on the third layer.
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Abstract
Methods and devices for calibrating and controlling the actuation of an analog interferometric modulator configured to have a plurality of actuation states. Devices and methods for calibrating an analog interferometric modulator to respond in linear relation to an applied voltage.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A device for modulating light, comprising:
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a first layer; a second layer, wherein a gap is present between the first and second layers, and the first layer and second layer are stationary relative to each other; a third layer disposed in the gap between the first and second layers; a switch for electrically isolating the third layer; and a control circuit configured to selectively induce an electric field between the first and second layers by applying a bias voltage across the first layer and the second layer; wherein the control circuit is configured to cause the third layer to move within the gap by varying the bias voltage, wherein movement of the third layer is based on an electrostatic force between the electric field and a charge applied to the third layer and a mechanical restorative force acting on the third layer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of calibrating an analog interferometric modulator, comprising:
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providing a first electrode and a second electrode, wherein a gap is present between the first electrode and the second electrode; applying a bias voltage across the first electrode and the second electrode to induce an electric field between the first electrode and the second electrode; and moving a third electrode within the gap by varying the bias voltage, wherein movement of the third electrode is based on an electrostatic force between the electric field and a charge applied to the third electrode and a mechanical restorative force acting on the third electrode, and wherein a switch may electrically isolate the third electrode. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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13. A device for modulating light, comprising:
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first means for conducting current; second means for conducting current, wherein a gap is present between the first conducting means and the second conducting means; means for applying a bias voltage across the first conducting means and the second conducting means to induce an electric field between the first conducting means and the second conducting means; third means for conducting current; and means for electrically isolating the third conducting means, wherein the means for applying a bias voltage is configured to cause the third means for conducting current to move within the gap by varying the bias voltage, wherein movement of the third means for conducting current is based on an electrostatic force between the electric field and a charge applied to the third means for conducting current and a mechanical restorative force acting on the third means for conducting current. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification