Multi-tilt micromirror systems with concealed hinge structures

• US 6,900,922 B2
• Filed: 02/24/2003
• Issued: 05/31/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/24/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.
• Original Assignee: Exajoule, LLC
• Inventors: Aubuchon, Christopher M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mack, Ricky
• Assistant Examiner(s): THOMAS, BRANDI N
• Application Number:
  US10/374,418
• Publication Number:
  US 20040165250A1
• Time in Patent Office: 827 Days
• Field of Search: 359/292, 359/291, 359/290, 359/295, 359/223, 359/224, 359/213, 359/214, 359/846, 735/040.7, 735/041.2, 310/16, 310/36, 310/90
• US Class Current: 359/292
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0841 the reflecting element being moved or deformed by electrostatic means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/085 the reflecting means being moved or deformed by electromagnetic means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0858 the reflecting means being moved or deformed by piezoelectric means
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 26/0866 the reflecting means being moved or deformed by thermal means

Abstract

Multi-tilt mirrors, assemblies and applications of the same, and methods of making. Micromirror devices employing a superstructure that includes a mirror supported over a hinge set above substructure. Various features described are applicable to improve manufacturability, enable further miniaturization of the elements and/or to increase relative light return. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable optics solutions.

Claims

1. A micromirror device comprising:

a substrate with electrical components including address circuitry;

a micromirror; and

a unitary support structure interconnecting said substrate and said micromirror, said support structure including a first torsion member mounted at two locations on said substrate and a second torsion member mounted to opposite ends of said micromirror, said torsion members configured to permit rotation of said micromirror about multiple axes of rotation,

wherein said electrical components further comprise electrodes adapted to apply attractive forces to said micromirror; and

wherein at least one of said electrodes is configured with a plurality of portions at different levels, so that portions further from a center of rotation of said micromirror are at a greater distance from the micromirror than portions closer to the center of rotation.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein each of said electrodes comprises a stepped configuration.

3. A micromirror device comprising:

a substrate with electrical components including address circuitry;

micromirror; and

a unitary support structure interconnecting said substrate and said micromirror, said support structure including a first torsion member mounted at two locations on said substrate and a second torsion member mounted to opposite ends of said micromirror, said torsion members configured to permit rotation of said micromirror about multiple axes of rotation;

wherein said electrical components further comprise electrodes adapted to apply attractive forces to said micromirror, and

wherein said electrodes are oriented so that portions of said electrodes which are further from a center of rotation of said micromirror are at a greater distance from said micromirror than portions closer to the center of rotation.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein said electrode portions of each said electrode are continuous with one another.

5. The device of claim 3, wherein said portions are discrete members.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein each said electrode comprises a continuous angled member.

7. A micromirror device comprising:

a substrate with electrical components including address circuitry;

a micromirror, and

a unitary support structure interconnecting said substrate and said micromirror, said support structure including a first torsion member mounted at two locations on said substrate and a second torsion member mounted to opposite ends of said micromirror, said torsion members configured to permit rotation of said micromirror about multiple axes of rotation;

wherein said electrical components further comprise electrodes adapted to apply attractive forces to said micromirror; and

wherein each said electrode comprises a substantially planar electrode, wherein said electrodes are oriented so that portions of said electrodes which are further from a center of rotation of said micromirror are at substantially the same distance from said micromirror as portions closer to the center of rotation, when said micromirror is in a neutral configuration.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein said electrodes are mounted on via columns close to said micromirror.

9. The device of claim 7, wherein said portions of each said electrode form an electrode array, and wherein at least one of said portions of at least one of said electrodes is addressable independently of the other of said portions.

10. The device of claim 9, wherein each said portion is independently addressable.

11. The device of claim 7, wherein said portions of each said electrode form an electrode array, and wherein at least one of said portions of at least one of said electrodes is addressable independently of the other of said portions.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein each said portion is independently addressable.

13. A micromirror device comprising:

a substrate with electrical components including address circuitry,

a micromirror; and

a support structure underlying said micromirror and joining said substrate with said micromirror, said support structure including a first torsion component having first and second ends mounted to said substrate and a second torsion component having first and second ends mounted to opposite ends of said micromirror, said first and second torsion components intersecting one another to provide a universal joint configured to permit rotation of said micromirror about multiple axes of rotation;

wherein said electrical components further comprise electrodes adapted to apply attractive forces to said micromirror, said electrodes being oriented beneath gap locations defined by said torsion components, and

wherein said electrodes are oriented so that portions of said electrodes which are further from a center of rotation of said micromirror are at a greater distance from said micromirror than portions closer to the center of rotation.

14. The device of claim 13, wherein each of said electrodes comprises a stepped configuration.

15. The device of claim 13, wherein said electrode portions of each said electrode are continuous with one another.

16. The device of claim 14, wherein said portions are discrete members.

17. The device of claim 13, wherein each said electrode comprises a continuous angled member.

18. The device of claim 13, wherein said portions of each said electrode form an electrode array, and wherein at least one of said portions of at least one of said electrodes is addressable independently of the other of said portions.

19. The device of claim 18, wherein each said portion is independently addressable.