Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes an imaging device; a stage movable relative to the imaging device; an isolation plate provided between the imaging device and the stage, including a horizontal glass plate; and a plurality of interferometers in electronic communication with a processor. The plurality of interferometers include three interferometers disposed on the imaging device, configured to direct a first beam set in a first direction toward the horizontal glass plate; and three interferometers disposed on the stage, configured to direct a second beam set in a second direction toward the horizontal glass plate, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The processor is configured to measure distances between the imaging device and the isolation plate and distances between the stage and the isolation plate based on the first beam set and the second beam set reflected from the horizontal glass plate.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a MEMS element includes a first member, and an element part. The element part includes a first fixed electrode fixed to the first member, a first movable electrode facing the first fixed electrode, a first conductive member electrically connected to the first movable electrode, and a second conductive member electrically connected to the first movable electrode. The first conductive member and the second conductive member support the first movable electrode to be separated from the first fixed electrode in a first state before a first electrical signal is applied between the second conductive member and the first fixed electrode. The first conductive member and the second conductive member are in a broken state in a second state after the first electrical signal is applied between the second conductive member and the first fixed electrode.

Abstract: A micro movable device includes a movable member, a stationary portion, and connecting portions each connected to the movable member and the stationary portion. The movable member includes a pair of electrodes. The stationary portion includes a pair of electrodes cooperating with the electrodes of the movable member to generate a driving force for translating the movable member in its thickness direction. The connection points at which the respective connecting portions are connected to the movable member are spaced from each other. The electrodes of the movable member are positioned between two mutually spaced connection points, as viewed along the spacing direction of the two connection points.

Abstract: A microphone having an optical component for converting the sound-induced motion of the diaphragm into an electronic signal using a diffraction grating. The microphone with inter-digitated fingers is fabricated on a silicon substrate using a combination of surface and bulk micromachining techniques. A 1 mm×2 mm microphone diaphragm, made of polysilicon, has stiffeners and hinge supports to ensure that it responds like a rigid body on flexible hinges. The diaphragm is designed to respond to pressure gradients, giving it a first order directional response to incident sound. This mechanical structure is integrated with a compact optoelectronic readout system that displays results based on optical interferometry.

Abstract: A stage apparatus on which a laser interferometer is mounted includes a reticle stage (1) movable in three, X-, Y-, and &thgr;-axes, laser heads (8a-8d) each for generating a laser beam, interferometers (9a-9d) each of which is mounted on the stage (1) and splits the laser beam into reference and measurement beams, bar mirrors (11a-11c) each of which is arranged outside the stage (1) and reflects the measurement beam, and detectors (10a-10c) each for detecting the interference beam of the reference and measurement beams.