Abstract: There is disclosed a device that consists of a micro-mechanical switch consisting of an electrode, a gap between the electrode and an individually deflectable element, which has a vertical shutter attached to its underside. When the electrode is addressed the movement of the deflectable element causes the shutter to raise or lower. Such a device can be used in switching. One embodiment of such a use in waveguides is disclosed along with the method of manufacture.

Abstract: A deformable membrane type of spatial light modulator may be modified and used with a lens for beam steering applications. A reflective membrane is deformed by one or more of a multiplicity of underlying address electrodes, such that it has a different center of curvature depending on which electrode is being energized. An incoming beam is incident on the membrane and reflected from it. A lens collimates light reflected from the membrane so that a beam is reflected in a desired direction relative to the incoming beam.

Abstract: A digitized display system providing a three dimensional image utilizing a display including a multi-frequency sensitive material and a spatial light modulator with individual controllable elements. The spatial light modulator can be a deformable mirror device.

Abstract: A visual display system having a spatial light modulator with individually controllable elements. Each element capable of producing an individual light beam directed toward a display surface. A source of random polarity light is utilized to direct light onto the modulator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for capturing an image, using a spatial light modulator (SLM) 11 and a single-element sensor 15. The SLM 11 is an array of individually switchable pixel elements, which reflect light toward the sensor if switched to an "on" position. As each pixel element is switched on, light from that pixel element is directed to the sensor 15. For each pixel element, the sensor 15 generates a signal proportional to the light associated with that pixel element, the result being a series of signals representing at least one image frame. The process may be repeated for a number of image frames for generating moving pictures.

Abstract: A device for steering light and its method of manufacture are disclosed. The device in the preferred embodiment consists of a multi-layer structure on a substrate. The substrate contains at least one electrode (36) for addressing a deflectable element (16) causing it to deflect towards the activated electrode (36). Upon the deflectable element (16) is at least one support post (62) which is positioned approximately along the axis of rotation (24) of the deflectable element (16). A reflecting element (61) is supported by the post (62) and deflects as the first element (16) deflects. The second element (62) is of far greater extent than the first element (16). Additionally, the method of manufacture of such a device is disclosed.

Abstract: A digitized video system utilizes a spatial light modulator which has an array of deformable mirror cells with two or more memory cells associated with each mirror cell. A first decoder address one memory cell associated with most of the mirror cells of the array to display an image. A second decoder address one memory cell of each memory cell in the array to allow information to be stored therein. The array could be subdivided into several arrays with its own decoders as desired.

Abstract: A method for periodically steering a beam of light is disclosed comprising the steps of reflecting a beam of light off of a mirror suspended by at least two supporting elements. At least one of the supporting elements is displaced from an edge of the mirror. A periodic voltage is applied to an electrode displaced from the mirror to cause the mirror to rotate about an axis.

Abstract: A switch for coupling a row of three input/output optical fibers. The switch is based on a spatial light modulator device, having a tiltable mirror element, with a grazing mirror layer, a lens layer, and a fiber holder layer assembled on top. The grazing mirror layer directs light to or from the outer fibers to or from the tiltable mirror and permits the fiber holder layer to hold the axes of the ends of the fibers parallel to each other. The lens layer is interposed between the fiber holder layer and the grazing mirror layer for coupling light into and out of the fibers.

Abstract: A digitized display system providing multiplexed color beams at one frequency less than the critical flicker frequency for the human eye with each color beam being provided at a higher frequency. The beams are directed at a spatial light modulator. The individual light beams from the spatial light modulator is directed toward a display surface.

Abstract: It is possible to determine acceleration using an array of micro-machined elements. The invention described herein details how to do so by fabricating an array of structures with a substrate, addressing circuitry, a spacer layer forming a well over the addressing circuitry, and a deflection element over the well. The deflection elements are configured so each element is deflected by a higher acceleration. The invention also shows one embodiment of the invention.

Abstract: It is possible to utilize changes in the complex effective refractive index caused by bringing a metal membrane in close proximity to the core of an optical waveguide to form many devices. The invention described herein provides structures and processes that do so, the structure comprising a substrate, a lower cladding, a waveguide core, a removable upper cladding which supports a metal membrane, and an electrode for deflecting said membrane.Switchable devices using this structure include, but are not limited to, polarizers, mode converters, optical switches, Bragg devices, directional couplers and channel waveguides.

Abstract: The invention described herein details a method to control the operating window of illumination for an optical device or system. By connecting together two light sensitive devices (46a and 46b), one very sensitive to light (46a), the other mildly sensitive to light (46b), it is possible to designate when essential signals (38) are allowed to pass to a device or system. The outputs of the two devices are fed through logic circuitry (52 and 54) which determines the output. The logic circuitry is selected dependent upon which operation window is chosen. The output of the logic is then connected to the control signal.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for assembling all of the parts of a xerographic system in a unitary housing. The unitary molded housing contains the xerographic optics, the modulator, the toner and developer cartridges as well as the printr drum. Using this unitary housing, the modulator can be aligned by using optical sensors in substitution for the printing drum during assembly.

Abstract: A digitized video system having a display including one or more multi-frequency sensitive materials and a spatial lighy modulator simultaneously directing a plurality individual beams from an energy source onto the display.

Abstract: A semiconductor device comprises a plurality of groups of colored mirrors controllable by electronic circuitry. Each group of colored mirrors absorb or reflect specified wavelengths of visible light. The electronic signals control the pathways on which each individual mirror reflect incident light. A first process for manufacturing such a color deformable mirror device ("DMD") includes aligning a dye-bearing substrate over the deformable mirror device and causing specified portions of the dye to sublimate off of the substrate and condense onto particular mirror elements of the deformable mirror device. A second process for producing a colored deformable mirror device places an electro static charge in a dye cloud and introduces the charged cloud to the DMD. The dye migrates to those selected mirrors containing an opposite electrical charge.

Abstract: A digitized video system utilizing a spatial light modulator which includes deformable mirror devices to form an image. The image is projected onto a moving surface which intersects each point within a three dimensional space to allow the display of a three dimensional image. Each mirror cell is capable of projecting an individual beam. The individual beams form one portion of an image.

Abstract: There is disclosed an optic system for illuminating a DMD array in a manner for efficient light transfer to an imaging lens. The DMD is positioned between the light source and the lens aperture. An anamorphic optic path is arranged such that the vertical component of the light is compressed to match the physical shape of the DMD array. In this manner the horizontal light component is focused directly on the aperture while the vertical light component is focused optically ahead of the aperture. Together the two light components entirely fill the lens aperture while providing more light intensity at the DMD.