Abstract: The invention relates to methods of manufacturing display devices including the steps of forming a plurality of thin-film components and forming a plurality of mechanical light modulators on top of the thin-film components, where the plurality of mechanical light modulators include a layer of amorphous silicon.

Abstract: Improved apparatus and methods for spatial light modulation are disclosed which utilize optical cavities having both front and rear reflective surfaces. Light-transmissive regions are formed in the front reflective surface for spatially modulating light.

Abstract: Light guides and backlight systems are disclosed that include one or more groups of geometric light redirectors whose density and/or orientation across the surface of a light guide varies to improve light emission uniformity and to reduce visual artifacts.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatus for forming images on a display utilizing a control matrix to control the movement of MEMs-based light modulators.

Abstract: This invention relates to MEMS display apparatus and methods for assembly thereof that include a plurality of light modulators having components substantially surrounded in a liquid that reduces the effects of stiction and improves the optical and electromechanical performance of the display apparatus. The invention also relates to methods for aligning components of a MEMS display to establish a correspondence between the plurality of light modulators and a plurality of apertures to regulate the transmission of light through the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to spatial light modulators for use in display apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to spatial light modulators that include a substrate defining a plane and a shutter suspended over the substrate by a compliant beam. The compliant beam has a cross-sectional thickness, in a dimension parallel to the plane of the substrate, between about 0.2 ?m and about 10 ?m. In one embodiment, a thickness of the compliant beam in a dimension perpendicular to the plane of the substrate is at least about 1.4 times the cross-sectional width of the compliant beam in the dimension parallel to the plane of the substrate.

Abstract: A display includes an array of light modulators that define a display plane, a light guide and front- and rear-facing reflective surfaces. The light guide includes a plurality of geometric light redirectors, and at least 50% of the light guide's rear surface is parallel to the display plane. The rear-facing reflective surface is parallel to the display plane and includes a plurality of apertures.

Abstract: The invention relates to mechanically bi-stable shutter assemblies for use in display apparatus to form images.

Abstract: The invention relates to light modulators for use in display apparatus. In particular, the invention relates to methods for supporting and support structures for light modulators to reduce unwanted motion.

Abstract: This invention relates to display apparatuses having an array of light modulators and a plurality of apertures formed in a layer of material. Each light modulator corresponds to one or more apertures and has a portion which may overlap a corresponding aperture, where the size of the overlap is proportional to a distance between the array and the layer of material.

Abstract: The invention relates to mechanical actuators for forming images on a display. The actuators include two mechanically compliant electrodes.