Abstract: A display device having an illumination system with integrated accelerometer is disclosed in which a portion of the illumination system is used as the proof mass for the accelerometer. In one embodiment, the display device includes a plurality of display elements, one or more light sources, one or more light redirectors configured to redirect at least a portion of the light generated by the light sources to at least a portion of the plurality of display elements, one or more light detectors each configured to determine a light intensity, and a processor configured to determine one or more accelerations based on the determined light intensity.

Abstract: Embodiments include methods and devices for controlling the spectral profile and color gamut of light produced by an interferometric display. Such devices include illuminating a display with selected wavelengths of light. Embodiments also include a display comprising separate sections that output different predetermined colors of light. Other embodiments include methods of making the aforementioned devices.

Abstract: Methods of forming a protective coating on one or more surfaces of a microelectromechanical device are disclosed comprising the steps of forming a composite layer of a sacrificial material and a protective material, and selectively etching the sacrificial material to form a protective coating. The protective coatings of the invention preferably improve one or more aspects of the performance of the microelectromechanical devices in which they are incorporated. Also disclosed are microelectromechanical devices formed by methods of the invention, and visual display devices incorporating such devices.

Abstract: A MEMS device such as an interferometric modulator includes an integrated ESD protection element capable of shunting to ground an excess current carried by an electrical conductor in the MEMS device. The protection element may be a diode and may be formed by depositing a plurality of doped semiconductor layers over the substrate on which the MEMS device is formed.

Abstract: The width and location of a hysteresis window of an interferometric modulator may be altered by adjusting various physical characteristics of the interferometric modulator. Thus, depending on the particular application for which the interferometric modulators are manufactured, the width and location of the hysteresis window may be altered. For example, in some applications, reducing the power required to operate an array of interferometric modulators may be an important consideration. In other applications, the speed of the interferometric modulators may be of more importance, where the speed of an interferometric modulator, as used herein, refers to the speed of actuating and relaxing the moveable mirror. In other applications, the cost and ease of manufacturing may be of most importance. Systems and methods are introduced that allow selection of a width and location of a hysteresis window by adjusting various physical characteristics.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for controlling a depth of a cavity between two layers of a light modulating device. A method of making a light modulating device includes providing a substrate, forming a sacrificial layer over at least a portion of the substrate, forming a reflective layer over at least a portion of the sacrificial layer, and forming one or more flexure controllers over the substrate, the flexure controllers configured so as to operably support the reflective layer and to form cavities, upon removal of the sacrificial layer, of a depth measurably different than the thickness of the sacrificial layer, wherein the depth is measured perpendicular to the substrate.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes an array of elements to modulate light in accordance with image data. The modulator has a display panel having first and second surfaces arranged adjacent to the array of elements such that the second surface is directly adjacent the array of elements to allow a viewer to view an image produced by modulation of light The modulator may also include a light source to provide light to the display panel and illumination dots on the first surface of the display panel to reflect light from the source to the array of elements.

Abstract: A support structure within an interferometric modulator device may contact various other structures within the device. Increased bond strengths between the support structure and the other structures may be achieved in various ways, such as by providing roughened surfaces and/or adhesive materials at the interfaces between the support structures and the other structures. In an embodiment, increased adhesion is achieved between a support structure and a substrate layer. In another embodiment, increased adhesion is achieved between a support structure and a moveable layer. Increased adhesion may reduce undesirable slippage between the support structures and the other structures to which they are attached within the interferometric modulator.

Abstract: In various embodiments described herein, a display device includes a front illumination apparatus that comprises a first light guide disposed forward of an array of display elements, such as an array of interferometric modulators, to distribute light across the array of display elements. The light guide panel is edge illuminated by a light source positioned behind the array display elements. The light from such a light source is coupled to a second light guide disposed behind the array of display elements and positioned laterally with respect to the light source. The light in the second light guide is coupled into the first light guide using a small optical coupling element such as a turning mirror. In some embodiments the second light guide may comprise the backplate of the display device.

Abstract: A plurality of reflective spatial light modulator arrays combined together to form a larger display. Each array can include a plurality of light modulating elements disposed on a substrate. Dead space may exist between active areas and/or at a perimeter of the light modulating elements. A plurality of optical elements each having an input aperture and an output aperture can be used to reduce the effect of the dead space. The input apertures are disposed distally and the output apertures are disposed proximally respectively to the light modulating elements such that light received propagates exits the output apertures to the light modulating elements. The input apertures are larger than the output apertures thereby reducing the amount of dead space between active areas of light modulating elements seen be a viewer.

Abstract: Methods of writing display data to MEMS display elements are configured to minimize charge buildup and differential aging. Prior to writing rows of image data, a pre-write operation is performed. The pre-write operation with either actuate or release substantially all pixels in a row prior to writing the image data. In some embodiments, the selection between actuating or releasing is performed in a random or pseudo-random manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for displaying data on bi-stable and non-bi-stable displays is provided. The apparatus includes a controller chip capable of being connected to a non-bi-stable display through a first interface channel and also capable of being connected to a bi-stable display via the first interface channel and an additional second interface channel. When connected the non-bi-stable display, the second interface channel is not connected. The second interface channel may carry mode information bits to the bi-stable display module to allow the bi-stable display to utilize power-saving features.

Abstract: Embodiments of MEMS devices comprise a conductive movable layer spaced apart from a conductive fixed layer by a gap, and supported by rigid support structures, or rivets, overlying depressions in the conductive movable layer, or by posts underlying depressions in the conductive movable layer. In certain embodiments, portions of the rivet structures extend through the movable layer and contact underlying layers. In other embodiments, the material used to form the rigid support structures may also be used to passivate otherwise exposed electrical leads in electrical connection with the MEMS devices, protecting the electrical leads from damage or other interference.

Abstract: A system and method for an optical component that masks non-active portions of a display and provides an electrical path for one or more display circuits. In one embodiment an optical device includes a substrate, a plurality of optical elements on the substrate, each optical element having an optical characteristic which changes in response to a voltage applied to the optical element, and a light-absorbing, electrically-conductive optical mask disposed on the substrate and offset from the plurality of optical elements, the optical mask electrically coupled to one or more of the optical elements to provide electrical paths for applying voltages to the optical elements. In another embodiment, a method of providing an electrical signal to optical elements of a display comprises electrically coupling an electrically-conductive light-absorbing mask to one or more optical elements, and applying a voltage to the mask to activate the one or more optical elements.

Abstract: A system and method for manufacturing a display device having an electrically connected front plate and back plate are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises printing conductive raised contours onto a non-conductive back plate, aligning the back plate with a non-conductive front plate such that the raised contours align with conductive routings on the front plate to electrically connect the raised contours and the routings, and sealing the back plate and the front plate.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device (MEMS) utilizing a porous electrode surface for reducing stiction is disclosed. In one embodiment, a microelectromechanical device is an interferometric modulator that includes a transparent electrode having a first surface; and a movable reflective electrode with a second surface facing the first surface. The movable reflective electrode is movable between a relaxed and actuated (collapsed) position. An aluminum layer is provided on either the first or second surface. The aluminum layer is then anodized to provide an aluminum oxide layer which has a porous surface. The porous surface, in the actuated position, decreases contact area between the electrodes, thus reducing stiction.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical (MEMS) device includes a substrate, a movable element over the substrate, and an actuation electrode above the movable element. The movable element includes a deformable layer and a reflective element. The deformable layer is spaced from the reflective element.

Abstract: Various embodiments include interferometric optical modulators comprising a substrate layer having a thickness between about 0.1 mm to about 0.45 mm thick and a method for manufacturing the same. The interferometric modulator can be integrated together with a diffuser in a display device. The thin substrate permits use of a thicker diffuser. The thinner substrate may increase resolution and reduce overall thickness of the interferometric modulator. The thicker diffuser may provide increased diffusion and durability.

Abstract: An ornamental display device having an interferometric modulator for displaying an ornamental image. The ornamental device may also have a signal receiver configured to receive an external signal. The ornamental device may further have a processor configured to control an image on the display based on the external signal. The external signal is emitted from a controller configured to control a plurality of ornamental devices to display coordinated images. The ornamental device may have a patterned diffuser formed on a transparent substrate to provide an ornamental image or information. The ornamental device may be a piece of jewelry or an article that may be worn. The image displayed may have an iridescent appearance. A controller may also be used to control images displayed on multiple ornamental device to provide coordinated images based on externals received or pre-programmed images.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for fabricating a static interferometric display device. A plurality of sputtering modules is used to form static interferometric elements on a substrate. These elements each have a plurality of interferometric sub-elements that each has an interferometric stack. A first sub-element of each element is formed so that an interferometric modulation of light due to the first element's stack transmits at a first color, and a second sub-element of each element is formed so that a second color is transmitted. The sub-elements of each element are arranged with respect to each other so that all of the elements appear as a third color to a user if all the sub-elements of each element are left unmasked. A printing system is then used to mask one or more sub-elements of one or more elements so as to form, with the elements, a static image having multiple colors.