Abstract: A bimorph using ultraviolet setting glue to laminate a piezoelectric film structure, having etched-back metalization patterns on the surfaces of the piezoelectric film. The bimorph is used in a bimorph light modulator including a substrate on which fiber optic input and output light guides are mounted. A gap between the light guides serve as an optical coupling. A bimorph is affixed to the substrate with a shutter attached to one end thereof and positioned within the gap for blocking the light coupling when the bimorph is in the unenergized state. When the bimorph is energized, it pulls the shutter out of the gap, thereby allowing light coupling. Top and bottom stops are used to limit the bimorph movement to damp resonant vibrations and improve on and off times. Viscous air damping is used to eliminate or minimize bounce of the top and bottom stops and to help damp resonant vibration.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a bimorph using ultraviolet setting glue to laminate the structure and having etched back metalization patterns on the surfaces of the piezoelectric film used to make the bimorph to minimize the possibility of shorting and to eliminate electrostatic pinning and to increase the mechanical reliability and lifetimes of the electrical contacts. Also disclosed is a method for making the bimorph and a method for registering the bimorph on a light modulator. There is also disclosed a bimorph light modulator consisting of a substrate on which there is attached an fiber optic input light guide and a fiber optic output light guide. There is a gap between these light guides through which light passes as it is coupled between said light guides. A bimorph is affixed to the substrate with a shutter attached to one end of the bimorph such that the shutter is registered in the gap so as to block light coupling when the bimorph is in the unenergized state.