Abstract: In one embodiment the invention provides a device for modulating light. The device includes a non-imaging concentrating optic having a body with a first end through which light enters the body and a second end through which light leaves the body; and a shutter component which can be selectively aligned with the second end in one of several operative positions wherein in at least one operative position, the shutter component is sufficiently close to the second end of the body to be within the wavelength of an evanescent wave generated at a surface of the body at the second end when total internal reflection occurs at the surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention there is provided a device for modulating light. The device comprises a plurality of nano-scale particles; a conformal structure defining a surface to which the nano-scale particles conform under influence of a displacement force; and a displacement mechanism to apply the displacement force to the nano-scale particles; wherein the nano-scale particles when they conform to the conformal structure change the optical characteristics of the conformal structure.

Abstract: A structure of a structure release and a manufacturing method are provided. The structure and manufacturing method are adapted for an interference display cell. The structure of the interference display cell includes a first electrode, a second electrode and at least one supporter. The second electrode has at least one hole and is arranged about parallel with the first electrode. The supporter is located between the first electrode and the second electrode and a cavity is formed. In the release etch process of manufacturing the structure, an etchant can pass through the hole to etch a sacrificial layer between the first and the second electrodes to form the cavity; therefore, the time needed for the process becomes shorter.

Abstract: In one embodiment, there is provided a method comprising positioning a light concentrating component, having a body comprising a near end and a far end, an exit pupil at the far end, and an internal reflective surface shaped and dimensioned to concentrate light entering the body at the near end to exit the body at the far end via the exit pupil, to a position relative to an modulating component in which position light exiting the body through the exit pupil impinges on an active area of the modulating component; and securing the light concentrating component relative to the modulating component in said position.

Abstract: Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal.

Abstract: An interferometric light modulating device having two viewing surfaces is provided. In some embodiments, the device can generate two distinct images, one on each side of the device, simultaneously.

Abstract: A MEMS-based display device is described, wherein an array of interferometric modulators are configured to reflect light through a transparent substrate. The transparent substrate is sealed to a backplate and the backplate can contain electronic circuitry for controlling the array of interferometric modulators. The backplate can provide physical support for device components, such as electronic components which can be used to control the state of the display. The backplate can also be utilized as a primary structural support for the device.

Abstract: A package structure and method of packaging for an interferometric modulator. A thin film material is deposited over an interferometric modulator and transparent substrate to encapsulate the interferometric modulator. A gap or cavity between the interferometric modulator and the thin film provides a space in which mechanical parts of the interferometric modulator may move. The gap is created by removal of a sacrificial layer that is deposited over the interferometric modulator.

Abstract: An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process.

Abstract: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Abstract: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Abstract: An interference modulator (Imod) incorporates anti-reflection coatings and/or micro-fabricated supplemental lighting sources. An efficient drive scheme is provided for matrix addressed arrays of IMods or other micromechanical devices. An improved color scheme provides greater flexibility. Electronic hardware can be field reconfigured to accommodate different display formats and/or application functions. An IMod's electromechanical behavior can be decoupled from its optical behavior. An improved actuation means is provided, some one of which may be hidden from view. An IMod or IMod array is fabricated and used in conjunction with a MEMS switch or switch array. An IMod can be used for optical switching and modulation. Some IMods incorporate 2-D and 3-D photonic structures. A variety of applications for the modulation of light are discussed. A MEMS manufacturing and packaging approach is provided based on a continuous web fed process.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a method for fabricating a microelectromechanical systems device. The method comprises fabricating a first layer comprising a film having a characteristic electromechanical response, and a characteristic optical response, wherein the characteristic optical response is desirable and the characteristic electromechanical response is undesirable; and modifying the characteristic electromechanical response of the first layer by at least reducing charge build up thereon during activation of the microelectromechanical systems device.

Abstract: Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal.

Abstract: Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal.

Abstract: Light in the visible spectrum is modulated using an array of modulation elements, and control circuitry connected to the array for controlling each of the modulation elements independently, each of the modulation elements having a surface which is caused to exhibit a predetermined impedance characteristic to particular frequencies of light. The amplitude of light delivered by each of the modulation elements is controlled independently by pulse code modulation. Each modulation element has a deformable portion held under tensile stress, and the control circuitry controls the deformation of the deformable portion. Each deformable element has a deformation mechanism and an optical portion, the deformation mechanism and the optical portion independently imparting to the element respectively a controlled deformation characteristic and a controlled modulation characteristic. The deformable modulation element may be a non-metal.

Abstract: The invention provides a microfabrication process which may be used to manufacture a MEMS device. In one embodiment, the process comprises depositing at least one first layer on a substrate. The process further comprises patterning said first layer to define at least a first portion of said microelectromechanical system device. The process further comprises depositing a second layer on said first layer. The process further comprises patterning said second layer using said first layer as a photomask. The process further comprises developing said second layer to define at least a second portion of the microelectromechanical system device.

Abstract: A requirements matching broker is provided for use in a requirements matching system. The broker receives messages from users or from other brokers, conveying a statement of requirements, via a communications network interface. The broker includes a store and means to store predetermined rules for routing received messages. A rule includes a statement of requirements and the identity of a corresponding destination. On receipt of a message, the broker performs a comparison of a statement of requirements conveyed by the message with a statement of requirements contained within a stored routing rule. On finding a match, the broker identifies, from the matching routing rule, the identity of a destination for routing the received message and transmits the message to the identified destination via the network interface.

Abstract: An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.

Abstract: A method of controlling unwanted plants, the method including providing an herbicidal composition, the herbicidal composition containing at least a naturally-occurring, plant-derived organic compound, and applying the herbicidal composition to the unwanted plants.