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: 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: 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: Improved apparatus and methods for displays are disclosed that utilize light concentration array between mechanical light modulators and the viewing surface of the display. The light concentration array includes an array of optical elements that concentrate light on respective ones of the light modulators to maximize the contrast ratio and off axis viewing of the display.

Abstract: Display devices incorporating shutter-based light modulators are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing such devices. The methods are compatible with thin-film manufacturing processes known in the art and result in displays having lower power-consumption.

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: 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: Display devices incorporating shutter-based light modulators are disclosed along with methods of manufacturing such devices. The methods are compatible with thin-film manufacturing processes known in the art and result in displays having lower power-consumption.

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: A perovskite compound of the formula, (Na1/2Bi1/2)1-xMx(Ti1-yM?y)O3±z, where M is one or more of Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Th, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; and M? is one or more of Zr, Hf, Sn, Ge, Mg, Zn, Al, Sc, Ga, Nb, Mo, Sb, Ta, W, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co and Ni, and 0.01<x<0.3, and 0.01<y<0.3, and z<0.1 functions as an electromechanically active material. The material may possess electrostrictive or piezoelectric characteristics.

Abstract: A method of extracting power includes coupling a transducer that converts mechanical power to electrical power to a disturbance; coupling an electrical circuit to the transducer such that a peak voltage experienced by the transducer is greater than two times higher than any peak voltage of an open circuit transducer due to the disturbance alone; extracting power from the transducer using the electrical circuit, and storing extracted power. Power is extracted from the transducer and applied to the transducer during different intervals in the course of the disturbance. A system for extracting power includes a transducer, an electrical circuit, and a storage element for storing extracted power.

Abstract: A method of extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes reusing an elastic portion of energy in a transducer by transferring the elastic portion of energy to another transducer. An apparatus for extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes at least two transducers coupled such that an elastic portion of energy in one transducer is transferable to the other transducer. The transducers are coupled by a member defining a waved surface, and each transducer defines a coupler in contact with the waved surface for movement following the waved surface. Couplers of two transducers are positioned such that they move out-of-phase relative to each other. The transducers are bound to a plate positioned between members such that the plate is deformed. The plate and members are configured such that relative rotation therebetween produces a wave that travels along the plate.

Abstract: A method of extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes reusing an elastic portion of energy in a transducer by transferring the elastic portion of energy to another transducer. An apparatus for extracting electrical energy from mechanical motion includes at least two transducers coupled such that an elastic portion of energy in one transducer is transferable to the other transducer. The transducers are coupled by a member defining a waved surface, and each transducer defines a coupler in contact with the waved surface for movement following the waved surface. Couplers of two transducers are positioned such that they move out-of-phase relative to each other. The transducers are bound to a plate positioned between members such that the plate is deformed. The plate and members are configured such that relative rotation therebetween produces a wave that travels along the plate.

Abstract: A method of extracting power includes coupling a transducer that converts mechanical power to electrical power to a disturbance; coupling an electrical circuit to the transducer such that a peak voltage experienced by the transducer is greater than two times higher than any peak voltage of an open circuit transducer due to the disturbance alone; extracting power from the transducer using the electrical circuit, and storing extracted power. Power is extracted from the transducer and applied to the transducer during different intervals in the course of the disturbance. A system for extracting power includes a transducer, an electrical circuit, and a storage element for storing extracted power.

Abstract: A single crystal perovskite material is provided having the formula, M&agr;Bi&bgr;M′&ggr;M″&dgr;O3±z, where M is one or more of Na, K, Rb and Cs; M′ is one or more of Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; and M″ is one or more of Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn, Ge, Mg, Zn, Al, Sc, Ga, Nb, Mo, Sb, Ta and W; where z≦0.1; 0.9≦&dgr;≦1.1; &agr;, &bgr; and &ggr; are greater than zero; and (&agr;+&bgr;+&ggr;) is in the range of about 0.75 to 1.1. A perovskite material of the formula, Na&ohgr;M&agr;Bi&bgr;M′&ggr;M″&dgr;O3±z, is provided where M is one or more of K, Rb and Cs; M′ is one or more of Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, Y, La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Th, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb and Lu; M″ is one or more of Ti, Zr, Hf, Sn, Ge, Mg, Zn, Al, Sc, Ga, Nb, Mo, Sb, Ta and W; where z≦0.1; 0.9≦&dgr;≦1.1; &agr;, &bgr; and &ggr; are greater than zero; and (&agr;+&bgr;+&ggr;) is in the range of about 0.75 to 1.1.

Abstract: Composites for actuating or sensing deformation. In embodiments, the composites have a series of flexible, elongated piezoelectric fibers arranged in a parallel array with adjacent fibers separated by relatively soft polymer. The piezoelectric fibers have a common poling direction transverse to their axial extension. The composite further includes flexible conductive material along the axial extension of the fibers for imposing or detecting an electric field.

Abstract: Composites for actuating or sensing deformation. In embodiments, the composites have a series of flexible, elongated piezoelectric fibers arranged in a parallel array with adjacent fibers separated by relatively soft polymer. The piezoelectric fibers have a common poling direction transverse to their axial extension. The composite further includes flexible conductive material along the axial extension of the fibers for imposing or detecting an electric field.