Abstract: Described are methods for fabricating Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) actuators with hidden combs and hinges. The ability to hide the combs renders the actuators useful in digital micro-mirror devices. Comb actuators provide increased torque, which facilitates the use of stiffer, less fragile hinge structures. Also important, comb actuators do not require mechanical stops to define stable states, and thus avoid problems associated with physical contact. The actuators are infinitely variable through a range of angles.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises an optical element capable of motion in at least one degree of freedom wherein the motion in at least one degree of freedom is enabled by serpentine hinges configured to enable the optical element to move in at least one degree of freedom. The embodiment further includes driving elements configured to deflect the optical element in said at least one degree of freedom to controllably induce deflection in the optical element and a damping element to reduce magnitude of resonances. Another embodiment includes a MEMS optical apparatus comprising an optical element capable of motion in two degrees of freedom. The two degrees of freedom are enabled by two pairs of serpentine hinges. A first pair of serpentine hinges is configured to enable the optical element to move in one degree of freedom and a second pair of serpentine hinges is configured to enable the optical element to move in a second degree of freedom.

Abstract: Described are methods for fabricating Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) actuators with hidden combs and hinges. The ability to hide the combs renders the actuators useful in digital micro-mirror devices. Comb actuators provide increased torque, which facilitates the use of stiffer, less fragile hinge structures. Also important, comb actuators do not require mechanical stops to define stable states, and thus avoid problems associated with physical contact. The actuators are infinitely variable through a range of angles.

Abstract: Fiber, lens and sensor arrays and their precision alignment for optical devices with free space light propagation is disclosed. Fabrication methods of arrays and their assembly are also proposed. In one implementation, a device includes a fiber alignment module holding fibers in parallel to form a fiber array. The fiber alignment module includes first and second alignment plates, and a spacer plate engaged between the first and second alignment plates. Each alignment plate includes an array of through holes to respectively hold the fibers. A lens array can be engaged to the fiber alignment module to align lenses to their corresponding fibers. Passive alignment features may be formed at interfacing surfaces of different layers to assist the alignment. Applications of these integrated fiber, lens and sensor arrays to optical cross-connect switches and reconfigurable add-drop multiplexers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention comprises an optical element capable of motion in at least one degree of freedom wherein the motion in at least one degree of freedom is enabled by serpentine hinges configured to enable the optical element to move in at least one degree of freedom. The embodiment further includes driving elements configured to deflect the optical element in said at least one degree of freedom to controllably induce deflection in the optical element and a damping element to reduce magnitude of resonances. Another embodiment includes a MEMS optical apparatus comprising an optical element capable of motion in two degrees of freedom. The two degrees of freedom are enabled by two pairs of serpentine hinges. A first pair of serpentine hinges is configured to enable the optical element to move in one degree of freedom and a second pair of serpentine hinges is configured to enable the optical element to move in a second degree of freedom.

Abstract: A Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) actuator employs electrostatic comb electrodes to position optical elements along multiple axes. In one embodiment, an actuator assembly includes an actuator support, typically a silicon wafer, supporting a fixed comb with a plurality of teeth. A frame flexibly connected to the actuator support includes a complementary set of movable comb electrodes, the teeth of which are arranged interdigitally with the teeth of the fixed combs. The frame can be tilted with respect to the actuator support along a first fulcrum axis by applying a potential difference between the fixed and movable combs. Each actuator assembly also includes an actuated member, a mirror mount in one embodiment, flexibly connected to the frame. The actuated member and the frame include electrical isolated, interdigitated, combs. The actuated member can be moved relative to the frame along a second fulcrum axis by applying a potential between these interdigitated combs.

Abstract: Described are Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) actuators with hidden combs and hinges. The ability to hide the combs renders the actuators useful in digital micro-mirror devices. Comb actuators provide increased torque, which facilitates the use of stiffer, less fragile hinge structures. Also important, comb actuators do not require mechanical stops to define stable states, and thus avoid problems associated with physical contact. The actuators are infinitely variable through a range of angles.

Abstract: Described is a photolithography “pattern transfer” process for forming Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) structures. A first material layer is patterned so that raised portions of the layer define features of a MEMS structure to be formed. The resulting pattern is then “transferred” to the surface of a second material layer by etching the top surface of the first material layer, including the raised portions and the valleys defined between the raised portions, until the second layer is exposed between the raised portions.

Abstract: A method of defect detection and repair of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices comprising the steps of (A) detecting at least one defect in the MEMS device, wherein each defect is an object that prevents the MEMS device from functioning substantially properly; (B) performing repair of each detected defect; (C) checking whether the MEMS device is functioning substantially properly after each detected defect is repaired; and (D) if the MEMS device is not functioning substantially properly after each detected defect is repaired, repeating steps (A-C).

Abstract: Described is a photolithography “deep-well lithography” process for forming Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) structures. The process differs from conventional lithography in that the surface being patterned is not the uppermost surface, but is instead the bottom of a “well” defined beneath the uppermost surface. The focal plane of the photolithography equipment is offset from the uppermost surface as appropriate to account for the depth of the well in which the pattern is to be formed. The bottom of the well is then patterned to produce a desired structure.

Abstract: Described are Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) actuators with hidden combs and hinges. The ability to hide the combs renders the actuators useful in digital micro-mirror devices. Comb actuators provide increased torque, which facilitates the use of stiffer, less fragile hinge structures. Also important, comb actuators do not require mechanical stops to define stable states, and thus avoid problems associated with physical contact. The actuators are infinitely variable through a range of angles.

Abstract: An optical cross connect switch directs an optical data signal from an incoming optical fiber in a first fiber array to a first controllable mirror in a first controllable mirror array, a second controllable mirror in a second controllable mirror array into an outgoing optical fiber in a second fiber array. Single or multiple optical position sensing systems or electrical position sensing systems or their combination provide feedback control to the controllable mirror arrays.

Abstract: Techniques and devices based on second surface optical recording using thermomagentic writing in a magneto-optic recording layer and first surface magnetic reading of written data in the recording layer.

Abstract: An optical cross connect switch directs an optical data signal from an incoming optical fiber in a first fiber array to a first controllable mirror in a first controllable mirror array, a second controllable mirror in a second controllable mirror array into an outgoing optical fiber in a second fiber array. A position sensing detector array determines the position of the light with respect to fiber cores to provide feedback control to the controllable mirror arrays.

Abstract: A film comprising fullerene molecules or their derivatives, preferably C.sub.60 or C.sub.70 fullerene molecules, is used as a lubricating film between two bearing surfaces. In a particular embodiment, a data recording disk file with the film deposited on the disk surface has improved properties of static friction and wear resistance at the head-disk interface.

Abstract: Slider disk stiction is reduced in a disk-based storage device by providing one or more step projections on the air bearing surface of a slider. The rear part of the step projections which rest on the disk surface projections are forward of the slider pivot point. When the slider rests on a disk surface, the step projections elevate the leading edge of the slider, which imposes a static pitch angle on the slider, reducing the slider/disk contact area. Provision is also made for contouring the slider air bearing surface adjacent to the slider leading edge, using a taper or the step projection leading face, to compress the airflow and provide a stable slider air bearing during disk file operation.

Abstract: Conductive patterns are formed on a surface and via connections through a lamina or substrate are formed by directly writing an electrostatic charge pattern on a surface of the lamina and developing the written pattern by application of conductive particles thereto, preferably in a liquid suspension of particulate material including a binder and/or a charge control agent. High resolution patterns are obtained with conductive powders having particle sizes in the range of 0.5 to 2.5 microns. Vias are formed by developing the charged pattern with conductive bodies such as spheres having a dimension similar to the finished thickness of the lamina or substrate. After development, the conductive bodies may be embedded within the lamina or substrate, possibly facilitated through the use of heat and lamination techniques. Insulative particulate material may also be used to form insulating patterns.