Abstract: A digital micromirror device comprises an array of micromirror pixels, the array comprising a first micromirror pixel and a second micromirror pixel. The first micromirror pixel comprises a hinge, where the hinge is configured to tilt toward a first raised address electrode and toward a second raised address electrode. The first micromirror pixel also comprises a first micromirror coupled to the hinge, where the first micromirror has a sculpted edge. The second micromirror pixel comprises a second micromirror, where a first gap between a first point on the sculpted edge and a nearest point to the first point on the second micromirror is larger than a second gap between a second point on the sculpted edge and a nearest point to the second point on the second micromirror.

Abstract: Systems and Apparatus for micromirror designs with electrode contact. In some examples, a micromirror including a mirror, a mirror via coupled to the mirror, a hinge coupled to the mirror via, the hinge including a springtip associated with a first side of the micromirror, the springtip associated with a first terminal, and an electrode associated with the first side of the micromirror, the electrode having a dielectric coating in contact with the springtip, the electrode associated with a second terminal different than the first terminal.

Abstract: A system includes a hinge structure. The hinge structure includes four support posts and four hinges, each hinge coupled to an edge of a support post and to a plate of the hinge structure, where each hinge includes two 90° turns. The system also includes a mirror coupled to the hinge structure and an electrode structure coupled to the hinge structure.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical actuator for a light beam steering device is provided that includes memory cells coupled to at least one electronic circuitry component and electrode segments coupled to a respective one of the memory cells via the at least one electronic circuitry component. A flexible metal layer having support pillars is on the electrode segments. Flexible beams are attached to the support pillars and a movable electrode attaches to the flexible beams. A mirror is attached to the movable electrode. When one or more of the electrode segments is activated, the mirror is displaced a distance to steer a light beam output from a light source in a direction.

Abstract: A digital micromirror device comprises an array of micromirror pixels, the array comprising a first micromirror pixel and a second micromirror pixel. The first micromirror pixel comprises a hinge, where the hinge is configured to tilt toward a first raised address electrode and toward a second raised address electrode. The first micromirror pixel also comprises a first micromirror coupled to the hinge, where the first micromirror has a sculpted edge. The second micromirror pixel comprises a second micromirror, where a first gap between a first point on the sculpted edge and a nearest point to the first point on the second micromirror is larger than a second gap between a second point on the sculpted edge and a nearest point to the second point on the second micromirror.

Abstract: Described examples include apparatus having a driving electrode on a substrate. The apparatus has a platform suspended above the driving electrode and conductively coupled to a platform electrode, where the platform is configured to move in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate in response to a voltage difference applied between the driving electrode and the platform electrode. The apparatus also has a mirror post on the platform. The apparatus has a mirror coupled to the platform by the mirror post, where the mirror is rectangular.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical actuator for a light beam steering device is provided that includes memory cells coupled to at least one electronic circuitry component and electrode segments coupled to a respective one of the memory cells via the at least one electronic circuitry component. A flexible metal layer having support pillars is on the electrode segments. Flexible beams are attached to the support pillars and a movable electrode attaches to the flexible beams. A mirror is attached to the movable electrode. When one or more of the electrode segments is activated, the mirror is displaced a distance to steer a light beam output from a light source in a direction.

Abstract: One or more apparatus providing over-travel protection for actuators are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a mirror; a first plate coupled to the mirror; and a support post coupled the first plate, the support post structured to prevent the mirror from moving within a threshold distance to a second plate.

Abstract: One or more apparatus providing over-travel protection for actuators are disclosed. An example apparatus includes a mirror; a first plate coupled to the mirror; and a support post coupled the first plate, the support post structured to prevent the mirror from moving within a threshold distance to a second plate.

Abstract: A MEMS electrostatic actuator includes a bottom plate affixed to a substrate and a top plate suspended above the bottom plate. The top plate has a parallel plate center section and two rotating members electrically connected to the center section. Each rotating member is attached centrally of the rotating member for rotation about an axis of rotation to a set of anchor posts. The attachment includes at least one pair of torsional springs attached along each axis, each spring comprising a rectangular metal square that twists as the rotational members rotate. Electrostatic pull-down electrodes are underneath each rotational member.

Abstract: A MEMS electrostatic actuator includes a bottom plate affixed to a substrate and a top plate suspended above the bottom plate. The top plate has a parallel plate center section and two rotating members electrically connected to the center section. Each rotating member is attached centrally of the rotating member for rotation about an axis of rotation to a set of anchor posts. The attachment includes at least one pair of torsional springs attached along each axis, each spring comprising a rectangular metal square that twists as the rotational members rotate. Electrostatic pull-down electrodes are underneath each rotational member.

Abstract: System and method for storing energy using electromechanically active materials in micro electromechanical systems. A preferred embodiment comprises a movable element, an intermediate layer formed under the movable element, and electrical addressing circuitry formed under the intermediate layer. The intermediate layer contains a hinge and at least one flexible member associated with the movable element, with the flexible member comprising a layer made from an electromechanically active material. The electromechanically active material contracts or deforms when an electric field is applied, helping the movable element move from a first position to a second position. The use of the electromechanically active material enables the flexible member to apply a greater force on the movable element to help the movable element overcome stiction.