Abstract: A microshutter array has a frame having a light transmissive portion. Linear microshutter elements extend across the light transmissive portion and in parallel to each other. Each microshutter element has a flat blade extended in a length direction and first and second torsion arms extending outwards from each side of the blade in the length direction, the blade extending across the light transmissive portion. There is at least one electrode associated with each linear microshutter element and extended in the length direction parallel to the microshutter element.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method for the design and manufacture of MEMS anchoring structures for light modulators in order to address the stresses of beams mounted on them.

Abstract: An image sensor and a method of forming an image sensor. The image sensor includes an array of pixel cells at a surface of a substrate. Each pixel cell has a photo-conversion device. At least one a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) element including a photonic crystal structure is provided over at least one of the pixel cells. The MEMS-based photonic crystal element is supported by a support structure and configured to selectively permit electromagnetic wavelengths to reach the photo-conversion device upon application of a voltage. As such, the MEMS-based photonic crystal element of the invention can replace or compliment conventional filters, e.g., color filter arrays.

Abstract: A laser pen for illuminating a workpiece is provided including a pen body, a pen head secured to the pen body, and a laser generator accommodated in the pen head. The laser generator can emit a laser light. The measuring member is rotatable relative to the pen body and includes a graduated disk and a measuring disk. The graduated disk defines a circle of graduated sections, at least one of which is exposed out of the pen head. The measuring disk defines a circle of continuous through holes with different sizes. The measuring member coupled with the graduated disk can rotate relative to the pen body to align each one of the through holes with the laser generator, to adjust the amount of laser light passing through the one of the through holes and striking on the workpiece.

Abstract: A method of driving light controlling apparatus which includes a substrate, which has an aperture, a plurality of incident-light controlling unit which are displaced on the substrate, a plurality of driving unit which exert on the incident-light controlling unit, an aperture-displacing driving force which displaces the incident-light controlling unit to an aperture position, and a retracting-displacement driving force which displaces the incident-light controlling unit to a retracted position which is different from the aperture position, and in which, the incident-light controlling unit is displaced by the driving unit to the aperture position and the retracted position alternately, and incident light passing through the aperture is adjusted, and the displacement of each incident-light controlling unit to the aperture position is exclusive for the other incident-light controlling unit, includes a step of displacing the incident-light controlling unit, which includes a step of displacing a first incident-ligh

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide structures for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) that can be sensed, activated, controlled or otherwise addressed or made to respond by the application of forcing functions. In particular, an optical shutter structure suitable for use in an optical switch arrangement is disclosed. In one embodiment, an optical shutter or switch can be scaled and/or arranged to form arbitrary switch, multiplexer and/or demultiplexer configurations. In another embodiment of the present invention, an optical switch can include: a shutter; and a flexure coupled to the shutter, whereupon a vibration transmitted to the flexure when in the presence of a resonant frequency causes the shutter to move across an opening for the passage of an optical signal.

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: An insulated glazing unit has controllable radiation transmittance. Peripheries of first and second glazing panes are attached and spaced apart facing each other and then attached to a supporting structure. A conductive layer is atop the first glazing pane inner surface as a fixed position electrode. A dielectric is atop the conductive layer. A coiled spiral roll, variable position electrode is between the first and second glazing panes, a width of its outer edge attached to the dielectric. A first electrical lead is connected to the variable position electrode's conductive layer. A second electrical lead is connected to the conductive layer atop the first glazing pane. Applied voltage between the first and second electrical leads creates a predetermined potential difference between the electrodes, and the variable position electrode unwinds and rolls out to at least partially cover the first glazing pane, at least reducing the intensity of passing radiation.

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: An image reading unit which is capable of optimally reading images from both reflective originals and transparent originals. A first rod lens array 15 collects reflected light from a reflective original that reflects light. A first photoelectric conversion element array 14 reads an image of the reflective original based on the reflected light collected by the first rod lens array 15. A second rod lens array 202 collects light transmitted through a transparent original that transmits light. A second photoelectric conversion element array 201 reads an image of the transparent original based on the transmitted light collected by the second rod lens array 202. The first photoelectric conversion element array 14 is mounted on a first substrate 16. The second photoelectric conversion element array 201 is mounted on a second substrate 203.

Abstract: An illumination obscurement device for controlling the obscurement of illumination from a light source which is optimized for use with a rectangular, arrayed, selective reflection device. In a preferred embodiment, a rotatable shutter with three positions is placed between a light source and a DMD. The first position of the shutter is a mask, preferably an out of focus circle. This out of focus circle creates a circular mask and changes any unwanted dim reflection to a circular shape. The second position of the shutter is completely open, allowing substantially all the light to pass. The third position of the shutter is completely closed, blocking substantially all the light from passing. By controlling the penumbra illumination surrounding the desired illumination, DMDs can be used in illumination devices without creating undesirable rectangular penumbras.

Abstract: A shutter unit capable of preventing the scattering of the laser beam upon closing the optical path of the laser beam and capable of being miniaturized, and a laser processing device employing such a shutter unit. In a shutter unit 1, when the optical path of the laser beam L is opened, a rotating member 57 is rotated around an axis line ?, and an opening 61 is positioned on an optical axis ? so as to pass the laser beam L therethrough. Meanwhile, when the optical path of the laser beam L is closed, the rotating member 57 is rotated and a reflective surface 62 is positioned on the optical axis ? so as to reflect the laser beam L. Here, since the reflected laser beam L is absorbed by an optical absorption member 63, it is possible to prevent the scattering of the laser beam L when the optical path of the laser beam L is closed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a device that has an improved usable lifetime due to the presence of a lubricant that reduces the likelihood of stiction occurring between the various moving parts in an electromechanical device. Embodiments of the present invention also generally include a device, and a method of forming a device, that has one or more surfaces or regions that have a volume of lubricant disposed thereon that acts as a ready supply of “fresh” lubricant to prevent stiction occurring between interacting components found within the device. In one aspect, components within the volume of lubricant form a gas or vapor phase that reduces the chances of stiction-related failure in the formed device. In one example, aspects of this invention may be especially useful for fabricating and using micromechanical devices, such as MEMS devices, NEMS devices, or other similar thermal or fluidic devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shutter apparatus and a drive method for the same, the shutter apparatus having functions of both a shutter apparatus for an image interception and a shutter apparatus for an aperture adjustment and being space-saving and low in costs. Within an illumination casing are provided first and second shading plates 212 and 215, first and second cammed gear 224 and 227 having a cam groove 225 and 228 respectively for driving the first shading plate 212 and the second shading plate 215 respectively. A cam shape is structured such that the rotation of a DC motor 235 (one drive source) enables the first and second shading plates 212 and 215 to drive independently. Thus, arbitrarily operating the functions of both the shutter apparatus for the image interception and the shutter apparatus for the aperture adjustment by the DC motor 235 (one shared drive source) is possible.

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: An electrowetting optical device includes a cell surrounded by a light-incident surface, a light-exit surface, and a plurality of side surfaces, an electrode portion formed along the light-incident surface, the electrode portion including a plurality of electrodes, an insulation layer covering at least a portion of the electrode portion, an oil layer within the cell, the oil layer contacting the electrode portion, an aqueous solution layer filled in the cell, the aqueous solution layer contacting the oil layer, and a light source emitting light onto the light-incident surface. A method of controlling a voltage of the electrowetting optical device is also provided.

Abstract: A base plate is provided with four guide pins and a rotor has four output pins so that each of four blades is provided with a plurality of slots. Individual slots provided to the blades are selectively fitted to the four guide pins and the four output pins so that when the rotor is reciprocated and rotated, the blades are capable of continuously changing the size of an aperture by cooperation of their aperture forming edges while maintaining a regular octagon.

Abstract: A magnet rotor includes a drive arm with a rotary shaft, and an anisotropic permanent magnet having an axis of magnetization. The drive arm is composed of a light transmitting resin. The magnet has a cylindrical shape with a hollow center portion through which the rotary shaft is disposed. The drive arm and the permanent magnet are bonded together by a light curable resin adhesive.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for rapidly moving a filter into and out of an optical beam. A shuttle carries the filter at a first end and first and second spaced apart pieces of magnetic material near the other end. A low friction guide-way supports the shuttle. A base supports the guide-way and a third magnetic piece and coil between the first and second pieces. When the shuttle is IN the first and third pieces form a first magnetic latch to releasably hold it IN and when the shuttle is OUT the second and third pieces form a second magnetic latch to releasably hold it OUT. Spring(s) between the shuttle and the base store energy when the shuttle is IN or OUT. Activating the coil weakens the magnetic attraction between the latch pieces, freeing the shuttle to move, driven by the spring(s) to the opposite OUT or IN position.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an array of MEMS devices includes the formation of support structures located at the edge of upper strip electrodes. A support structure is etched to form a pair of individual support structures located at the edges of a pair of adjacent electrodes. The electrodes themselves may be used as a hard mask during the etching of these support structures. A resultant array of MEMS devices includes support structures having a face located at the edge of an overlying electrode and coincident with the edge of the overlying electrode.

Abstract: A gear portion meshing with the first step of a pinion gear at the side of a motor, which is a driving unit of optical aperture mechanism, is designed to be a two-gears composition of a gear portion abutting on one side surface of the channel of the pinion gear, and a gear portion abutting on the other side surface of the channel of the pinion gear.

Abstract: The present invention provides optical systems, devices and methods which utilize one or more electroactive polymer actuators to provide shutter and/or aperture control.

Abstract: An electro-optical display device comprises: an active matrix unit including a substrate having one surface and the other surface and a plurality of switching elements provided on the one surface of the substrate; a shutter unit provided on the active matrix unit, and a first microlens array provided on the other surface of the substrate of the active matrix unit, the first microlens array having a plurality of microlenses formed on the other surface of the substrate in a corresponding relationship with the plurality of window portions.

Abstract: In a light controlling apparatus including a substrate in which an aperture is formed, a light controlling unit in which, another aperture is formed, and a ion conducting actuator as a driving source, the aperture formed in the substrate and the aperture formed in the light controlling unit are switched by moving the light controlling unit to a first stationary position which overlaps with a position of the aperture formed in the substrate, and a second stationary position which is a position retracted from the position of the aperture formed in the substrate, by changing a shape of the ion conducting actuator by supplying an electric power to the ion conducting actuator.

Abstract: An electromechanical dynamic force profile articulating mechanism for recovering or emulating true parallel plate capacitor actuation behaviors from deformable membranes used in MEMS systems. The curved deformation of flexible membranes causes their MEMS behavior to deviate from known interactions between rigid plates that maintain geometric parallelism during ponderomotive actuation.

Abstract: A dynamic aperture device includes a motor, a light shielding element and a balancer. The motor has a shaft. The light shielding element has a light shielding portion and a hub connected to the light shielding portion. The hub is coupled to the shaft. The balancer is disposed on the light shielding element, the hub or the shaft.

Abstract: The invention in microgravity uses the natural effect of capillary action and surface tension of a liquid substance inside a cylindrical chamber to form a curved meniscus suitable to use in a space telescope. The geometry of the meniscus can be controlled by using a boundary line that fixes the contact point of the meniscus and then controlling the volume of the liquid. The meniscus geometry can then be controlled to form a reflective liquid mirror dish that is suitable to use in a space telescope.

Abstract: An outer ring (21) is arranged in a barrel unit (14c). A driving mechanism (25) provided on the outer ring shifts an optical element (M), and adjusts the position and the tilt of the optical element. A damper mechanism (31) for suppressing propagation of vibration to the optical element is attached to the outer ring.

Abstract: A base plate is provided with four guide pins and a rotor has four output pins so that each of four blades is provided with a plurality of slots. Individual slots provided to the blades are selectively fitted to the four guide pins and the four output pins so that when the rotor is reciprocated and rotated, the blades are capable of continuously changing the size of an aperture by cooperation of their aperture forming edges while maintaining a regular octagon.

Abstract: A deformable reflector includes a plurality of MEMS devices, each having an electrode membrane having a reflective surface thereon, a flat surface, and a pulldown electrode formed in the flat substrate. The electrode membrane has substantially a same flatness of the flat substrate when the electrode membrane comes into contact with the flat substrate across a majority of its surface area in response to a voltage being applied to the pulldown electrode. The electrode membrane has a two-dimensional curvature when no voltage is applied to the pulldown electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a light blocking display device of an electric field driving type, including a barrier layer (150) including a plurality of driving holes (151) and having a first surface and a second surface, driving bodies (101) which are inserted into the driving holes (151) and have charges, a pixel electrode (120) formed on the first surface of the barrier layer (150), and a common electrode (22) formed on the second surface of the barrier layer (150), wherein the area of a cross section parallel to the first and second surfaces of the driving holes (151) is gradually changed from the first surface to the second surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a projection apparatus, that includes: a light source; a light source control unit for controlling the output of the light source; at least one spatial light modulator for modulating the illumination light from the light source by a plurality of pixel elements; and an optical system for projecting, onto a screen, the illumination light deflected by the spatial light modulator, wherein: the light source control unit performs a gamma (?) correction on input image data by a modulation control of the light source.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a process of forming a device that has an improved usable lifetime due to the addition of a gas-phase lubricant that reduces the likelihood of stiction occurring between the various moving parts in an electromechanical device. One advantage of the disclosed device is that a gas-phase lubricant has a high diffusion rate and, therefore, is self-replenishing, meaning that it can quickly move back into a contact region after being physically displaced from the region by the contacting surfaces of the device during operation. Consequently, the gas-phase lubricant is more reliable than conventional solid or liquid lubricants in preventing stiction-related device failures.

Abstract: A light-shielding module including a bracket, a pendulous member, a shielding member, a first magnet, a second magnet and a first coil is provided. The pendulous member has a first end and a second end opposite to each other and is pivoted on the bracket. The first end extends along a direction from a pivoting place of the pendulous member to a top of the bracket. The shielding member is connected to the first end. The first magnet is disposed at the pendulous member and located between the pivoting place and the first end. The second magnet is disposed at the pendulous member and adjacent to the second end. A mass-of-center of the second magnet is located beside a center line passing a center-of-mass of the first magnet and the pivoting center. The first coil is disposed on one of the first side wall and the second side wall.

Abstract: An electromechanical dynamic force profile articulating mechanism for recovering or emulating true parallel plate capacitor actuation behaviors from deformable membranes used in MEMS systems. The curved deformation of flexible membranes causes their MEMS behavior to deviate from known interactions between rigid plates that maintain geometric parallelism during ponderomotive actuation.

Abstract: An electronic device for at least partially displaying a pixel of an image, the device comprising first and second reflectors defining an optical cavity therebetween, the optical cavity being selective of an electromagnetic wavelength at an intensity by optical interference, the device having a concentric control structure comprising at least an inner and an outermost electrode, the optical cavity being controlled only by the inner electrode.

Abstract: An electromechanical dynamic force profile articulating mechanism for recovering or emulating true parallel plate capacitor actuation behaviors from deformable membranes used in MEMS systems. The curved deformation of flexible membranes causes their MEMS behavior to deviate from known interactions between rigid plates that maintain geometric parallelism during ponderomotive actuation.

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: In a wavelength division multiplexing transmission system having an optical transmission path which transmits wavelength division multiplexed light that is main signal light, supervisory control light is transmitted through the optical transmission path in the direction opposite to the direction of the main signal light. As a result, it is possible to restrain attenuation of the supervisory control light due to a Raman scattering phenomenon, thereby increasing a relay distance.

Abstract: An electromechanical dynamic force profile articulating mechanism for recovering or emulating true parallel plate capacitor actuation behaviors from deformable membranes used in MEMS systems. The curved deformation of flexible membranes causes their MEMS behavior to deviate from known interactions between rigid plates that maintain geometric parallelism during ponderomotive actuation.

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: A method of manufacturing a tunable wavelength optical filter. The method includes steps of forming a first sacrificial oxide film for floating a lower mirror on a semiconductor substrate; sequentially laminating conductive silicon films and oxide films for defining a mirror region on the first sacrificial oxide film in a multi-layer and laminating another conductive silicon film to form a lower mirror; sequentially laminating conductive silicon films and oxide films for defining the mirror region on a second sacrificial oxide film in a multi-layer and laminating another conductive silicon film to form an upper mirror and forming an optical tuning space between the lower mirror and the upper mirror and etching the first sacrificial oxide film and the second sacrificial oxide film such that the lower mirror is floated on the semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A display device uses an organic actuator as a pixel, and an under-layer substrate is formed underneath the actuator. A surface of the actuator is set to a black and a surface of the substrate is set to a white. Seeing the actuator from an outside, the surface of actuator is visible in a black when the actuator is a planar state and visible in a white when the actuator is inflected, which realizes a display. In addition, the actuator has a memory effect by utilizing a shape memory effect and Coulomb force of the organic material.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system are described herein, and include a controller, and an optoelectronic module coupled to the controller. The optoelectronic module has a substrate, and a stage having a lens. An electromechanical subsystem is coupled to the substrate and to the stage, to hold the stage in a suspended manner over the substrate, and is adapted to move and lock in place the stage to position the lens to steer a light beam, responsive to control signals. A network interface module comprises the optoelectronic module.

Abstract: An electrostatic actuator having a base (10) including a first electrode (20), and having a flexible membrane (50) including at least two material layers of different materials in contact with each other. At least one of the material layers includes a second electrode (40) electrically isolated from the first electrode. The flexible membrane includes a fixed end where the flexible membrane connects to the base and a free end opposite the fixed end. In the flexible membrane, the second electrode has at least first and second portions separated by a third portion an in combination defining a step provided in a vicinity of the fixed end. The first step is closest to the fixed end and separated by a shorter distance from the first electrode than the second portion. A stiffening member (310) can be disposed on the flexible membrane toward the free end of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: Generally speaking, the output brightness of an illuminator is varied by chopping an output light beam such that the beam is alternately interrupted and unhindered. An interrupter can be rapidly moved into and out of the transmission path of a light beam. The brightness of the light beam received at a site will be attenuated based on the amount of time per cycle the light beam remains obstructed versus unhindered.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for a transmissive electromechanical light valve including a gate pivotable between a first position to allow light to pass through a valvelet and a second position to prevent light from passing through the valvelet are disclosed herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed herein.

Abstract: A display apparatus, includes: a tube part; and an iris unit comprising a main disk body accommodated in the tube part and comprising a main opening formed in a light path, a shutter member rotatably coupled with respect to the main disk body to open and close the main opening, and a driving part generating an electromagnetic force to rotate the shutter member.

Abstract: An optical shutter for a projection system includes a shutter element and an actuator. The shutter element includes a light-shielding portion and a linkage portion. The light-shielding portion is disposed on the optical pathway of the projection system and is connected with the linkage portion. The light-shielding portion is bent toward the linkage portion and there is a pre-determined angle formed between the light-shielding portion and the linkage portion. The light-shielding portion faces the linkage portion with a predetermined angle. The actuator is coupled with the linkage portion to drive the shutter to swing.