Abstract: The invention presents an optical element with which an optical head can be configured, in which there is little deterioration of the correctional effect when the objective lens shifts, as well as an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using such an optical element. The invention also presents a novel optical recording/reproducing apparatus and optical recording/reproducing method. The optical element, includes a first voltage application electrode 13, a first opposing electrode 17 arranged in opposition to the first voltage application electrode 13, and a first phase changing layer 15 arranged between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17. By changing a voltage between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17, a phase that converts plane waves into spherical waves is imparted on light that is incident on the first phase changing layer 15.

Abstract: A device that comprises: a) a first optical waveguide; b) a second optical waveguide; c) an optical coupling region including the first and second optical waveguides, the optical coupling region characterized as having at least one coupling length and comprising a first bias section, a modulation section, and a second bias section arranged such that light propagates serially through the first bias section, the modulation section, and the second bias section; d) a first bias electrode for biasing the first bias section; e) a modulating electrode for applying a modulating voltage to the modulation section, the modulating electrode being positioned to control the refractive index of the first optical waveguide; and f) a second bias electrode for biasing the second bias section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel sealing composition for the manufacture of an electrophoretic or liquid crystal display, and a sealing process using the composition. The composition allows electrophoretic or liquid crystal cells to be seamlessly sealed and the sealing layer free of any defects.

Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.

Abstract: An electro-absorptive optical modulator module monolithic-integrated on a semiconductor substrate, which includes a distributed feedback laser having a grating for oscillating light and to output the oscillated light through a first end and a second end of the module. An electro-absorptive modulator modulates a first light output through the first end of the distributed feedback laser, and an optical detector provides detection of a second light output through the second end of the module. The optical detector is formed opposite to the second end of the distributed feedback laser on the semiconductor substrate. A first inner window permits attenuation of the intensity of the second light and electrically insulates the distributed feedback laser and the optical detector from each other, with the first inner window being arranged between the distributed feedback laser and the optical detector.

Abstract: A SLM includes a pixel array. The pixel array contains a plurality of quadrilateral pixels with the same size, wherein an interior angle of each of the quadrilateral pixels is an acute angle. Each of the quadrilateral pixels further contains a first subpixel, a second subpixel, and a third subpixel.

Abstract: An optical transmitter-receiver is provided which is suitable for a high-speed optical communication system. A high-frequency electric line on a mounting substrate becomes a traveling-wave electrode of a semiconductor optical element equivalently by the following steps: separately manufacturing the mounting substrate having the high-frequency electric line, and the semiconductor optical element for which high-frequency design has been applied beforehand; and then bonding and mounting of drive electrodes of the mounting substrate and the semiconductor optical element through a soldering material. In addition, it is also possible to have a configuration in which not only junction down mounting of high-frequency semiconductor optical elements, but also that of an electronic element for electrically driving and controlling a light source such as a semiconductor laser and for electrically driving and controlling a high-frequency semiconductor optical element, is performed on the mounting substrate.

Abstract: This application describes devices and techniques for using microwave or RF resonators to provide DC bias, DC blocking, and impedance matching to microwave or RF devices. Both planar and non-planar implementations may be used.

Abstract: The invention discloses phase-shifters, modulators, and method that produces a smaller ? by means of a field excitation using multiple electrodes. A negative signal is introduced that travels with the positive signal, which enhances the electric field significantly. The field enhancement is provided by the superposition of the fields accumulated from each electrode. A base or substrate material can be made from any compound having linear electro-optic properties, such as lithium niobate, lithium tantalite, potassium lithium niobate, potassium titanyl phosphate or gallium-arsenide. For lithium niobate, there are two possible orientations of electric field, z-cut orientation or x-cut orientation.

Abstract: In a variable optical delay circuit to be used for compensation for polarization mode dispersion of an optical signal and for other purposes, there are provided a first birefringent member, a second birefringent member and a variable optical rotator interposed between the first birefringent member and the second birefringent member for varying a polarization state of light outputted from the first birefringent member. The birefringent members and the variable optical rotator are disposed on the same optical axis, and the optical axis of each of the birefringent members is set to perpendicularly intersect a traveling direction of inputted light. Therefore, by varying the optical rotation angle of the variable optical rotator, an arbitrary delay quantity corresponding thereto is obtainable in a continuous (analog-like) fashion without undergoing spatial separation between polarization components of the inputted light and varying the intensity (loss) of each of the polarization components.

Abstract: A reduced size RF signal and ground electrode interface is configured to provide better field confinement of dominant coplanar waveguide mode in the propagation direction and reduce coupling RF energy into a substrate beneath the launch, while matching the impedance of the launch to both that of the coplanar microwave electrode structure overlying the interaction region, and that of the external RF connection to the launch. In ground plane embodiments, an underlying ground plane provides better modal confinement of the dominant coplanar waveguide mode and precludes coupling of RF power to the substrate under the launch. In other embodiments, finite width electrodes provide better modal transition and mitigate against coupling to substrate modes, while providing a pad geometry that facilitates connections to external transmission line components.

Abstract: A method for fabricating an optical interference display cell is described. A first electrode and a sacrificial layer are sequentially formed on a transparent substrate and at least two openings are formed in the first electrode and the sacrificial layer to define a position of the optical interference display cell. An insulated heat-resistant inorganic supporter is formed in each of the openings. A second electrode is formed on the sacrificial layer and the supporters. Finally, a remote plasma etching process is used for removing the sacrificial layer.

Abstract: An optically addressed extreme ultraviolet (EUV) modulator in which a spatial amplitude or phase pattern is provided to an EUV beam that is reflected from, or transmitted through the modulator. The modulator includes a modulator structure that includes a material with a high coefficient of thermal expansion. When a thermal impulse is incident on one part of the modulator, the resulting expansion changes the reflected phase or amplitude of the EUV beam from that part. A thermal pattern is imprinted on the modulator by absorption of a visible or ultraviolet pattern, resulting in a corresponding modulation of the EUV beam. A lithography system is based on the optically addressed EUV modulator.

Abstract: A method for preparing electro-optical polymer-liquid crystal photonic crystals, comprising: disposing between at least two optically transparent electrode plates, a polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material that comprises, before exposure: (a) a polymerizable monomer comprising at least one acrylate; (b) a liquid crystal; (c) a chain-extending monomer; (d) a coinitiator; (e) a photoinitiator; and (f) a long chain aliphatic acid; and exposing this polymer-dispersed liquid crystal material to light in an interference pattern.

Abstract: An electro-optic crystal based beam-steering device preferably based on KTN, having a first deflector and a second deflector. The first deflector has a pair of substrates each having a plurality of first electrode lines extending along a first direction and a plurality of electro-optic crystal modulators interposed between the first electrode lines. The second deflector has a pair of substrates each having a plurality of second electrode lines extending along a second direction and a plurality of electro-optic crystal modulators interposed between the second electrode lines. The first direction is orthogonal to the second direction.

Abstract: A “paper look-alike” display comprises pixels formed of dielectric particles suspended in a non-conducting liquid. By applying a voltage to electrodes the particles may be switched between positions in which they are stored in vertical columns normal to the surface of the pixel and have no effect on the color of the pixel, and a position in which they occupy a major part of the surface area of the pixel and influence the color of the pixel accordingly.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical compensation element comprising a first transparent surface on which a transparent electrode is arranged; a second transparent surface on which a plurality of transparent main electrodes are arranged, several of which being respectively connected to control electrodes via a transverse electrode; and a material having a refractive index which changes according to the voltage applied, said material being arranged between the first and second transparent surfaces. The aim of the invention is to improve said compensation element. To this end, each main electrode is connected to a transverse electrode at a precise location.

Abstract: A spatial light modulator includes a first portion and a second portion. Both the first portion and the second portion include a planar electrode, a polar solvent, and a non-polar solvent. The polar solvent and the non-polar solvent are supported by the first planar electrode. A coating of molecules is attached to the first planar electrode and includes a head end. The head end changes between a first shape and a second shape.

Abstract: The invention presents an optical element with which an optical head can be configured, in which there is little deterioration of the correctional effect when the objective lens shifts, as well as an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using such an optical element. The invention also presents a novel optical recording/reproducing apparatus and optical recording/reproducing method. The optical element, includes a first voltage application electrode 13, a first opposing electrode 17 arranged in opposition to the first voltage application electrode 13, and a first phase changing layer 15 arranged between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17. By changing a voltage between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17, a phase that converts plane waves into spherical waves is imparted on light that is incident on the first phase changing layer 15.

Abstract: A low-pass filter transmission line with an integral electro-absorption modulator is described. In one aspect, the electro-absorption modulator functions as an element of a distributed low-pass filter transmission line circuit that is impedance-matched to a target source impedance. In this way, the electrical voltage that is delivered across the electro-absorption modulator may be optimized because the electrical losses do not occur in the low-pass filter transmission line circuit, but rather substantially all incident power is absorbed in a downstream matched termination load. In another aspect, the electro-absorption modulator has a signal electrode with a segmented traveling wave structure that provides substantially the same modulation performance as a similar un-segmented signal electrode of comparable effective length, but is characterized by a substantially higher bandwidth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical modulator including an optical waveguide, and at least one CPW-to-CPS transition. The CPW segments include a hot electrode; and a ground plane disposed on each side of the hot electrode, and they share a ground plane. The CPS segment extends along an interaction length of the modulator. In one embodiment, two driving signals are applied so that the modulator operates as a dual-drive modulator. In another embodiment, a domain-inverted region is formed in a substrate of the dual-drive modulator to overlap with one arm of the optical waveguide (MZI) and invert a sign of a phase shift induced in that arm. Finally, a fixed chirp can be introduced into the dual-drive modulator by asymmetrically positioning the interferometer arms into gaps of the CPW segments with respect to the hot electrode, and by employing unequal width gaps in the CPW segments.

Abstract: A micro-mirror device includes a substrate having a surface, and a plate spaced from and oriented substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate such that the plate and the surface of the substrate define a cavity therebetween. A dielectrophoretic microemulsion capable of movement when an electrical signal is applied to the micro-mirror device is disposed in the cavity, and a reflective element is interposed between the surface of the substrate and the plate such that the reflective element is adapted to move between a first position and at least one second position. The dielectrophoretic microemulsion has a continuous oil phase.

Abstract: A circuit for exciting an optical modulator, in accordance with the present invention, includes an optical modulator for modulating an optical signal, a first strip line electrically connected to the optical modulator and directing a modulation RF signal to the optical modulator, and a second strip line electrically connected to the first strip line through the optical modulator. The first strip line includes a first electrical device and has a first characteristic impedance, the second strip line includes a second electrical device and has a second characteristic impedance, the first characteristic impedance is equal to a characteristic impedance of a path through which the modulation RF signal is input into the first strip line, and a parallel-combined impedance of the first and second electrical devices is equal to the characteristic impedance of the path.

Abstract: An electronic circuit that can be used, for example, in a spatial light modulator to photolithographically transfer an image onto a substrate, includes angled strobe lines electrically coupled to respective sets of circuit elements within an array of circuit elements. Each set of circuit elements includes at least two circuit elements positioned diagonally adjacent one another in the array. The circuit elements are alterable in response to data stored therein. The strobe lines provide strobe signals to the circuit elements to shift the data between the circuit elements.

Abstract: Perovskite materials having magnetoresistive effect under the influence of an electric field can be employed in the construction of nonvolatile solid state electro-optic modulator. These materials display nonvolatile changes in electrical resistance and reactant when subjected to an electric field. As with other known perovskite materials, this is accompanied by nonvolatile changes in electro-optic properties related to dispersion and absorption of electromagnetic radiation. The nonvolatility of these materials is exploited in the construction of nonvolatile display and nonvolatile solid state electro-optic modulators such as waveguide switch or phase or amplitude modulators.

Abstract: An interference display unit with a first electrode, a second electrode and posts located between the two electrodes is provided. The characteristic of the interference display unit is that the second electrode's stress is released through a thermal process. The position of the second electrode is shifted and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is therefore defined. A method for fabricating the structure described as follow. A first electrode and a sacrificial layer are sequentially formed on a substrate and at least two openings are formed in the first electrode and the sacrificial layer. A supporter is formed in the opening and the supporter may have at least one arm on the top portion of the supporter. A second electrode is formed on the sacrificial layer and the supporter and a thermal process is performed. Finally, The sacrificial layer is removed.

Abstract: An electrochemical device includes at least one carrier substrate, and a stack of functional layers including at least one electrically conducting layer that includes metal oxide(s), and a multicomponent electrode including at least one electrochemically active layer, at least one higher-conductivity material and at least one network of one of conducting wires and conducting strips. The higher-conductivity material has a surface resistance that is lower than a surface resistance of the electrically conducting layer. The stack of functional layers is arranged between two substrates, and each may be rigid, of glass type or rigid polymer or semi-rigid or flexible of PET type.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a MEMS device. The MEMS device comprises a plurality of functional components including at least one moveable component; and a sacrificial component to at least reduce movement of the moveable component during shipping of the microelectromechanical systems device, wherein the sacrificial component can be removed after shipping.

Abstract: A differential drive semiconductor optical modulator includes: a differential driver circuit having output pads which can output a pair of differential signals; a transmission-line substrate having transmission lines connected to the output pads and ground lines; and semiconductor modulators mounted on the transmission-line substrate, arranged in series along a common optical axis; terminal resistors connected to terminal ends of the transmission lines and inductances interposed between the semiconductor modulators and the terminal resistors, on the transmission-line substrate, producing an appropriate optical modulation waveform with a high extinction ratio and enhanced modulation bandwidth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel sealing composition for the manufacture of an electrophoretic or liquid crystal display, and a sealing process using the composition. The composition allows electrophoretic or liquid crystal cells to be seamlessly sealed and the sealing layer free of any defects.

Abstract: Optoelectronic devices and methods for their fabrication having enhanced and controllable rates of the radiative relaxation of triplet light emitters are provided exemplified by organic light emitting devices based on phosphorescent materials with enhanced emission properties. Acceleration of the radiative processes is achieved by the interaction of the light emitting species with surface plasmon resonances in the vicinity of metal surfaces. Non-radiative Förster-type processes are efficiently suppressed by introducing a transparent dielectric or molecular layer between the metal surface and the chromophore. For materials with low emission oscillator strengths (such as triplet emitters), the optimal separation distance from the metal surface is determined, thus suppressing energy transfer and achieving a significant acceleration of the emission rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optical modulator allowing appropriate interaction between signal electrodes and an optical waveguide, only by matching phases at input ends of the signal electrodes. The optical modulator includes an optical waveguide with its center part branched into two at two Y-branch waveguides, forming first and second waveguide arms, a first signal electrode transmitting a first electric signal interacting with first light propagating through the first waveguide arm in a predetermined manner, a second signal electrode transmitting a second electric signal interacting with second light propagating through the second waveguide arm in a predetermined manner, and earthed electrodes, and can match the interacting timing between the first electric signal and the first light to the interacting timing between the second electric signal and the second light, at a first input end supplying the first electric signal and a second input end supplying the second electric signal.

Abstract: An interference display unit with a first electrode, a second electrode and posts located between the two electrodes is provided. The characteristic of the interference display unit is that the second electrode's stress is released through a thermal process. The position of the second electrode is shifted and the distance between the first electrode and the second electrode is therefore defined. A method for fabricating the structure described as follow. A first electrode and a sacrificial layer are sequentially formed on a substrate and at least two openings are formed in the first electrode and the sacrificial layer. A supporter is formed in the opening and the supporter may have at least one arm on the top portion of the supporter. A second electrode is formed on the sacrificial layer and the supporter and a thermal process is performed. Finally, The sacrificial layer is removed.

Abstract: The invention presents an optical element with which an optical head can be configured, in which there is little deterioration of the correctional effect when the objective lens shifts, as well as an optical head and an optical recording/reproducing apparatus using such an optical element. The invention also presents a novel optical recording/reproducing apparatus and optical recording/reproducing method. The optical element, includes a first voltage application electrode 13, a first opposing electrode 17 arranged in opposition to the first voltage application electrode 13, and a first phase changing layer 15 arranged between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17. By changing a voltage between the first voltage application electrode 13 and the first opposing electrode 17, a phase that converts plane waves into spherical waves is imparted on light that is incident on the first phase changing layer 15.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical switching. Rapid, low-power optical switching is achieved by selectively substantially depleting majority carriers in a plurality of planes of semiconducting material to alter their transmissive response to incoming radiation.

Abstract: A plurality of cells are set apart by a spacer member between a display plate and a rear face plate. Black particles with positive static charge and white particles with negative static charge are dispersed in a dispersion fluid, which is enclosed in the cells. A red colored layer and electrodes 7a, 7b and 7c are formed at the rear face plate. When a voltage of +50 V is applied to the electrode 7a, 0 V to 7b and ?50 V to 7c, the black particles move to the electrode 7c, the white particles move to the electrode 7a, and red can be viewed. When a voltage of +50 V is applied to the electrode 7a, 0 V to 7b and +50 V to 7c, the white particles move to the electrode 7a, the black particles move to the electrode 7b, and black can be viewed. When a voltage of ?50 V is applied to the electrode 7a, 0 V to 7b and ?50 V to 7c, the black particles move to the electrode 7c, the white particles move to the electrode 7b, and white can be viewed.

Abstract: An electro-optically deactivated transmissive material comprises a plurality of chemicals which are sufficient, in combination, to enable formation of an electro-optic material having an index of refraction that is responsive to an electric field. The chemicals are combined with a glassifier so as to form a transmissive material that is less responsive to the electric field than said electro-optic material. The deactivated material has substantially the same refractive index as the electro-optic material in the absence of an electric field. In a preferred embodiment, the deactivated material is arranged with active material to form an optical switch.

Abstract: An electric-optic modulator includes a block of crystal having electro-optic properties, the block extending lengthways along a long axis and having a light guide which extends between a light guide input and a light guide output. An electric modulation signal acts on an interaction zone of the block via coplanar electrodes together with the light guide via a dielectric layer. The electrodes are disposed on a main long face of the block and the interaction zone is elongated more or less along the long axis. The light to be modulated arrives through an input optical fiber which is connected to the light guide at the light guide input on a first face of the block. The modulated light leaves the modulator through an output optical fiber connected to the light guide output on a second face of the block. The first face and the second face are one single face (D) which is parallel to the long axis.

Abstract: To provide an optical apparatus which controls an interface state to change a focal length by using an optical element having a container sealing first liquid that is conductive or polarized and second liquid that does not mutually mix with the first liquid with their interface in a predetermined form and electrodes provided in the container and of which optical characteristics change according to change of interface form due to application of voltage to the electrodes, and in particular an optical apparatus that controls a duty ratio of alternating current voltage applied to said electrodes for changing said interface form.

Abstract: The present invention has an object to provide a Mach-Zehnder optical modulator with the excellent productivity and reliability, which can obtain a favorable optical response characteristic even if a high frequency electric signal is applied to a signal electrode. To this end, the present optical modulator is configured such that, in a Mach-Zehnder optical modulator in which an optical waveguide and a coplanar electrode are formed on a surface of a substrate having an electro-optic effect, floating electrodes formed using a conducting material, are provided on side faces along parallel waveguides, among side faces substantially perpendicular to the surface of the substrate. Thus, even when a high frequency electric signal is applied to the signal electrode, a phenomenon is suppressed in which a particular frequency resonates within the substrate, and an occurrence of dip in a particular frequency is avoided.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrophoretic display comprising isolated cells of well-defined shape, size and aspect ratio which cells have internal sub relief structures and are filled with charged pigment particles dispersed in a dielectric solvent. The display shows an improved contrast ratio and resistance against shear and compression pressures. The display may have the traditional up/down switching mode, an in-plane switching mode or a dual switching mode.

Abstract: A MEMS vertical displacement device capable of moving one or more vertically displaceable platforms relative to a base. In particular, the vertical displacement device may be capable of moving a vertically displaceable platform so that the vertically displaceable platform remains generally parallel to a base. The vertically displaceable platform may be, but is not limited to, a microlens, a micromirror, micro-grating, or other device. The vertical displacement device may also be included in optical coherence and confocal imaging systems.

Abstract: A layer arrangement including at least one transparent substrate having an electrically conductive layer, an electro-optically active layer, and a further substrate having an electrically conductive layer, characterized in that at least one of the two electrically conductive substrates is additionally coated with an organic conductive polymer system, can be employed for the construction of liquid-crystal displays.

Abstract: Methods of making microelectromechanical combdrive devices are disclosed. The device may optionally be formed using three device layers. A moveable element and flexure may be formed from a first device layer. The second device layer may be attached to the first and a first set of comb teeth are formed from the second device layer. One or more comb teeth in the first set extend from a major surface of the moveable element. A third device layer is attached to the second device layer and a second set of comb teeth are formed from the third device layer. An alignment target is formed in the first device layer. Corresponding alignment holes are formed in the second or third device layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a controllable double cladding guiding structure for tunable phase delay, dynamic chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion compensation. The device includes an etched fiber, an electro-optic material with index of refraction changing with externally applied stimulus (electric, magnetic or thermal effect) and a fiber Bragg grating (uniform, apodized, linearly or non-linearly chirped).

Abstract: An optical modulator includes a p- or n-type semiconductor layer that is provided at an upper part of an optical waveguide path, and modulating electrodes that are provided at intervals on the semiconductor layer in an extension area of the optical waveguide path. The semiconductor layer has first regions located immediately under the modulating electrodes, and second regions located between the first regions. The second regions have separators that electrically separate the first regions from one another.

Abstract: An optical path deflecting element, an optical path deflecting apparatus, an image displaying apparatus, an optical writing apparatus, an optical interconnection apparatus, an optical element, and a fabrication method thereof. The optical path deflecting element includes a pair of transparent substrates, transparent electrode films on the substrates to which a voltage having an inverse polarity is selectively applied, an alignment layer in the inner sides of the substrates, and a liquid crystal layer formed of a chiral smectic C phase between the substrates via the alignment layer and homogeneously aligned by the alignment layer. The optical deflecting element can realize the uniformly-aligned liquid crystal layer more easily than a case in which the liquid crystal is aligned to become in a bistable condition. For this reason, it is possible to improve yield in the fabrication.

Abstract: A vertical optical modulator comprising: a first semiconductor layer of a first conductivity type; a second semiconductor layer of a second conductivity type bonded to the first semiconductor layer; a third semiconductor layer of the second conductivity type; a dielectric layer formed between the second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer; an antenna electrode having a plurality of conductive pieces which are formed within the dielectric layer so as to have a net-like shape as a whole, to be separated from one another at the intersections of the net-like shape, and to be in contact with both the second semiconductor layer and the third semiconductor layer; a first electrode electrically connected to the first semiconductor layer; and a second electrode electrically connected to the third semiconductor layer.

Abstract: An optical modulator whose cutoff frequency is not halved even in differential driving, as well as a mounting substrate of such an optical modulator and a driving method of such an optical modulator. An optical modulator manner that two electroabsorption EA modulators A and B are connected in series to each other via a transparent waveguide. When voltages are applied to the two EA modulators simultaneously, light that is input from an end face of the optical modulator is absorbed first by the EA modulator and then by the second EA modulator. Therefore, an extinction ratio that is two times larger than in a conventional optical modulator can be obtained. To prevent pulse superimposition in a modulated light waveform, one line may be made longer than another line so that a drive electrical signal reaches the second EA modulator with a delay. To mount the optical modulator, flip-chip mounting with a coupled coplanar substrate and gold balls or the like may be used.

Abstract: A matrix driven electrophoretic display with a multi-layer back plane is disclosed. The display comprises a top electrode layer, a display cell layer, and a multi-layer back plane. In one embodiment, the multi-layer back plane comprises an electrode formed on the top surface of the top substrate of the multi-layer back plane, a conductive via structure through the substrate, and a conductive trace connected electrically to the via structure at the bottom surface of the first substrate, whereby an electrical connection may be made from the electrode to a structure or component not located immediately beneath the electrode in the multi-layer back plane. In other embodiments, the multi-layer back plane may comprise additional layers and via holes, as needed to connect the electrode with the appropriate switching elements and/or driver elements, as applicable. Such switching and driver elements, integrated with multi-layer back plane.