Abstract: An optical device includes a grounded base and an optical modulator chip having a top surface, a back surface and side surfaces. The optical modulator chip includes a first ground electrode, a signal electrode and a second ground electrode located over the top surface of the optical modulator chip. A resistive paint is on the back surface of the optical modulator chip to reduce losses due to extraneous modes or bias instabilities.

Abstract: An external resonant optical modulator is provided by forming a waveguide electrode structure coupled to a coplanar strip or coplanar waveguide pattern including a ring resonator electrode and a ground electrode substantially surrounding the ring resonator electrode. These electrode patterns are disposed on an electrooptic substrate that includes an optical waveguide pattern. The waveguide electrode structure includes an RF feed line electrode coupled to the ring electrode. The RF feed line signal excites an inherent resonant mode of the ring to thereby cause an electric field to resonate between the ring electrode and ground electrode and pass into sections of the optical waveguide pattern. By appropriately positioning the ring and ground electrodes to overlay portions of the optical waveguide structure in the electrooptic substrate, a light beam launched into the waveguide pattern can be modulated to produce a pulse with zero chirp.

Abstract: A center beam which is formed out of a thin film constituted to be combined with a light reflection film provided on one surface of the center beam, which has both ends fixed and which is deformed by an electronic force; a substrate electrode which is opposed to the center beam through a gap formed on the other surface of the center beam; an opposed surface which is a surface of the substrate electrode opposed to the center beam modulating the incident light on the light reflection film, the opposed surface restricting deformation of the center beam due to application of a driving voltage to the substrate electrode by abutting on the center beam; and a substrate which has the substrate electrode having the opposed surface, formed in a concave section, and which holds a to-be-held section of the center beam, are provided.

Abstract: Flat chamber for filling with fluid media which is defined by two essentially parallel limiting plates and a circumferential bead of a cured, impermeable adhesive between the plates which bonds the plates to one another, where at least one capillary is provided which runs parallel to the plates, passes through the adhesive bead and is bonded thereto.

Abstract: An optical device includes a grounded base and an optical modulator chip having a top surface, a back surface and side surfaces. The optical modulator chip is positioned on the grounded base with the back surface facing the grounded base. The optical modulator chip includes a first ground electrode, a signal electrode and a second ground electrode located over the top surface of the optical modulator chip. The first and second ground electrodes of the optical modulator chip are interconnected on a surface of the optical modulator chip.

Abstract: An optical modulator and an associated modulation method are provided that utilize an optical fiber as the active medium such that the resulting fiber modulator is relatively inexpensive, but maintains high performance standards. The fiber modulator includes a core and a cladding surrounding the core which collectively form a longitudinally extending optical fiber capable of supporting the propagation of optical signals. The fiber modulator also includes first and second regions within the cladding and extending longitudinally therealong for establishing an internal bias electrical field across the core. The first and second regions are disposed on opposite sides of the core and have positive and negative electrical charges, respectively. The fiber modulator further includes first and second electrodes disposed on the cladding proximate the first and second regions, respectively, and extending longitudinally therealong.

Abstract: An optical device includes a grounded base and an optical modulator chip having a top surface, a back surface and side surfaces. The optical modulator chip is positioned on the grounded base with the back surface facing the grounded base. The optical modulator chip includes a first ground electrode, a signal electrode and a second ground electrode located over the top surface of the optical modulator chip. The first and second ground electrodes of the optical modulator chip are interconnected on a surface of the optical modulator chip.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems are disclosed that provide for simultaneously upconverting electrical signals carrying information at electric frequencies onto optical subcarrier lightwave frequencies that are greater and less than the carrier frequency of the lightwave onto which the electrical frequencies were upconverted. The upconversion of the electrical signals can be performed with or without suppression of the optical carrier frequency.

Abstract: First and second AC electric sources modulate a coherent wave constant amplitude optical beam. An optical waveguide arrangement responsive to the optical wave, includes first and second pairs of electrodes respectively connected to be responsive to the first and second AC sources. The electrode pairs are capacitively coupled to first and second portions of the optical waveguide arrangement for amplitude modulating the optical wave propagating in the first and second portions in accordance with the first and second AC sources, respectively. The first and second portions of the optical waveguide arrangement are coupled together so that the waves modulated in the first and second portions are combined to derive a third coherent modulated optical wave.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transversal electrooptical modulator (10) which can be controlled by means of an electric amplifier, comprising at least two elements for modulating (11) the light wave of a laser beam, and can preferably be used for projection of TV images. The invention is characterized in that the modulator elements are arranged behind each other in relation to the laser beam, that a focusing device (14) is arranged both in front of and behind each modulator element, that an electric amplifier output (22, 23) is associated with each modulator element and that all electric amplifier (A) inputs (24, 25) are connected to the same control line (26) as the control signal.

Abstract: A driver for use with a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) device, method of operation thereof and a MEMS device employing the driver and method. In one embodiment, the driver includes an actuation subsystem that provides an actuation voltage to alter an angle of an optical element of the MEMS device. The driver also includes a bias subsystem, coupled to the actuation subsystem, that applies a bias voltage between the optical element and the actuation subsystem, thereby reducing the actuation voltage.

Abstract: A device for switching an optical beam in an optical switch. In one embodiment, the disclosed optical switch includes an optical switching device disposed in a well region in a semiconductor substrate layer. In one embodiment, the well region has a higher doping concentration than the semiconductor substrate layer in which the well region is disposed. The optical switching device is optically coupled to an optical input port and an optical output port of the integrated circuit die.

Abstract: An optical modulator and an associated modulation method are provided that utilize an optical fiber as the active medium such that the resulting fiber modulator is relatively inexpensive, but maintains high performance standards. The fiber modulator includes a core and a cladding surrounding the core which collectively form a longitudinally extending optical fiber capable of supporting the propagation of optical signals. The fiber modulator also includes first and second regions within the cladding and extending longitudinally therealong for establishing an internal bias electrical field across the core. The first and second regions are disposed on opposite sides of the core and have positive and negative electrical charges, respectively. The fiber modulator further includes first and second electrodes disposed on the cladding proximate the first and second regions, respectively, and extending longitudinally therealong.

Abstract: An optical modulation system for externally modulating two independent optical signals with first, second, third and fourth electrical input signals with two modulators. The system includes a first modulator with a first electrode receiving the first electrical input signal, a second electrode receiving the second electrical input signal, a first optical signal path co-propagating the first optical input signal with the first electrical signal and counter-propagating the second optical input signal to generate a first modulated optical signal, and a second optical signal path co-propagating the second optical input signal with the second electrical input signal and counter-propagating the first optical input signal to generate a second modulated optical signal.

Abstract: The invention provides an electro-optical device includes a first substrate and a second substrate sandwiching an electro-optical substance. The substrates are provided with a sealing material disposed between the substrates, for bonding the substrates to each other at a sealing region disposed along the peripheries of the substrates. The first substrate is provided thereon with pixel electrodes, wires extending from the inside of an image display region to the outside of the sealing region, and a vertically conducting pad disposed in the sealing region. The second substrate is provided thereon with an opposing electrode opposing the pixel electrodes and having a vertical conductor section opposing the vertically conducting pad. The sealing material includes an electrically conductive material at least in a portion of the sealing material disposed between the vertically conducting pad and the vertical conductor section, whereby the sealing material functions as a vertical conductor.

Abstract: A transmissive display device using a micro light modulator that is capable of improving a light efficiency. In the display device, a plurality of stationary members are provided on the first surface of the first transparent substrate in a line with and at a desired distance from each other in a stripe shape. A plurality of movable members are provided on the first transparent substrate and takes a bridge shape to be spaced from the stationary members and have each side overlapped with the stationary members. A light path controller is formed at each portion corresponding to the movable members on the second transparent substrate in such a manner to be spaced from the adjacent members, to reflect a light passing through a light path between each station member and each movable member such that the light is progressed perpendicularly to the second transparent substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a modulated light source (10), in particular for use as part of an opto-electronic communication network. The modulated light source (10) has a laser (12) and an external electro-optic modulator (16) for modulating the intensity of light produced by the laser (12). A temperature sensor (30) senses the temperature of the laser (12) and the modulator (16). A control circuit connected to the temperature sensor (30) adjusts the bias on the modulator (16) so that the band edge of the modulator follows the changes in wavelength of the laser (12) as the laser (12) warms up during operation. This avoids the need for a cooling element to keep the temperature of the laser (12) constant.

Abstract: An enclosure for sealing a MEMS optical device, a MEMS apparatus, a MEMS module, and a method for switching optical signals are disclosed. The enclosure includes one or more sidewalls and an optical element hermetically sealed to at least one of the sidewalls. Suitable optical elements include windows, lenses and lens arrays. The enclosure may be evacuated to improve the performance of the MEMS device enclosed within it. The MEMS apparatus includes a MEMS device enclosed by an enclosure of the type described above. The MEMS device may include a substrate and the enclosure may be bonded to the substrate. Alternatively, the MEMS device may include a substrate attached to a mount and the enclosure may be bonded to the mount. The MEMS module includes a mount and a MEMS device attached to the mount. One or more optical fibers are attached to the mount proximate the MEMS device. An enclosure, attached to the mount encloses the MEMS device. The fibers are located outside the enclosure.

Abstract: A system and a method for illuminating a spatial light modulator, where all the pixels of the SLM are illuminated symmetrically with respect to the optical axis, thus reducing the crosstalk problem. The system includes a linear array of light sources for generating a plurality of light beams, a linear array of microlenses, each of the microlenses receiving light from a corresponding light source of the array of light sources, an optical element for receiving light from the array of microlenses and for redirecting it and a spatial light modulator including an array of pixels for modulating the light. The distance between the array of microlenses and the optical element is such that all the pixels of the SLM are illuminated symmetrically with respect to the optical axis of the optical element.

Abstract: A micro-mirror device and associated method, the device including a substrate, address electrodes provided on the substrate, and a micro-mirror facing the substrate and spaced a predetermined distance from the substrate. The micro-mirror device is adapted so that the slope of the micro-mirror can be adjusted by electrostatic attraction forces between the address electrodes and the micro-mirror. The micro-mirror device further includes auxiliary electrodes formed on and projected from the substrate. The upper portions of the auxiliary electrodes are disposed in the vicinity of the micro-mirror, so that distances between the micro-mirror and the auxiliary electrodes can remain small, even when the micro-mirror is inclined by electrostatic attraction forces in one direction. Accordingly, restoration of the micro-mirror is enhanced by electrostatic attraction forces of the auxiliary electrodes.

Abstract: An optical modulator is provided that not only can realize a suitable initial operating point without using dc voltage for control, but that has little optical loss and can obtain an excellent extinction ratio. The optical modulator comprises: a substrate having an electro-optical effect, first and second branch optical waveguides formed in a first major surface of the substrate; an optical branching structure for splitting input optical signal and supplying the split signals to the branch optical waveguides; and a 3-dB directional coupler that couples the outputs of the first and second branch optical waveguides. The ratio of nonuniformity, which is represented by the difference in propagation constants of the two optical waveguides in 3-dB directional coupler, to the coupling coefficient of the 3-dB directional coupler is 1 to at least 5, preferably 1 to at least 15, and still more preferably, 1 to at least 20.

Abstract: An improved linear light modulator array is formed with opposing electrodes which extend away from the optic surfaces of optoelcctronic material used to form the array. A uniform electric field is created across a modulator volume, generally perpendicular to light propagation within the modulator volume. The modulator volume of an element in the array is a function of electrode length, width and separation. Additional elements are defined by additional pairs of electrodes. The geometry is obtained by cutting optoelectronic material into strips. Cut sides of the strips are metallized, one at a time, with the opposite side temporarily affixed to a carrier. Aligned trenches are cut in the metallized strips to separate electrode pairs and define array elements.

Abstract: An electro-optical device comprising, a first board and a second board superposed on each other; a seal 6 for bonding the first board and the second board at the periphery of a display area; a plurality of connection terminals 71 provided on an overhang of the first board which extends from the second board; and a plurality of connection wires 70 provided on the first board and interconnecting the display area and the plurality of connection terminals 71. The distance between adjacent connection wires 119b is set to be smaller inside the seal 6 than outside the seal 6. This prevents the occurrence of corrosion in the connection wires 70 lying outside the seal 6, and shortens the distance between adjacent connection wires 70 lying inside the seal 6, thereby reducing the overall size of the liquid crystal device.

Abstract: In an electro-optical apparatus, such as a liquid-crystal apparatus, a TFT array substrate (10) is provided with pixel electrodes (9a) and TFTs (30) connected thereto. In addition, a peripheral area (including a frame area and a sealing area) is provided with peripheral circuits for driving the pixel electrodes, such as data-line driving circuits (101) and a sampling circuit (301), and wires for sending image signals. On an opposite substrate (20), an opposite electrode (21) is formed so as to avoid areas opposite the wires.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrical field absorbing semiconductor optical modulator, more particularly, to a high speed semiconductor optical modulator and a fabricating method thereof. The present invention includes a high speed semiconductor optical modulator, the optical modulator formed by stacking an n-type light-wave guiding layer, a light absorbing layer, a p-type light-wave guiding layer, a p-type clad layer, and a p-type ohmic contact layer on a substrate successively, the optical modulator having a ridge structure wherein the optical modulator is an electric-field absorbing type, and wherein width W3 of the light absorbing layer is less than the width W1 of the p-type ohmic contact layer. Accordingly, the present invention enables to provide high speed optical modulation of tens of giga rate of which modulating characteristics are excellent by reducing contact resistance and capacitance, which are the major problems of ruining the characteristics of an optical modulator, simultaneously.

Abstract: A light modulating or switching array (10) having a plurality of discrete protrusions (16) formed of electro-optic material, each of which is electrically and optically isolated from each other. The protrusions (16) have defined a top face (20), a bottom face (30), first and second side faces (22, 24), and front and back faces (26, 28). There are a plurality of electrodes (34) associated with each of the protrusions (16), these electrodes (34) being capable of inducing an electric field in the electro-optic material for independently modulating a plurality of light beams which are incident upon one of the faces (20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30) of the protrusions (16). The electro-optic material may be of PLZT, or a member of any of the groups of electro-optic crystals, polycrystalline electro-optic ceramics, electro-optic semiconductors, electro-optic glasses and electro-optically active polymers.

Abstract: An optical device includes a grounded base and an optical modulator chip having a top surface, a back surface and side surfaces. The optical modulator chip is positioned on the grounded base with the back surface facing the grounded base. The optical modulator chip includes a first ground electrode, a signal electrode and a second ground electrode located over the top surface of the optical modulator chip. The first and second ground electrodes of the optical modulator chip are interconnected with resistive layers on a surface of the optical modulator chip.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical modulating device capable of use as a light-valve, display, optical filter or Fabry-Perot cavity, for example. The device lends itself to batch processing, and is compatible with monolithic integration with silicon, silicon-germanium, silicon-on-sapphire (SOS) or silicon-on-quartz (SOQ) advanced microelectronic technology (NMOS, PMOS and CMOS) for integrated control circuitry, electrical addressing, system interfacing, and the like. The device forgoes the complexities of liquid crystal constructions, and avoids the need to position and fix piezoelectric spacers within layers of the device. The invention includes first and second transparent layers that are disposed to oppose one another. Metallic layers are disposed upon the inwardly facing surfaces of the transparent layers and these are arranged to oppose each other. Spectral coupling layers are disposed upon the outwardly facing surfaces of the transparent layers opposite of the metallic layers.

Abstract: A light modulating switch (210) including a switching element (218) having a first portion (226) of electro-optic material to which first and second electrodes (213, 224) are associated. A second portion (228) is composed of material having an index of refraction matching that of the first portion (226) when no voltage is applied to electro-optically activate the first portion (226), but the index of refraction of the second portion (228) is less than the index of refraction of the first portion (226) when the first portion (226) is electro-optically activated by application of voltage to the electrodes (213, 224).

Abstract: In an electrooptical unit 100 mounted in a mobile phone, a flexible board 70 is mounted to a liquid crystal panel 400 by means of an anisotropic conductive film, and rear-side terminals of the flexible board 70 are electrically connected with the terminals of the liquid crystal panel 400 formed from ITO film. In the flexible board 70, capacitors 91 are mounted by means of soldering with front-side terminals 72 which are electrically connected with the rear-side terminals via through holes. The front-side terminals 72 are compressedly connected to connector electrodes of a rubber connector for electrically connecting with a circuit board.

Abstract: Edge busbars on a substantial perimeter of an electrochromic device are disclosed having electrical paths wrapping over the perimeter edge. Internal busbars interior from the perimeter are disclosed which lower the conductivity of the conductive layer of an electrochromic device. Signals supplied to the busbars to control the electrochromic device are controlled by a switching power supply that allows the maintaining of the color of the electrochromic device without application of continuous power.

Abstract: A transparent chromogenic panel in which color changes are selectively effectable over predefined areas comprises a pair of facing glass substrates each covered with a conductive layer divided into individual energizeable areas each provided with as set of busbars. An electrochromic electrode layer overlies at least one of the conductive layers. An insulating adhesive sealant spaces apart the substrates and insulates the busbar sets from each other and from exposure to the electrolyte and the electrochromic layer, so that each busbar set may be individually energizeable to effect a color change through a respective one of the individual areas. A passive layer is advantageously superimposed over one of the substrates, its color being chosen so that the color and the transmissivity of the passive layer accommodates the range of color change and transmissivity of the electrochromic layer to maintain the transmitted color of the panel in a warm or neutral shade.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for creating a pattern on a workpiece sensitive to radiation, such as a photomask, a display panel or a microoptical device. The apparatus comprises a radiation source, a spatial modulator (SLM) having a multitude of modulating elements (pixels), a projection system, an electronic data processing and delivery system controlling the modulator and a precision mechanical system for moving said workpiece. Specifically, the pixels could be set in a number of states larger than two, and the electronic processing system is adapted to create one type of pixel map inside pattern features, another type of pixel map outside features, and intermediate pixel maps at a boundary. The intermediate pixel map is generated in dependence on the placement of the boundary in a grid finer than that of the pixels of the SLM projected on the workpiece.

Abstract: A laser imager comprises a modulator with an array of electrodes to control picture elements individually or by groups to produce images on a recording plane. The light intensity of each picture element or group of elements is determined by electrical potential applied between sets of controlling electrodes. These levels can be manually set or automatically exercised during a balancing routine through a feed-back loop using a photodetector to monitor and detect elements producing a light intensity higher than a set value. Control means assign to these elements a “correction voltage” to lower the density of elements they control. These correction values obtained after one or repeated balancing routines are stored in a memory and are used during the imaging cycle to produce images of substantially equal intensity on the recording medium.

Abstract: The invention provides a light shielding film having excellent capability of shielding light. The light shielding film includes a barrier layer formed of a material selected from the group including a refractory nitride compound, silicon compound, tungsten compound, tungsten, and silicon, and also includes a metal layer formed of a material selected from the group including a metal in the form of a simple substance or a metal compound, whose high capability of shielding light is degraded when being oxidized.

Abstract: A liquid crystal lens comprises a biconcave lens and a pair of transparent flat plates arranged before and behind the lens. The biconcave lens has a pair of concave principal surfaces covered with transparent electrodes, a flat portion on its outer periphery, and an electrode extending across the flat portion and connecting the transparent electrodes. Each of the transparent flat plates has a flat principal surface covered with a transparent electrode, the surface facing the concave principal surface, a flat portion on its outer periphery, and an electrode extending across the flat portion and connected to the transparent electrode. The biconcave lens and the pair of transparent flat plates are cemented to one another in a spaced manner by sealants with their respective flat portions flush with one another. Liquid crystals are stored individually in spaces defined between the lens and the flat plates.

Abstract: A torsional micro-mechanical mirror system includes a mirror assembly rotatably supported by a torsional mirror support assembly for rotational movement over and within a cavity in a base. The cavity is sized sufficiently to allow unimpeded rotation of the mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes a support structure for supporting a reflective layer. The support structure is coplanar with and formed from the same wafer as the base. The torsional mirror support assembly includes at least one torsion spring formed of an electroplated metal. An actuator assembly is operative to apply a driving force to torsionally drive the torsional mirror support assembly, whereby torsional motion of the torsional mirror support assembly causes rotational motion of the mirror assembly. In another embodiment, a magnetic actuator assembly is provided to drive the mirror assembly.

Abstract: A liquid crystal pixel current sensing technique is described that increases LC (Liquid Crystal)-based micro display contrast fidelity and lowers production costs. A spatial light modulator has an electro-optical material (such as a liquid crystal layer) between an array of pixel electrodes and a common electrode (such as an indium tin oxide (ITO) layer). An amplifier biases the common electrode of the spatial light modulator and outputs a differential current proportional to the electro-optical material current. The output is used to determine delay of a light source to compensate for switching delay of the modulator. For one embodiment, the amplifier has a common-source push-pull output stage and current mirrors. For another embodiment, the output stage is a cascode common-source push-pull output stage. Because the current sensor does not perform current-to-voltage conversion, it does not alter the impedance between the pixel driver and the pixel electrode.

Abstract: An LCD device for displaying an image includes pixel control electrodes constructed as a transparent metal stack having a photonic band gap (PBG) structure that transmits a visible range of wavelengths and suppresses a non-visible range of wavelengths. A liquid crystal layer between the pixel control electrodes controls the transmission of light in response to a voltage applied across the pixel control electrodes. A light emitting structure (LES), such as a light emitting diode (LED) or light emitting polymer (LEP) device includes a cathode electrode, a substrate, an active layer for emitting visible light, and a transparent anode electrode having a PBG structure.

Abstract: A light shutter device which, on a planar PLZT substrate, has a plurality of light transmitting portions (light shutter elements) which are disposed in two groups separated by a common electrode, and individual electrodes provided for the respective elements. Adjacent light shutter elements in each of the groups are arranged in mutually different lines so as to inhibit crosstalk.

Abstract: This invention provides an electro-optical device that includes on a TFT array substrate, scanning lines, data lines, a plurality of TFTs connected to these lines, pixel electrodes connected to the TFTs, an upper light shield layer which is formed in a grid-like configuration above the plurality of TFTs and defines a non-aperture area of each pixel, and a lower light shield layer which is formed in a grid-like configuration beneath the plurality of TFTs. In an image display area in a plan view, the formation area of the lower light shield layer is within the formation area of the upper light shield layer, and a channel region of the TFT is within a crossing portion of the lower light shield layer. In this arrangement, the electro-optical device presents a high quality image with increased light resistance.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an optical shutter comprising an photon-absorbing layer and a surface layer in a transparent state on at least one side of the photon-absorbing layer, wherein the optical shutter is characterized by the absorption of photons to change the photon-absorbing layer to an opaque state and to change the surface layer to a reflective state. The optical shutter is reversibly imageable between these transparent and reflective states. The optical shutter may comprise a metallized layer on at least one side of the photon-absorbing layer. Preferably, the optical shutter comprises an organic free radical compound, such as a salt of an aminium radical cation, in the photon-absorbing layer. Also provided are optical switch devices and optical buffers comprising such optical shutters and methods of switching an optical signal utilizing such optical shutters and switch devices.

Abstract: An electro-optic sampling probe used for observing a waveform of a test signal based on the change of the polarization state of a light pulse caused when the light pulse generated based on a timing signal is entered in an electro-optic crystal that is coupled by an electric field generated by the test signal. The electro-optic sampling probe includes an electro-optic crystal having a stopper portion at its upper portion, an electro-optic crystal supporting portion for supporting the electro-optic crystal by the stopper portion so as not to fall and capable of moving the electro-optic crystal vertically and an electro-optic crystal driving portion formed by a base and a board, to which the electro-optic crystal supporting portion is attached which moves on the base, for rectilinearly moving the electro-optic crystal along the direction of an optical axis.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing an optical transmitter utilizing a Mach-Zehnder type optical modulator, in which the optical modulator is capable of readily optimizing an optical wavelength chirp to be added to a transmission optical signal. To this end, the optical transmitter of the present invention includes a Mach-Zehnder type optical modulator having two arms driven by two drive signals, respectively, and is constituted to comprise: amplitude adjusting parts for adjusting the amplitudes of the drive signals, respectively; phase adjusting parts for adjusting the phases of the drive signals, respectively; an amplitude controlling part for feedback controlling the amplitude adjusting parts so that an amplitude ratio between the drive signals becomes a value corresponding to an optimum optical wavelength chirp amount; and a phase controlling part for feedback controlling the phase adjusting parts so that the phases of the drive signals are brought into an antiphase relation.

Abstract: A multi-layer vertical comb-drive actuator includes a first comb structure having a plurality of first comb fingers and a second comb structure having a plurality of second comb fingers, wherein the first and second comb fingers are substantially interdigitated. The first and second comb fingers may include two or more stacked conductive layers electrically isolated from each other by an insulating layer or an air gap. Alternatively, either the first or second comb fingers may include only one conductive layer. An application of a voltage between the first and second comb fingers causes the second comb structure to move relative to the first comb structure. The present invention includes a 2D-gimble configuration to rotate a movable element along two axis.

Abstract: An electro-optical device having six image signal lines that are third layer leads comprising the same layer as data lines. A lead which is branched from one image signal line and crosses the other image signal lines is a parallel connection of a first layer lead and a second layer lead. The first layer lead comprises the same layer as the scanning lines in a display region and the second layer lead comprises the same layer as a barrier film of a thin film transistor (TFT) in the display region. Although the first and second layer leads have high resistance alone, the parallel connection can reduce resistance. In other portions, the second layer lead is used alone to improve the design versatility. Thus, the design versatility of peripheral circuits such as a sampling circuit in an electro-optical device is improved and the lead resistance in the peripheral circuit is reduced.

Abstract: A transflective color display having apertures in reflective electrodes through which light from a backlight (9) passes in the transmissive mode. The switching behavior for both the reflective and the transmissive mode is made identical by introducing a retardation plate (11). The transmission efficiency is further increased by using only a monochrome green mode in transmission.

Abstract: A Mach-Zehnder interferometer-type modulator for externally modulating two independent optical signals with first and second electrical signals, the modulator includes a first electrode receiving the first electrical signal, a second electrode receiving the second electrical signal, a first optical signal path co-propagating the first optical signal with the first electrical signal and counter-propagating the first optical signal with the second electrical signal, to generate a first modulated optical signal corresponding to the first optical signal modulated with the first electrical signal, and a second optical signal path co-propagating the second optical signal with the second electrical signal and counter-propagating the second optical signal with the second electrical signal, to generate a second modulated optical signal corresponding to the second optical signal modulated with the second electrical signal.

Abstract: An apron and a skirt of a spatial light modulator are each coupled to a substrate by reverse-bias diodes. The spatial light modulator includes liquid crystal material between an array of electrodes and a ground electrode. The apron surrounds the array, and the segmented skirt surrounds the apron. The array, apron, and skirt are formed over the substrate. The reverse-bias diodes provide suitable electrical isolation during normal operation, but dissipate excessive charge that might accumulate during plasma etching as the modulator is being manufactured and that might otherwise induce damage due to electrostatic discharge.

Abstract: A camera has an objective lens for forming an image of a subject by focusing rays of light on a film plane, and a mirror for a viewfinder which is movable in the way of the light rays between the objective lens and the film plane to reflect the light rays to a viewing screen in the viewfinder and is movable out of the way of the light rays to allow the lens to focus the light rays on the film plane. The movable mirror is an electrostatic light valve that includes a transparent flat stationary electrode between the objective lens and the film plane, and a coilable mirrored resilient electrode having one end fixed with respect to the stationary electrode and a free end. The coilable electrode is biased to curl into a coil on the stationary electrode, beginning at the free end, to move out of the way of the light rays, and is electrostatically actuatable to uncurl from the coil along the stationary electrode to be in the way of the light rays to reflect them to the viewing screen.