Patent ID: 6778306
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: B81B,G02B

Abstract:
A surface micromachined optical system that comprises:a first substrate; a first mirror microstructure disposed in spaced relation to and movably interconnected with said first substrate; and a first actuator associated with said first mirror microstructure, wherein said first mirror microstructure comprises: a first structural layer disposed in spaced relation to said first substrate; a second structural layer disposed in spaced relation to said first structural layer, wherein said first structural layer is disposed between said second structural layer and said first substrate; and a plurality of first columns that are disposed in spaced relation relative to each other, and further that extend between and fixedly interconnect said lust and second structural layers, wherein each said first column is fixed to each of said first and second structural layers such that said first structural layer, said second structural layer, and said plurality of first columns simultaneously move together in response to said first actuator, wherein said mirror microstructure comprises a center that extends through said first and second structural layers, wherein individual members of a first pair of said plurality of first columns are disposed at a different radial distance from said center.