Patent ID: 6522454
Filing Date: 2003-02-18
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A spatial light modulator fabricated on a substrate, comprising:addressing circuitry; a bias/reset bus having a plurality of landing sites; a pair of address electrodes coupled to the addressing circuitry, each having a first portion proximate the substrate and coplanar with the bias/reset bus, and having a second portion elevated above the plane of the first portion; a yoke having a body portion with a first width overlying the first portion of the address electrodes, and having opposing leading edges extending away from the body portion, each leading edge having a pair of springtips, each springtip attached to a distal location of the leading edge of the yoke, and operable to land on an associated landing site, where the pair of springtips are separated by a second width that is less than the first width; at least one hinge connected to the yoke and supporting the yoke, the hinge permitting tilting of the yoke in response to electrostatic addressing from the address electrodes; and a mirror elevated above and supported by the yoke, the mirror positioned over the elevated second portions of the address electrodes.