Patent ID: 6784771
Filing Date: 2004-08-31
Classification: B81B,G02B

Abstract:
An electrostatically actuated MEMS device comprising:an outer body portion mounted so as to have a first rotational degree of freedom about a first axis; an inner body portion coupled mechanically to the outer body portion so as (1) to have a second rotational degree of freedom relative to said outer body portion about a second axis, said second axis being substantially perpendicular to said first axis and in the plane of said outer body portion, and (2) to rotate with the outer body portion about the first axis if said outer body is rotated about said first axis, such that said second axis remains substantially in the plane of said outer body portion as said outer body portion rotates about said first axis; an outer electrostatic actuator configured to rotate said outer body portion about said first axis when an electrostatic force is applied to said outer electrostatic actuator; and an inner electrostatic actuator configured to rotate said inner body portion relative to said outer portion about said second axis when an electrostatic force is applied to said inner electrostatic actuator, wherein said outer body portion and said inner body portion are formed in two structural layers and said outer electrostatic actuator and said inner electrostatic actuator are formed in the same two structural layers as said out body portion and said inner body portion.