Patent ID: 6975444
Filing Date: 2005-12-13
Classification: G02B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A spatial light modulator, comprising: a silicon substrate; an optically transmissive substrate bonded to the silicon substrate and defining a gap therebetween, with an array of micromirrors disposed within the gap; wherein the micromirrors are mechanically deflectable in a digital manner and are capable of being selectively deflected to spatially modulate light that is incident to, and then reflected back through, the optically transmissive substrate; wherein each micromirror comprises a rigid mirror and a torsion hinge; SRAM or DRAM circuitry on the silicon substrate at each micromirror location; electrodes on the silicon substrate and connected to the SRAM or DRAM circuitry and for electrostatically attracting corresponding micromirrors; wherein the electrodes are disposed closer to the corresponding micromirrors than the circuitry; and wherein the mirror and torsion hinge are disposed in different layers with the torsion hinge crossing the mirror and attaching at a point on the mirror.