Patent ID: 6300619
Filing Date: 2001-10-09
Classification: B81B,G02B

Abstract:
A micro-electro-mechanical optical device, comprising:a substrate having a surface area;an optical element having an outer edge for deflecting an optical signal received by said optical element; anda micro-electro-mechanical structure supported on said substrate surface and mechanically connected to said optical element and operable for moving said optical element from a quiescent position to an elevated position above said substrate surface, said structure having a first engagement plate and a first pair of beams for imparting motion to said engagement plate and elevating said optical element, said plate being connected to a first end of one of said beams in said first beam pair, and a second end of said beams in said beam pair being connected to said substrate surface, said beams being arranged on said substrate surface so that said first and second ends are positioned proximate said outer edge of said optical device.