Patent ID: 8115989
Filing Date: 2012-02-14
Classification: B81B,B81C,G02B

Abstract:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a first substantially transparent substrate; an array of interferometric modulation elements disposed on the first substantially transparent substrate, the interferometric modulation elements including two layers that define a cavity, a first layer being movable relative to a second layer through a range of positions, the layers causing the cavity to operate interferometrically in at least one of the positions, producing an optical response to visible light; a first plurality of electrodes configured for conducting electrical signals to the array of interferometric modulation elements; first control circuitry configured to apply electrical signals for controlling the array of interferometric modulation elements via the first plurality of electrodes; a logic system that is configured to determine a stiction area within the array of interferometric modulation elements, the stiction area including a portion of the interferometric modulators in the array of interferometric modulation elements in which stiction has been detected; a second substrate; a second plurality of electrodes disposed on the second substrate; and second control circuitry configured to apply a first voltage pulse to the stiction area under the control of the logic system, the first voltage pulse that causes an electric force to be exerted on the first layer that is sufficient to overcome a stiction force between the first layer and the second layer in the stiction area.