Patent ID: 6661637
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: G01D,G01L,G01P

Abstract:
An opto-electro-mechanical transducer in which a rigid body is angularly displaced by electric field coupling around at least one free-axis of rotation comprising:a. at least one variable capacitor with a movable electrode coupled to said rigid body constrained by structural means to angular displacement around said at least one free-axis of rotation; b. said at least one variable capacitor having a cooperating stationary electrode affixed to said structural means and said stationary electrode having a surfaced contoured region facing said movable electrode; c. a thin dielectric member sandwiched between the electrodes of said at least one variable capacitor; d. said surface contoured region formed to constrain the approach of said movable electrode to said stationary electrode, whereby a condition of controlled electrostatic collapse with voltage applied to said at least one variable capacitor is maintained over a range of angular displacement of said rigid body.