Patent ID: 6594060
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
An electromechanical conformal grating device having a period &Lgr;, comprising:a) an elongated ribbon element including a light reflective surface; b) a pair of end supports for supporting the elongated ribbon element at both ends over a substrate; c) an intermediate support; d) means for applying a force to the elongated ribbon element to cause the element to deform between first and second operating states, where in the second operating state the elongated ribbon element mechanically conforms to the intermediate support forming an optical grating having a diffraction grating period &Lgr; with alternating raised and lowered portions; e) the diffraction grating period &Lgr; being determined by the placement of the intermediate support; and f) the lengths of the raised and lowered portions being substantially equal.