Patent ID: 8049944
Filing Date: 2011-11-01
Classification: B81B,G02B

Abstract:
1. A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) device for pivotally supporting an optical element over a substrate that includes an anchor post, comprising: a tiltable platform for supporting the optical element; a first rotor electrode defined by a width and a length, having first and second regions and a brace extending therebetween; a first torsional hinge defined by a width and a length, rotatable about a first axis, and extending between the anchor post and the brace; a second torsional hinge rotatable about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and extending between the first rotor electrode and the tiltable platform; a first stator electrode disposed on the substrate beneath the first or the second region of the first rotor electrode, for selectively controlling the tilt of the rotor electrode and the platform about the first axis; and a second stator electrode positioned on the substrate beneath the tiltable platform, for selectively controlling the tilt of the platform about the second axis by using at least a part of the tiltable platform as a second rotor electrode; wherein the total width of the first and the second stator electrodes is less than the width of the platform; whereby a plurality of the platforms pivotable about the first axis and the second axis are positionable in close proximity with only an air gap between adjacent platforms.