Patent ID: 6519073
Filing Date: 2003-02-11
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A modulator for modulating an optical signal comprising:a conductive substrate; a conductive membrane comprising at least a first layer of material having a thickness approximately equal to one-third of a wavelength of the optical signal, as measured within the first layer, and a second layer of material having a thickness approximately equal to one-tenth of a wavelength of the optical signal, as measured within the second layer; a flexible support for positioning the membrane in a first position wherein the membrane is oriented in spaced and superposed relation to the substrate, defining an air gap which is approximately equal to an integer multiple of one-quarter of a wavelength of the optical signal, as measured in air; a substrate layer of material overlaying the conductive substrate and having a thickness approximately equal to one-seventh of the wavelength of the optical signal; and a means for supplying bias; where, under the action of bias, the membrane moves to a second position, changing the air gap by approximately one-quarter of a wavelength of the optical signal, as measured in air, where the change from the first to the second position causes a change in the amount of the optical signal that is reflected from the membrane.