Patent ID: 8144385
Filing Date: 2012-03-27
Classification: G02B,G09G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A light modulator, comprising: a movable reflector comprising an electrically conductive material, the movable reflector positioned between at least a first electrode and at least a second electrode, the movable reflector being movable between an undriven position, a first driven position, and a second driven position, wherein the first driven position is closer to the first electrode than are the undriven position and the second driven position; and at least a third electrode configured to drive the movable reflector to the second driven position; wherein the first electrode is configured to drive the movable reflector to the first driven position; wherein the second electrode is configured to modify a release threshold of the movable reflector; and wherein the first driven position corresponds to a position of the moveable reflector in a first plane, wherein the second driven position corresponds to a position of the moveable reflector in a second plane, wherein the first plane is substantially parallel to the second plane, and wherein the first plane is in a different plane than the second plane.