Patent ID: 6215222
Filing Date: 2001-04-10
Classification: G02B,H02N

Abstract:
An optical micromachine for steering optical beams comprising:a reflective element having a reflecting surface to redirect an optical beam from an original direction to a second direction; anda surface electrostatic actuator operatively coupled to said reflective element to selectively manipulate said reflective element in a path of said optical beam, said surface electrostatic actuator including a movable member that can be displaced with respect to a stationary member of said electrostatic actuator in response to electrostatic forces, said movable member having a first plurality of electrodes on a first surface of said movable member, said stationary member having a second plurality of electrodes on a second surface of said stationary member that opposes said first surface of said movable member, said first and second pluralities of said electrodes configured to generate said electrostatic forces to laterally displace said movable member in a direction generally parallel to said first and second surfaces, said movable member being mechanically attached to said reflective element such that said reflective element is selectively manipulated in said path of said optical beam by displacement of said movable member.