Patent ID: 7212328
Filing Date: 2007-05-01
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A light modulator, comprising: an array of electron beam addressable mirror elements, further comprising an actuatable mirror element having mirror surface that has a proximal edge portion supported by a post and a hinge portion, and a distal edge portion on an opposite end of the mirror surface from the proximal edge portion and two side edge portions extending from the proximal edge portion to the distal edge portion having an electrostatically more neutral first position and an electrostatically more charged second position, the mirror being actuatable in a first direction from the first position to the second position by charge accumulation received at the mirror from an electron beam, and is actuatable in a second direction from the second position to the first position by dissipation of the charge accumulation; a stop element positioned adjacent the mirror element in the first position, configured to limit movement of the mirror element in the second direction after the mirror reaches the first position, wherein the stop element is positioned to intercept a first mirror element adjacent the proximal edge portion; and a further stop element configured to intercept a second mirror element adjacent the distal edge portion.