Patent ID: 7535618
Filing Date: 2009-05-19
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A discretely controlled micromirror having multiple motions comprising: a) a bottom layer having control circuitry; b) a micromirror having a top side and a bottom side, wherein the top side has a reflective surface; c) at least one micromirror spring, wherein the micromirror spring is configured to connect the micromirror with the bottom layer and provide elastic restoring force to the micromirror, wherein one end of the micromirror spring is attached to a first micromirror spring post disposed on the bottom side of the micromirror and the other end of the micromirror spring is attached to a second micromirror spring post disposed on the bottom layer; d) at least one stepper plate disposed between the micromirror and the bottom layer, wherein each stepper plate has a plurality of stepper plate electrodes configured to actuate the stepper plate and; and e) at least one support, wherein each support is geometrically coupled to the corresponding stepper plate; wherein the motions of the micromirror are pre-programmed by the supports and actuation of the stepper plates and wherein each of the pre-programmed motions of the micromirror is provided by actuating a predetermined set of stepper plates, wherein each stepper plate is configured to have pre-determined rotations about multiple axes to have multiple motions of the micromirror.