Patent ID: 7139113
Filing Date: 2006-11-21
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A micro-mirror element comprising: a mirror comprising a reflective surface operable to selectively tilt to reflect a beam of light; a first address portion comprising a plurality of address pads distributed in a first layer of the micro-mirror element, the plurality of address pads non-integral with one another in the first layer, the micro-mirror element having a first side and a second side divided by a hinge, and at least two of the plurality of address pads distributed on the first side; a second address portion disposed between the first layer and the mirror comprising two address electrodes distributed in a second layer of the micro-mirror element, the first address electrode disposed on the first side and the second address electrode disposed on the second side; a plurality of address vias operable to conductively couple the first address portion to the second address portion for the transfer of an address voltage from the first address portion to the second address portion, wherein the at least two address pads on the first side are coupled to the first address electrode; a first bias portion comprising a plurality of bias pads distributed in the first layer of the micro-mirror element, the plurality of bias pads arranged in spaced apart relation to one another, each of the plurality of bias pads conductively coupled to every other bias pad by one or more bias arms; a second bias portion comprising a plurality of beam portions distributed in the second layer of the micro-mirror element, at least two of the plurality of beam portions coupled together by the hinge; at least one bias via operable to conductively couple the first bias portion to the second bias portion for the transfer of a bias voltage from the first bias portion to the second bias portion; and wherein the second address portion provides an electrostatic force on the mirror that is greater than an electrostatic force provided on the mirror by the first address portion.