Patent ID: 6061166
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A modulator for modulating an incident beam of light having a wavelength .lambda. comprising:a base having a surface, a passivating layer formed over the surface and an electrode formed over the passivating layer;a plurality of equally spaced apart deformable elements arranged over the electrode and being disposed parallel to each other and secured at opposite ends of each spaced apart deformable element and suspended above the base and having at least two spaced apart conductive and reflective portions and a central reflective portion positioned between the two spaced apart conductive and reflective portions and electrically insulated from the two spaced apart conductive and reflective portions and disposed therebetween;a reflective layer disposed over the base between the spaced apart deformable elements; andmeans for applying potential between the electrode and the spaced apart conductive and reflective portions so that the spaced apart conductive and reflective portions are movable between first and second positions which are substantially .lambda./4 apart.