Patent ID: 7649671
Filing Date: 2010-01-19
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
1. A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device comprising: a first electrode; a second electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode; a third electrode electrically insulated from the first electrode and the second electrode; a support structure which separates the first electrode from the second electrode, the third electrode comprising a conductive portion of the support structure; an optical stack comprising the first electrode, wherein the optical stack is partially transparent or translucent and at least partially reflective of light; and a movable reflective element, wherein the optical stack and the reflective element define an interferometric optical cavity between the optical stack and the reflective element, the reflective element movable relative to the optical stack to modulate optical interference of the light by the interferometric optical cavity; wherein the reflective element is located between a first position and a second position, the reflective element movable between the first position and the second position upon application of a voltage difference between the first electrode and the second electrode, the reflective element in contact with a portion of the optical stack when in the first position and not in contact with the portion of the optical stack when in the second position; wherein an adhesive force is generated between the reflective element and the portion when the reflective element is in the first position, and wherein voltages applied to the first electrode, the second electrode, and the third electrode at least partially reduce or counteract the adhesive force.