Patent ID: 8139280

Claim:
A deformable mirror device comprising: a substrate; a plurality of spacer structure extending from the substrate; a plurality of cantilever actuator assembly disposed on the spacer structure, and each cantilever actuator assembly comprising at least one cantilever actuator having a supporting portion that is mechanically attached to the spacer structure, a floating cantilever portion that lies directly vertically over and spaced apart from the substrate, said the floating cantilever portion having a floating outer edge that is not clamped to the spacer structure, said the floating outer edge having a pre-determined two-dimensional geometry and said the geometry defining the material boundary of the floating cantilever portion, said the floating cantilever portion having a far end that receives maximum vertical displacement during actuation; and at least one post upstanding on and substantially near the far end of the floating cantilever portion, the post having two opposite faces, the first face in attachment with the floating cantilever portion, and the second surface substantially in parallel with the first face; and a deformable mirror membrane disposed on the plurality of cantilever actuator assembly by bonding to the second surface of each said post.