Resonators and devices with pixel based electrodes operating across a gap

Abstract

A family of resonators and other devices which employ virtual electrodes using pixel based projection across a gap onto a material. In many embodiments, the pixels are projected onto a piezoelectric material, such as quartz crystal, by an integrated circuit die placed opposite a face of the crystal. The die projects individual pixels of electromagnetic energy onto the crystal, which vibrates and produces its own electromagnetic energy which is received by the pixels. Pixel projection onto other materials, including non-resonant materials, is also disclosed. The pixel based projected electrodes may be used in combination with, or in lieu of, conventional metal electrodes. Individual pixels may be turned on and off, and gain- and phase-controlled, in order to achieve specific desired resonator response characteristics. Many types of devices using pixel based electrode projection are disclosed—including resonators having one or more electrodes, oscillators, filters, delay lines, antennas and others.