The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Apr. 10, 2007
Filed:
Mar. 25, 2004
Alexander P. Payne, Ben Lomond, CA (US);
Michael J. Dueweke, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Wilhelmus DE Groot, Palo Alto, CA (US);
David T. Amm, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Omar S. Leung, Palo Alto, CA (US);
James A. Hunter, Campbell, CA (US);
Brent D. Lunceford, Austin, TX (US);
Gregory Beach, Georgetown, TX (US);
Alexander P. Payne, Ben Lomond, CA (US);
Michael J. Dueweke, Santa Clara, CA (US);
Wilhelmus De Groot, Palo Alto, CA (US);
David T. Amm, Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Omar S. Leung, Palo Alto, CA (US);
James A. Hunter, Campbell, CA (US);
Brent D. Lunceford, Austin, TX (US);
Gregory Beach, Georgetown, TX (US);
Silicon Light Machines Corporation, San Jose, CA (US);
Abstract
In one embodiment disclosed, a light modulator can be configured to have a substantially flat optically active modulator element portion while deflected. The modulator can include a plurality of modulator elements arranged substantially in parallel, with each modulator element including an optically active portion and a support portion on either side of the optically active portion. Further, the optically active portion can have a narrower width than the support portion. In another embodiment disclosed, a movable membrane for light modulation includes a substantially circular optically active portion and a released membrane portion surrounding the circular optically active portion. The substantially circular optically active portion can also include a plurality of gaps configured to expose a lower surface. Further, the substantially circular optically active portion can be essentially flat while in a deflected state.