Electrostatically operated micro-optical devices and method of
manufacturing such devices is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, the micro-optical
devices using electrostatic comb drive actuators having new spring designs to overcome
side instability and exhibit enlarged displacement, having new designs of comb
finger electrode shapes to generate larger force output, and having new clip type
latch mechanism to control the corresponding device at certain states in an analog
manner without electrical power consumption. Based on the proposed optical path
and device configurations, integration and assembly of a plurality of reflective
micro-mirrors in conjunction with proposed new comb drive actuators is very promising
way to provide micro-optical devices to get good optical performance and suitable
for multi-channel applications. We also disclose several process techniques to
manufacture the micro-optical devices with said electrostatic comb drive actuator
in a mass production manner with higher yield.