An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating
light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial
fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical
compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished
in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which
can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may
be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing
multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size
from microscopic to architectural in scope.
- In another aspect, a structure for modulating light comprises modulators
of light each including an interference cavity for causing interference modulation
of the light. The structure further comprises an optical compensation mechanism
component coupled to the modulators which enhances the optical performance of the
structure, the component comprising one or more of a photonic crystal array, a
mutlilayer array of dielectric mirrors, and an array of microlenses.
- In another aspect, a device for modulating light comprises an array
of interference modulators, each comprising a primary and a secondary mirror which
in a quiescent state is spaced from the primary mirror by a first distance so that
light reflected from the modulator is of a first color, and which in a second state,
under influence of a bias voltage, is spaced from the primary mirror by a second
distance which is less than the first distance so that the modulator reflects light
of a second color. The device further comprises an optical compensation mechanism
component coupled to the array to compensate for changes in a color of light reflected
by the array due to changes in a angle at which the array is viewed.
- In another aspect, a method for fabricating a reflective display comprises
fabricating an array of interference modulators, each comprising a primary and
a secondary mirror which in a quiescent state is spaced on the primary mirror by
a first distance so that light reflected from the modulator is of a first color,
and which in a second state, under influence of a biased voltage is spaced from
the primary mirror by a second distance which is less than the first distance so
that the modulator reflects light of a second color. The method further comprises
coupling an optical compensation mechanism component to the array of interference
modulators to compensate for changes in a color of light reflected by the array
due to changes in an angle at which the array is viewed.
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