Micron-scale displacement measurement devices having enhanced performance
characteristics are disclosed. One embodiment of a micron-scale
displacement measurement device includes a phase-sensitive reflective
diffraction grating for reflecting a first portion of an incident light
and transmitting a second portion of the incident light such that the
second portion of the incident light is diffracted. The device further
includes a mechanical structure having a first region and a second
region, the mechanical structure positioned a distance d above the
diffraction grating, the second portion of the incident light is
reflected off of the first region of the structure such that an
interference pattern is formed by the reflected first portion and the
reflected second portion of the incident light. The device can further
include an electrode extending toward, but spaced a distance away from,
the second region of the mechanical structure.