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Tensile-stressed microelectromechanical apparatus and micromirrors formed therefrom

Patent ·
OSTI ID:908436

A microelectromechanical (MEM) apparatus is disclosed which includes one or more tensile-stressed actuators that are coupled through flexures to a stage on a substrate. The tensile-stressed actuators, which can be formed from tensile-stressed tungsten or silicon nitride, initially raise the stage above the substrate without any applied electrical voltage, and can then be used to control the height or tilt angle of the stage. An electrostatic actuator can also be used in combination with each tensile-stressed actuator. The MEM apparatus has applications for forming piston micromirrors or tiltable micromirrors and independently addressable arrays of such devices.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM
Sponsoring Organization:
United States Department of Energy
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
Patent Number(s):
7,046,411
Application Number:
11/118,573
OSTI ID:
908436
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (2)

Novel multi-user-MEMS-processes-compatible single-layer out-of-plane electrothermal actuator journal April 2003
Stress relaxation in Si-rich silicon nitride thin films journal May 1998

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