skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Apparatus to position a microelectromechanical platform

Patent ·
OSTI ID:1174502

The present invention comprises a microelectromechanical positioner to achieve substantially translational positioning of a platform without rotational motion, thereby maintaining a constant angular orientation of the platform during movement. A linkage mechanism of the positioner can comprise parallelogram linkages to constrain the rotational motion of the platform. Such linkages further can comprise flexural hinges or other turning joints at the linkage pivots to eliminate the need for rubbing surfaces. A plurality of the linkage mechanisms can be used to enable translational motion of the platform with two degrees of freedom. A variety of means can be used to actuate the positioner. Independent actuation of the anchor links of the linkage mechanisms with rotary electrostatic actuators can be used to provide controlled translational movement of the platform.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
Assignee:
Sandia Corporation (Albuquerque, NM)
Patent Number(s):
6,624,548
Application Number:
09/964,922
OSTI ID:
1174502
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (1)

Fabrication of diffractive optical elements for an integrated compact optical microelectromechanical system laser scanner
  • Wendt, J. R.; Krygowski, T. W.; Vawter, G. A.
  • Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology B: Microelectronics and Nanometer Structures, Vol. 18, Issue 6 https://doi.org/10.1116/1.1313580
journal January 2000