Optically controlled MEM switches

An optically controlled micro-electromechanical (MEM) switch is described which desirably utilizes photoconductive properties of a semiconductive substrate upon which MEM switches are fabricated. In one embodiment the bias voltage provided for actuation of the switch is altered by illuminating an op...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors HSU TSUNG-YUAN, LOO ROBERT Y, LAM JUAN F, TANGONAN GREG
Format Patent
LanguageEnglish
Published 28.10.2003
Edition7
Subjects
BASIC ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
ELECTRIC SWITCHES
ELECTRICITY
EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES
MICROSTRUCTURAL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS, e.g. MICROMECHANICALDEVICES
MICROSTRUCTURAL TECHNOLOGY
PERFORMING OPERATIONS
RELAYS
SELECTORS
TRANSPORTING
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Summary:An optically controlled micro-electromechanical (MEM) switch is described which desirably utilizes photoconductive properties of a semiconductive substrate upon which MEM switches are fabricated. In one embodiment the bias voltage provided for actuation of the switch is altered by illuminating an optoelectric portion of the switch to deactivate the switch. In an alternative embodiment, a photovoltaic device provides voltage to actuate the switch without any bias lines at all. Due to the hysteresis of the electromechanical switching as a function of applied voltage, only modest variation of voltage applied to the switch is necessary to cause the switch to open or close sharply under optical control.
Bibliography:Application Number: US20010978314