Electrostatically actuated micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device

摘要

A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) actuator device is disclosed. The MEMS actuator device has an actuated element that is rotatably connected to a support structure via torsional members. The torsional members provide a restoring force to keep the actuated element planar to the surface of an underlying substrate. The surface of the substrate has electrodes formed thereon. The electrodes are adapted to receive an electrical potential. When an electrical potential is applied to certain of the electrodes, an electrostatic force is generated which causes the actuated element to rotate out of plane. The electrodes have three components. At least a portion of two of the components is within the tilting area of the actuated element. The third is outside the tilting area of the actuated element. The tilting area is defined as the surface area of the actuated element as projected onto the underlying substrate.