Verheggen J., Panaman G., Khan Raja W., Castracane J.
University at Albany-SUNY, US
Keywords: diffraction gratings, diffractive MEMS, free space optical communication, mems compound grating, MOEMS, optical interconnect
Micro-Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MOEMS) have found many applications in the fields of communication, spectroscopy, and displays. MOEMS devices based on dynamic diffractive elements are currently investigated at CNSE. The possible applications include: optical switching, signal monitoring, I/O reconfiguration, and add/drop multiplexing. These characteristics are expected to increase the speed of optical interconnects through the ability to reconfigure the I/O fabric. MOEMS devices based on customized IC fabrication processes are being used to assemble system-level architecture for integration into mainstream circuitry.
Operational characteristics of these MEMS Compound Grating (MCG) devices have been shown to operate at high voltages (>15V) compared to 5V levels prevalent in conventional integrated circuits. The specific goal of this work is to improve performance while minimizing the power consumption. A design change that incorporates a higher capacitance and a lighter suspension system has been studied. A new fabrication process has been constructed utilizing Polyimide as a structural material. Fabrication steps have been optimized for best MCG device performance. Simulation and experimental results from both research tasks are presented.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2006 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: May 7, 2006
Pages: 401 - 404
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 0-9767985-8-1