Reflective microelectrical mechanical structure (MEMS) optical modulator and optical display system

Abstract

A MEMS optical display system includes an illumination source for providing illumination light, a collimating lens for receiving the illumination light and forming from it collimated illumination light, and a microlens array having an array of lenslets for receiving the illumination light from the collimating lens. The converging microlens array directs the illumination light through an array of pixel apertures in an aperture plate to a microelectrical mechanical reflector array positioned opposite the aperture plate. The microelectrical mechanical reflector array includes an array of microelectrical mechanical actuators that support reflectors in alignment with the array of pixel apertures and selectively orients the reflectors to direct the illumination light back through the pixel apertures (to form part of a display image) or against the aperture plate (to be blocked). The illumination light passing back through the pixel apertures passes through the microlens array and a beamsplitter to a display screen.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims priority to and is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 959,496, filed Oct. 5, 2004, which is a divisional of application Ser. No. 10 / 086,397, filed Mar. 1, 2002, all of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to optical display systems and, in particular, to a reflective display system that employs a microelectrical mechanical system (MEMS) optical modulator. BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0003] Flat panel optical display systems, such as liquid crystal displays, are well known and widely used. Many such displays (e.g., liquid crystal displays) require polarized illumination light. Typically, polarization of illumination light greatly attenuates the light, thereby resulting in displays with decreased brightness, or require relatively expensive optical components. Moreover, such displays commonly have relatively low contrast ratios, whic...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is a microelectrical mechanical optical display system that uses MEMS actuators to modulate light. This system eliminates the need for polarized illumination light, which can decrease brightness and image quality. The system provides high contrast ratios and very good image quality. The manufacturing process is simple and cost-effective. The technical effects of this invention are improved image quality, reduced light attenuation, and improved manufacturing process.

Problems solved by technology

Typically, polarization of illumination light greatly attenuates the light, thereby resulting in displays with decreased brightness, or require relatively expensive optical components.

Moreover, such displays commonly have relatively low contrast ratios, which decreases image clarity and overall image quality.

Furthermore, such displays typically require complex or difficult manufacturing processes.

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