| Light modulator with a light-absorbing layer -> Monitor Keywords |
|
|
 
Light modulator with a light-absorbing layerRelated Patent Categories: Active Solid-state Devices (e.g., Transistors, Solid-state Diodes), Integrated Circuit Structure With Electrically Isolated ComponentsLight modulator with a light-absorbing layer description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070138591, Light modulator with a light-absorbing layer. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application is a divisional of currently pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/903,032, filed Jul. 30, 2004, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND [0002] Various technologies have been proposed for projection and display systems such as those utilizing spatial light modulation employing various materials. Among these are micromechanical spatial light modulation (SLM) devices in which a large portion of the device is optically active. In such systems a pixel area includes usable area for color generation for the imaging system. However, these systems also have areas that are not available for light generation, but that do reflect light that may, in some instances, degrade the color gamut and the contrast of the system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0003] Objects, features, and advantages will become apparent by reference to the following detailed description drawings in which like reference numerals correspond to similar, though not necessarily identical, components. For the sake of brevity, reference numerals having a previously described function may not necessarily be described in connection with the subsequent drawings in which they appear. [0004] FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of a representative pixel cell of a light modulation device; [0005] FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view taken along the 2-2 line of FIG. 1 showing the representative pixel cell with a light-absorbing layer positioned on a second region according to an example embodiment; [0006] FIG. 2B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the light-absorbing layer of FIG. 2A according to an example embodiment; [0007] FIG. 2C is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the light-absorbing layer of FIG. 2A according to an example embodiment; [0008] FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of part of a light modulation device showing a light-absorbing layer over the second region(s) according to an example embodiment; [0009] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of a representative pixel cell of a dual gap display device showing the light-absorbing layer deposited on a passivation layer according to an example embodiment; [0010] FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view of a representative pixel cell of a single gap display device showing a sacrificial layer deposited thereon according to an example embodiment; [0011] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5A with a portion of the sacrificial layer removed according to an example embodiment; [0012] FIG. 5C is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5B with an absorbing layer established thereon according to an example embodiment; [0013] FIG. 5D is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of FIG. 5C with the sacrificial layer removed; [0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a display device utilizing the light-absorbing layer as depicted in FIG. 2B according to an example embodiment; and [0015] FIG. 7 is a graph depicting the optical reflectance of various embodiments of the light-absorbing layer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] Disclosed herein is a light-absorbing layer construction suitable for use with various electronic devices such as optical electronic display devices, for example spatial light modulators and the like. Without being bound to any theory, in some embodiments, the light-absorbing layer may reduce reflection of incidental light from the areas not available for color generation, and allow most of the reflected light to be dominated by the pixel area of the device in which it is used. [0017] In an example embodiment as disclosed herein, a light-absorbing layer (hiding layer, or HID layer) is deposited over regions of the light modulation device that are not available for usable light generation (referred to herein as the second region). These regions may be ancillary members of the light modulation device that support and connect the operative areas together or may be artifacts remaining from the fabrication process. Generally, light that reflects from these regions may degrade the color gamut and the contrast of the associated system. The light-absorbing layer may advantageously substantially prevent light from reaching the regions of the light modulation device that are not available for usable light generation. The light-absorbing layer may also advantageously result in reduction in the dark-state reflected light and an increase in the usable light for color generation. [0018] Pursuant to some example embodiments, the light-absorbing layer may include at least one layer containing at least one material capable of absorbing at least a portion of directed light having a wavelength in a suitable predetermined range. One non-limiting example of a predetermined range is the range of visible light, i.e., 400 to 700 nanometers. Suitable materials include, but are not limited to at least one of tantalum aluminum alloys, tungsten silicon nitride alloys, tantalum nitride alloys, nickel, nickel alloys, titanium nitride alloys, and mixtures thereof. [0019] The light-absorbing layer may be employed with various light modulation devices of which spatial light modulation devices are a non-limiting example. Suitable devices will generally include a substrate, a first region disposed on a first portion of the substrate, and a second region disposed on a second portion of the substrate. As used herein the term "first region" is defined as a region or regions of the associated device that is generally usable for color generation. Various hues of color may be used in suitable display systems in which pixel cells having first region(s) are employed. The term "second region" as used herein is defined as a region or regions located on, in and/or adjacent the substrate that is/are not available for primary purpose or function (e.g. color generation) but possesses a degree of reflectivity. Examples of second regions include, but are not limited to, architectural elements to support function of the device, as well as artifacts remaining from fabrication or assembly. Examples of functional architectural elements include, but are not limited to, flexures, posts, bottom capacitor plate regions, boundary regions, and the like. Non-limiting examples of fabrication artifacts include vias, clearout apertures, and the like. [0020] For illustrative purposes, FIG. 1 depicts a portion of a light modulation device, or a pixel cell 10. The pixel cell 10 has a pixel 12. As employed herein, the pixel 12 is the area of the pixel cell 10 that actively modulates light in various colors. Modulation may be accomplished in any suitable manner. It is contemplated that the active or functional portion of each pixel cell 10 constitutes a primary light reflective region 14. Continue reading about Light modulator with a light-absorbing layer... Full patent description for Light modulator with a light-absorbing layer Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Light modulator with a light-absorbing layer patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Light modulator with a light-absorbing layer or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Light sensor having undulating features for cmos imager Next Patent Application: Asymmetric semiconductor device and fabrication method Industry Class: Active solid-state devices (e.g., transistors, solid-state diodes) ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Light modulator with a light-absorbing layer patent info. IP-related news and info Results in 0.17336 seconds Other interesting Feshpatents.com categories: Software: Finance , AI , Databases , Development , Document , Navigation , Error 174 |
 * Protect your Inventions * US Patent Office filing 
PATENT INFO |
|
