Method and device for modulating light
An Interferometric Modulator (IMod) is a microelectromechanical device for modulating light using interference. The colors of these devices may be determined in a spatial fashion, and their inherent color shift may be compensated for using several optical compensation mechanisms. Brightness, addressing, and driving of IMods may be accomplished in a variety of ways with appropriate packaging, and peripheral electronics which can be attached and/or fabricated using one of many techniques. The devices may be used in both embedded and directly perceived applications, the latter providing multiple viewing modes as well as a multitude of product concepts ranging in size from microscopic to architectural in scope.
1. A system for selecting spectral frequencies of light, comprising:
a tunable filter comprising a MEMS device comprising a movable layer, said MEMS device configured to select a range of spectral frequencies of light;
and a photosensitive device spaced apart from the movable layer, wherein said MEMS device is disposed to direct at least a portion of said selected spectral frequencies onto said photosensitive device.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said system comprises a fiber optic communication system.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said tunable filter is configured to reflect light along a fiber optic channel.
4. The system of claim 1 , further comprising a light source configured to illuminate said MEMS device.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein said light source comprises a laser light source.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein the said MEMS device comprises an interferometric modulator.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein said movable layer comprises a reflective surface.
8. A system for selecting spectral frequencies of light, comprising:
a tunable filter comprising a MEMS device configured to select a range of spectral frequencies of light;
and a photosensitive device,
wherein said MEMS device is disposed to direct at least a portion of said selected spectral frequencies onto said photosensitive device,
wherein said tunable filter is part of a digital camera.
9. The system of claim 8 , wherein said MEMS device comprises an interferometric modulator.
10. A system for selecting spectral frequencies of light, comprising:
a tunable filter comprising a MEMS device configured to select a range of spectral frequencies of light;
and a photosensitive device,
wherein said MEMS device is disposed to direct at least a portion of said selected spectral frequencies onto said photosensitive device,
wherein said system comprises a chemical analysis system.
11. The system of claim 10 , wherein said MEMS device comprises an interferometric modulator.
12. A system for selecting spectral frequencies of light, comprising:
means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light, said means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light comprising a MEMS device;
means for illuminating said means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light; and
and means for receiving at least a portion of light selected by said means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light,
wherein the means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light further comprises a movable means,
wherein said receiving means is spaced apart from said movable means, and
wherein said receiving means comprises a photosensitive device.
13. The system of claim 12 , wherein said selecting means comprises at least one interferometric modulator.
14. The system of claim 12 , wherein said illuminating means comprises a light source.
15. The system of claim 12 , wherein said movable means comprises a movable layer.
16. The system of claim 12 , wherein said movable means comprises a mirror.
17. A system for selecting spectral frequencies of light, comprising:
a tunable filter comprising a MEMS device configured to select a range of spectral frequencies of light; and
a photosensitive device disposed apart from the MEMS device,
wherein said MEMS device is disposed to direct at least a portion of said selected spectral frequencies onto said photosensitive device.
18. A system for selecting spectral frequencies of light, comprising:
means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light, said means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light comprising a MEMS device;
means for illuminating said means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light; and
means for receiving at least a portion of light selected by said means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light,
wherein said receiving means is disposed apart from said means for selecting a range of spectral frequencies of light, and
wherein said receiving means comprises a photosensitive device.