Microshutter array

A microshutter array comprising:

• a frame having a plurality of openings, each opening defined by a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall opposing and parallel to the first sidewall, and a fourth sidewall, each opening including a light-transmissive portion configured to span an area;
• a plurality of linear microshutter elements configured to extend across at least a part of the area, wherein each linear microshutter element comprises a blade extending in a length direction across and blocking the light-transmissive portion, a neck extending from the blade, and at least one torsion bar connected to the neck and to sidewalls of the frame, the at least one torsion bar being rotatable under the influence of an applied electrostatic field, wherein, for each torsion bar, upon application of an electrostatic field, (a) the respective blade moves into an orientation such that the blade no longer blocks the light-transmissive portion, (b) the respective neck moves with respective blade movement, and (c) the torsion bar rotates, and wherein the blade comprises a distal edge that is parallel to the third sidewall such that a gap between the distal edge and the third sidewall is not more than 3 micrometers;
• and
• a plurality of electrodes, at least two electrodes per each linear microshutter element,
• wherein the plurality of electrodes are connected to a voltage generator that generates electricity at a target voltage of from 60 volts to 100 volts, and the voltage generator is configured to generate the target voltage starting from zero (0) volts in no more than 20 microseconds.