Mems electrostatically actuated optical display device and associated arrays

An optical display array driven by electrostatic forces, comprising:

• an optically transparent substrate;
• an optically transparent fixed electrode disposed on the substrate;
• a plurality of pigmented translucent films disposed on the substrate;
• a plurality of moveable optical shutters generally overlying the fixed electrode and one of the plurality of pigmented translucent films, the moveable optical shutters comprising an electrode element and a biasing element, wherein the moveable optical shutters include a fixed portion attached to the substrate and a distal portion adjacent to the fixed portion, the distal portion being moveable with respect to the fixed electrode;
• and
• a dielectric element disposed between the fixed electrode and the optical shutter electrode elements,
• wherein a voltage differential established between the fixed electrode and the electrode element of at least one of the plurality of moveable optical shutters moves the optical shutter relative to the fixed electrode to thereby electrode to thereby controllably regulate the amount of pigmentation of an optical signal.

A method for reflective mode and transmissive mode optical display of an optical signal, the method comprising the steps of:

• providing for an optical device having an optically transparent substrate, an optically transparent fixed electrode disposed on the substrate;
• a pigmented translucent film disposed on the substrate;
• a moveable opaque optical shutter comprising an electrode element and a biasing element, the moveable opaque shutter having a fixed portion attached to the substrate and a distal portion unattached to the substrate that is biased in a curled state absent an electrostatic force, and a dielectric element disposed between the fixed electrode and the optical shutter electrode element;
• transmitting an optical signal from a first optical source disposed adjacent to the optical shutter, the signal propagating through the optically transparent substrate, the optically transparent fixed electrode and the pigmented translucent film;
• providing voltage to the fixed electrode and electrode element to create an electrostatic force that moves the optical shutter to a position generally parallel with the second surface of the substrate;
• and
• transmitting an optical signal from a second optical source disposed adjacent to a surface of the substrate that is opposite the first optical source, the signal propagating through the pigmented translucent film, the optically transparent fixed electrode and the transparent substrate, reflecting the optical signal off of the optical shutter and propagating the signal back through the optically transparent substrate, the optically transparent fixed electrode and the pigmented translucent film.