System and method for protecting micro-structure of display array using spacers in gap within display device

A method for fabricating a display package comprising:

• providing an interferometric modulator array on a substrate;
• disposing one or more spacers in the proximity of the interferometric modulator optical array;
• and
• sealing a backplate onto the substrate to form a display package, wherein at least one of the spacers prevents the backplate from contacting the array.

A display package comprising:

• an array of interferometric modulators formed on a substrate;
• a backplate;
• a seal disposed between the substrate and the backplate, wherein the substrate, backplate, and seal together package the array of interferometric modulators;
• and
• a means for preventing the array and the backplate from contacting each other disposed within the display package.

A display package manufactured by a process comprising:

• providing an interferometric modulator array on a substrate;
• disposing one or more spacers in the proximity of the interferometric modulator optical array;
• and
• sealing a backplate onto the substrate to form a display package, wherein at least one of the spacers prevents the backplate from contacting the array.