Modulator manufacturing process and device

An electro-optical element, said electro-optical element comprising:

• a substrate comprising an upper surface;
• an electrode material on said upper surface, wherein said electrode material overlies portions of edges of said substrate;
• an electro-optical modulator material defined on said electrode material;
• and
• a sheet overlying said electro-optical modulator material to provide protection from a possibility of mechanical damage to said electro-optical modulator material.

An electro-optical element comprising:

• a substrate having a top surface and edges;
• an electrode material disposed on said substrate and substantially covering said top surface and at least a portion of said edges;
• and
• a modulator material disposed on said electrode material;
• wherein said substrate, said electrode material, and said modulator material are separated to provide a plurality of electro-optical elements.

A method of forming an electro-optical element, said method comprising:

• providing a substrate having a top surface and edges;
• forming an electrode material on said substrate to substantially cover said top surface and at least a portion of said edges;
• forming a modulator material on said electrode material to form a sandwiched structure comprising said substrate, said electrode material, and said modulator material;
• separating an electro-optical element comprising a portion of said substrate, a portion of said electrode material, and a portion of said modulator material from said sandwiched structure.

A method for fabricating an electro-optical modulator material, said method comprising:

• providing a substrate comprising a top surface and a side, the substrate having a first layer of electrode material thereon, said first layer of electrode material covering a portion of said top surface and a portion of said side;
• applying a transfer sheet comprising an electro-optical material to said first layer of electrode material, said electro-optical material being affixed to said first layer of electrode material;
• and
• removing said transfer sheet from said electro-optical material, whereupon said removing step leaves a substantial portion of said electro-optical material substantially affixed to and substantially intact on said first layer of electrode material.