Method and apparatus for providing brightness control in an interferometric modulator (IMOD) display

An interferometric modulator display pixel comprising:

• an electromechanical systems interferometric modulator means having an associated first color spectrum associated with a first color;
• and
• a color absorber means located substantially in front of the interferometric modulator means, the color absorber means having an associated second color spectrum associated with a second color,
• wherein the electromechanical systems interferometric modulator means is operable to shift the first color spectrum relative to the second color spectrum to control a visual brightness of the interferometric modulator display pixel while the interferometric modulator display pixel appears substantially the second color as the first color spectrum shifts relative to the second color spectrum,
• wherein the interferometric modulator display pixel includes a reflective display pixel.

A method of manufacturing a reflective interferometric modulator display device, the method comprising:

• providing a substrate;
• forming an optical stack on the substrate;
• forming a moveable reflective layer over the optical stack, a gap between the moveable reflective layer and the optical stack, the moveable reflective layer movable to adjust the gap, wherein the movable reflective layer and the optical stack together have an associated first color spectrum associated with a first color;
• and
• providing a color absorber on a surface of the substrate, the color absorber having an associated second color spectrum associated with a second color,
• wherein the moveable reflective layer is movable to shift the first color spectrum relative to the second color spectrum to control a visual brightness of the reflective interferometric modulator display device while the reflective interferometric modulator display device appears substantially the second color.