Method of operating a micromechanical device that contains...

Details Method of operating a micromechanical device that contains... Method of operating a micromechanical device that contains...

2011-05-31

2011-05-31

Mack, Ricky L (Department: 2873)

Optical: systems and elements

Optical modulator

Light wave temporal modulation

C359S298000

Reexamination Certificate

active

07952786

ABSTRACT:
One embodiment of an micromechanical device includes a first contact surface, a moveable component having a second contact surface, and a coating of liquid or solid lubricant on at least one of the contact surfaces, where the second contact surface interacts with the first contact surface during device operation, and a gas-phase lubricant is disposed between the first contact surface and the second contact surface, where the gas-phase lubricant is adapted to increase the usable lifetime of the liquid or solid lubricant coating on the contact surfaces. One advantage of the disclosed device is that a gas-phase lubricant has a high diffusion rate and, therefore, is self-replenishing, meaning that it can quickly move back into a contact region after being physically displaced from the region by the contacting surfaces of the device during operation. Consequently, the gas-phase lubricant used with conventional solid or liquid lubricants is more reliable than solid or liquid lubricants used alone in preventing stiction-related device failures.

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