Compliant MEMS micro-mirror system

Designed and optimized a MEMS micro-mirror with one translational degree of freedom for high-precision optical modulation.

Highlights

  • Design Approach:
    • Applied the FACT (Freedom and Constraint Topologies) framework to build a compliant mechanism with six wire flexures.
    • Integrated two parallel plate actuators to enable vertical displacement with minimal parasitic motion.
    • Achieved ~125 µm maximum displacement for fine control.
  • Modeling & Simulation:
    • Developed stiffness matrix models in MATLAB.
    • Verified performance and modal isolation through Finite Element Analysis (FEA).
    • Ensured primary resonance at ~2.5 kHz with higher modes >15× above.
  • Fabrication Plan:
    • Designed for microfabrication via Deep Reactive-Ion Etching (DRIE) and photolithography.
    • Included aluminum sputtering for electrode definition and mirror reflectivity.
    • Analyzed electrostatic pull-in thresholds to avoid instability.
  • Applications:
    • Suitable for adaptive optics, laser modulation, and compact optical systems.
    • Prioritized speed, precision, and energy efficiency in micro-scale design.

📄 Full Project Report (PDF)