METHOD AND POST STRUCTURES FOR INTERFEROMETRIC MODULATION

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide post structures for interferometric modulation with which the amount of light retroreflected from the post structure of an interferometric modulator is decreased, backlighting is increased, and a higher contrast and richer and brighter color characteristic is given. SOLUTION: An interferometric modulator includes a post structure comprising an optical element. In a preferred embodiment, the optical element in the post structure is a reflective element, e.g., a mirror. In another embodiment, the optical element in the post structure is an etalon, e.g., a dark etalon. The optical element in the post structure may decrease the amount of light that would otherwise be retroreflected from the post structure. In various embodiments, the optical element in the post structure increases the brightness of the interferometric modulator by redirecting light into the interferometric cavity. For example, in certain embodiments, the optical element in the post structure increases the backlighting of the interferometric modulator. COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI