The telecom and data center sectors have driven the need for micro-machined solutions (integrated with CMOS signal processing devices) for switching and control tasks. Early stage, widely used in the telecommunications industry One technique is to precisely align the fibers for interconnection purposes, by means of ferrules or V-grooves etched on the surface of the silicon substrate. By precise etching, selective interference can be implemented to enable Filtering and separating channels in a demultiplexing (WDM) system. Since the silicon-based micro-modules can be adjusted in their electromechanical properties, such filters do not need to have a fixed frequency, and the filter is sufficient by adjusting the displacement of about several tens of nanometers. Tuning to the wavelength required for effective fiber optic communication. Typically, the filter grating is divided into corresponding fixed and moving parts, the moving part has a cantilever structure, and the charge increases and decreases with the circuit directly below it. Correspondingly moved in an electrostatically. The larger scale cantilever has been integrated into the optical switching device, where the mirror is determined at a specific location, Ability to reflect light from the source channel to the assigned receiver channel.
Digital Light Projector (DLP) products developed by Texas Instruments (TI) have achieved a higher level of development based on MOEMS, which has gained popularity in the past decade or so. Each DLP product contains more Micromirrors (less than one-fifth the size of human hair), they are arranged to form a Cartesian mesh structure. Also using a cantilever mechanism, each of these mirrors can be rotated by electrostatic attraction and repulsion. Adjusting the angle of the mirror in one direction can reflect the light source to a specific XY coordinate position on the target surface. Transferring the light source to the other direction means that the light is reflected to the absorbing surface instead of the target. Effectively turn off the 'pixel' represented by the mirror at that time. In order to present different brightness, the mirror can be quickly switched from one state to another, and the ratio of the on time to the off time determines the brightness produced.
DLP plays an indispensable role in the digital playback of movies in theaters and is the basis of more and more popular projection TVs in the home. The application of DLP technology in the home environment does not stop there. By using DLP technology, Active displays can also be built into home automation devices that lack the surface area where traditional displays are placed. For example, by using ultra-short projection optics, security systems or thermostats and other related control panels (usually with very limited space for user interaction) Ability to utilize any wall space in the vicinity to act as a human-machine interface. Collaborative cameras and appropriate gesture recognition software can understand the user's hand movements and activate the required control functions. Through the resulting more advanced human-machine interface Can provide a better user experience.
The DLP-based system can notify the user when a problem occurs. For example, when setting a home security alarm, the display can display the current status of all doors and windows, and if one of them is not closed, the user will be notified. If the DLP is installed above the kitchen countertop , you can help during food preparation. Recipe and cooking instructions can be displayed in front of the user, they can get the information they need, this way of obtaining information is very convenient, and will not distract them too much work attention. In contrast, it is cumbersome to look at a reference cookbook, because in order to keep it clean, these books are often placed far away from the actual cooking area. Dishwashers and washing machines can display details of their operating status directly on the floor. Therefore, the control panel of these household devices does not have to include displays that can damage the aesthetics of the kitchen appliance. It can be opened by a camera or infrared (IR) proximity sensor, and by simple gestures (such as hand waving) close to these devices. Or turn off the projection.
In addition, DLP technology can also be applied in the field of 3D printers, which can manipulate the lasers used in the formation of target objects. DLP also has many new potential applications in virtual reality (VR) environments, which can provide the required for helmets. High resolution, low latency images and a similar role in automotive heads-up displays (HUDs).
To meet the diverse application needs of DLP technology, TI now offers a wide range of device resolutions, from 640x360 for simple human-machine interfaces to 1920x1080 for high-end smart homes, many of which support algorithms such as IntelliBright. Automatically adjust brightness, contrast and other parameters to suit different ambient lighting conditions and projection surfaces.
MOEMS may only account for a relatively small proportion of the entire optoelectronic market, but its application potential in light control is becoming more and more obvious. The field of home automation has begun to reap the rewards of this technology in the future. In the past few years, there will be more business opportunities in wearables, healthcare, and Internet of Things (IoT)-related areas.