CANTILEVERED MICROSTRUCTURE METHODS AND APPARATUS

摘要

Cnantilevered microstructure apparatus and methods are described. An exemplary cantilevered microstructure apparatus includes a base, a cantilever, and a stop. The cantilever may be coupled to the base through a flexure, so that the cantilever is movable between a first angular orientation and a second angular orientation. The stop may be configured to contact the bottom portion of the cantilever in a contact area when the cantilever is in the second angular orientation. Alternatively, the stop may be configured to contact the cantilever in a contact area sized so that, upon application of an electrostatic bias between the cantilever and the stop, a sufficient force holds the cantilever against the stop. Alternatively, the stop may have a substantially planar surface configured to contact the cantilever in a contact area sized so that, upon application of a force to the cantilever substantially normal to the substantially planar surface of the stop, a sufficient force holds the cantilever against the stop such that the cantilever lies in a plane substantially parallel to the substantially planar surface of the stop.