Importance

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Abstract

An elastomeric light valve has a substrate with a principal surface on which is formed a multiplicity of pixels; each pixel includes a first set of pixel electrodes interdigitated with a second set of pixel electrodes. A silicone elastomer gel is disposed over both the principal substrate surface and the two sets of pixel electrodes. At least one silicone/polycarbonate self-supporting pellicle is disposed substantially completely over the gel layer; the pellicle and elastomer gel layer are heat cured to improve the response of the layers to electrostatic forces induced in the light valve by control voltages applied during operation of the light valve. A layer of gold is disposed over the at least one pellicle and a layer of silver is disposed over the gold layer to provide an exposed specular surface which is easily deformed and resilient to transverse stresses. Address-lines are provided for applying control voltages to the first and second sets of pixel electrodes responsive to a video signal; a bias voltage is applied to the gold and silver layers to provide optimum light valve sensitivity at lower control voltages.

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First Claim