Research activities of optical MEMS in Japan

The key concept of MEMS (micro electro mechanical systems) technologies is to extend the VLSI fabrication capability to realize three- dimensional micro systems which are composed of electrical, mechanical, chemical and optical elements. Using VLSI fabrication processes such as photolithography, film deposition and etching, it is possible to obtain sub-micrometer-precision structures in a large quantity with excellent alignment between each other. In addition, movable structures such as micro mirrors and switches can be made by micromachining processes.