Cathode ray addressed micromirror display

Electronic projection display technology for high-brightness applications using micromirrors had its origins in the RCA/van Raalte schlieren light valve, a metal film-based projection system developed in the late 1960s. This technology evolved into the current MEMS-based digital micromirror display. The original van Raalte system is reviewed with new interest due to advances in MEMS processing allowing alternate methods of fabrication of micromirror arrays. The simplicity of the van Raalte light valve lends itself to greater light throughput and simplified driver electronics compared to current systems. This paper describes the design, operation, and advantages of a new cathode ray addressed micromirror-based projection system for high-brightness, high-resolution applications. At the heart of the system is a MEMS-based two-dimensional array of fast, reflective, analog light modulators.