Linear micromirror array for broadband femtosecond pulse shaping in phase and amplitude

We are developing a linear array of micromirrors designed for optical, femtosecond laser pulse shaping. It is a bulkmicromachined device, capable of retarding or diminishing certain laser frequencies in order to perform phase and amplitude modulation within a frequency band spanning the UV to the near-infrared. The design consists of a linear array of mirrors fixed on either side by springs. They feature two degrees of freedom: Out-of-plane motion for phase shifting and rotational motion for binary amplitude modulation, both realized using vertical comb drives. The first applications will include femtosecond discrimination experiments on biomolecules.