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Micromirror systems with concealed multi-piece hinge structures are provided for reflective applications. Generally, light is reflected by these structures adapted for three-dimensional tilt as well as up-and-down or out-of-plane actuation. Devices can be produced utilizing the various optional features described herein to provide miniaturized, highly controllable solutions for use in optical switching, projection and other applications, especially optical applications.
1. A micromirror device comprising:
a substrate with electrical components including address circuitry;
a micromirror having a reflective surface; and
a support structure underlying said micromirror so as to be concealed from view when viewed from a direction normal to said reflective surface and interconnecting said substrate and said micromirror, said support structure including at plurality of deflection members, each deflection member mounted to said substrate and said micromirror, and configured to permit rotation of said micromirror about multiple axes of rotation end drawing said micromirror toward said substrate in a manner sufficient to provide a device capable of both tilt and phase correction.
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26. A micromirror array comprising, a plurality of devices as described in
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28. An optical switching mechanism, comprising:
a first array of optical reflectors adapted to receive and reflect optical signals from at least one optical input source; and
a second array of optical reflectors adapted to receive optical signals reflected from said first array of optical reflectors and reflect the optical signals toward at least one optical output;
wherein at least one of said optical reflectors comprising an assembly of micromirror devices according to
29. The optical switching mechanism of
30. The optical switching mechanism of
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32. The optical switching mechanism of
33. A method of optical switching, comprising:
providing an optical switching mechanism as described in
directing light through said optical switching mechanism; and
switching light between a plurality of channels.
34. A micromirror device comprising:
a substrate with electrical components including address circuitry;
a micromirror; and
a support structure underlying said micromirror and interconnecting said substrate and said micromirror, said support structure including at plurality of deflection members, each deflection member mounted to said substrate and said micromirror, and configured to permit rotation of said micromirror about multiple axes of rotation and drawing said micromirror toward said substrate,
wherein said electrical components further comprise electrodes adapted to apply attractive forces to said micromirror, and
wherein at least one of said electrodes is configured with a plurality of portions at different levels, so that portions further from a center of rotation of said micromirror are at a greater distance from the micromirror than portions closer to the center of rotation.
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The present invention relates generally to the field of spatial light modulators that can modify or correct an optical wavefront. More particularly, the invention relates to micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) in the form of micromirror devices used in adaptive optics, optical switching applications, or other light manipulation applications such as displays.
MEMS device s are small structures, typically fabricated on a semiconductor wafer using processing techniques including optical lithography, metal sputtering or chemical vapor deposition, and plasma etching or other etching techniques that have been developed for the fabrication of integrated circuits. Micromirror devices are a type of MEMS device. Other types of MEMS devices include accelerometers, pressure and flow sensors, fuel injectors, inkjet ports, and gears and motors, to name a few. Micromirror devices have already met with a great amount of commercial success.
MEMS micromirror devices are being used in a variety of applications, including optical display systems, optical cross-connects for switching of optical data signals and adaptive optics for phase and other types of correction. One type of display device that has been used with a great deal of success is the Texas Instruments DLP™. In this system, many mirrors are operated individually in a bistable, digital fashion to create a projected display. Although current commercial technology has been limited to about 1.3 million pixels in the mirror array, greater mirror densities and higher yields should improve this in the future as the technology progresses.
Arrays of multi-axis tilting mirrors can also be found in other applications, such as beam steering, printing, scanning, and projection, among many. Most current arrays of micromirrors can be separated into two categories: relatively large single mirrors that steer a single beam, or arrays of smaller mirrors, where many mirrors aim each light beam.
Larger mirrors can offer some advantages when steering a smaller number of discrete light beams in terms of providing an unbroken, nominally flat surface with high reflectivity. However, if the beams are too large for the mirrors, or if they are misaligned, the reflected beam is clipped and has less intensity. These types of arrays are less suitable for reflecting larger, continuous light such as an optical image. Generally, the support structures between actuating mirror elements leave too much space and thus create noticeable holes in the reflected image. Arrays of smaller mirrors also have drawbacks. Many current designs may only move in one axis, which limits some of their potential applications. Others that can move in a multi-axis fashion also often have relatively large gaps from one mirror to the next that affect the quality of the reflected beam or image. Micromirrors set in an array such as this must have some gaps between them to allow full movement of each mirror, but it is advantageous to decrease the size of the gaps as much as possible. In addition, many designs have support structures that are small, yet are part of the visible surface. These can also contribute to the spacing between mirrors. Supports and hinges that are hidden behind the mirror surface would improve the overall reflective surface area.
A particularly important application for multi-axis tilting micromirrors is in the field of optical switching. A typical optical cross-connect for an optical networking switch includes a switching matrix having two arrays or clusters of MEMS micromirrors. The first array of micromirrors is arranged so that micromirrors in the first array receive optical input signals from one or more input sources, such as optical fiber input(s) and the second array of micromirrors is arranged so that micromirrors in the second array receive optical signals reflected from micromirrors in the first array and direct the signals as optical output signals to one or more optical outputs.
The micromirrors in each array are capable of being adjusted, steered or tilted, so that a micromirror in the first array is capable of directing a reflected optical signal to a micromirror in the second array selected from a plurality of the micromirrors in the second array. Similarly, the micromirrors in the second array can be adjusted, steered or tilted so as to align with a micromirror in the first array selected from a plurality of the micromirrors in the first array. Thus, by appropriate orientation of the micromirrors by adjustment, steering or tilting, a first micromirror in the first array can be set to deliver an optical signal to a first, second, or third, etc. micromirror of the second array, as desired, and so forth, thereby providing the switching capability of the cross-connect.
The performance of optical cross-connects that use such arrangements of MEMS micromirrors depends upon a number of factors, including how well the micromirrors in the first array are optically aligned with the micromirrors in the second array, changes in temperature, voltage drifts, and performance of the mirror surfaces of the micromirrors, which are affected by the shape or flatness of the mirror surface. Even under the best circumstances, when the micromirrors in the first and second arrays are accurately aligned and the other factors mentioned above are minimized, current cross-connects often lose 60% to 70% (about 4-5 dB losses) of the light passing through the system.
Although factors such as lost reflection of infrared wavelengths from the mirror surfaces and poor coupling of fiber to lenses play a role in these losses, light scattering and other imperfections in the surfaces of mirrors are also significant factors. There is a current need for improvements in optical switching devices that will reduce the amount of losses in light outputted by such devices when compared with the amount of light inputted thereto.
Further improvements in optical switching devices, as well as in micromirror devices in general would be desirable as regards power consumption. The utilization of large mirrors relative to the size of the light beam can involve rapidly switching high voltages. One avenue for micromirror device improvement lies in continued miniaturization of the devices. In terms of performance, smaller sizes can improve power efficiency since smaller distances between parts and lower mass parts will improve energy consumption. In terms of manufacturing, continued miniaturization of mirror elements offers greater yields for a wafer of a given size.
One other common application of micromirror devices is for adaptive optics and phase correction. Although many types of mirror arrays correct for tip and tilt such as those discussed for optical switches, often correction of phase distortion is more desired. Even though a static correcting mirror shape has its uses, phase distortion is generally dynamic, and thus the mirror surface must be constantly updated. A system such as this generally consists of two parts, which are a wavefront detector and a deformable mirror. A portion of the light being measured in question is split off and directed to a wavefront detector such as a Schack-Hartman sensor which measures tilts of the beam at various spatial positions within the beam, or a similar sensor. Distortions in the light beam can be detected, and feedback correction signals are then sent to a deformable mirror surface to be updated in real time.
A number of designs for the deformable mirror using MEMS have been presented in the last several years. One popular design is that of a single flexible mirrored surface, with many individual actuators that deform the entire surface at each point. Another design is of multiple small mirrors, each operating in a manner similar to a piston, with each individual mirror actuating perpendicularly to the plane of the mirror. One enhancement to this application can be seen in the present invention. Flexible members supporting micromirrors with free ends can allow movement of an entire mirror surface in the vertical direction as well as allowing for tip and tilt. While the overall range of the device limits motion ranges for each of the various types of motion, different types of motion do not interfere with each other, and more than one type of compensation could be done simultaneously.
Various aspects of the present invention offer improvement in terms of one or more of the considerations noted above. Of course, certain features may be offered in one variation of the invention, but not another. In any case, the advances offered by aspects of the present invention represent a departure from structural approaches represented by current micromirror designs.
The present invention involves micromirror structures, optionally used in adaptive optics or optical switches. Micromirror array devices according to the present invention generally comprise a superstructure disposed over a substructure including addressing features. Features of the superstructure set upon and above the substrate include electrodes, hinges, micromirrors, support members or portions thereof. Support members are provided to hold a mirror/micromirror above the hinge and the electrode features used to actuate it.
The invention involves supporting each micromirror element above its respective hinge portions at or along the sides or corners of the mirror. Deformable hinge members are provided for each mirror that are themselves supported above the substrate by one or more features. The location of supports between the hinge portions and a mirror may vary. Preferred placement locations include opposite corners or sides of the mirrors, and alternating (every-other) corner or side locations. Generally, mirrors will have a polygonal plan in which the shapes are closely-packed (e.g., triangles, hexagons, and quadrilaterals such as squares, rectangles, trapezoids, parallelograms, and rhombi).
In operation, the micromirrors are preferably operated in an analog fashion, although operation in a digital fashion is contemplated. The micromirrors are supported by hinge structures which allow torsion motion and flexure or cantilever motion. Individual hinges will most commonly have a bent shape with substantially straight section or have a curvilinear profile, either of which facilitates both of these types of motions. The structures of the hinges and supports are designed to move in a continuous, controllable fashion simultaneously in at least two separate axes. Certain designs also allow for movement of the mirror perpendicularly to the plane of the mirror in addition to tilt. The bent shape of the hinges which twist as well as move in a cantilever fashion give enough flexibility of motion to let the mirror tilt and move perpendicularly at the same time.
By utilizing side-support features according to an aspect of the present invention, it is possible to produce certain mirror face embodiments that are unbroken by light-scattering or non-reflective features. This approach to mirror and hinge support or attachment described helps maximize available reflective surface area. Further details regarding this approach including other useful design characteristics are described much more extensively in co-pending, commonly owned applications Ser. Nos. 10/269,796 (now allowed); 10/269,763 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,825,968) and 10/269,478 (now U.S. Pat. No. 6,798,560), each filed Oct. 11, 2002 and each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
For instance, in connection with such a side-supported mirror approach, manufacturing techniques are taught in which support precursor regions that are ultimately removed are temporarily located where space is to be opened upon releasing the individual micromirror elements of an array. As such, the space required for effectively depositing/forming support structures is not wasted but falls within space that must be left open anyway in order to allow mirror actuation. In other variations of the invention, more traditional columnar mirror supports formed within "vias" are provided. However, these are still located near the perimeter of a given mirror.
The present invention includes any of these improvements described either individually, or in combination. Systems employing micromirror devices including the improved superstructure form aspects of the invention, as does methodology associated with the use and manufacture of apparatus according to the present invention.
The phrase "beam steering" refers to operation of one or more micromirror devices in analog mode by charging address electrode(s) to a voltage corresponding to a desired deflection of the mirror to direct or "steer" the light reflected off the mirror in the intended direction.
The term "diameter," is defined herein to mean the distance across any long axis that may be defined. Stated otherwise, the diameter will correspond to that of any circle in which the structure can be circumscribed.
The phrase "dim space" or "dead space" refers to areas or spaces in the reflective surface(s) of a micromirror or micromirror assembly which are not reflective or are poorly reflective.
The term "hinge" refers to a deflectable member or deflectable member segments together (e.g., as formed by/in a single layer of material); the hinge may be elastically deformed in torsion, bending (tension and compression), or in some combination thereof.
In describing the invention in greater detail than provided in the Summary above, applicable technology is first described. Following this is a detailed description of exemplary micromirror devices and assemblies according to the present invention, as well as an exemplary process of production. Application of the invention as a programmable lens surface is also discussed. This discussion is followed by description of a known optical switching matrix and its function. Finally, the applicability of the micromirrors of the present invention to optical switch technology, as well as to other fields of adaptive optics such as phase-correction is discussed, along with several additional variants of the invention.
Before the present invention is described in such detail, however, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to particular variations set forth, as such may, of course, vary. Various changes may be made to the invention described and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting, since the scope of the present invention will be limited only by the appended claims.
Methods recited herein may be carried out in any order of the recited events which is logically possible, unless the recited language clearly indicates otherwise. Where a range of values is provided, it is understood that each intervening value, to the tenth of the unit of the lower limit unless the context clearly dictates otherwise, between the upper and lower limits of that range is also specifically disclosed. Each smaller range between any stated value or intervening value in a stated range and any other stated or intervening value in that stated range is encompassed within the invention. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included or excluded in the range, and each range where either, neither or both limits are included in the smaller ranges is also encompassed within the invention, subject to any specifically excluded limit in the stated range. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding either or both of those included limits are also included in the invention.
Also, it is contemplated that any optional feature of the inventive variations described may be set forth and claimed independently, or in combination with any one or more of the features described herein.
Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe the methods and/or materials in connection with which the publications are cited.
It must be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "and", and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to "a micromirror" includes a plurality of such micromirrors and reference to "the input" includes reference to one or more inputs and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art, and so forth.
All existing subject matter mentioned herein (e.g., publications, patents, patent applications and hardware) is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety except insofar as the subject matter may conflict with that of the present invention (in which case what is present herein shall prevail). The referenced items are provided solely for their disclosure prior to the filing date of the present application. Nothing herein is to be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to antedate such publication by virtue of prior invention. Further, the dates of publication provided may be different from the actual publication dates which may need to be independently confirmed.
Turning now to
This style of micromirror is most often used to direct or steer a single beam of light, and is thus relatively large, that is on the order of 1�1 mm. Gimbal 26 only moves in one dimension, and the base 30 does not move at all, which makes these portions of the mirror unsuitable for control. In the figure, the gaps between mirror, gimbal, and base have been exaggerated for clarity, but still must exist to allow free movement of the constituent parts. In an array of mirror assemblies 20, a large percentage of the total surface of the matrix is unusable.
Regarding the features of the present invention,
As an alternative to the mirror supports 52 shown, columnar supports or posts (not shown) may be utilized which may be created by filling in vias produced in sacrificial material. Supports may have a wall at the edge of mirror (each may have four walls or more or may define curved surfaces—depending on the original via shape that is filled-in to create the structure). Yet, the supports may be inset from the side/corner or edge of a mirror (depending on the style of micromirror device chosen) to which they are closest. However, it may be preferred to position the supports in such a way as to maximize hinge or torsion member length in view of the mirror style/format selected (i.e., square with corner support positions, hexagonal with corner supported positions, hexagonal with side support positions, etc.). In which case, the base of each support (or an intermediate structure) will be positioned at the end of any hinge portions. Further details about these support variations can be found in co-pending, commonly owned applications Ser. No. 10/269,796 (now allowed), entitled "Micromirror Systems with Side-Supported Mirrors and Concealed Flexure Members," incorporated by reference, in its entirety, above (e.g., see FIG. 9A′ in that application).
However constructed, in the variation of the invention shown in
In certain other variations of the invention pictured (e.g., in FIGS. 4A-4B), each of a pair of supports is actually positioned opposite one another and across the body of mirror 48. Advantageously, the support positioning produces bilateral symmetry. Equidistant placement about the mirror face is again preferred. In any case, equal spacing or providing some measure of symmetry offers greater predictability in control for various modes of mirror actuation (i.e., it produces substantially equivalent behavior). For the same reasons(s) a measure of rotational symmetry in hinge structure is often desired—as is apparent in the figures embracing aspects of the present invention.
Moving on with further details of the invention, one such aspect concerns the manner in which mirror 48 is attached to its hinge. Supports 52 on several sides of mirror element 48 secure it to hinge portions 54 of an overall hinge 57. Hinge portions 58 are attached to substrate 60 by a central hinge joint 63 that underlies a portion (the center, in the example shown in
Hinges 57 are elevated above substrate 60 to permit torsion and cantilevered flexure about portions 54 and/or 58 as the mirror element 48 is tilted or rotated about various axes. The two portions 54 and 58 of each hinge are connected at a bend 55 that allows greater movement and flexibility. Although other types of central support are possible, hinge joint 63 is a via-type support structure, preferably open underneath the hinge center 67, except for a central post 69. The distance the hinges are set above the surface of substrate 60 may be as little as about 0.1 micron, or less.
As to the separation between the hinge portions and the underside of mirror 48, this may—likewise—be as little as about 0.1 micron, or less. Hence, the mirror of each micromirror device or element to be provided in an array or otherwise may be located as little as about 0.2 micron, or less, above the surface of substrate 60.
Avoidance of a central yoke to hold the mirror structure (as in known devices produced by Texas Instruments) allows creation of very low profile micromirror devices by the invention that are still able to attain high deflection angles (typically about +/−10 deg., even upwards of about +/−15 deg., to about +/−20 deg. or more). Of course, mirror/micromirror devices according to the present invention may be advantageously manufactured on a larger scale (even using MEMS techniques)—possibly utilizing other actuation techniques, including electromagnetic, electrostatic, thermo-mechanical or piezo-based approaches.
An aspect of the invention that facilitates provision of adequate electrostatic attraction in response to hinge restoring forces that increase with angular deflection has to do with the configuration of electrodes 76. The electrodes may be configured with a plurality of portions 78 and 80 (or more) at different levels. Whether provided in a series of steps by continuous or contiguous members (as shown with a support portion 82 between each stage 78/80), by steps formed with discrete members or a continuous angled member, the electrodes are configured so that portions further from the center or point of rotation of the mirror are at a lower level. In this configuration, all three electrodes 76 are of identical shape. Similar electrode shape and area simplify the process of actuating a multi-axis mirror system, but other configurations of electrode shapes and sizes, including asymmetric variants are possible. In this case, there is a plurality of base portions 80 for each electrode for added structural stability, although a singular base portion 80 may be preferred.
The electrode configuration shown with higher portions closer to the center of the mirror or overall device and lower portions more distant therefrom provides clearance for the mirror as it is tilted at an angle. Furthermore, the configuration provides for sequential attraction of mirror 48. When the mirror is angled away from a set of electrodes, the upper electrode portion is the first to exert significant attractive electrostatic force on the mirror (in light of the inverse squared relationship between electrostatic attraction and distance between objects). As the upper electrode portion(s) effectively attract the mirror drawing downward (i.e., towards the upper electrode portion), the influence of the electrode lower portion(s) increases as the distance between the lower portion(s) and the mirror decreases. Further aiding attraction of the mirror to its full angular displacement is the increased mechanical advantage or lever arm offered at more remote regions of the mirror interacting with lower electrode portion 80. This and other variants of possible electrode shapes are explored more fully in application Ser. No. 10/269,763, entitled "Micromirror Systems with Electrodes Configured for Sequential Mirror Attraction," which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Device 46 is actuatable to move in a plurality of axes. One difference of the present invention is one of scale. Advantageously, the scale of the present invention may be made much smaller than currently available micromirrors, with the diameter of each mirror element being on the order of magnitude of 10-20 microns, or more. An array of hundreds or thousands of these micromirrors may be used to replace a single mirror element as shown in
In the configuration shown in
As in
Hinge joints 62 are bridge-type support structures, preferably open underneath the hinge center 64, which is attached to a spanning segment 66 between vertical support segments 68. Feet 70 may additionally be provided to stabilize the support structure. Yet another option is to produce support segments 68 at an angle relative to the surface of the substrate (i.e., having both vertical and horizontal components). Features of the electrodes 76 are essentially equivalent to those as presented in FIG. 3.
Each of the designs presented in
Further differences between the center-supported and end-supported hinge structures in aspects of the invention (e.g., as in
The manner in which a micromirror device 46 according to the present invention may be produced is illustrated in
As shown in
Array 124 as shown in
However, it may be preferred to use a different layout of mirror elements 47 as shown in FIG. 6B. Here, a smaller 2 by 2 section of a slightly different array 126 is displayed. In this configuration, the devices 47 (shown without their mirror top as in
Micromirror arrays 124 or 126 provide great versatility in their ability to form surfaces for performing wavefront correction/shaping, and by their ability to be oriented to form other than flat surfaces, including configurations which form effective programmable lenses. Examples of such configurations are shown schematically in
For simplicity,
Although they are not shown here, many other types of wavefront shaping are possible. Various types of lenses other than spherical can be created, such as cylindrical or parabolic mirrors. Distortions in the incoming beam due to imperfections in earlier surfaces can be detected and corrected. Any number of other surfaces can be created subject to the angular limitations of the micromirrors.
In practical use, such a small subset 126 (or 124) of a much larger mirror array would not be used for shaping beams or images, but this size is used here for illustrative purposes. The mirrors in a somewhat larger portion of the array shaped in this manner would not be seen as clearly to have a curvature because the differences from one mirror to the next would be slight. One advantage to the independently addressable nature of these mirrors is that the array as a whole can be divided into many fields, each with their own properties. One simple way to accomplish this is to use a defined grid, where the center of each subsection of the grid is set to be the center of a programmable Fresnel mirror, each with its own focal length and tilt angle. The present invention is not limited to this manner of controlling the micromirrors. Any arbitrary number or shape of field may be independently controlled.
Another important application of the present invention is in the area of switches for optical networking. Looking at
In this way, each of the three micromirrors 158, 160, 162 can be tilted about an axis of rotation so as to direct an optical signal received from its input channel (163, 164, 165 respectively) toward any one of micromirrors 168, 170, 172 that corresponds to the output channel 173, 174, 175 that is desired to be outputted to. Input and output channels are often optical fibers with focusing optics. For example, micromirror 158 can be oriented to reflect an input signal received from input channel 163 to micromirror 168, which, in such instance, is also tilted to optically couple the output from micromirror 158 with optical output fiber 173. Alternatively, the voltage can be varied to the electrode(s) of micromirrors 158 and 172 so that they are optically coupled with one another in which case the optical input from optical input fiber 163 is outputted to optical output fiber 175, and so forth. U.S. Pat. No. 6,389,190 describes a switching matrix of the type shown in
As noted in the Background section of the present application, currently available optical switching mechanisms experience a significant loss of the optical signals passing from an input to the output thereof, i.e. on the order of a 60% to 70% loss. Significant contributions to these losses are due to scatter of light from the light signal as it passes from an input optical fiber to first and second mirrors (in input and output mirror arrays) and finally to an optical output fiber. Aberrations in the surfaces of the micromirrors on the input and output arrays can contribute to the scattering of light as well as to deformation of the light beam to the extent that a portion of the light beam can become misaligned with the output optical fiber by the time that the input optical signal (light beam) has been reflected off an input side micromirror and an output side micromirror. Misalignment of the fibers to the mirrors can be a significant source of loss, in addition to loss coupling into the output fiber due to mismatched beam sizes.
Another source of error can be created if the tilt axes of the input and output mirrors are not parallel in an arrangement such as shown in
The present invention can be applied to optical switching configurations to correct for, and thereby substantially eliminate sources of losses due to misalignment of mirrors, imperfections in mirror surfaces and other physical causes of light loss through a switching mechanism.
Note that although the micromirror devices 158 and 168 are adjustable by tilting about axes 158 a, 168 a, that any further adjustment of the micromirror devices 158, 168 in
By replacing each of the micromirror devices 158, 168 with a plurality of smaller and more controllable micromirror devices 46 as shown in
In this particular example seen in
By providing a plurality of independently adjustable micromirrors 46 to form each micromirror assembly (such as 184 and 186), input and output arrays of these assemblies can then be constructed in making an optical switching or cross-connect apparatus which is capable of reducing the amount of light loss, as compared with those currently available. The ability to independently adjust devices 46, in effect, gives the assemblies the ability to optically adapt to the wavefront of the optical signal that is being received, and to manipulate that wavefront to maximize the amount of the signal that is ultimately received at the output end of the switching device. The reflective surfaces of the micromirrors 46 in assemblies 184 and 186, as has been previously mentioned, can thus be used as programmable Fresnel mirrors to focus the light received and reflected so as to minimize losses. It is much easier to keep light focused properly over a short distance as opposed to a long distance. Using a plurality of mirrors allows any focusing element after an input fiber to be optimized for only a short distance to the first mirror array. The first mirror array can focus properly to the second mirror array, and the second mirror array will then focus properly for good coupling into the output fiber.
Although a small amount of light is lost due to the spacing between the micromirror devices 46 in each array, this loss is small compared to the amount of light that would ordinarily lost by a system such as shown in
Another advantage of the multimirror array is that of positioning. In a single mirror system as shown in
Another important application of the mirror devices in the present invention is one commonly used in adaptive optics, which is that of phase-correction. This has been increasingly utilized in various fields such as astronomy or confocal microscopy to improve the quality of their imaging techniques, in some cases drastically. The primary component of a phase-correcting adaptive optics system is a deformable mirror surface, which was discussed in general in the Background section but will be shown here in more detail. The deformable surface is generally changed in real time to correct for phase distortions between various portions of the image.
A device that can be built with the present invention bears some resemblance to array 248 in FIG. 13B.
Thus, both tilt-correction and/or phase-correction of incident light can be implemented on the same surface. This not only can greatly simplify the control electronics needed to drive the system as a whole, but also may have other optical benefits as well. In some types of systems, spatial distortions can be created in a light beam when the tip/tilt and phase-corrective surfaces are separated in space. By having both corrections performed by the same surface, some artifacts such as parallax errors can be eliminated
Note also that scale of the micromirrors can play an important role here. In the micromirrors 46 as described earlier, the preferred size of each mirror is relatively small, down to the order of 8-10 microns in diameter. Smaller sizes allow for lower power consumption and greater angle for a given mirror height. This may not be best for phase-correction applications; many of these applications need movement of the mirror surface to be several wavelengths of the light in question. In most cases, this is no more than several microns. The smallest scale of the mirrors does not allow for this range of movement. Creating the micromirrors somewhat larger or with different thicknesses of components will allow for a greater range, but may limit the angle permitted for tilting. It is likely that for a mirror surface that allows both tilt and vertical movement, the scale chosen will have to be a compromise between these two extremes to give a device useable for both types of movement, at least for some applications. For other applications, little transverse movement of the mirror is necessary, and even the smallest mirrors will work well.
A number of other variants to the design of the present invention are possible other than the one shown in FIG. 3.
As for hinge structure, a difference to be observed is that each hinge structure 57 includes an additional bar/section 61 between the other two portions of the hinge (54 and 58). Longer hinge sections as thus provided offer more compliance than that of hinge 57 in
Another difference in this design as compared to that in
Although a via electrode may be preferred in that less voltage should be needed to achieve the same degree of electrostatic attraction, for manufacturability, a staggered electrode may be preferred. A via-type electrode may potentially block the mirror from reaching its maximum angle of tilt in certain directions for some electrode/hinge layouts. One other electrode variant, not pictured here, is that of using a flat single electrode low on the substrate 60. Although this design would have the least electrostatic attraction, and thus be more difficult to actuate, it would be very simple to manufacture. Of course, any of the electrode designs described with regard to the example in
Note that regardless of the choice of electrode configuration in any of the invention's variants, the hinges, mirror, and electrode have been designed not to interfere with each other. Because the hinge and electrode layers are constructed at the same time, there is no overlap between them except at the junctions. At the mirror's maximum angular extension in both axes, the mirror touches down only on the substrate 60 or on the hinge supports 62. While in normal operation, the mirror and attached metal structure are charged up to a bias voltage, and the addressing electrodes are charged to a different voltage, there is no danger that the structures will short out and potentially damage or disable one or many other mirrors.
A number of other configurations of hinges and electrodes are possible using the same conceptual framework than have been taught here. A schematic view of some of the connectivity possible is shown in FIGS. 15. The schematic mirror layout 252 in the upper left hand corner of
In each mirror layout, a dark circle 256 corresponds to a generalized connection to the substrate, dark lines 254 correspond to hinge material, and open circles 258 correspond to connections of hinge material to the mirror. The listing of possible configurations in each of
Still further, it is noted that the variations of the invention schematically pictured in
Still further variation possible in connection with the present invention has to do with multiple electrodes replacing any of the electrodes discussed previously, whether staggered, via, or flat. Some of these possible designs are shown in
Other configurations of electrodes and overall mirror and related hinge connection configurations are within the scope of the present invention. In the embodiments of the invention shown and such others as may be envisioned, it can be appreciated that variation may also be presented, for example, with respect to the vertical spacing of elements. Notably, the height or relative spacing of selected items may impact the size and/or orientation of components such as the electrode regions. That is, electrode shape and height may require customization to avoid interference in meeting desired deflection ranges of the micromirror.
In addition, it is noted that features described herein in connection with MEMS processing may be applied on a relatively large scale. That is to say, as used herein the term "micromirror" may be applicable to mirror structures upwards of 1 mm in diameter, height and/or length. Such larger structures may find applications outside the fields mentioned here. In all, it is to be appreciated that devices made according to the present invention may be employed not only in the context discussed referring to optical switching arrangements, but further applications involving adaptive optics may apply.
Whatever the case may be, the breadth of the present invention is to be limited only by the literal or equitable scope of the following claims. Efforts have been made to express known equivalent structures and/or features as may be applicable. That any such item or items may not be expressed herein is not intended to exclude coverage of the same in any way.
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Recently, the Sixth Circuit in United States ex rel. Williams v. Renal Care Group et al. threw out an $83 million judgment against a dialysis provider in an opinion recognizing the ambiguity endemic in the current health care regulatory environment and rejecting the government's attempts to exploit that ambiguity under the False Claims Act.
Of particular interest to companies in the health care space is the court's analysis in confronting — and rejecting — two positions commonly advanced by the government in False Claims Act cases. First, the court rejected the notion that it is inherently wrongful for government contractors, when facing ambiguous laws and regulations governing federal programs, to interpret those rules with the goal of maximizing profit. In so doing, the court underscored the value of relying in good faith on advice of counsel when facing regulatory uncertainty. Second, the court rejected an argument commonly advanced by relators that a contractor's violation of conditions of participation in a government program automatically renders otherwise truthful claims submitted to the United States "false." On both grounds, the court ultimately found the government's case so flimsy that it not only reversed the District Court's $83 million judgment for the United States, but also granted summary judgment to the defendants.
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Huh, Reed share 3rd-round lead at Wyndham
Then Reed got hot.
The turning point, he said, was a strong drive on the par-4 14th that eventually set up his 20-foot birdie putt.
He followed that with impressive approach shots on the next two holes that left him with birdie putts of 5 feet that he sank, moving him to 11 under.
He was inches from a fourth straight birdie when his putt on the 17th trickled past the cup, and he slipped back to 10 under when his par putt on the 18th trickled inches wide.
Johnson was one of the few players who didn't seem to struggle much on this soggy day, with five birdies during a round that was bogey free until the last hole.
The 2007 Masters champion began the day at 5 under - six strokes behind Reed, but methodically pushed his way up the leaderboard during the round. Then, he surged to the top with two birdies in a four-hole span of the back nine.
He placed his approach shot on the par-4 14th roughly 15 feet from the flagstick and sank that putt to move to 10 under. A three-putt on the 18th for bogey dropped him back.
"Frankly, for 17 holes, I didn't look like I was going to sniff a bogey," Johnson said. "For the most part, it was solid from hole 1 to hole 18."
Charles Howell III was disqualified before starting his round because tour officials said he used a non-conforming driver during the second round.
The weight port cover on his driver came off while he was on the driving range and he played his round Friday with it - which was not allowed.
Howell shot a 68 during that round to move five strokes behind Reed, the two-day leader, but will receive no prize money and no playoff points.
Follow Joedy McCreary on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/joedyap
The Associated Press


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The Sports Network
DATE & TIME: Saturday, December 7, 9 p.m. (ET)
FACTS & STATS: Site: Sun Dome (10,411) -- Tampa, Florida. Television: ESPNU. Home Record: UA 4-0, USF 3-2. Away Record: UA 0-0, USF 2-0. Neutral Record: UA 0-3, USF 0-0. Conference Record: UA 0-0, USF 0-0. Series Record: UA leads, 1-0.
GAME NOTES: The Alabama Crimson Tide pay a visit to the Sun Dome to tangle with the Bulls of South Florida in non-league play.
This will be the first true road game of the season for Alabama. In their most recent outing, the Crimson Tide rebounded from a triple-overtime loss to Drexel by knocking off an overmatched North Florida team on Wednesday night, 76-48. They'll take a break for finals following this tilt and then return to action next Saturday against Charleston Southern to kick off a three-game homestand.
South Florida overcame a 17-point deficit in the final 12-plus minutes to shock George Mason on the road Wednesday night, 68-66. The win snapped a two- game slide for the Bulls, who will be idle until Dec. 17 against Florida Gulf Coast. That game will be the first of four for the Bulls in the Las Vegas Classic.
Alabama notched a 123-97 win over USF in the only prior meeting between these schools, which occurred back on Dec. 9, 1971.
The Crimson Tide raced out to a 17-4 lead against North Florida and then spent the rest of the game looking in the rearview mirror. They hit their first 10- of-14 shots, including 4-of-5 from 3-point range to set the tone. Junior guard Levi Randolph finished with a career-high 20 points to pace four players in double figures. Nick Jacobs was next in line with 13 points, Jimmie Taylor scored 12 and grabbed a game-high nine rebounds, and Trevor Releford tallied 10 points, five assists and three steals. The sharp-shooting Releford is averaging a team-best 16.3 points through seven games. He has connected on 42.1 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc (16-of-38) and 95.7 percent from the foul line (22-of-23). Retin Obasohan (13.6 ppg) is also scoring in double figures along with Jacobs (11.7 ppg, 5.4 rpg) and Randolph (11.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg).
USF's Corey Allen Jr. sealed Wednesday's dramatic comeback win over George Mason with a fade-away jumper with two seconds remaining in regulation. After struggling early, the Bulls turned the tide with 18 unanswered points while holding George Mason scoreless for a span of more than seven minutes. The Bulls made only 1-of-9 3-pointers for the game, compared to a 7-of-17 effort for the Patriots, but they made up for it with a key 27-11 scoring edge at the charity stripe as they were rewarded for continually attacking the glass. Allen finished with a team-high 19 points and three steals, while Chris Perry recorded a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds. Victor Rudd rounded out the Bulls in double figures with 15 points to go along with eight boards. Rudd (14.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg) and Allen (14.0 ppg, 5.9 rpg) have been the headliners for USF in the season's early going.
The Bulls will no doubt bring some confidence into this matchup after rallying back from a big deficit on the road to beat a solid George Mason team a few nights ago. As long they don't let Releford go on a shooting spree, they should be able to pull out the victory here.
Sports Network Predicted Outcome: South Florida 76, Alabama 69
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Amazing non toasted sandwiches! Nice and helpful staff and great selections. On a hungry day, this is the place to go. Closed early though.
I had the Mr Pickle sandwich on Dutch crunch bread instead of sourdough and it was so tasty and warm and I could eat that all the time! Very friendly staff. The sandwiches are 8-10" long and about 4" wide! Much more food than I expected but I still ate it all lol! Unless you really put the food away...
Came across this place last week while I was on a road trip. I look on tripAd to check out a place and see if it lived up to it's reputation. This place is like a million times better than subway, the employees actually care how they make your sandwiches. With quality ingredients. I went with the Nig mike, was...
Great choices for sandwiches in this place and they are huge! They have come pre-designed ideas for sandwiches choices or you can create your own with lots of items to select for your design. There is not a lot of room to sit down in their little shop here in Belmont and it is located right on Ralston so the...
We've bought sandwiches here numerous times. The last time, I faxed in an order for carry out on the way to the Giants playoff game. The sandwiches were made exactly to order and ready at the time promised. We ate them at the game, watching the Giants beat the Cardinals and Matt Holliday who plowed into Marco Scutaro to no...
The sandwiches are among my favorites! Everybody who works here is super cool and friendly. Great place to get in and get out or to chill and eat your delicious sandwich.
i love these sandwiches and do my best to not stop by too often so i don't get addicted. they are huge and loaded with meat and this especially yummy garlic spread that they have. LOVE IT!
Their secret sauce is what makes them so special. While they don't quite compare to Lorenzo's sandwich shop further down the road, they do put more meat on their sandwiches, so they are bigger and easier to split with someone.
I was here a few weeks back for lunch and like always, got a nice, very large sandwich for $8. This place has very good, fresh ingredients with tasty spreads and quality bread and meats. There is not much room to eat here so go down the street and eat at the nice park behind city hall. If you are...
Sandwich shop
Take out or seating
Friendly service
Order twenty plus specialty sandwiches. Huge.
I loved the turkey breast w/cream cheese, cranberry sauce, & avocado
Also, liked the freshly baked sandwich rolls.
Lots of condiments, including garlic sauce.
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I am planning to go to WDW in December. I have never used the meal plan before and I was wondering what everyone's opinion on it was. I have a 6 yr old and a 2 yr old going with me. I know that I do not have to pay for the meal plan for the 2 year old, does that mean that at dinner I will have to purchase her food or is her meal cost free?
Thanks for any help on this subject.


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Depression can be a common problem this time of year, experts say
SUNDAY, Dec. 14 (HealthDay News) -- While the holiday season is a festive time for many, it can cause depression for seniors who've lost loved ones or are having health or financial problems.
For some seniors, this despondency can lead to suicide, according to the American Geriatrics Society, which noted that the 2004 suicide rate for Americans over the age of 65 was 14 per 100,000.
The society offers seniors some tips on how to avoid feeling blue during the holidays:
If you notice that an older loved one seems depressed, lend a hand by offering to help them with shopping, transportation and preparations for get-togethers in their homes, the society advises. Encourage your loved one to talk about how he or she is feeling and acknowledge their difficult feelings.
You should also encourage your loved one to talk to a health-care provider. Many older people don't realize when they're depressed. If you believe an older love
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Mon-Fri: 7am-1am EST / Sat-Sun: 7am-11pm EST
ApplianceWhirlpool Washer
Level of DifficultyReally easy
Time to do repairLess than 15 mins
Age of Appliance5 - 10 years
Screw drivers
Unplug unit... Pull knob off, Pop top of control panel (clips under right & left front top corners of control panel..... panel will fold backward to expose wiring & switch), disconnect water tube & wire connector from the water level switch, used a small screwdriver to disconnect the clip holding switch to control panel... Bad switch is now out........ Reverse above steps & the new switch is in place... Close control panel, put water level switch control knob on & plug electric back in....EASY FIX.... ***Note*** I called a local appliance repair service to come fix & they tried to charge us $225.... The part was only $52 from this site & we paid the $25 extra overnight fee... WELL WORTH IT... Very simple to do it myself & saved us $150.... Thank-you so much for this service....
Help other customers find the most helpful instructions.
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Part Number: PS3408119
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The PartSelect logo is a Registered Trademark of Atlantic Laundry Centres, Ltd.
Copyright © 1999-2015 , Eldis Group Partnership. All rights reserved.


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1985 Porsche Classic • 1992 Porsche 911 America Roadster • 1996 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix • 1996 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Doubles • 1996 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Singles • 1997 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix • 1997 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Doubles • 1997 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Singles • 2006 Porsche Supercup season • 2007 Malaysian Porsche theft • 2007 Porsche Supercup season • 2007 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix • 2007 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix - Singles • 2008 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain • 2008 Porsche Centre Gold Coast 500 • 2008 Porsche Supercup season • 2008 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix • 2008 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Doubles • 2008 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Singles • 2009 Brumos Porsche 250 • 2009 Porsche 250 • 2009 Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain • 2009 Porsche Supercup season • 2009 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix • 2009 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Doubles • 2009 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix – Singles • 2010 Porsche Supercup season • Behra-Porsche • Brumos Porsche 250 • FA Porsche • Ferdinand Alexander Porsche • Ferdinand Anton Ernst Porsche • Ferdinand Oliver Porsche • Ferdinand Porsche • Gertrude Porsche-Schinkeová • List of Porsche engines • Lohner Porsche • Lohner-Porsche • Lohner-Porsche Mixte Hybrid • PDK (Porsche Doppelkupplungsgetriebe) • Porsche (disambiguation) • Porsche 109-005 • Porsche 114 • Porsche 3512 • Porsche 356 • Porsche 356 Speedster • Porsche 356/1 • Porsche 360 • Porsche 550 • Porsche 550 Spyder replica electric conversion • Porsche 597 • Porsche 64 • Porsche 695 • Porsche 718 • Porsche 787 • Porsche 804 • Porsche 901 • Porsche 904 • Porsche 906 • Porsche 907 • Porsche 908 • Porsche 909 • Porsche 910 • Porsche 911 • Porsche 911 Carrera RS • Porsche 911 GT1 • Porsche 911 GT2 • Porsche 911 GT3 • Porsche 911 Turbo • Porsche 911 Turbo S LM-GT • Porsche 911 classic • Porsche 911S • Porsche 912 • Porsche 914 • Porsche 914-6 GT • Porsche 916 • Porsche 917 • Porsche 924 • Porsche 928 • Porsche 930 • Porsche 934 • Porsche 935 • Porsche 936 • Porsche 944 • Porsche 951 • Porsche 953 • Porsche 956 • Porsche 959 • Porsche 959 Prototype • Porsche 961 • Porsche 962 • Porsche 964 • Porsche 968 • Porsche 986 • Porsche 989 • Porsche 993 • Porsche 996 • Porsche 997 • Porsche 9FF GT9 • Porsche Arena • Porsche Boxster • Porsche Carrera • Porsche Carrera Cup France • Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain • Porsche Carrera Cup Scandinavia • Porsche Carrera GT • Porsche Cayenne • Porsche Cayman • Porsche Challenge • Porsche Club of America • Porsche Design • Porsche Design Group • Porsche Design Studio • Porsche GT1 • Porsche Junior • Porsche Junioren • Porsche LMP • Porsche LMP1-98 • Porsche Lynn • Porsche Museum, Stuttgart • Porsche PFM 3200 • Porsche Panamera • Porsche Panamericana • Porsche RS Spyder • Porsche RSK • Porsche Roxster • Porsche Salzburg • Porsche Super • Porsche Supercup • Porsche Tennis Grand Prix • Porsche Varrera • Porsche WSC-95 • Porsche family • Porsche in Formula One • Porsche in motorsport • Poznań Porsche Open • Susanne Porsche • The One with Joey's Porsche • Veronica Porsche Ali
|Societas Europaea,
(Xetra: PAH3),
|Ferdinand Porsche
|Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg, Germany
|Area served
|Key people
|Wolfgang Porsche, Chairman
Martin Winterkorn, President & CEO
|Automotive financial services, engineering services
|€10,928;million (2011 Fiscal year)
|Operating income
|€2,045m (2011 Fiscal year)
|Porsche family
Qatar Investment Authority (10%)
|12,202 (2007)
Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH
Volkswagen AG
Porsche AG
|References: scheduled to be merged under a mutual Volkswagen AG/Porsche SE "Integrated Automotive Group" in 2011[1][2]
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche (German pronunciation: [ˈpɔʁʃə][3]) or Porsche SE, a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German holding company with investments in the automotive industry.
Porsche SE is headquartered in Zuffenhausen, a city district of Stuttgart, Baden-Württemberg and is owned by the Piëch and Porsche families, and Qatar Holdings, through the Qatar Investment Authority (10%).[4] As of September 2011, it owns 50.73% of the voting rights in Volkswagen AG [5], and 50.1% of Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH, which owns 100% of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG, the manufacturer of a range of sports cars and SUVs.
The company was founded as Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH in 1931 by Ferdinand Porsche,[6] an Austrian engineer born in Maffersdorf, during the time of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and Porsche's son-in-law Anton Piëch, an Austrian lawyer.
Porsche is the owner of Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (Porsche AG), and in June 2007 became a holding company for its stake in Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH (50.1%) (which in turn holds 100% of Porsche AG) and Volkswagen AG (50.7%).[7][8] In August 2009, Porsche SE and Volkswagen AG reached an agreement that the two companies would merge in 2011, to form an "Integrated Automotive Group".[1][2] During December 2009, Porsche SE lost control of Porsche Zwischenholding GmbH, which as a result is now a joint venture between Porsche SE and Volkswagen AG.
Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (which stands for Doktor Ingenieur honoris causa Ferdinand Porsche Aktiengesellschaft), is responsible for the actual production and manufacture of the Porsche automobile line. The company currently produces Porsche 911, Boxster and Cayman sports cars, the Cayenne sport utility vehicle and the four-door Panamera.
Other subsidiaries and operating divisions include Porsche Consulting, Porsche Engineering, Porsche Design Group, Mieschke Hofmann und Partner (81.1%)[9] and Bertrandt (25%).[10]
Porsche Engineering Group (PEG) has for many years offered consultancy services to various other car manufacturers. Audi, Mercedes, Opel, Studebaker, SEAT, Daewoo, Subaru, Zastava Automobiles and others have consulted Porsche Engineering Group for their cars or engines. The Lada Samara[11] was partly developed by Porsche in 1984. Porsche Engineering Group also helped Harley-Davidson design the Revolution 60-degree v-twin water-cooled engine and gearbox that is used in their V-Rod motorcycle.[12]
Professor Ferdinand Porsche founded the company called "Dr. Ing. h. c. F. Porsche GmbH" in 1931,[13] with main offices at Kronenstraße 24 in the centre of Stuttgart. Initially, the company offered motor vehicle development work and consulting,[13] but did not build any cars under its own name. One of the first assignments the new company received was from the German government to design a car for the people, a German: Volkswagen.[13] This resulted in the Volkswagen Beetle, one of the most successful car designs of all time.[14] The Porsche 64 was developed in 1939 using many components from the Beetle.[13]
During World War II,[15] Volkswagen production turned to the military version of the Volkswagen Beetle, the Kübelwagen,[15] 52,000 produced, and Schwimmwagen,[15] 14,000 produced. Porsche produced several designs for heavy tanks during the war, losing out to Henschel & Son in both contracts that ultimately led to the Tiger I and the Tiger II. However, not all this work was wasted, as the chassis Porsche designed for the Tiger I was used as the base for the Elefant tank destroyer. Porsche also developed the Maus super-heavy tank in the closing stages of the war, producing two prototypes.[16]
At the end of World War II in 1945, the Volkswagen factory at KdF-Stadt fell to the British. Ferdinand lost his position as Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen, and Ivan Hirst, a British Army Major, was put in charge of the factory. (In Wolfsburg, the Volkswagen company magazine dubbed him "The British Major who saved Volkswagen."[17]) On 15 December of that year, Ferdinand was arrested for war crimes, but not tried. During his 20-month imprisonment, Ferdinand Porsche's son, Ferry Porsche, decided to build his own car, because he could not find an existing one that he wanted to buy. He also had to steer the company through some of its most difficult days until his father's release in August 1947.[18] The first models of what was to become the 356 were built in a small sawmill in Gmünd, Austria.[18] The prototype car was shown to German auto dealers, and when pre-orders reached a set threshold, production was begun. Many regard the 356 as the first Porsche simply because it was the first model sold by the fledgling company. Porsche commissioned a Zuffenhausen-based company, Reutter Karosserie, which had previously collaborated with the firm on Volkswagen Beetle prototypes, to produce the 356's steel body. In 1952, Porsche constructed an assembly plant (Werk 2) across the street from Reutter Karosserie; the main road in front of Werk 1, the oldest Porsche building, is now known as Porschestrasse.[19] The 356 was road certified in 1948.
Porsche's company logo was based on the coat of arms of Free People's State of Württemberg of former Weimar Germany, which had Stuttgart as its capital and became part of Baden-Württemberg after the political consolidation of West Germany in 1949. Not long afterwards, on 30 January 1951, Ferdinand Porsche died from complications following a stroke.
In post-war Germany, parts were generally in short supply, so the 356 automobile used components from the Volkswagen Beetle, including its internal combustion engine, transmission, and suspension. The 356, however, had several evolutionary stages, A, B, and C, while in production, and many Volkswagen parts were replaced by Porsche-made parts. The last 356s were powered by entirely Porsche-designed engines. The sleek bodywork was designed by Erwin Komenda who also had designed the body of the Beetle. Porsche's signature designs have, from the beginning, featured air-cooled rear-engine configurations (like the Beetle), rare for other car manufacturers, but producing automobiles that are very well balanced.
In 1964, after some success in motor-racing, namely with the Porsche 550 Spyder, the company launched the Porsche 911 another air-cooled, rear-engined sports car, this time with a six-cylinder "boxer" engine. The team to lay out the body shell design was led by Ferry Porsche's eldest son, Ferdinand Alexander Porsche (F. A.). The design phase for the 911 caused internal problems with Erwin Komenda, who led the body design department until then. F. A. Porsche complained Komenda made unauthorized changes to the design. Company leader Ferry Porsche took his son's drawings to neighboring chassis manufacturer Reuter. Reuter's workshop was later acquired by Porsche (so-called Werk 2). Afterward Reuter became a seat manufacturer, today known as Keiper-Recaro.
The design group gave sequential numbers to every project (356, 550, etc.), but the designated 901 nomenclature contravened Peugeot's trademarks on all 'x0x' names, so it was adjusted to 911. Racing models adhered to the "correct" numbering sequence: 904, 906, 908. The 911 has become Porsche's most well-known and iconic model – successful on the race-track, in rallies, and in terms of road car sales. Far more than any other model, the Porsche brand is defined by the 911. It remains in production; however, after several generations of revision, current-model 911s share only the basic mechanical concept of a rear-engined, six-cylinder coupé, and basic styling cues with the original car. A cost-reduced model with the same body, but 356-derived running gear (including its four-cylinder engine), was sold as the 912.
In 1972, the company's legal form was changed from Kommanditgesellschaft (KG), or limited partnership, to Aktiengesellschaft (AG), or public limited company, because Ferry Porsche and his sister, Louise Piëch, felt their generation members did not team up well.[citation needed] This led to the foundation of an Executive Board whose members came from outside the Porsche family, and a Supervisory Board consisting mostly of family members. With this change, no family members were in operational charge of the company. F. A. Porsche founded his own design company, Porsche Design, which is renowned for exclusive sunglasses, watches, furniture, and many other luxury articles. Ferdinand Piëch, who was responsible for mechanical development of Porsche's serial and racing cars, formed his own engineering bureau, and developed a five-cylinder-inline diesel engine for Mercedes-Benz. A short time later he moved to Audi, and pursued his career through the entire company, up to and including, the Volkswagen Group boards.
The first Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Porsche AG was Dr. Ernst Fuhrmann, who had been working in the company's engine development. Fuhrmann was responsible for the so-called Fuhrmann-engine used in the 356 Carrera models, as well as the 550 Spyder, having four overhead camshafts instead of a central camshaft with pushrods, as in the Volkswagen-derived serial engines. He planned to cease the 911 during the 1970s, and replace it with the V8-front engined grand sportswagon 928. As we know today, the 911 outlived the 928 by far. Fuhrmann was replaced in the early 1980s by Peter W. Schutz, an American manager and self-proclaimed 911 aficionado. He was then replaced in 1988 by the former manager of German computer company Nixdorf Computer AG, Arno Bohn, who made some costly miscalculations that led to his dismissal soon after, along with that of the development director, Dr. Ulrich Bez, who was formerly responsible for BMW's Z1 model, and today is CEO of Aston Martin.
In 1990, Porsche drew up a memorandum of understanding with Toyota to learn and benefit from Japanese lean production methods. In 2004 it was reported that Toyota was assisting Porsche with hybrid technology.[20]
Following the dismissal of Bohn, an interim CEO was appointed, longtime Porsche employee, Heinz Branitzki, who served in that position until Dr. Wendelin Wiedeking became CEO in 1993. Wiedeking took over the chairmanship of the board at a time when Porsche appeared vulnerable to a takeover by a larger company. During his long tenure, Wiedeking has transformed Porsche into a very efficient and profitable company.
Ferdinand Porsche's grandson, Ferdinand Piëch, was chairman and CEO of the Volkswagen Group from 1993 to 2002. Today he is chairman of the Supervisory Board. With 12.8 percent of the Porsche voting shares, he also remains the second largest individual shareholder of Porsche AG after his cousin, F. A. Porsche, (13.6 percent).
Porsche's 2002 introduction of the Cayenne also marked the unveiling of a new production facility in Leipzig, Saxony, which once accounted for nearly half of Porsche's annual output. In 2004, production of the 456 kilowatts (620 PS; 612 bhp) Carrera GT commenced in Leipzig, and at EUR 450,000 ($440,000 in the United States) it was the most expensive production model Porsche ever built.
As of 2005, the extended Porsche and Piëch families controlled all of Porsche AG's voting shares. In early October 2005 the company announced acquisition of an 18.53% stake in Volkswagen AG (VW AG), and disclosed intentions to acquire additional VW AG shares in the future. As of June 2006, the Porsche AG stake in VW AG had risen to 25.1%, giving Porsche a blocking minority, whereby Porsche can veto large corporate decisions undertaken by VW AG.
In mid-2006, after years of the Boxster (and later the Cayenne) as the dominant Porsche in North America, the 911 regained its position as Porsche's backbone in the region. The Cayenne and 911 have cycled as the top-selling model since. In Germany the 911 clearly outsells the Boxster/Cayman and Cayenne.[21]
In May 2011, Porsche Cars North America announced plans to spend $80-$100 million, but will receive about $15 million in economic incentives to move their North American headquarters from Sandy Springs, a suburb of Atlanta, to Aerotropolis Atlanta, a new mixed-use development on the site of the old Ford Hapeville plant adjacent to Atlanta's airport.[22] Designed by architectural firm HOK, the headquarters will include a new office building and test track.[23][24][25]
The company has always had a close relationship with, initially, the Volkswagen (VW) marque, and later, the Volkswagen Group (which also owns Audi AG), because the first Volkswagen Beetle was designed by Ferdinand Porsche. The two companies collaborated in 1969 to make the VW-Porsche 914 and 914-6, whereby the 914-6 had a Porsche engine, and the 914 had a Volkswagen engine, in 1976 with the Porsche 912E (USA only) and the Porsche 924, which used many Audi components, and was built at Audi's Neckarsulm factory. Porsche 944s were also built there,[26] although they used far fewer Volkswagen components. The Cayenne, introduced in 2002, shares its entire chassis with Volkswagen Touareg and Audi Q7, which is built at the Volkswagen Group factory in Bratislava. In late 2005, Porsche took an 18.65% stake in the Volkswagen Group, further cementing their relationship, and preventing a takeover of Volkswagen Group, which was rumoured at the time. Speculated suitors included DaimlerChrysler AG, BMW, and Renault.
On 26 March 2007, Porsche took its holding of Volkswagen AG shares to 30.9%, triggering a takeover bid under German law. Porsche then formally announced in a press statement that it did not intend to take over Volkswagen Group (it would set its offer price at the lowest possible legal value) but intended the move to avoid a competitor taking a large stake, and to stop hedge funds dismantling Volkswagen Group, which is Porsche's most important partner.[27] Porsche's move comes after the European Union moved against a German law that protected Volkswagen AG from takeovers. Under the so-called "Volkswagen Law", any shareholder with more than 20% of the voting rights has veto power over any corporate decision in the annual general meeting – in effect, any shareholder in VW AG cannot exercise more than 20% of the firm's voting rights, regardless of their level of stock holding. (The local state government of Lower Saxony owns 20.1% of the shares.[28]) However, the European Court of Justice ruled against the law, potentially paving the way for a takeover.[29]
On 16 September 2008, Porsche increased its holdings by another 4.89%,[30] in effect taking control of the company, with more than 35% of the voting rights. It again triggered a takeover bid, but this time over Audi. Porsche dismissed the bid as a mere formality, since it is Porsche's intention to keep the corporate structure of the Volkswagen Group.
There has been some tension and anxiety amongst the Volkswagen Group workers, who fear that a Porsche takeover might signify a hardened production efficiency control, rejection of demands for payment rises or even personnel cuts.[31] Ferdinand Piëch and his cousin, Wolfgang Porsche, also seemed to be on a collision course.[31]
On 13 August 2009, Volkswagen AG's Supervisory Board signed the agreement to create an "integrated automotive group" with Porsche, led by Volkswagen AG. Volkswagen will initially take a 49.9 percent stake in Porsche AG by the end of 2009, and it will also see the family shareholders selling the automobile trading business of Porsche Holding Salzburg to Volkswagen AG.[32]
Through the Volkswagen AG stake acquisition, Porsche reformed the company's structure, with Dr Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG becoming a holding company, renamed "Porsche Automobil Holding SE",[33] and a new Dr Ing. h. c. F. Porsche AG operating company being formed in 2007.[34] Thus the operating activities are separated from holding activities of the company.[35] There was an Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) for Porsche AG shareholders which took place on 26 June 2007, at the Porsche Arena in Stuttgart, Germany to discuss the change to the company structure. In the late 2009 VW (which also owns by AUDI) bought the controlling rights to Porsche. T[36]
On 3 March 2007, Porsche set the stage for obtaining a plurality stake in the Volkswagen AG. One day later Porsche sought to allay fears it would attempt to force a merger with Volkswagen Group.[37] By September, Porsche owned a 35.14% plurality stake in Volkswagen AG, effectively giving it control over the company.[38] Volkswagen Group expected the move, and welcomed Porsche's investment.[39]
In October 2008, Porsche announced its intent to raise its stake in Volkswagen AG to 75% during 2009, and on 7 January 2009, Porsche's holding in VW AG was raised to 50.76%.[40] Porsche's move automatically triggered a bid for Scania AB, because VW AG already had a controlling position in the Swedish truck-maker.[41] As Porsche had no strategic interest in the company, on 19 January, they offered the minimum price in that mandatory takeover bid.[42] Porsche SE owned 50.8 percent of Volkswagen Group as of 5 January 2009, and has said it plans to lift the stake to 75 percent before the end of 2009, at that level they could bring VW AG's cash onto Porsche's books.[43]
By March 2009, Porsche SE was aiming for its first ever credit ratings from U.S. rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's.[44]
In its efforts to acquire a majority holding in Volkswagen AG, Porsche built up a large debt burden, aggravated by taxes due on very large paper profits from Volkswagen AG options. By July 2009, Porsche was faced with debts exceeding 10 billion euros. The supervisory board of Porsche finally agreed to a number of arrangements whereby the Qatar Investment Authority would inject a large amount of capital, and Porsche would be merged with Volkswagen Group. On 23 July 2009, Michael Macht was appointed CEO, to replace Wendelin Wiedeking, who is expected to receive a compensation package of 50 million euros.[45][46][47][48]
In July 2010, Porsche appointed Volkswagen executive Matthias Müller to its new CEO position, moving Michael Macht to another executive position within Volkswagen AG.
The headquarters and main factory are located in Zuffenhausen, a district in Stuttgart, but the Cayenne and Panamera models are manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, and parts for the SUV are also assembled in the Volkswagen Touareg factory in Bratislava, Slovakia.[49] Boxster and Cayman production was outsourced to Valmet Automotive in Finland from 1997 to 2011, and in 2012 production moved to Germany.[50]
The company has been highly successful in recent times, and indeed claims to have the highest profit per unit sold of any car company in the world.[51]
Table of profits (in millions of euros) and number of cars produced. Figures from 2008/9 onwards were not reported as part of Porsche SE.[52]
|year ending
|pre-tax profit
|31 July 2002
|31 July 2003
|31 July 2004
|31 July 2005
|31 July 2006
|31 July 2007
|31 July 2008
|31 July 2009
Of the 105,162 cars produced in the 2007/8 financial year, 34,303 (32.6%) were 911 models, 22,356 (21.3%) were Boxster and Cayman cars and 48,497 (46.1%) were Cayennes. There were 3 Panamera and 3 Carrera GT models also reported.[52] The production figures of sports cars was quite similar to the 2001/2 totals when 33,061 Porsche 911 and 21,989 Boxsters were produced.
In 2008, Porsche reported selling a total of 98,652 cars, 13,524 (13.7%) as domestic German sales, and 85,128 (86.3%) internationally.
|% of total
|% of total
|% of total
|911 (996)
|9,935 ( 18%)
|10,227 ( 3%)
|10,653 ( 4%)
|6,432 ( 38%)
|3,728 ( 42%)
|8,327 ( 123%)
|19,134 ( 40%)
|14,524 ( 24%)
|30,028 ( 33%)
|33,289 ( 11%)
|33,859 ( 2%)
|% of total
|% of total
|% of total
|911 (997)
|12,702 ( 19%)
|13,153 ( 4%)
|8,324 ( 37%)
|4,850 ( 42%)
|3,904 ( 24%)
|2,982 ( 24%)
|6,249 ( 17%)
|3,513 ( 44%)
|11,141 ( 23%)
|13,370 ( 20%)
|12,898 ( 4%)
|36,095 ( 7%)
|36,680 ( 2%)
|27,717 ( 24%)
|% of total
|% of total
|911 (997)
|6,839 ( 17.8%)
|5,735 ( 16.1%)
|1,909 ( 36.0%)
|2,177 ( 14.0%)
|1,966 ( 44.0%)
|1,322 ( 32.8%)
|7,741 ( 520.8%)
|7,735 ( 31.0%)
|8,343 ( 7.9%)
|19,696 ( 24.3%)
|25,320 ( 28.6%)
The current Porsche model range includes sports cars from the Boxster roadster to their most famous product, the 911. The Cayman is a hard top car similar to the Boxster. The Cayenne is Porsche's mid-size luxury sport utility vehicle (SUV). A high performance luxury saloon/sedan, the Panamera, was launched in 2009.
In 2010 Porsche launched the Cayenne Hybrid and announced the Panamera Hybrid and the concept 918 Spyder also featured a hybrid system. It had been previously thought that Porsche planned to offer an electric version of the Porsche 911 but this has not yet been formally announced.[61]
See Porsche PFM 3200.
Porsche is the most successful brand in motorsport, scoring a total of more than 28,000 victories, including a record 16 constructor wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Porsche is currently the world's largest race car manufacturer. In 2006, Porsche built 195 race cars for various international motor sports events. In 2007, Porsche is expected to construct no fewer than 275 dedicated race cars (7 RS Spyder LMP2 prototypes, 37 GT2 spec 911 GT3-RSRs, and 231 911 GT3 Cup vehicles).[62]
In English use, Porsche is sometimes pronounced as a single syllable ("porsh") /ˈpɔrʃ/, without a final /ə/. However, the company's German pronunciation is /ˈpɔrʃə/ POR-shə[63] ("Por-sheh". "Porsh-eh" is still considered incorrect). German language words do not have a silent "e", and a final "e" in German is pronounced as an unaccented (minimal emphasis/duration) schwa.
In a May 2006 survey, Porsche was awarded the title of the most prestigious automobile brand by Luxury Institute, New York; it questioned more than 500 households with a gross annual income of at least $200,000 and a net worth of at least $720,000.[64]
Porsche was awarded the 2006, 2009, and 2010 J.D. Power and Associates award for the highest-ranked nameplate in its Initial Quality Study (IQS) of automobile brands.[65]
According to CNBC, even an at-the-time questionable foray into the SUV market with the Cayenne in 2003, couldn't damage Porsche credibility.[66] The Times journalist Andrew Frankel says on one level, it is the world's best 4x4, on another, it is the cynical exploitation of a glorious brand that risks long-term damage to that brand's very identity in the pursuit of easy money[67] with his verdict being "Great car, if only it wasn't a Porsche".[67] Despite the controversy faced by critics, the Cayenne has been a success, generating enough profit for the company to invest in and upgrade the existing model range, as well as fund the Panamera project.[citation needed]
Need for Speed: Porsche Unleashed, released as Need for Speed: Porsche 2000 in Europe, and Need for Speed: Porsche in Germany and Latin America, is a racing video game, developed by Electronic Arts Canada and published by Electronic Arts, and is a part of the Need for Speed (NFS) series.
|Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Porsche
|Porsche road car timeline, 1960–present
Sports car
|Boxster (986)
|Boxster (987)
|Boxster (981)
|Cayman (987)
|911 series
|911 / 930
|911 (964)
|911 (993)
|911 (996)
|911 (997)
|911 (991)
|Luxury car
|Panamera (970)
|911 GT1 Straßenversion
|Carrera GT (980)
|Cayenne (955)
|Cayenne (957)
|Cayenne (958)
|Concept cars
|356/1 · 114 · 695 · 901 · 918 Spyder/RSR · 969 · 989 · C88 · Panamericana
|Porsche Junioren · Porsche Supercup · Australian Carrera Cup · Carrera Cup Germany · Carrera Cup Great Britain · Carrera Cup Scandinavia · Carrera Cup France
64 · 360 · 550 · 718 · 787 · 804 · 904 · 906 · 907 · 908 · 909 Bergspyder · 910 · 914-6 GT · 917 · 934 · 935 · 936 · 953 · 956 · 961 · 962 · GT1 · GT2 · GT3 · WSC-95 · LMP · RS Spyder
|Porsche families
|Ferdinand Porsche · Ferry Porsche · F. A. Porsche · Ferdinand Piëch · Louise Piëch
(former & current)
|Ernst Fuhrmann → Peter Schutz → Arno Bohn → Heinz Branitzki → Wendelin Wiedeking → Michael Macht → Matthias Müller
|Ulrich Bez · Helmuth Bott · Robert Eberan von Eberhorst · Holger Härter · Al Holbert · Uwe Hück · Erwin Komenda · Harm Lagaay · Herbert Linge · Michael Mauer · Hans Mezger · Karl Rabe · Franz Xaver Reimspiess · Adolf Rosenberger · Norbert Singer · Alvin Springer · Hans von Veyder-Malberg
|Junior · Super
|Porsche official website · Porsche Design Group · Volkswagen Group · List of Porsche engines · Tiptronic · VarioCam · Porsche Club of America ·
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you don't poke the hornets nest without kicking the tree
Type: Posts; User: Twinke Masta
you don't poke the hornets nest without kicking the tree
Sure, it's a quick indicator that you are not someone a decent society needs certainly (along with a flat-brimmed hat, neon-shorts, neon-anything really.)
I love threads written by 18 year olds full of hormones and/or trolls
Do I detect a hint of sarcasm in this post?
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January 1991, Volume 150, Issue 3, pp 205-208
Maternal vegan diet causing a serious infantile neurological disorder due to vitamin B12 deficiency
- T. Kühne,
- R. Bubl,
- R. Baumgartner
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We present a 9-month-old exclusively breastfed baby of a strict vegetarian mother who had excluded all animal proteins from her diet. The patient's symptoms included dystrophy, weakness, muscular atrophy, loss of tendon reflexes, psychomotor regression and haematological abnormalities. Biochemical investigations revealed severe methylmalonic aciduria and homocystinuria in the patient, slight methylmalonic aciduria in the mother and low concentrations of serum vitamin B12 in both patient and mother.
Presented in preliminary form at the Annual Meeting of the Swiss Paediatric Society, Geneva, 12–13 June 1987
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- Baker, S, Jacob, E, Rajan, K, Swaminathan, S (1962) Vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnancy and the puerperium. Br Med J 1: pp. 1658-1661
- Baumgartner, RE, Wick, H, Maurer, R, Egli, N, Steinmann, B (1979) Congenital defect in intracellular cobalamin metabolism resulting in homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria. I. Case report and histopathology. Helv Paediatr Acta 34: pp. 465-482
- Baumgartner, RE, Wick, H, Linnell, JC, Gaull, GE, Bachmann, C, Steinmann, B (1979) Congenital defect in intracellular cobalamin metabolism resulting in homocystinuria and methylmalonic aciduria. II. Biochemical investigations. Helv Paediatr Acta 34: pp. 483-496
- Chanarin, I (1985) Folate and cobalamin. Clin Haematol 14: pp. 629-641
- Doyle, JJ, Langevin, AM, Zipursky, A (1989) Nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in infancy: three case reports and a review of the literature. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 6: pp. 161-172
- Ellenbogen, L Vitamin B12. In: Machlin, LJ eds. (1984) Handbook of vitamins. Nutritional, biochemical, and clinical aspects. Dekker, New York, pp. 497-547
- Fenton, WA, Rosenberg, LE Inherited disorders of cobalamin transport and metabolism. In: Scriver, CR, Beaudet, AL, Sly, WS, Valle, D eds. (1989) The metabolic basis of inherited disease. McGraw-Hill, New York, pp. 2065-2082
- Recommended dietary allowances. National Academy of Sciences, Washington
- Gambon, RC, Lentze, MJ, Rossi, E (1986) Megaloblastic anaemia in one of monozygous twins breast fed by their vegetarian mother. Eur J Pediatr 145: pp. 570-571
- Herbert, V (1988) Vitamin B-12: plant sources, requirements, and assay. Am J Clin Nutr 48: pp. 852-858
- Higgingbottom, MC, Sweetman, L, Nyhan, W (1978) A syndrome of methylmalonic aciduria, homocystinuria, megaloblastic anemia and neurologic abnormalities in a Vit B12 deficient breast-fed infant of strict vegetarian. N Engl J Med 299: pp. 317-323
- Lampkin, B, Saunders, EF (1969) Nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in an infant. J Pediatr 75: pp. 1053-1055
- Ramsey, RB, Scott, T, Banik, NL (1977) Fatty acid composition of myelin isolated from the brain of a patient with cellular deficiency of co-enzyme forms of vitamin B12. J Neurol Sci 34: pp. 221-232
- Scott, JM, Weir, DG (1981) The methyl folate trap. Lancet II: pp. 337-340
- Stabler, SP, Marcell, PD, Podell, ER, Allen, RH, Lindenbaum, J (1986) Assay of methylmalonic acid in the serum of patients with cobalamin deficiency using capillary gas chromatographymass spectrometry. J Clin Invest 77: pp. 1606-1612
- Stabler, SP, Marcell, PD, Podell, ER, Allen, RH, Savage, DG, Lindenbaum, J (1988) Elevation of total homocysteine in the serum of patients with cobalamin or folate deficiency detected by cpaillary gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Clin Invest 81: pp. 466-474
- Stollhoff, K, Schulte, FJ (1987) Vitamin B12 and brain development. Eur J Pediatr 146: pp. 201-205
- Wighton, MC, Manson, JI, Speed, I, Robertson, E, Chapman, E (1979) Brain damage in infancy and dietary vitamin B12 deficiency. Med J Aust 2: pp. 1-3
- Title
- Maternal vegan diet causing a serious infantile neurological disorder due to vitamin B12 deficiency
- Journal
European Journal of Pediatrics
Volume 150, Issue 3 , pp 205-208
- Cover Date
- 1991-01-01
- Print ISSN
- 0340-6199
- Online ISSN
- 1432-1076
- Publisher
- Springer-Verlag
- Additional Links
- Topics
- Keywords
- Vitamin B12
- Methylmalonic acid
- Homocysteine
- Vegetarian diet
- Industry Sectors
- Authors
- T. Kühne (1)
- R. Bubl (1)
- R. Baumgartner (1)
- Author Affiliations
- 1. University Children's Hospital Basel, Römergasse 8, CH-4005, Basel, Switzerland


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