A micro-electro-mechanical (MEMs) mirror device for use in an optical
switch is disclosed. A "piano"-style MEMs device includes an elongated
platform pivotally mounted proximate the middle thereof by a torsional
hinge. The middle portion of the platform and the torsional hinge have a
combined width less than the width of the rest of the platform, whereby
several of these "piano" MEMs devices can be positioned adjacent each
other pivotally mounted about the same axis with only a relatively small
air gap therebetween. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention
electrostatic charges, which build up on exposed dielectric surfaces
causing the mirror's angular position to drift over time, are minimized
by positioning the hot and ground electrodes at different levels
separated by a vertical surface, and placing the dielectric material on
the vertical surface.