Abstract:
A MEMS device is formed from a silicon device layer (9), an intermediate thermal oxide layer (7), and a silicon substrate (5). A microstructure is formed by a removal of material from the device layer (9), where the intermediate layer (7) is resistant to the removal technique, eg, acting as an etch stop layer. The microstructure is released by selective removal of portions of the substrate layer (9) immediately below the microstructure, eg, via a backside etch, followed by removing portions of the intermediate layer (7) beneath the microstructure. Siction is avoided as there is no substrate below the microstructure.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for the production of a membrane, which only requires two lithographic steps. Said method has the advantage that membranes which are extensively compatible with existing CMOS, BiCMOS and bipolar processes can be produced. Furthermore membranes produced thus do not place increased requirements on the packages used, such that an economical production of the total system is guaranteed.
Abstract:
The invention provides a general fabrication method for producing MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) and related devices using Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI). One first obtains an SOI wafer that has (i) a handle layer, (ii) a dielectric layer, and (iii) a device layer. A mesa etch has been made on the device layer of the SOI wafer and a structural etch has been made on the dielectric layer of the SOI wafer. One then obtains a substrate (such as glass or silicon), where a pattern has been etched onto the substrate. The SOI wafer and the substrate are bonded together. Then the handle layer of the SOI wafer is removed, followed by the dielectric layer of the SOI wafer.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical (MEM) switch is fabricated inexpensively by using processing steps which are standard for fabricating multiple metal layer integrated circuits, such as CMOS. The exact steps may be adjusted to be compatible with the process of a particular foundry, resulting in a device which is both low cost and readily integrable with other circuits. The processing steps include making contacts for the MEM switch from metal plugs which are ordinarily used as viasto connect metal layers which are separated by a dielectric layer. Such contact vias are formed on either side of a sacrificial metallization area, and then the interconnect metallization is removed from between the contact vias, leaving them separated. Dielectric surrounding the contacts is etched back so that they protrude towards each other. Thus, when the contacts are moved towards each other by actuating the MEM switch, they connect firmly without obstruction. Tungsten is typically used to form vias in CMOS processes, and it makes an excellent contact material, but other via metals may also be employed as contacts. Interconnect metallization may be employed for other structural and interconnect needs of the MEM switch, and is preferably standard for the foundry and process used. Various metals and dielectric materials may be used to create the switches, but in a preferred embodiment the interconnect metal layers are aluminum and the dielectric material is SiO2, materials which are fully compatible with standard four-layer CMOS fabrication processes.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for etching a first silicon layer (15) which is provided with an etching mask (10) for defining lateral recesses (21). Trenches (21') are produced in the area of the lateral recesses (21) in a first plasma etching process by means of anisotropic etching. As soon as a barrier layer (12, 14, 14', 16) buried between the first silicon layer (15) and another silicon layer (17) is reached, the first etching process virtually comes to a stop (17). This barrier layer is then etched through in the exposed areas (23, 23') using a second etching process. An etching of the other silicon layer (17, 17') is then effected in a subsequent third etching process. This enables the production of free-standing structures for sensor elements using a simplified process which is fully compatible with the process steps in IC integration technology.
Abstract:
Microfabricated filters (100) utilizing a bulk substrate structure (101) and a thin film structure (103) and a method for constructing such filters (100). The pores (105) of the filters (100) are defined by spaces between the bulk substrate structure (101) and the thin film structure (103) and are of substantially uniform width, length and distribution. The width of the pores (105) is defined by the thickness of a sacrificial layer (not shown) and therefore may be smaller than the limit of resolution obtainable with photolithography. The filters (100) provide enhanced mechanical strength, chemical inertness, biological compatibility, and throughput. The filters (100) are constructed using relatively simple fabrication techniques.
Abstract:
Etching method and system capable of deep etching with a large mask selection ratio and an excellent anisotropy. The etching system comprises a floating electrode sustained in potentially floating state while facing a substrate electrode provided in a vacuum chamber, a material for forming an etching protection film provided on the side of the floating electrode facing the substrate electrode, and a control means for applying high frequency power intermittently to the floating electrode. In the etching method, a sputter film is formed on the substrate by applying high frequency power to the floating electrode using the material for forming an etching protection film provided on the side facing the substrate electrode of the floating electrode disposed oppositely to the substrate electrode as a target material and using only rare gas as main gas. Subsequently, application of high frequency power to the floating electrode is interrupted, the substrate is etched by introducing etching gas into the vacuum chamber, and formation of the sputter film on the substrate and etching of the substrate are repeated according to a scheduled sequence (Fig. 1).
Abstract:
본 발명은 회절형 마이크로 미러 및 그 제조 방법에 관한 것으로서, 특히 압전 구동방식에 의한 회절형 마이크로 미러의 함몰부의 깊이와 폭을 원하는 정도까지 정밀하게 형성할 수 있도록 하는 회절형 마이크로 미러 및 그 제조 방법에 관한 것이다. 박막, 압전, 광변조기, 회절형 광변조기, 마이크로 미러, 함몰부
Abstract:
웨이퍼에 완전한 수직단차를 형성하는 수직 단차 구조물 제작 방법을 개시한다. 본 발명에 따른 수직 단차 구조물 제작 방법은 본 발명에 따른 수직 단차 구조물 제작 방법은 소정의 웨이퍼에 식각을 수행하여 제1 트렌치(trench)를 형성한 후, 제1 트렌치에 소정의 물질을 주입하는 제1 트렌치 형성 단계, 소정의 웨이퍼에 제1 박막을 증착하여 제2 및 제3 트렌치의 식각 위치를 결정하는 제1 패터닝(patterning)을 수행하고, 제1 박막 및 소정의 웨이퍼에 제2 박막을 증착하여 제3 트렌치의 식각 위치를 잠시 보호하는 제2 패터닝을 수행한 후, 소정의 웨이퍼에 식각을 수행하여 제2 트렌치를 형성하는 제1 식각 단계, 제2 트렌치의 측면에 보호막을 형성한 후, 소정의 웨이퍼에 식각을 수행하여 제2 트렌치를 수직 확장하는 제2 식각 단계, 제2 박막을 제거한 후 제2 박막이 제거된 위치에 식각을 수행하여 제3 트렌치를 형성하는 제3 식각 단계 및 소 정의 웨이퍼에 식각을 수행하여 제2 식각 단계에서 수직 확장된 제2 트렌치 및 제3 트렌치를 수평 확장하는 제4 식각 단계를 포함한다. 본 발명에 따르면, 구조물 사이의 수평간극이 보다 좁혀진다.