Abstract:
A method for coating a micro-electromechanical systems device with a silane coupling agent by a) mixing the silane coupling agent with a low volatile matrix material in a coating source material container; b) placing the micro-electromechanical systems device in a vacuum deposition chamber which in connection with the coating source material container; c) pumping the vacuum deposition chamber to a predetermined pressure; and maintaining the pressure of the vacuum deposition chamber for a period of time in order to chemically vapor deposit the silane coupling agent on the surface of the micro-electromechanical systems device
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a method of improving the adhesion of a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) coating to a surface of a MEMS structure, for the purpose of preventing stiction. The method comprises treating surfaces of the MEMS structure with a plasma generated from a source gas comprising oxygen and, optionally, hydrogen. The treatment oxidizes the surfaces, which are then reacted with hydrogen to form bonded OH groups on the surfaces. The hydrogen source may be present as part of the plasma source gas, so that the bonded OH groups are created during treatment of the surfaces with the plasma. Also disclosed herein is an integrated method for release and passivation of MEMS structures which may be adjusted to be carried out in a either a single chamber processing system or a multi-chamber processing system.
Abstract:
This invention discloses a process for forming durable anti-stiction surfaces on micromachined structures while they are still in wafer form (i.e., before they are separated into discrete devices for assembly into packages). This process involves the vapor deposition of a material to create a low stiction surface. It also discloses chemicals which are effective in imparting an anti-stiction property to the chip. These include polyphenylsiloxanes, silanol terminated phenylsiloxanes and similar materials.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a method of improving the adhesion of a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) coating to a surface of a MEMS structure, for the purpose of preventing stiction. The method comprises pretreating surfaces of the MEMS structure with a plasma generated from a source gas comprising oxygen and, optionally, hydrogen. The treatment oxidizes the surfaces, which are then reacted with hydrogen to form bonded OH groups on the surfaces. The hydrogen source may be present as part of the plasma source gas, so that the bonded OH groups are created during treatment of the surfaces with the plasma. Also disclosed herein is an integrated method for release and passivation of MEMS structures.
Abstract:
The invention includes methods of forming microstructure devices. In an exemplary method, a substrate is provided which includes a first material and a second material. At least one of the first and second materials is exposed to vapor-phase alkylsilane-containing molecules to form a coating over the at least one of the first and second materials.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed whereby a 5-50-nanometer-thick conformal tungsten coating can be formed over exposed semiconductor surfaces (e.g. silicon, germanium or silicon carbide) within a microelectromechanical (MEM) device for improved wear resistance and reliability. The tungsten coating is formed after cleaning the semiconductor surfaces to remove any organic material and oxide film from the surface. A final in situ cleaning step is performed by heating a substrate containing the MEM device to a temperature in the range of 200-600 ° C. in the presence of gaseous nitrogen trifluoride (NF3). The tungsten coating can then be formed by a chemical reaction between the semiconductor surfaces and tungsten hexafluoride (WF6) at an elevated temperature, preferably about 450° C. The tungsten deposition process is self-limiting and covers all exposed semiconductor surfaces including surfaces in close contact. The present invention can be applied to many different types of MEM devices including microrelays, micromirrors and microengines. Additionally, the tungsten wear-resistant coating of the present invention can be used to enhance the hardness, wear resistance, electrical conductivity, optical reflectivity and chemical inertness of one or more semiconductor surfaces within a MEM device.
Abstract in simplified Chinese:用于密封MEMS设备之代表性方法包含:在基板上方沉积绝缘材料;在该绝缘材料之第一组层中形成导电通路;及在该绝缘材料之第二组层中形成金属结构。该第一组层与该第二组层交替地交错。提供虚设绝缘层作为该第一组层之最上部层。蚀刻该第一组层及该第二组层之部分以在该绝缘材料中形成空隙区域。在该绝缘材料之顶部表面上及其中形成导电垫。利用封装结构密封该等空隙区域。该封装结构之至少一部分横向毗邻该虚设绝缘层,且位于该导电垫之顶部表面上面。运行蚀刻以移除该虚设绝缘层之至少一部分。
Abstract:
A MEMS sensor includes a bond portion in which a metal structure in a device substrate and a metal laminate are eutectically bonded. The bond portion bonds the device substrate and a lid substrate. The metal laminate is located on a main surface of the lid substrate and facing an exposed portion in the metal structure. The metal laminate includes a first metal and a second metal different from the first metal.