Abstract:
PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To flatten a beam composing an electrostatic drive type MEMS element or stabilize and uniformalize a beam shape. SOLUTION: The electrostatic drive type MEMS element comprises a substrate side electrode 33, a beam 36 disposed opposite to the substrate side electrode 33, having a drive side electrode 37 and supported on the both ends thereof, and at least two supporting parts 35A, 35B and 35C, 35D are provided on the both ends of the beam 36 respectively. In the supporting parts 35, the height t1 of the inner supporting parts 35B, 35C is set to be lower than the height t2 of the outer supporting parts 35A, 35D. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO
Abstract:
In one embodiment, a method of forming a MEMS device includes providing a substrate, forming a sacrificial layer above the substrate layer, forming a silicon based working portion on the sacrificial layer, releasing the silicon based working portion from the sacrificial layer such that the working portion includes at least one exposed outer surface, forming a first layer of silicide forming metal on the at least one exposed outer surface of the silicon based working portion, and forming a first silicide layer with the first layer of silicide forming metal.
Abstract:
A method of forming a thick polysilicon layer for a MEMS inertial sensor includes forming a first amorphous polysilicon film on a substrate in an elevated temperature environment for a period of time such that a portion of the amorphous polysilicon film undergoes crystallization and grain growth at least near the substrate. The method also includes forming an oxide layer on the first amorphous polysilicon film, annealing the first amorphous polysilicon film in an environment of about 1100°C or greater to produce a crystalline film, and removing the oxide layer. Lastly, the method includes forming a second amorphous polysilicon film on a surface of the crystalline polysilicon film in an elevated temperature environment for a period of time such that a portion of the second amorphous polysilicon film undergoes crystallization and grain growth at least near the surface of the crystalline polysilicon film.
Abstract:
Micromechanical membranes suitable for formation of mechanical resonating structures are described, as well as methods for making such membranes. The membranes may be formed by forming cavities in a substrate, and in some instances may be oxidized to provide desired mechanical properties. Mechanical resonating structures may be formed from the membrane and oxide structures.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for producing micro-mechanical components, containing at least one elastic spring tongue, whereby said spring tongue is produced especially by means of electrodeposition, sputtering, evaporating and/or etching. The method is characterised in that areas of the spring tongue are thermally affected and a mechanical internal stress gradient is produced in the spring tongue.
Abstract:
A producing method for a diaphragm-type resonant MEMS device includes forming a first silicon oxide film, forming a second silicon oxide film, forming a lower electrode, forming a piezoelectric film, forming an upper electrode, laminating the first silicon oxide film, the second silicon oxide film, the lower electrode, the piezoelectric film, and the upper electrode in this order on a first surface of a silicon substrate, and etching the opposite side surface of the first surface of the silicon substrate by deep reactive ion etching to form a diaphragm structure, in which the proportion R2 of the film thickness t2 of the second silicon oxide film with respect to the sum of the film thickness t1 of the first silicon oxide film and the film thickness t2 of the second silicon oxide film satisfies the following condition: 0.10 μm≦t1≦2.00 μm; and R2≧0.70.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing microstructures, such as MEMS or NEMS devices, including forming a protective layer on a surface of a moveable component of the microstructure. For example, a silicide layer may be formed on a portion of at least four different surfaces of a poly-silicon mass that is moveable with respect to a substrate of the microstructure. The process may be self-aligning.
Abstract:
A method of providing microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) that are compatible with silicon CMOS electronics is provided. The method providing for processes and manufacturing sequences limiting the maximum exposure of an integrated circuit upon which the MEMS is manufactured to below 350° C., and potentially to below 250° C., thereby allowing direct manufacturing of the MEMS devices onto electronics, such as Si CMOS circuits. The method further providing for the provisioning of MEMS devices with multiple non-conductive structural layers such as silicon carbide separated with small lateral gaps. Such silicon carbide structures offering enhanced material properties, increased environmental and chemical resilience while also allowing novel designs to be implemented taking advantage of the non-conductive material of the structural layer. The use of silicon carbide being beneficial within the formation of MEMS elements such as motors, gears, rotors, translation drives, etc where increased hardness reduces wear of such elements during operation.