Abstract:
A method and an apparatus for etching microstructures and the like that provides improved selectivity to surrounding materials when etching silicon using xenon difluoride (XeF2). Etch selectivity is greatly enhanced with the addition of hydrogen to the process chamber.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a micromechanical component, comprising at least one stator electrode (21) with at least one lateral surface, divided into at least two electrically conducting sections (26, 27, 29, 30) which are electrically insulated from each other and which are subjected to differing voltages. The micromechanical component further comprises at least one moving actuator electrode (22), which has a lateral surface divided into at least two electrically conducting sections (32, 34; 80, 82) which are electrically insulated from each other and which are subjected to differing voltages. The lateral surface of the actuator electrode (22) is arranged to face the lateral surface of the stator electrode (21; 71a, 71b; 103, 104).
Abstract:
A method for etching a target material in the presence of a structural material with improved selectivity uses a vapor phase etchant and a co-etchant. Embodiments of the method exhibit improved selectivities of from at least about 2-times to at least about 100- times compared with a similar etching process not using a co-etchant. In some embodiments, the target material comprises a metal etchable by the vapor phase etchant. Embodiments of the method are particularly useful in the manufacture of MEMS devices, for example, interferometric modulators. In some embodiments, the target material comprises a metal etchable by the vapor phase etchant, for example, molybdenum and the structural material comprises a dielectric, for example silicon dioxide.
Abstract:
A MEMS (Microelectromechanical system) device is described. The device includes a first layer (1115) on a substrate, and a sacrificial layer (1130) on or over the first layer (1115), the first sacrificial layer (1130) being configured to be removed in a removal procedure. The device also includes a second layer (1114) on or over the first sacrificial layer (1130), where the second layer (1114) is spaced apart from the first layer (1115), and a shorting element (1150) electrically connecting the first (1115) and second (1114) layers, where at least a portion (1170) of the shorting element is removable in the removal procedure.
Abstract:
This invention comprises a process for fabricating a MEMS microstructure in a sealed cavity wherein the etchant entry holes are created as a by-product of the fabrication process without an additional step to etch holes in the cap layer (20). The process involves extending the layers of sacrificial material (12, 16) past the horizontal boundaries of the cap layer (20). The cap layer (20) is supported by pillars (21) formed by a deposition in holes etched through the sacrificial layers (12,16), and the etchant entry holes are formed when the excess sacrificial material (12, 16) is etched away, leaving voids between the pillars (21) supporting the cap.
Abstract:
This invention comprises a process for fabricating a MEMS microstructure in a sealed cavity wherein the etchant entry holes are created as a by-product of the fabrication process without an additional step to etch holes in the cap layer (20). The process involves extending the layers of sacrificial material (12, 16) past the horizontal boundaries of the cap layer (20). The cap layer (20) is supported by pillars (21) formed by a deposition in holes etched through the sacrificial layers (12,16), and the etchant entry holes are formed when the excess sacrificial material (12, 16) is etched away, leaving voids between the pillars (21) supporting the cap.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a method for selectively removing material from the surface of a substrate in order to form a recess, comprising the following steps: applying a mask to the surface of the substrate in accordance with the desired selective removal, and; dry etching the substrate, whereby metal, preferably aluminum, is used as a masking material. Energy can be inductively injected into a plasma.
Abstract:
This invention comprises a process for fabricating a MEMS microstructure in a sealed cavity wherein the etchant entry holes are created as a by-product of the fabrication process without an additional step to etch holes in the cap layer. The process involves extending the layers of sacrificial material past the horizontal boundaries of the cap layer. The cap layer is supported by pillars formed by a deposition in holes etched through the sacrificial layers, and the etchant entry holes are formed when the excess sacrificial material is etched away, leaving voids between the pillars supporting the cap.
Abstract:
An etching method, such as for forming a micromechanical device, is disclosed. One embodiment of the method is for releasing a micromechanical structure, comprising, providing a substrate (10); providing a sacrificial layer (20) directly or indirectly on the substrate; providing one or more micromechanical structural layers (30) on the sacrificial layer; performing a first etch to remove a portion of the sacrificial layer (20), the first etch comprising providing an etchant gas and energizing (42) the etchant gas so as to allow the etchant gas to physically, or chemically and physically, remove the portion of the sacrificial layer; performing a second etch to remove additional sacrificial material in the sacrificial layer, the second etch comprising providing a gas that chemically but not physically etches the additional sacrificial material.