Abstract:
An accelerometer (305) which comprises a measurement mass assembly having top capacitor electrode (705), with one or more re-entrant openings or grooves (1405), a bottom capacitor electrode (805), with one or more re-entrant openings (1410), and/or a mass electrode pattern (910, 915), which also includes one or more re-entrant openings or grooves (1415, 1420). A re-entrant opening or groove is an opening or groove formed in an element whereby the opening or groove is larger toward the center of the element than at the surface of the element. Re-entrant openings or grooves (1405, 1410, 1415, 1420) reduce fluid damping thereby reducing the amount of thermo-mechanical noise and permit increased sealing pressure of the accelerometer (305) thereby lowering manufacturing costs and increasing production yields.
Abstract:
The present invention provides merged-mask processes for fabricating micro-machined devices in general and mirrored assemblies for use in optical scanning devices in particular. The process includes (a) providing a substrate having a predetermined thickness; (b) applying a first masking layer on a first portion of the substrate and a second masking layer on a second portion of the substrate, said second masking layer being at least as thick as the first masking layer; (c) etching a portion of the second masking layer to provide a first exposed portion of the substrate; (d) etching the first exposed portion of the substrate to a first depth; (e) etching the second masking layer to provide a second exposed portion of the substrate; and (f) etching simultaneously the first exposed portion of the substrate to a second depth and the second exposed portion of the substrate to a first depth. The process further comprises patterning the first masking layer before applying the second masking layer to provide the second portion of the substrate for etching and etching the first masking layer to expose the second portion of the substrate. The first and second masking layers are applied prior to etching the substrate.
Abstract:
A micro machined mirror assembly is provided that includes a micro machined top cap (205), mirror (210), and bottom cap (215) mounted onto a ceramic substrate. The micro machined mirror is resiliently supported by a pair of T-shaped hinges and includes travel stops that limit motion of the mirror in the x-, y-, and z-directions. The top and bottom micro machined caps also include travel stops that limit motion of the mirror in the z-direction.