Abstract:
Optical cross-connect (100) involve the general concept of a two dimensional array (104) of microelectromechanical system (MEMS) tilt mirrors (106) being used to direct light coming from a first optical fiber (110) to a second optical fiber (111). Each MEMS tilt mirror (106) in the two dimensional array can rotate about its x and y axis and is suspended by a plurality of suspension arms (450) attached to a glass substrate.
Abstract:
Several methods and structures for improving the yield of out-of-plane micro-device structures including springs and coils (31,32) are described. In one method the elastic members have graded perforations for controlling rate of release. In another method and structure, a layout enables the contact landing area to be increased. To form the coils opposite ends of the sprigs (31,32) are provided with inter-engaging formations (33,34) to facilitate their interconnection. The high yield structures may be used in numerous electronic applications such as filter circuits.
Abstract:
A hybrid structure or device is provided wherein carried on a single substrate is at least one micro-spring interconnect having an elastic material that is initially fixed to a surface of the substrate, an anchor portion which is fixed to the substrate surface and a free portion. The spring contact is self-assembling in that as the free portion is released it moves out of the plane of the substrate. Also integrated on the substrate is a sensor having an active layer and contacts. The substrate and sensor may be formed of materials which are somewhat partially transparent to light at certain infrared wavelengths.
Abstract:
The invention provides a buffered substrate that includes a substrate, a buffer layer and a silicon layer. The buffer layer is disposed between the substrate and the silicon layer. The buffer layer has a melting point higher than a melting point of the substrate. A polycrystalline silicon layer is formed by crystallizing the silicon layer using a laser beam.
Abstract:
Methods are disclosed for fabricating spring structures (127) in which a passive, conductive coating (130) is deposited onto the spring structure (127) after release. A release layer (110) is deposited on a substrate (101) and then a spring metal layer (120) is formed thereon. A first mask is then used to etch the spring metal layer to form a spring metal finger (127). A second (release) mask is then deposited that defines a release window used to remove a portion of the release layer (110) and release a free end of the spring metal finger. The second mask is also used as a mask during the subsequent directional deposition of a conductive coating material (130) on the cantilevered tip of the finger (127). The second mask is then stripped, and the residual coating deposited thereon is lifted off. The resulting spring structure includes conductive coating (130) on the upper surface and front edge (128) of the finger tip.
Abstract:
Fluidic conduits (330A), which can be used in microarraying systems (300), dip pen nanolithography systems, fluidic circuits, and microfluidic systems, are disclosed that use channel spring probes (350) that include at least one capillary channel (351). Formed from spring beams (e.g., stressy metal beams) that curve away from the substrate when released, channels (351) can either be integrated into the spring beams (300) or formed on the spring beams. Capillary forces produced by the narrow channels (351) allow liquid to be gathered, held, and dispensed by the channel spring probes. Because the channel spring beams can be produced using conventional semiconductor processes, significant design flexibility and cost efficiencies can be achieved.