Abstract:
According to one embodiment, a movable MEMS component suspended over a substrate is provided. The component can include a structural layer having a movable electrode separated from a substrate by a gap. The component can also include at least one standoff bump attached to the structural layer and extending into the gap for preventing contact of the movable electrode with conductive material when the component moves. The structural layer is folded.
Abstract:
Trilayered Beam MEMS Device and Related Methods. According to one embodiment, a method for fabricating a trilayered beam is provided. The method can include depositing a sacrificial layer on a substrate and depositing a first conductive layer on the sacrificial layer. The method can also include forming a first conductive microstructure by removing a portion of the first conductive layer. Furthermore, the method can include depositing a structural layer on the first conductive microstructure, the sacrificial layer, and the substrate and forming a via through the structural layer to the first conductive microstructure. Still furthermore, the method can include the following: depositing a second conductive layer on the structural layer and in the via; forming a second conductive microstructure by removing a portion of the second conductive layer, wherein the second conductive microstructure electrically communicates with the first conductive microstructure through the via; and removing a sufficient amount of the sacrificial layer so as to separate the first conductive microstructure from the substrate, wherein the structural layer is supported by the substrate at a first end and is freely suspended above the substrate at an opposing second end.
Abstract:
According to one embodiment, a movable MEMS component (100) suspended over a substrate (102) is provided. The component (100) can include a structural layer (112) having a movable electrode (114) separated from a substrate (102) by a gap. The component (100) can also include at least one standoff bump (118) attached to the structural layer (112) and extending into the gap for preventing contact of the movable electrode (114) with conductive material when the component moves.
Abstract:
Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam structure by venting both tungsten material and silicon material above and below the MEMS beam to form an upper cavity above the MEMS beam and a lower cavity structure below the MEMS beam.
Abstract:
A process for fabricating a suspended microelectromechanical system (MEMS) structure comprising epitaxial semiconductor functional layers that are partially or completely suspended over a substrate. A sacrificial release layer and a functional device layer are formed on a substrate. The functional device layer is etched to form windows in the functional device layer defining an outline of a suspended MEMS device to be formed from the functional device layer. The sacrificial release layer is then etched with a selective release etchant to remove the sacrificial release layer underneath the functional layer in the area defined by the windows to form the suspended MEMS structure.
Abstract:
A system and method for a micro-electrical-mechanical system (MEMS) device including a substrate and a free-standing and suspended electroplated metal MEMS structure formed on the substrate. The free-standing and suspended electroplated metal MEMS structure includes a metal mechanical element mechanically coupled to the substrate and a seed layer mechanically coupled to and in electrical communication with the mechanical element, the seed layer comprising at least one of a refractory metal and a refractory metal alloy, wherein a thickness of the mechanical element is substantially greater than a thickness of the seed layer such that the mechanical and electrical properties of the free-standing and suspended electroplated metal MEMS structure are defined by the material properties of the mechanical element.
Abstract:
A process for fabricating a suspended microelectromechanical system (MEMS) structure comprising epitaxial semiconductor functional layers that are partially or completely suspended over a substrate. A sacrificial release layer and a functional device layer are formed on a substrate. The functional device layer is etched to form windows in the functional device layer defining an outline of a suspended MEMS device to be formed from the functional device layer. The sacrificial release layer is then etched with a selective release etchant to remove the sacrificial release layer underneath the functional layer in the area defined by the windows to form the suspended MEMS structure.
Abstract:
Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam structure by venting both tungsten material and silicon material above and below the MEMS beam to form an upper cavity above the MEMS beam and a lower cavity structure below the MEMS beam.
Abstract:
A MEMS structure and methods of manufacture. The method includes forming a sacrificial metal layer at a same level as a wiring layer, in a first dielectric material. The method further includes forming a metal switch at a same level as another wiring layer, in a second dielectric material. The method further includes providing at least one vent to expose the sacrificial metal layer. The method further includes removing the sacrificial metal layer to form a planar cavity, suspending the metal switch. The method further includes capping the at least one vent to hermetically seal the planar cavity.