Abstract:
The plasma-assisted method of precise alignment and pre-bonding for microstructure of glass and quartz microchip belongs to micromachining and bonding technologies of the microchip. The steps of which are as follows: photoresist and chromium layers on glass or quartz microchip are completely removed followed by sufficient cleaning of the surface with nonionic surfactant and quantities of ultra-pure water. Then the surface treatment is proceeded for an equipping surface with high hydrophily with the usage of plasma cleaning device. Under the drying condition, the precise alignment is accomplished through moving substrate and cover plate after being washed with the help of microscope observation. Further on, to achieve precise alignment and pre-bonding of the microstructure of glass and quartz microchip, a minute quantity of ultrapure water is instilled into a limbic crevice for adhesion, and entire water is completely wiped out by vacuum drying following sufficient squeezing. Based on the steps above, it is available to achieve permanent bonding by further adopting thermal bonding method. In summary, it takes within 30 min to finish the whole operation of precise alignment and pre-bonding by this method. Besides, this method is of great promise because of its speediness, efficiency, easy maneuverability, operational safety and wide applications.
Abstract:
Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.
Abstract:
An electromechanical device may include a first substrate, a second substrate, a connector, and a protector. The connector may be formed of a first dielectric material and may be positioned between the first substrate and the second substrate. A first side of the connector may directly contact the first substrate. The protector may be formed of a second dielectric material and may directly contact a second side of the connector.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for suspending a movable structure form a support structure wherein first and second flat and thin arcuately shaped flexures are formed having spaced apart substantially planar and parallel opposing surfaces, each of the first and second flexures being structured for connection between a support structure and a movable structure to be suspended from the support structure and being aligned along a common axis of rotation between the support structure and the movable structure. Two half-circular flexures may be arranged to form a circular shape or may be interconnected in their middle region to form a single x-shaped suspension member.
Abstract:
A controlled method of releasing a microstructure comprising a silicon oxide layer located between a substrate layer and a layer to be released from the silicon oxide layer is described. The method comprises the step of exposing the silicon oxide layer to a hydrogen fluoride vapour in a process chamber having controlled temperature and pressure conditions. A by- product of this reaction is water which also acts as a catalyst for the etching process. It is controlled employment of this inherent water source that results in a condensed fluid layer forming, and hence etching taking place, only on the exposed surfaces of the oxide layer. The described method therefore reduces the risk of the effects of capillary induced stiction within the etched microstructure and/or corrosion within the microstructure and the process chamber itself.
Abstract:
A micromachine switch comprises a support member having a predetermined height from the surface of a base, a flexible cantilevered arm projecting from the support member parallel to the surface of the base and facing the gap between two signal lines, a contact electrode provided to the cantilevered arm and facing the gap, a lower electrode provided on the base and facing a part of the cantilevered arm, and an intermediate electrode provided to the cantilevered arm and facing the lower electrode. The micromachine switch operates with a driving voltage lower than that of prior art. The breakdown voltage characteristic of the insulating film is improved.