Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for encapsulated electromechanical systems. In one aspect, a release path includes a release hole through an encapsulation layer. The release path exposes a portion of a first sacrificial layer that extends beyond a second sacrificial layer in a horizontal direction. This allows the first sacrificial layer and the second sacrificial layer to later be etched through the release path. The corresponding electromechanical system device includes a shell layer encapsulating a mechanical layer. A conformal layer seals a release hole that extends through a shell layer. A portion of the conformal layer blocks the opening of the release passage within the release hole. The release passage has substantially the same vertical height as a gap that defines the spacing between the mechanical layer and a substrate.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods, and apparatus for encapsulated electromechanical systems. In one aspect, a release path includes a release hole through an encapsulation layer. The release path exposes a portion of a first sacrificial layer that extends beyond a second sacrificial layer in a horizontal direction. This allows the first sacrificial layer and the second sacrificial layer to later be etched through the release path. The corresponding electromechanical system device includes a shell layer encapsulating a mechanical layer. A conformal layer seals a release hole that extends through a shell layer. A portion of the conformal layer blocks the opening of the release passage within the release hole. The release passage has substantially the same vertical height as a gap that defines the spacing between the mechanical layer and a substrate.
Abstract:
A MEMS device may be package with a desiccant to provide a moisture-free environment. In order to avoid undesirable effects on the MEMS device, the desiccant may be selected or treated so as to be compatible with a particular MEMS device. This treatment may include baking of the desiccant to as to cause outgassing of moisture or other undesirable material. The structure of the MEMS device may also be altered to improve compatibility with particular desiccants.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for fabricating spacers for electromechanical systems devices. In one aspect, a method of forming a spacer on a spacer portion of a device surface of an electromechanical systems device includes exposing the device surface to spacer particles suspended in a fluid. The spacer particles are allowed to attach to the spacer portion. Each of the spacer particles can have at least one dimension of about 1 micron to 10 microns. The electromechanical systems device can also include a sacrificial layer that is subsequently removed between the device surface and a substr8ate surface of a substrate on which the electromechanical systems device is formed.
Abstract:
This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for controlling a movable layer. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems device includes a substrate and a movable layer positioned over the substrate to define a gap. The movable layer is movable in the gap between an actuated position and a relaxed position, and includes a mirror layer, a cap layer, and a dielectric layer disposed between the mirror layer and the cap layer. The movable layer is configured to have a curvature in a direction away from the substrate when the movable layer is in the relaxed position. In some implementations, the movable layer can be formed to have a positive stress gradient directed toward the substrate that can direct the curvature of the movable layer upward when the sacrificial layer is removed.
Abstract:
Methods, devices, and systems provide MEMS devices exhibiting at least one of reduced stiction, reduced hydrophilicity, or reduced variability of certain electrical characteristics using MEMS devices treated with water vapor. The treatment is believed to form one or more passivated surfaces on the interior and/or exterior of the MEMS devices. Relatively gentle temperature and pressure conditions ensure modification of surface chemistry without excessive water absorption after removal of sacrificial material to release the MEMS devices.
Abstract:
Methods, devices, and systems provide MEMS devices exhibiting at least one of reduced stiction, reduced hydrophilicity, or reduced variability of certain electrical characteristics using MEMS devices treated with water vapor. The treatment is believed to form one or more passivated surfaces on the interior and/or exterior of the MEMS devices. Relatively gentle temperature and pressure conditions ensure modification of surface chemistry without excessive water absorption after removal of sacrificial material to release the MEMS devices.