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:
An etching monitoring apparatus (1) and related method for use in the manufacture of microstructures (2) (and in particular MEMS) located within an etching chamber (3) is described. The apparatus (1) and related method operates by setting the temperature of the chamber (3) within which the microstructure (2) is located at a starting temperature, and maintaining the partial pressure of an etching gas within the chamber (3) at a constant value. As a result the surface temperature o f the microstructure (2) within the chamber (3) is primarily determined by the etch rate. Therefore, by employing a thermometer (8) to monitor the change in etching surface temperature, a direct diagnostic for monitoring the etching process is provided.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for providing an etching gas source for etching one or more microstructures located within a process chamber. The apparatus has a gas source supply line attached to a gas source and one or more chambers for containing an etching material. In use, the etching material is transformed into an etching material vapour within one or more of the chambers and the gas supply line provides a supply of carrier gas to the etching material vapour and also supplies the etching material vapour transported by the carrier gas to the process chamber. Advantageously, the apparatus of the invention does not require the incorporation of any expansion chambers or other complicated mechanical features in order to achieve a continuous flow of etching gas.
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:
An apparatus and method for providing an etching gas source for etching one or more microstructures located within a process chamber. the apparatus has a gas source supply line attached to a gas source and one or more chambers for containing an etching material. In use, the etching material is transformed into an etching material vapor within one or more of the chamber and the gas supply line provides a supply of carrier gas to the etching material vapor and also supplies the etching material vapor transported by the carrier gas to the process chamber. Advantageously, the apparatus of the invention does not require the incorporation of any expansion chambers or other complicated mechanical features in order to achieve a continuous flow of etching gas.
Abstract:
An etching monitoring apparatus (1) and related method for use in the manufacture of microstructures (2) (and in particular MEMS) located within an etching chamber (3) is described. The apparatus (1) and related method operates by setting the temperature of the chamber (3) within which the microstructure (2) is located at a starting temperature, and maintaining the partial pressure of an etching gas within the chamber (3) at a constant value. As a result the surface temperature o f the microstructure (2) within the chamber (3) is primarily determined by the etch rate. Therefore, by employing a thermometer (8) to monitor the change in etching surface temperature, a direct diagnostic for monitoring the etching process is provided.