Abstract:
A method of depositing a ceramic film, particularly a silicon carbide film, on a substrate is disclosed in which the residual stress, residual stress gradient, and resistivity are controlled. Also disclosed are substrates having a deposited film with these controlled properties and devices, particularly MEMS and NEMS devices, having substrates with films having these properties.
Abstract:
A polysilicon micromotor, of either inner rotor or outer rotor design, is fabricated with a process that uses as few as three mask steps. In an outer rotor (wobble) micromotor, a free-rotating insulating flange bearing (14) mechanically couples the inner periphery of the rotor (16) to the stator (12), permitting the outer periphery of the rotor to be directly coupled to other mechanisms. The dielectric constant of the flange bearing (14) increases motive torque of the motor as contrasted with air-gap designs. This and other factors result in motive torque, in the illustrated embodiment, more than 100 times larger than in previous designs. Among its other benefits, the disclosed fabrication process results in in-place formation of all motor elements, and enables precise definition of the rotor/stator gap.
Abstract:
Micromotors are fabricated with utilitarian features (21) on their rotors (23). In some embodiments, the features are formed by the molded addition of material on top of a rotor surface. In other embodiments, the features are formed by the provision of an additional layer on top of the rotor, and the selective removal of material therefrom. In yet other embodiments, the features are defined by the selective removal of material from the rotor itself. The disclosure is particularly illustrated with reference to the fabrication of polygon (nickel) mirror (21) on a polysilicon, electrostatic micromotor rotor (23) for use in scanning applications. However, the principles of the invention can likewise be applied to fabrication of a variety of other features, such as optical gratings, shutters, mechanical actuators, pump impellers and fins, and to a variety of different micrometer constructions.
Abstract:
A micromechanical memory sensor includes a latch member assembly (20, 30) mechanically latching upon detection of a threshold value of a variable condition (ambient temperature, acceleration, pressure). The mechanical latching is detected by circuitry of a readout mechanism (21, 22). The sensor further includes a resetting mechanism such as a thermal resistor (24), proof mass (52, 101) or electrostatic combing drive (170, 175) for electrically unlatching the latch member assembly whereby the sensor is latched purely mechanically in its operative states and is electrically reset for repeat use.
Abstract:
A method of depositing a ceramic film, particularly a silicon carbide film, on a substrate is disclosed in which the residual stress, residual stress gradient, and resistivity are controlled. Also disclosed are substrates having a deposited film with these controlled properties and devices, particularly MEMS and NEMS devices, having substrates with films having these properties.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a microfabricated microphone that can mitigate negative effects caused by residual stress in its sensing diaphragm. In particular, a center-supported diaphragm is provided to allow residual stress to relax through the radial expansion or contraction of the diaphragm. The diaphragm is suspended by an anchor that is attached to a supporting beam. The supporting beam is situated in between one or more sections of a back-plate electrode. The supporting beam is mechanically and electrically separated from the back-plate electrode. Various mechanical dimensions of the aforementioned components are also disclosed to optimize performance of a microfabricated microphone in different operational conditions. Further, a method and system for fabricating a microfabricated microphone with a center-supported diaphragm is also disclosed.
Abstract:
A micromechanical memory sensor includes a latch member assembly (20, 30) mechanically latching upon detection of a threshold value of a variable condition (ambient temperature, acceleration, pressure). The mechanical latching is detected by circuitry of a readout mechanism (21, 22). The sensor further includes a resetting mechanism such as a thermal resistor (24), proof mass (52, 101) or electrostatic combing drive (170, 175) for electrically unlatching the latch member assembly whereby the sensor is latched purely mechanically in its operative states and is electrically reset for repeat use.