Abstract:
A MEMS device, a method of making a MEMS device and a system of a MEMS device are shown. In one embodiment, a MEMS device includes a first polymer layer, a MEMS substrate disposed on the first polymer layer and a MEMS structure supported by the MEMS substrate. The MEMS device further includes a first opening disposed in the MEMS substrate and a second opening disposed in the first polymer layer.
Abstract:
A method embodiment includes providing a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) wafer including a polysilicon layer having a first and a second portion. A carrier wafer is bonded to a first surface of the MEMS wafer. Bonding the carrier wafer creates a first cavity. A first surface of the first portion of the polysilicon layer is exposed to a pressure level of the first cavity. A cap wafer is bonded to a second surface of the MEMS wafer opposite the first surface of the MEMS wafer. The bonding the cap wafer creates a second cavity comprising the second portion of the polysilicon layer and a third cavity. A second surface of the first portion of the polysilicon layer is exposed to a pressure level of the third cavity. The first cavity or the third cavity is exposed to an ambient environment.
Abstract:
A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) cavity includes forming a first sacrificial cavity layer over a wiring layer and substrate. The method further includes forming an insulator layer over the first sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes performing a reverse damascene etchback process on the insulator layer. The method further includes planarizing the insulator layer and the first sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes venting or stripping of the first sacrificial cavity layer to a planar surface for a first cavity of the MEMS.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a base body having a microscopic hole, includes: forming at least one of a first modified region and a second modified region by scanning inside of a base body with a focal point of a first laser light having a pulse duration on order of picoseconds or less; forming a periodic modified group formed of a plurality of third modified regions and fourth modified regions by scanning an inside of the base body with a focal point of a second laser light having a pulse duration on order of picoseconds or less; obtaining the base body which is formed so that the first modified region and the second modified region overlap or come into contact with the modified group; and forming a microscopic hole by removing the first modified region and the third modified regions by etching.
Abstract:
An integrated semiconductor heating assembly includes a semiconductor substrate, a chamber formed therein, and an exit port in fluid communication with the chamber, allowing fluid to exit the chamber in response to heating the chamber. The integrated heating assembly includes a first heating element adjacent the chamber, which can generate heat above a selected threshold and bias fluid in the chamber toward the exit port. A second heating element is positioned adjacent the exit port to generate heat above a selected threshold, facilitating movement of the fluid through the exit port away from the chamber. Addition of the second heating element reduces the amount of heat emitted per heating element and minimizes thickness of a heat absorption material toward an open end of the exit port. Since such material is expensive, this reduces the manufacturing cost and retail price of the assembly while improving efficiency and longevity thereof.
Abstract:
A Capacitive Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (CMUT) device includes at least one CMUT cell including a first substrate of a single crystal material having a top side including a patterned dielectric layer thereon including a thick and a thin dielectric region, and a through-substrate via (TSV) extending a full thickness of the first substrate. The TSV is formed of the single crystal material, is electrically isolated by isolation regions in the single crystal material, and is positioned under a top side contact area of the first substrate. A membrane layer is bonded to the thick dielectric region and over the thin dielectric region to provide a movable membrane over a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) cavity. A metal layer is over the top side substrate contact area and over the movable membrane including coupling of the top side substrate contact area to the movable membrane.
Abstract:
CMOS Ultrasonic Transducers and processes for making such devices are described. The processes may include forming cavities on a first wafer and bonding the first wafer to a second wafer. The second wafer may be processed to form a membrane for the cavities. Electrical access to the cavities may be provided.
Abstract:
A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a plurality of discrete wires on a substrate. The method further includes forming a sacrificial cavity layer on the discrete wires. The method further includes forming trenches in an upper surface of the sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes filling the trenches with dielectric material. The method further includes depositing metal on the sacrificial cavity layer and on the dielectric material to form a beam with at least one dielectric bumper extending from a bottom surface thereof.
Abstract:
A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) includes forming a beam structure and an electrode on an insulator layer, remote from the beam structure. The method further includes forming at least one sacrificial layer over the beam structure, and remote from the electrode. The method further includes forming a lid structure over the at least one sacrificial layer and the electrode. The method further includes providing simultaneously a vent hole through the lid structure to expose the sacrificial layer and to form a partial via over the electrode. The method further includes venting the sacrificial layer to form a cavity. The method further includes sealing the vent hole with material. The method further includes forming a final via in the lid structure to the electrode, through the partial via.
Abstract:
Disclosed is a semiconductor device comprising a stack of patterned metal layers (12) separated by dielectric layers (14), said stack comprising a first conductive support structure (20) and a second conductive support structure (21) and a cavity (42) in which an inertial mass element (22) comprising at least one metal portion is conductively coupled to the first support structure and the second support structure by respective conductive connection portions (24), at least one of said conductive connection portions being designed to break upon the inertial mass element being exposed to an acceleration force exceeding a threshold defined by the dimensions of the conductive connection portions. A method of manufacturing such a semiconductor device is also disclosed.