Abstract:
According to one aspect, the disclosure is directed to an example embodiment in which a circuit-based arrangement includes a circuit-based substrate securing a channel, with an effective width that is not limited by the Debye screening length, along a surface of the substrate. A pair of reservoirs are included in or on the substrate and configured for containing and presenting a sample having bio-molecules for delivery in the channel. A pair of electrodes electrically couple a charge in the sample to enhance ionic current flow therein (e.g., to overcome the electrolyte screening), and a sense electrode is located along the channel for sensing a characteristic of the biological sample by using the electrostatic interaction between the enhanced ionic current flow of the sample and the sense electrode. Actual detection occurs by using a charge-signal processing circuit to process the sensed charge signal and, therefrom, provide an output indicative of a signature for the bio-molecules delivered in the channel.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing a sub-ground plane for a micromachined device. The sub-ground plane is formed in or on the substrate. Above the sub-ground plane is a dielectric and then a discontinuous conductive layer used for interconnects for parts of the micromachined device. A movable microstructure is suspended above the interconnect layer. A conductive layer can be suspended above the movable microstructure. In one embodiment, the sub-ground plane is diffused into the substrate or a well in the substrate, and is of an opposite type from the type of silicon into which it is diffused. Alternatively, the sub-ground plane is formed from a conductive layer, deposited over the substrate before the layer used for interconnects.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing a conductive plane beneath a suspended microstructure. A conductive region is diffused into a substrate. A dielectric layer is added, covering the substrate, and then removed from a portion of the conductive region. A spacer layer is deposited over the dielectric and exposed conductive region. A polysilicon layer is deposited over the spacer layer, and formed into the shape of the suspended microstructure. After removal of the spacer layer, the suspended microstructure is left free to move above an exposed conductive plane. The conductive plane is driven to the same potential as the microstructure.
Abstract:
A micromechanical filter having planar components, and manufacturable using very large scale integrated circuit microfabrication techniques. The input and output transducers are interdigitated comb electrodes. The mechanical coupling between the input and output transducers includes planar flexures, displacement of the electrodes producing bending of the elements of the flexures. By sealing micromechanical filters in a vacuum and providing on-board circuitry, high signal-to-noise ratios and quality factors are achievable. Construction of a real-time spectrum analyzer using many micromechanical resonators, provides a device with high accuracy and a short sample time.
Abstract:
A micromechanical filter having planar components, and manufacturable using very large scale integrated circuit microfabrication techniques. The input and output transducers are interdigitated comb electrodes. The mechanical coupling between the input and output transducers includes planar flexures, displacement of the electrodes producing bending of the elements of the flexures. By sealing micromechanical filters in a vacuum and providing on-board circuitry, high signal-to-noise ratios and quality factors are achievable. Construction of a real-time spectrum analyzer using many micromechanical resonators, provides a device with high accuracy and a short sample time.
Abstract:
A microbridge device for use as a sensor or an actuator is driven parallel to a substrate as a resonant microstructure. The microstructure comprises a stationary thin-film electrode secured to the substrate and located in a plane above it. A movable plate overlaying the substrate is suspended above it. The movable plate and electrode are patterned to provide for each at least one comb with fingers interdigitated with those of the other.
Abstract:
Various applications are directed to a material stack having a strained active material therein. In connection with an embodiment, an active material (e.g. a semiconductor material) is at least initially and partially released from and suspended over a substrate, strained, and held in place. The release and suspension facilitates the application of strain to the semiconductor material.
Abstract:
An electrostatic transducer for micromechanical resonators, in which the electrode gaps are filled with a dielectric material having a much higher permittivity than air. This internal electrostatic transducer has several advantages over both air-gap electrostatic and piezoelectric transduction; including lower motional impedance, compatibility with advanced scaled CMOS device technology, and extended dynamic range. In one aspect, in order to minimize energy losses, the dielectric material has an acoustic velocity which is matched to that of the resonator material. Internal electrostatic transduction can be adapted to excite and detect either vertical modes (perpendicular to the substrate) or lateral modes (in the plane of the substrate). Its increased transduction efficiency is of particular importance for reducing the motional resistance of the latter.
Abstract:
A method of etching silicon carbide using a nonmetallic mask layer. The method includes providing a silicon carbide substrate; forming a non-metallic mask layer by applying a layer of material on the substrate; patterning the mask layer to expose underlying areas of the substrate; and etching the underlying areas of the substrate with a plasma at a first rate, while etching the mask layer at a rate lower than the first rate.
Abstract:
A micro-machined angle measurement gyroscope. In one implementation, the gyroscope includes a substrate; a proof mass coupled to the substrate by an isotropic suspension such that the proof mass can move in any direction in the plane of the substrate; a plurality of drive electrodes configured to cause the proof mass to oscillate in the plane of the substrate; and a plurality of sense electrodes configured to sense the motion of the proof mass in the plane of the substrate. In another implementation, the gyroscope includes a substrate; a proof mass suspended above the substrate by an isotropic suspension such that the proof mass can move in any direction in an oscillation plane normal to the substrate; a plurality of drive electrodes configured to cause the proof mass to oscillate in the oscillation plane; and a plurality of sense electrodes configured to sense the motion of the proof mass in the oscillation plane.