Abstract:
Certain MEMS devices include layers patterned to have tapered edges. One method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of an etch leading layer. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the deposition of a layer in which the upper portion is etchable at a faster rate than the lower portion. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of multiple iterative etches. Another method for forming layers having tapered edges includes the use of a liftoff mask layer having an aperture including a negative angle, such that a layer can be deposited over the liftoff mask layer and the mask layer removed, leaving a structure having tapered edges.
Abstract:
Embodiments of MEMS devices include a movable layer supported by overlying support structures, and may also include underlying support structures. In one embodiment, the residual stresses within the overlying support structures and the movable layer are substantially equal. In another embodiment, the residual stresses within the overlying support structures and the underlying support structures are substantially equal. In certain embodiments, substantially equal residual stresses are be obtained through the use of layers made from the same materials having the same thicknesses. In further embodiments, substantially equal residual stresses are obtained through the use of support structures and/or movable layers which are mirror images of one another.
Abstract:
An optical device having a high reflector tunable stress coating includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) platform, a mirror disposed on the MEMS platform, and a multiple layer coating disposed on the mirror. The multiple layer coating includes a layer of silver (Ag), a layer of silicon dioxide (SiO2) deposited on the layer of Ag, a layer of intrinsic silicon (Si) deposited on the layer of SiO2, and a layer of silicon oxynitride (SiOxNy) deposited on the layer of Si. The concentration of nitrogen is increased and/or decreased to tune the stress (e.g., tensile, none, compressive).
Abstract translation:具有高反射器可调应力涂层的光学装置包括微机电系统(MEMS)平台,设置在MEMS平台上的反射镜和设置在反射镜上的多层涂层。 多层涂层包括沉积在Ag层上的银(Ag)层,二氧化硅层(SiO 2 SiO 2),沉积在SiO 2层上的本征硅(Si)层 以及沉积在Si层上的氮氧化硅层(SiO x x N y Y y)。 氮的浓度增加和/或降低以调节应力(例如,拉伸,无,压缩)。
Abstract:
A thin film made of an amorphous material having a supercooled liquid phase region is formed on a substrate. Then, the thin film is heated to a temperature within the supercooled liquid phase region and is deformed by its weight, mechanical external force, electrostatic external force or the like, thereby to form a thin film-structure. Thereafter, the thin film-structure is cooled down to room temperature, which results in the prevention of the thin film's deformation.
Abstract:
A cavity forming formed in an encapsulation structure under a vacuum in a vacuum chamber is sealed with a capping layer. A stiff protective layer under tensile stress is deposited on the capping layer prior to venting the vacuum chamber to atmospheric pressure. The capping layer is preferably aluminum or an aluminum alloy, and the protective layer is preferably δ-TiN having a suitable high Young's modulus.
Abstract:
A micromechanical structural element, having a very stable diaphragm, implemented in a pure front process and in a layer construction on a substrate. The layer construction includes at least one sacrificial layer and one diaphragm layer above the sacrificial layer, which is structured for laying bare the diaphragm and generating stabilizing elements on the diaphragm, at least one recess being generated for a stabilizing element of the diaphragm. The structure generated in the sacrificial layer is then at least superficially closed with at least one material layer being deposited above the structured sacrificial layer, this material layer forming at least a part of the diaphragm layer and being structured to generate at least one etch hole for etching the sacrificial layer, which is removed from the region under the etch hole, the diaphragm and the at least one stabilizing element being laid bare, a cavity being created under the diaphragm.
Abstract:
A suspended semiconductor film is anchored to a substrate at at least two opposed anchor positions, and film segments are deposited on the semiconductor film adjacent to one or more of the anchor positions to apply either tensile or compressive stress to the semiconductor film between the film segments. A crystalline silicon film may be anchored to the substrate and have tensile stress applied thereto to reduce the lattice mismatch between the silicon and a silicon-germanium layer deposited onto the silicon film. By controlling the level of stress in the silicon film, the size, density and distribution of quantum dots formed in a high germanium content silicon-germanium film deposited on the silicon film can be controlled.
Abstract:
A process is disclosed for forming a microelectromechanical (MEM) structure on a substrate having from 5 to 6 or more layers of deposited and patterned polysilicon. The process is based on determining a radius of curvature of the substrate which is bowed due to accumulated stress in the layers of polysilicon and a sacrificial material used to buildup the MEM structure, and then providing one or more stress-compensation layers on a backside of the substrate to flatten the substrate and allow further processing.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an encapsulated micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) and making of same that includes forming a dielectric layer, patterning an upper surface of the dielectric layer to form a trench, forming a release material within the trench, patterning an upper surface of the release material to form another trench, forming a first encapsulating layer that includes sidewalls within the another trench, forming a core layer within the first encapsulating layer, and forming a second encapsulating layer above the core layer, where the second encapsulating layer is connected to the sidewalls of the first encapsulating layer. Alternatively, the method includes forming a multilayer MEMS structure by photomasking processes to form a first metal layer, a second layer including a dielectric layer and a second metal layer, and a third metal layer. The core layer and the encapsulating layers are made of materials with complementary electrical, mechanical and/or magnetic properties.
Abstract:
A thin film made of an amorphous material having a supercooled liquid phase region is formed on a substrate. Then, the thin film is heated to a temperature within the supercooled liquid phase region and is deformed by its weight, mechanical external force, electrostatic external force or the like, thereby to form a thin film-structure. Thereafter, the thin film-structure is cooled down to room temperature, which results in the prevention of the thin film's deformation.