Abstract:
A pressure sensor die assembly comprises a base substrate having a first surface, a stop structure on the first surface, and a diaphragm structure coupled to the first surface. The diaphragm structure comprises a first side with a cavity section including a first cavity and a second cavity surrounding the first cavity; a pressure sensing diaphragm portion having a first thickness and defined by the first cavity; and an over pressure diaphragm portion having a second thickness and defined by the second cavity, the second thickness greater than the first thickness. When an over pressure is applied, at least some area of the pressure sensing diaphragm portion is deflected and supported by the stop structure. As over pressure is increased, the over pressure diaphragm portion deflects and engages with the first surface such that additional area of the pressure sensing diaphragm portion is deflected and supported by the stop structure.
Abstract:
A process for fabricating a suspended microelectromechanical system (MEMS) structure comprising epitaxial semiconductor functional layers that are partially or completely suspended over a substrate. A sacrificial release layer and a functional device layer are formed on a substrate. The functional device layer is etched to form windows in the functional device layer defining an outline of a suspended MEMS device to be formed from the functional device layer. The sacrificial release layer is then etched with a selective release etchant to remove the sacrificial release layer underneath the functional layer in the area defined by the windows to form the suspended MEMS structure.
Abstract:
A method is provided for manufacturing a micromechanical component including a substrate and a cap connected to the substrate and together with the substrate enclosing a first cavity, a first pressure prevailing and a first gas mixture with a first chemical composition being enclosed in the first cavity. An access opening, connecting the first cavity to surroundings of the micromechanical component, is formed in the substrate or in the cap. The first pressure and/or the first chemical composition are adjusted in the first cavity. The access opening is sealed by introducing energy and heat into an absorbing part of the substrate or the cap with the aid of a laser. A recess is formed in a surface of the substrate or of the cap facing away from the first cavity in the area of the access opening for reducing local stresses occurring at a sealed access opening.
Abstract:
A process for fabricating a suspended microelectromechanical system (MEMS) structure comprising epitaxial semiconductor functional layers that are partially or completely suspended over a substrate. A sacrificial release layer and a functional device layer are formed on a substrate. The functional device layer is etched to form windows in the functional device layer defining an outline of a suspended MEMS device to be formed from the functional device layer. The sacrificial release layer is then etched with a selective release etchant to remove the sacrificial release layer underneath the functional layer in the area defined by the windows to form the suspended MEMS structure.
Abstract:
A method of forming a memory device that in one embodiment may include forming a magnetic tunnel junction on a first electrode using an electrically conductive mask and subtractive etch method. Following formation of the magnetic tunnel junction, at least one dielectric layer is deposited to encapsulate the magnetic tunnel junction. Ion beam etching/Ion beam milling may then remove the portion of the at least one dielectric layer that is present on the electrically conductive mask, wherein a remaining portion of the at least one dielectric layer is present over the first electrode. A second electrode may then be formed in contact with the electrically conductive mask.
Abstract:
A method for forming a feature in a device layer, including forming a first layer of a liftoff material and a second layer of photoresist over the liftoff material, exposing the photoresist and developing the photoresist and the liftoff layer. The photoresist develops at a slower rate than the liftoff layer. The development results in a first opening in the lift off layer and a second opening in the photoresist layer wherein the first opening is smaller than the second opening because of the different developing rates. The device layer is then dry etched or ion milled through the opening. Subsequent removal of the first layer and second layer leaves a clean surface of the patterned device layer, without the fences that can be formed using other methods.
Abstract:
A microfabrication apparatus for fabricating a microstructure on a substrate is disclosed and comprises a partitioning system arranged to provide an aperture, a particle source that can generate a beam of particles for patterning the substrate and a substrate holder which supports the substrate. Relative motion is effected between the aperture and the substrate over a portion of the substrate's surface so that different points on the surface portion are exposed at different times. Whilst that motion is ongoing, one or more exposure conditions are varied so that the different points are subject to different exposure conditions. Corresponding microfabrication processes and products obtained thereby are also disclosed.
Abstract:
A method of forming a memory device that in one embodiment may include forming a magnetic tunnel junction on a first electrode using an electrically conductive mask and subtractive etch method. Following formation of the magnetic tunnel junction, at least one dielectric layer is deposited to encapsulate the magnetic tunnel junction. Ion beam etching/Ion beam milling may then remove the portion of the at least one dielectric layer that is present on the electrically conductive mask, wherein a remaining portion of the at least one dielectric layer is present over the first electrode. A second electrode may then be formed in contact with the electrically conductive mask.
Abstract:
The invention is directed to a patterned aerogel-based layer that serves as a mold for at least part of a microelectromechanical feature. The density of an aerogel is less than that of typical materials used in MEMS fabrication, such as poly-silicon, silicon oxide, single-crystal silicon, metals, metal alloys, and the like. Therefore, one may form structural features in an aerogel-based layer at rates significantly higher than the rates at which structural features can be formed in denser materials. The invention further includes a method of patterning an aerogel-based layer to produce such an aerogel-based mold. The invention further includes a method of fabricating a microelectromechanical feature using an aerogel-based mold. This method includes depositing a dense material layer directly onto the outline of at least part of a microelectromechanical feature that has been formed in the aerogel-based layer.
Abstract:
Systems and methods for preparing freestanding films using laser-assisted chemical etch (LACE), and freestanding films formed using same, are provided. In accordance with one aspect a substrate has a surface and a portion defining an isotropically defined cavity; and a substantially continuous film is disposed at the substrate surface and spans the isotropically defined cavity. In accordance with another aspect, a substrate has a surface and a portion defining an isotropically defined cavity; and a film is disposed at the substrate surface and spans the isotropically defined cavity, the film including at least one of hafnium oxide (HfO2), diamond-like carbon, graphene, and silicon carbide (SiC) of a predetermined phase. In accordance with still another aspect, a substrate has a surface and a portion defining an isotropically defined cavity; and a multi-layer film is disposed at the substrate surface and spans the isotropically defined cavity.