Abstract:
This describes a starting structure and method for forming a micro-mechanical device. These devices have several uses in both government and commercial applications. The starting structure can be sold or supplied to others who will then make a final product, or it can be used directly to make a final product. An appropriate use of this starting structure is to make deformable devices useful in an inkjet printing device.
Abstract:
Provided is a method of fabricating a printhead integrated circuit (IC). The method includes the step of depositing metal layers interspersed with interlayer dielectric (ILD) layers onto a silicon wafer substrate. A passivation layer is deposited onto an outermost metal layer and at least a portion of the passivation layer is masked with a photoresist. A pit is etched into the silicon wafer substrate, said pit having a base and sidewalls. Etching is carried out along an edge of the substrate to expose the last metal layer to define bonding pads for operatively connecting a microprocessor. A step of etching portions adjacent the pit to expose the outermost metal layer to define electrode portions. The electrode portions are for supporting a heater element to be suspended in the pit.
Abstract:
A microfluidic system comprising an integrated circuit having a bonding surface bonded to a polymeric microfluidics platform. The microfluidic system comprises one or more microfluidics devices controlled by control circuitry in the integrated circuit. At least one of the microfluidic devices comprises a MEMS actuator positioned in a MEMS layer of the integrated circuit. The MEMS layer is covered with a polymeric layer which defines the bonding surface of the integrated circuit.
Abstract:
A method of forming an ink supply channel for an inkjet printhead comprises the steps of: (i) providing a wafer having a frontside and a backside; (ii) etching a plurality of frontside trenches into the frontside; (iii) filling each of the trenches with a photoresist plug; (iv) forming nozzle structures on the frontside using MEMS fabrication processes; (v) etching a backside trench from the backside, the backside trench meeting with one or more of the plugs; (vi) removing a portion of each photoresist plug via the backside trench by subjecting the backside to a biased oxygen plasma etch, thereby exposing sidewall features in the backside trench; (vii) modifying the exposed sidewall features; and (viii) removing the photoresist plugs to form the ink supply channel. The ink supply channel connects the backside to the frontside.
Abstract:
A process for facilitating modification of an etched trench is provided. The process comprises: (a) providing a wafer comprising an etched trench, the trench having a photoresist plug at its base; and (b) removing a portion of the photoresist by subjecting the wafer to a biased oxygen plasma etch. The process is particularly suitable for preparing a trench for subsequent argon ion milling. Printhead integrated circuits fabricated by a process according to the invention have improved ink channel surface profiles and/or surface properties.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating an inkjet printhead. The method includes the steps of: (a) forming a plurality of MEMS ink ejection assemblies on an ink-ejection surface of a silicon substrate, each ink ejection assembly being sealed with roof material spanning across the ink ejection assemblies to define a nozzle plate; (b) etching partially into the roof material to form simultaneously a respective nozzle rim for each ink ejection assembly and a plurality of projections patterned across the nozzle plate between nozzle rims; and (c) etching through the roof material to form a respective nozzle aperture for each ink ejection assembly. The projections patterned across the nozzle plate between nozzle rims are useful for reducing stiction between particulates and the nozzle plate.
Abstract:
A thermal bend actuator, having a plurality of elements, is provided. The actuator comprises a first active element for connection to drive circuitry a second passive element mechanically cooperating with the first element. When a current is passed through the first element, the first element expands relative to the second element, resulting in bending of the actuator. The second element is comprised of a material having negative thermal expansion.
Abstract:
A process for facilitating modification of an etched trench is provided. The process comprises: (a) providing a wafer comprising an etched trench, the trench having a photoresist plug at its base; and (b) removing a portion of the photoresist by subjecting the wafer to a biased oxygen plasma etch. The process is particularly suitable for preparing a trench for subsequent argon ion milling. Printhead integrated circuits fabricated by a process according to the invention have improved ink channel surface profiles and/or surface properties.
Abstract:
A method of separating MEMS devices from a structure having a substrate, a sacrificial layer positioned on a front side of the substrate and a plurality of MEMS devices embedded in the sacrificial layer includes the step of securing a front handle wafer to the sacrificial layer. The substrate is etched from a back side to the sacrificial layer to define individual MEMS integrated circuits held together with the sacrificial layer. The front handle wafer is removed and the sacrificial layer is etched away to release the MEMS integrated circuits.
Abstract:
A thermal bend actuator (6) is provided with a group of upper arms (23, 25, 26) and a group of lower arms (27, 28) which are non planar, so increasing the stiffness of the arms. The arms (23, 25, 26,27,28) may be spaced transversely of each other and do not overly each other in plan view, so enabling all arms to be formed by depositing a single layer of arm forming material