Abstract:
The present invention provides merged-mask processes for fabricating micromachined devices in general and mirrored assemblies for use in optical scanning devices in particular. A method of fabricating a three dimensional structure, comprising, providing a substrate, applying a layer of a first masking material onto the substrate, applying a layer of a second masking material onto the layer of the first masking material, patterning the layer of the second masking material, applying a layer of a third masking material onto the portions not covered by the patterned layer of the second masking material, the layer of the third masking material is at least as thick as the combined thickness of the layers of the first and second masking materials, patterning the layers of the first and third masking materials, etching the exposed portions of the substrate, etching the exposed portions of the layers of the first and third masking materials and etching the exposed portions of the substrate.
Abstract:
A controlled method of releasing a microstructure comprising a silicon oxide layer located between a substrate layer and a layer to be released from the silicon oxide layer is described. The method comprises the step of exposing the silicon oxide layer to a hydrogen fluoride vapour in a process chamber having controlled temperature and pressure conditions. A by- product of this reaction is water which also acts as a catalyst for the etching process. It is controlled employment of this inherent water source that results in a condensed fluid layer forming, and hence etching taking place, only on the exposed surfaces of the oxide layer. The described method therefore reduces the risk of the effects of capillary induced stiction within the etched microstructure and/or corrosion within the microstructure and the process chamber itself.
Abstract:
The present invention provides merged-mask processes for fabricating micromachined devices in general and mirrored assemblies for use in optical scanning devices in particular. A method of fabricating a three dimensional structure, comprising, providing a substrate, applying a layer of a first masking material onto the substrate, applying a layer of a second masking material onto the layer of the first masking material, patterning the layer of the second masking material, applying a layer of a third masking material onto the portions not covered by the patterned layer of the second masking material, the layer of the third masking material is at least as thick as the combined thickness of the layers of the first and second masking materials, patterning the layers of the first and third masking materials, etching the exposed portions of the substrate, etching the exposed portions of the layers of the first and third masking materials and etching the exposed portions of the substrate.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for suspending and strain isolating a structure is provided, the apparatus having a first elongated flexure having first and second ends structured for connection to a support structure, and a second elongated flexure having first and second ends structured for connection to a structure to be isolated from the support structure. A portion of the second flexure intermediate the first and second ends thereof is interconnected to a portion of the first flexure intermediate the first and second ends thereof. The strain relief structure may be used in an accelerometer. The structure may have a H or X form, where the legs represent the elongated flexures.
Abstract:
The present invention provides merged-mask processes for fabricating micro-machined devices in general and mirrored assemblies for use in optical scanning devices in particular. The process includes (a) providing a substrate having a predetermined thickness; (b) applying a first masking layer on a first portion of the substrate and a second masking layer on a second portion of the substrate, said second masking layer being at least as thick as the first masking layer; (c) etching a portion of the second masking layer to provide a first exposed portion of the substrate; (d) etching the first exposed portion of the substrate to a first depth; (e) etching the second masking layer to provide a second exposed portion of the substrate; and (f) etching simultaneously the first exposed portion of the substrate to a second depth and the second exposed portion of the substrate to a first depth. The process further comprises patterning the first masking layer before applying the second masking layer to provide the second portion of the substrate for etching and etching the first masking layer to expose the second portion of the substrate. The first and second masking layers are applied prior to etching the substrate.
Abstract:
The present invention provides merged-mask processes for fabricating micro-machined devices in general and mirrored assemblies for use in optical scanning devices in particular. The process includes (a) providing a substrate having a predetermined thickness; (b) applying a first masking layer on a first portion of the substrate and a second masking layer on a second portion of the substrate, said second masking layer being at least as thick as the first masking layer; (c) etching a portion of the second masking layer to provide a first exposed portion of the substrate; (d) etching the first exposed portion of the substrate to a first depth; (e) etching the second masking layer to provide a second exposed portion of the substrate; and (f) etching simultaneously the first exposed portion of the substrate to a second depth and the second exposed portion of the substrate to a first depth. The process further comprises patterning the first masking layer before applying the second masking layer to provide the second portion of the substrate for etching and etching the first masking layer to expose the second portion of the substrate. The first and second masking layers are applied prior to etching the substrate.
Abstract:
The plasma-assisted method of precise alignment and pre-bonding for microstructure of glass and quartz microchip belongs to micromachining and bonding technologies of the microchip. The steps of which are as follows: photoresist and chromium layers on glass or quartz microchip are completely removed followed by sufficient cleaning of the surface with nonionic surfactant and quantities of ultra-pure water. Then the surface treatment is proceeded for an equipping surface with high hydrophily with the usage of plasma cleaning device. Under the drying condition, the precise alignment is accomplished through moving substrate and cover plate after being washed with the help of microscope observation. Further on, to achieve precise alignment and pre-bonding of the microstructure of glass and quartz microchip, a minute quantity of ultrapure water is instilled into a limbic crevice for adhesion, and entire water is completely wiped out by vacuum drying following sufficient squeezing. Based on the steps above, it is available to achieve permanent bonding by further adopting thermal bonding method. In summary, it takes within 30 min to finish the whole operation of precise alignment and pre-bonding by this method. Besides, this method is of great promise because of its speediness, efficiency, easy maneuverability, operational safety and wide applications.
Abstract:
Systems and methods that protect CMOS layers from exposure to a release chemical are provided. The release chemical is utilized to release a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) device integrated with the CMOS wafer. Sidewalls of passivation openings created in a complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) wafer expose a dielectric layer of the CMOS wafer that can be damaged on contact with the release chemical. In one aspect, to protect the CMOS wafer and prevent exposure of the dielectric layer, the sidewalls of the passivation openings can be covered with a metal barrier layer that is resistant to the release chemical. Additionally or optionally, an insulating barrier layer can be deposited on the surface of the CMOS wafer to protect a passivation layer from exposure to the release chemical.