Abstract:
A microfluidic-based sensor, comprising: a semiconductor body, having a first and a second side opposite to one another in a direction; a buried channel, extending within the semiconductor body; a structural layer, of dielectric or insulating material, formed over the first side of the semiconductor body at least partially suspended above the buried channel; and a first thermocouple element, including a first strip, of a first electrical conductive material, and a second strip, of a second electrical conductive material different from the first electrical conductive material, electrically coupled to the first strip. The first thermocouple element is buried in the structural layer and partially extends over the buried channel at a first location. A corresponding manufacturing method is disclosed.
Abstract:
An integrated magnetoresistive sensor, formed in a chip including a substrate having a surface and an insulating region covering the surface of the substrate. A magnetoresistor, of a first ferromagnetic material, is formed in the insulating region and has a sensitivity plane parallel to the surface. A concentrator of a second ferromagnetic material is formed in the substrate and has at least one arm extending in a transverse direction to the sensitivity plane. The arm has one end in contact with the magnetoresistor.
Abstract:
Embodiments disclose herein are directed to a microfluidic delivery device that has a predominantly semiconductor structure, such as silicon. In particular, the structure for delivering fluid may be formed from polycrystalline silicon, also called polysilicon, or epitaxial silicon. The microfluidic delivery device that predominantly uses silicon based materials to form the structures that are in contact with the dispensed fluid results in a device that is compatible with a wide set of fluids and applications.
Abstract:
A nozzle plate for a fluid-ejection device, comprising: a first substrate made of semiconductor material, having a first side and a second side; a structural layer extending on the first side of the first substrate, the structural layer having a first side and a second side, the second side of the structural layer facing the first side of the first substrate; at least one first through hole, having an inner surface, extending through the structural layer, the first through hole having an inlet section corresponding to the first side of the structural layer and an outlet section corresponding to the second side of the structural layer; a narrowing element adjacent to the surface of the first through hole, and including a tapered portion such that the inlet section of the first through hole has an area larger than a respective area of the outlet section of the first through hole.
Abstract:
A MEMS piezoelectric device includes a monolithic semiconductor body having first and second main surfaces extending parallel to a horizontal plane formed by first and second horizontal axes. A housing cavity is arranged within the monolithic semiconductor body. A membrane is suspended above the housing cavity at the first main surface. A piezoelectric material layer is arranged above a first surface of the membrane with a proof mass coupled to a second surface, opposite to the first surface, along the vertical axis. An electrode arrangement is provided in contact with the piezoelectric material layer. The proof mass causes deformation of the piezoelectric material layer in response to environmental mechanical vibrations. The proof mass is coupled to the membrane by a connection element arranged, in a central position, between the membrane and the proof mass in the direction of the vertical axis.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a device for ejecting a fluid, including producing a nozzle plate including: forming a first nozzle cavity, having a first diameter, in a first semiconductor body; forming a hydrophilic layer at least in part in the first nozzle cavity; forming a structural layer on the hydrophilic layer; etching the structural layer to form a second nozzle cavity aligned to the first nozzle cavity in a fluid-ejection direction and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter; proceeding with etching of the structural layer for removing portions thereof in the first nozzle cavity, to reach the hydrophilic layer and arranged in fluid communication the first and second nozzle cavities; and coupling the nozzle plate with a chamber for containing the fluid.
Abstract:
Methods for manufacturing a microfluidic delivery device comprising a semiconductor structure, such as silicon, are provided. In particular, the structure for delivering fluid may be formed from polycrystalline silicon, also called polysilicon, or epitaxial silicon. The microfluidic delivery device that predominantly uses semiconductor material, such as silicon, to form the structures that are in contact with the dispensed fluid results in a device that is compatible with a wide set of fluids and applications.
Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a device for ejecting a fluid, including producing a nozzle plate including: forming a first nozzle cavity, having a first diameter, in a first semiconductor body; forming a hydrophilic layer at least in part in the first nozzle cavity; forming a structural layer on the hydrophilic layer; etching the structural layer to form a second nozzle cavity aligned to the first nozzle cavity in a fluid-ejection direction and having a second diameter larger than the first diameter; proceeding with etching of the structural layer for removing portions thereof in the first nozzle cavity, to reach the hydrophilic layer and arranged in fluid communication the first and second nozzle cavities; and coupling the nozzle plate with a chamber for containing the fluid.
Abstract:
A MEMS piezoelectric device includes a monolithic semiconductor body having first and second main surfaces extending parallel to a horizontal plane formed by first and second horizontal axes. A housing cavity is arranged within the monolithic semiconductor body. A membrane is suspended above the housing cavity at the first main surface. A piezoelectric material layer is arranged above a first surface of the membrane with a proof mass coupled to a second surface, opposite to the first surface, along the vertical axis. An electrode arrangement is provided in contact with the piezoelectric material layer. The proof mass causes deformation of the piezoelectric material layer in response to environmental mechanical vibrations. The proof mass is coupled to the membrane by a connection element arranged, in a central position, between the membrane and the proof mass in the direction of the vertical axis.
Abstract:
A nozzle plate for a fluid-ejection device, comprising: a first substrate made of semiconductor material, having a first side and a second side; a structural layer extending on the first side of the first substrate, the structural layer having a first side and a second side, the second side of the structural layer facing the first side of the first substrate; at least one first through hole, having an inner surface, extending through the structural layer, the first through hole having an inlet section corresponding to the first side of the structural layer and an outlet section corresponding to the second side of the structural layer; a narrowing element adjacent to the surface of the first through hole, and including a tapered portion such that the inlet section of the first through hole has an area larger than a respective area of the outlet section of the first through hole.