Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor substrate of a first concentration type is described, which comprises at least a buried insulating cavity, comprising the following steps: forming on the semiconductor substrate a plurality of trenches, forming a surface layer on the semiconductor substrate in order to close superficially the plurality of trenches forming in the meantime at least a buried cavity in correspondence with the surface-distal end of the trenches.
Abstract:
Described is a method for manufacturing a micromechanical sensor element and a micromechanical sensor element manufactured in particular using such a method which has a hollow space or a cavity and a membrane for detecting a physical variable. Different method steps are performed for manufacturing the sensor element, among other things, a structured etch mask having a plurality of holes or apertures being applied on a semiconductor substrate. Moreover, an etch process is used to create depressions in the semiconductor substrate beneath the holes in the structured etch mask. Anodization of the semiconductor material is subsequently carried out, the anodization taking place preferably starting from the created depressions in the semiconductor substrate. Due to this process, porous areas are created beneath the depressions, a lattice-like structure made of untreated, i.e., non-anodized, substrate material remaining between the porous areas and the depressions. This lattice-like structure extends preferably from the surface of the semiconductor into the depth. The etch mask for creating the depressions may be removed, optionally prior to or subsequent to the anodization. A temperature treatment is carried out for creating the hollow space and the membrane in the semiconductor substrate which forms the sensor element. During this process, the hollow space is created from the at least one area that has been rendered porous beneath a depression and the membrane above the hollow space is created from the lattice-like structure by rearranging the semiconductor material.
Abstract:
Described is a method for manufacturing a micromechanical sensor element and a micromechanical sensor element manufactured in particular using such a method which has a hollow space or a cavity and a membrane for detecting a physical variable. Different method steps are performed for manufacturing the sensor element, among other things, a structured etch mask having a plurality of holes or apertures being applied on a semiconductor substrate. Moreover, an etch process is used to create depressions in the semiconductor substrate beneath the holes in the structured etch mask. Anodization of the semiconductor material is subsequently carried out, the anodization taking place preferably starting from the created depressions in the semiconductor substrate. Due to this process, porous areas are created beneath the depressions, a lattice-like structure made of untreated, i.e., non-anodized, substrate material remaining between the porous areas and the depressions. This lattice-like structure extends preferably from the surface of the semiconductor into the depth. The etch mask for creating the depressions may be removed, optionally prior to or subsequent to the anodization. A temperature treatment is carried out for creating the hollow space and the membrane in the semiconductor substrate which forms the sensor element. During this process, the hollow space is created from the at least one area that has been rendered porous beneath a depression and the membrane above the hollow space is created from the lattice-like structure by rearranging the semiconductor material.
Abstract:
The structure of a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) thermal sensor and a method of fabricating the MEMS thermal sensor are disclosed. A method of fabricating a MEMS thermal sensor includes forming first and second sensing electrodes with first and second electrode fingers, respectively, on a substrate and forming a patterned layer with a rectangular cross-section between a pair of the first electrode fingers. The first and second electrode fingers are formed in an interdigitated configuration and suspended above the substrate. The method further includes modifying the patterned layer to have a curved cross-section between the pair of the first electrode fingers, forming a curved sensing element on the modified patterned layer to couple to the pair of the first electrodes, and removing the modified patterned layer.
Abstract:
A method for making an integrated micro-electromechanical device includes forming a first body of semiconductor material having a first face and a second face opposite the first face. The first body includes a buried cavity forming a diaphragm delimited between the buried cavity and the first face. The diaphragm is monolithic with the first body. The method further includes forming at least one first magnetic via extending between the second face and the buried cavity of the first body, forming a first magnetic region extending over the first face of the first body, and forming a first coil extending over the second face of the first body and being magnetically coupled to the first magnetic via.
Abstract:
A process for manufacturing a MEMS pressure sensor having a micromechanical structure envisages: providing a wafer having a substrate of semiconductor material and a top surface; forming a buried cavity entirely contained within the substrate and separated from the top surface by a membrane suspended above the buried cavity; forming a fluidic-communication access for fluidic communication of the membrane with an external environment, set at a pressure the value of which has to be determined; forming, suspended above the membrane, a plate region made of conductive material, separated from the membrane by an empty space; and forming electrical-contact elements for electrical connection of the membrane and of the plate region, which are designed to form the plates of a sensing capacitor, the value of capacitance of which is indicative of the value of pressure to be detected. A corresponding MEMS pressure sensor having the micromechanical structure is moreover described.
Abstract:
A micro-electro-mechanical device formed in a monolithic body of semiconductor material accommodating a first buried cavity; a sensitive region above the first buried cavity; and a second buried cavity extending in the sensitive region. A decoupling trench extends from a first face of the monolithic body as far as the first buried cavity and laterally surrounds the second buried cavity. The decoupling trench separates the sensitive region from a peripheral portion of the monolithic body.
Abstract:
An integrated micro-electromechanical device includes a first body of semiconductor material having a first face and a second face opposite the first surface, with the first body including a buried cavity forming a diaphragm delimited between the buried cavity and the first face. The diaphragm is monolithic with the first body. At least one first magnetic via extends between the second face and the buried cavity of the first body. A first magnetic region extends over the first face of the first body. A first coil extends over the second face of the first body and is magnetically coupled to the first magnetic via.
Abstract:
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a method of forming a semiconductor device includes forming a first cavity within a substrate. The first cavity is disposed under a portion of the substrate. The method further includes forming a first pillar within the first cavity to support the portion of the substrate.