Abstract:
Mixing, modulation and demodulation using the nonlinear properties of microelectromechanical resonators and filters are described. Mixing followed by filtering is implemented using microelectromechanical filters with nonlinear input transducers. AM modulation is implemented by passing a carrier signal through the output transducer of a microelectromechanical filter. FM and FSK demodulation is accomplished using parallel banks of microelectromechanical filters. The invention can be implemented using integrated circuit technology.
Abstract:
In fabricating a microelectromechanical structure (MEMS), a method of forming a narrow gap in the MEMS includes a) depositing a layer of sacrificial material on the surface of a supporting substrate, b) photoresist masking and at least partially etching the sacrificial material to form at least one blade of sacrificial material, c) depositing a structural layer over the sacrificial layer, and d) removing the sacrificial layer including the blade of the sacrificial material with a narrow gap remaining in the structural layer where the blade of sacrificial material was removed.
Abstract:
According to one aspect, the disclosure is directed to an example embodiment in which a circuit-based arrangement includes a circuit-based substrate securing a channel, with an effective width that is not limited by the Debye screening length, along a surface of the substrate. A pair of reservoirs are included in or on the substrate and configured for containing and presenting a sample having bio-molecules for delivery in the channel. A pair of electrodes electrically couple a charge in the sample to enhance ionic current flow therein (e.g., to overcome the electrolyte screening), and a sense electrode is located along the channel for sensing a characteristic of the biological sample by using the electrostatic interaction between the enhanced ionic current flow of the sample and the sense electrode. Actual detection occurs by using a charge-signal processing circuit to process the sensed charge signal and, therefrom, provide an output indicative of a signature for the bio-molecules delivered in the channel.
Abstract:
A method of fabricating a micromachine includes the step of constructing a low surface energy film on the micromachine. The micromachine is then rinsed with a rinse liquid that has a high surface energy, relative to the low surface energy film, to produce a contact angle of greater than 90.degree. between the low surface energy film and the rinse liquid. This relatively large contact angle causes any rinse liquid on the micromachine to be displaced from the micromachine when the micromachine is removed from the rinse liquid. In other words, the micromachine is dried by dewetting from a liquid-based process. Thus, a separate evaporative drying step is not required, as the micromachine is removed from the liquid-based process in a dry state. The relatively large contact angle also operates to prevent attractive capillary forces between micromachine components, thereby preventing contact and adhesion between adjacent microstructure surfaces. The low surface energy film may be constructed with a fluorinated self-assembled monolayer film. The processing of the invention avoids the use of environmentally harmful, health-hazardous chemicals.
Abstract:
A micromachined force sensor containing separate sensing and actuator structures. A member is suspended above the substrate so that it is movable along an axis in response to a force. The member includes a set of parallel sense fingers and a separate set of parallel force fingers. The sense fingers are positioned between fingers of two sense plates, to form a first differential capacitor, whose capacitance changes when the member moves in response to a force along the axis. The change in capacitance induces a sense signal on the member, which permits the measurement of the magnitude and duration of the force. The force fingers are positioned between fingers of two actuator plates, to form a second differential capacitor. The sense signal can be used to provide feedback to the second differential capacitor to generate different electrostatic forces between the force fingers and the two actuator plates, to offset the force applied along the preferred axis. Limit stops limit the movement of the member to less than the distance between the electrodes of the differential capacitors, to prevent contact between the electrodes. Additional fingers be positioned around the differential capacitors to minimize parasitic capacitances.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing a conductive plane beneath a suspended microstructure. A conductive region is diffused into a substrate. A dielectric layer is added, covering the substrate, and then removed from a portion of the conductive region. A spacer layer is deposited over the dielectric and exposed conductive region. A polysilicon layer is deposited over the spacer layer, and formed into the shape of the suspended microstructure. After removal of the spacer layer, the suspended microstructure is left free to move above an exposed conductive plane. The conductive plane is driven to the same potential as the microstructure.
Abstract:
An electro-mechanical micromachined structure uses bumpers to prevent contact between structures at different potentials. A beam is connected to one or more anchors by flexible suspensions, which permit the beam to move along a predetermined axis relative to one or more plates. The suspension includes at least one bumper positioned so that the bumper will contact another part of the suspension before the beam contacts the plates. The bumper is made from the same material as the suspension, during the same processing step. The bumper is positioned to take advantage of shrinkage or expansion of the beam during processing which forces the bumper closer to its contact point then would otherwise be possible.
Abstract:
An electrostatically driven microactuator is micromachined in a monolithic process. Sacrificial layers are placed between a moving element and stator structural layers. Removal of the sacrificial layers leaves a free standing moving element and micron wide air gaps within a stator. An electric field of about 100 Mv/m and higher is supported across the micron wide gap without breakdown and enables high energy torque densities to be produced between the stator and the moving element. One electrostatic drive scheme involves a series of stator electrodes attached to the stator and a series of electrodes attached to the moving element charged in sequence to attract each other in a direction of movement and to oppose each other in a direction normal to movement. A bearing is aligned with the moving element with the stator during the layering of a sacrificial layer over an edge of the moving element structural layer. The bearing and stator laterally stabilize the moving element. Vertical stability is through aerodynamic shaping of the moving element, electronic circuits, or bushings. Applications of the microactuator include a linearly sliding shutter, an optical modulator, a gyroscope and an air pump.