MEMS method and structure
First Claim
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1. A microelectromechanical structure comprising:
- a moveable mass separated from a support region by an opening, the moveable mass being moveable relative to the support region, the opening extending through the moveable mass from a first surface of the moveable mass to an opposing second surface of the moveable mass, the opening exposing a sidewall of the moveable mass and a sidewall of the support region;
a first support film extending along and contacting the first surface of the moveable mass, the first support film having a first edge aligned with the sidewall of the moveable mass and having a second edge opposite the first edge, wherein the second edge intersects the first surface of the moveable mass, the first surface of the moveable mass being perpendicular to the sidewall of the moveable mass, wherein the first support film covers a first portion of the first surface of the moveable mass while exposing a second portion of the first surface of the moveable mass; and
a second support film located on the support region, the second support film having a second edge aligned with the sidewall of the support region, wherein the first support film and the second support film comprise a same material.
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Abstract
MEMS structures and methods utilizing a locker film are provided. In an embodiment a locker film is utilized to hold and support a moveable mass region during the release of the moveable mass region from a surrounding substrate. By providing additional support during the release of the moveable mass, the locker film can reduce the amount of undesired movement that can occur during the release of the moveable mass, and preventing undesired etching of the sidewalls of the moveable mass.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A microelectromechanical structure comprising:
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a moveable mass separated from a support region by an opening, the moveable mass being moveable relative to the support region, the opening extending through the moveable mass from a first surface of the moveable mass to an opposing second surface of the moveable mass, the opening exposing a sidewall of the moveable mass and a sidewall of the support region; a first support film extending along and contacting the first surface of the moveable mass, the first support film having a first edge aligned with the sidewall of the moveable mass and having a second edge opposite the first edge, wherein the second edge intersects the first surface of the moveable mass, the first surface of the moveable mass being perpendicular to the sidewall of the moveable mass, wherein the first support film covers a first portion of the first surface of the moveable mass while exposing a second portion of the first surface of the moveable mass; and a second support film located on the support region, the second support film having a second edge aligned with the sidewall of the support region, wherein the first support film and the second support film comprise a same material. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 20)
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6. A microelectromechanical structure comprising:
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a moveable mass region; a support region; a support substrate bonded to the support region; and a locking material comprising; a first portion in physical contact with a first surface of the moveable mass region, wherein a portion of the first surface of the moveable mass region is uncovered by the locking material, wherein the first portion is located between the moveable mass region and the support substrate; a second portion in physical contact with a first surface of the support region, wherein a portion of the first surface of the support region is uncovered by the locking material; and an opening between the first portion and the second portion, the opening allowing the moveable mass region to move relative to the support region. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A microelectromechanical device comprising:
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a locking material; a first opening through the locking material, wherein the first opening has a first sidewall and a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall; a moveable mass with a third sidewall aligned with the second sidewall, wherein the moveable mass has a planar surface contacting the locking material, the planar surface having a first portion and a second portion, wherein the locking material exposes the first portion of the planar surface while covering the second portion of the planar surface; a support mass with a fourth sidewall aligned with the first sidewall; and a substrate bonded to and electrically connected to the support mass, wherein the locking material is disposed between the substrate and the moveable mass. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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Specification