Diffusion barrier layer for MEMS devices
First Claim
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1. A MEMS device, comprising a deformable mechanical membrane supported by a plurality of posts, wherein the membrane includes:
- a first deformable metallic layer;
a second deformable metallic layer; and
a diffusion barrier layer positioned between the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer, wherein;
the diffusion barrier layer is adapted to substantially inhibit any portion of the first metallic layer from mixing with any portion of the second metallic layer, andthe diffusion barrier layer comprises an oxide, a nitride, a carbide, alumino silicate, TiB2, titanium, tungsten, titanium-tungsten alloy, silicon, or tantalum.
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Abstract
Described herein is the use of a diffusion barrier layer between metallic layers in MEMS devices. The diffusion barrier layer prevents mixing of the two metals, which can alter desired physical characteristics and complicate processing. In one example, the diffusion barrier layer may be used as part of a movable reflective structure in interferometric modulators.
558 Citations
29 Claims
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1. A MEMS device, comprising a deformable mechanical membrane supported by a plurality of posts, wherein the membrane includes:
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a first deformable metallic layer; a second deformable metallic layer; and a diffusion barrier layer positioned between the first metallic layer and the second metallic layer, wherein; the diffusion barrier layer is adapted to substantially inhibit any portion of the first metallic layer from mixing with any portion of the second metallic layer, and the diffusion barrier layer comprises an oxide, a nitride, a carbide, alumino silicate, TiB2, titanium, tungsten, titanium-tungsten alloy, silicon, or tantalum. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. An interferometric modulator, comprising a deformable reflective layer supported by a plurality of posts that includes:
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a deformable mirror; a deformable mechanical layer adjacent to the deformable mirror, the mechanical layer adapted to provide mechanical support for the mirror; and a diffusion barrier layer between the mirror and the mechanical layer, wherein; the diffusion barrier layer is adapted to substantially inhibit any portion of the first metallic layer from mixing with any portion of the second metallic layer, and the diffusion barrier layer comprises an oxide, a nitride, a carbide, alumino silicate, TiB2, titanium, tungsten, titanium-tungsten alloy, silicon, or tantalum. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29)
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Specification