Patent · US Expired

Integrated method for release and passivation of MEMS structures

US6830950B2 · kind B2 · utility

12Cited by
17References
38Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 20, 2002
Grant dateDec 14, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 20, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
  • CPC primaryB82Y30/00
  • WIPO fieldMicro-structural and nano-technology
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a method of improving the adhesion of a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer (SAM) coating to a surface of a MEMS structure, for the purpose of preventing stiction. The method comprises pretreating surfaces of the MEMS structure with a plasma generated from a source gas comprising oxygen and, optionally, hydrogen. The treatment oxidizes the surfaces, which are then reacted with hydrogen to form bonded OH groups on the surfaces. The hydrogen source may be present as part of the plasma source gas, so that the bonded OH groups are created during treatment of the surfaces with the plasma. Also disclosed herein is an integrated method for release and passivation of MEMS structures.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.