Patent ID: 6500348
Filing Date: 2002-12-31
Classification: B81C,G01P

Abstract:
A process of forming, a microelectromechanical device by deep reactive ion etching a semiconductor layer, the semiconductor layer having a first portion that surrounds a second portion suspended over a cavity, the deep reactive ion etching being conducted to form trenches in the semiconductor layer that breach the cavity to delineate first and second structures from the second portion of the semiconductor layer, the trenches physically separating the second structure from the first portion of the semiconductor layer while the first structure physically contacts the first portion of the semiconductor layer, the process comprising the steps of:providing conductive means that electrically and thermally interconnects the first and second portions of the semiconductor layer; deep reactive ion etching the semiconductor layer to form the trenches that delineate the first and second structures, during which heat and charge accumulation on the second structure relative to the first structure is minimized as a result of the conductive means maintaining the first and second portions of the semiconductor layer at a substantially common potential and as a result of the conductive means conducting heat from the second portion to the first portion of the semiconductor layer; and then interrupting the conductive means to prevent thermal and electrical conduction through the conductive means between the first and second portions of the semiconductor layer.