Patent ID: 8262916
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: B81C,C25D

Abstract:
1. In a method for fabricating a multi-layer three-dimensional structure, comprising: (a) forming a first layer on a substrate comprising deposition of at least one sacrificial material and deposition of at least one structural material wherein the deposited sacrificial material and the deposited structural material are planarized to have a common height to set a boundary level for the first layer; (b) forming additional layers adjacent to and adhered to previously formed layers, wherein the formation of each additional layer comprises deposition of at least one sacrificial material and deposition of at least one structural material and wherein the sacrificial material and the structural material for each additional layer are planarized to have a common height to set a boundary level for each additional layer; and (c) after formation of the additional layers, etching at least one sacrificial material from a plurality of layers to release the three-dimensional structure from the sacrificial material, the improvement comprising: a. forming the structure to comprise an elongated passage having structural material forming a bottom, sidewalls and an elongated upper access region defined by at least one opening through the structural material, and then b. during formation of at least one of additional layer depositing a structural material to seal the access region.