Patent ID: 6922272
Filing Date: 2005-07-26
Classification: B81B,B81C,G02B

Abstract:
1. A method of operational athermalization of a MEMS device over a temperature range, the MEMS device comprising a first member coupled to a second member, the first member having a first aggregate thermal coefficient of expansion represented by a first value and a second member having a second aggregate thermal coefficient of expansion represented by a second value, the method comprising a step of reducing a difference between the first value and the second value, wherein the step of reducing a difference between the first value and the second value comprises a step of altering the first value to a third value, wherein the step of altering the first thermal coefficient of expansion from the first value to the third value comprises a step of adding an athermalization layer to the first member during a fabrication process, wherein the athermalization layer comprises a thermal coefficient of expansion represented by a fourth value distinct from the first value, and wherein the athermalization layer comprises a plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposit silicon nitride.