Patent ID: 7476561
Filing Date: 2009-01-13
Classification: B81B,B81C,G02B,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A method of making a microminiature moving device, the method comprising: sandwiching an insulating layer between a single-crystal silicon substrate and a single-crystal silicon layer; forming a mask layer all over the silicon layer; patterning the mask layer to form selectively gas-reactive dry etching the silicon layer at portions exposed through masks until the insulating layer is exposed, in the process exposing silicon-layer sidewalls perpendicular to the surface of the substrate; covering the sidewalls with sidewall protective films; etching away the exposed insulating layer to expose the substrate, thereby isotropically etching the exposed substrate until surface regions of the substrate under the movable elements are etched away, thereby removing the masks and the sidewall protective films; and removing the insulating layer under the movable elements and the insulating layer under the overhanging edges of the stationary parts wherein the sandwiching comprises the forming comprises