Patent ID: 6534249
Filing Date: 2003-03-18
Classification: H01F,H05K

Abstract:
A method for forming an out-of-plane structure, comprising:depositing a layer of an elastic material on a substrate, the elastic material having an intrinsic stress profile; photolithographically patterning the layer of elastic material into an elastic member; depositing a reflow load layer along a portion of a surface of the elastic member, wherein the reflow load layer is formed of a material capable of being reflowed; under-cut etching a portion of the substrate under the elastic member to release a free end of the elastic member from the substrate, an anchor portion of the elastic member remaining fixed to the substrate; wherein the intrinsic stress profile in the elastic member biases the free end away from the substrate, forming a spring having an initial radius of curvature determined in part by the initial condition of the reflow toad layer; and reflowing the reflow material in the reflow load layer to control the radius of curvature of the spring, wherein reflowing of the reflow material in the load layer changes the load effect of the load layer, thereby changing the initial radius of curvature of the spring.