Patent ID: 6099132
Filing Date: 2000-08-08
Classification: G02B

Abstract:
A method for manufacturing a digital micromirror device, wherein said method comprises:forming activation circuitry upon a semiconductor wafer, wherein said activation circuitry includes surfaces with a first bias and surfaces with a second bias;depositing an inorganic pad film upon said activation circuitry, wherein said pad film acts as an insulator between said surfaces having said first bias and said surfaces having said second bias;building a spacer layer upon said pad film;cutting vias into said spacer layer;laying a first metal layer upon said spacer layer such that said first metal fills said vias;depositing a second metal layer upon said first metal layer and patterning and etching said second layer to form mirrors and hinges; andremoving said spacer layer such that said mirror is held at said second bias and is suspended over said activation circuitry by said hinges and when activated contacts said surfaces having said second bias.