Patent ID: 8399278
Filing Date: 2013-03-19
Classification: A61B,B06B

Abstract:
1. A method of producing an integrated circuit/transducer device, the method comprising the steps of: providing a substrate; fabricating a complementary-metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) circuit on the substrate; fabricating a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) element on the substrate and connecting the cMUT element to the CMOS circuit, wherein the cMUT element includes the following components that consist of layers corresponding to layers within the CMOS circuit: a lower electrode, an upper electrode, and a sacrificial layer located between the lower electrode and the upper electrode; leaving a passivation opening that substantially encircles the upper electrode; removing the sacrificial layer, thereby defining a cavity between the lower electrode and the upper electrode and creating a membrane structure above the cavity; and depositing a sealant layer thereby sealing the cavity.