Patent ID: 7435964
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: G01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A thermal sensor fabricated on a first semiconductor substrate, the sensor including: a) a first temperature sensing element having first and second radiation-sensing elements and providing an output which contributes to the overall output of the thermal sensor; b) a second temperature sensing element having first and second radiation-sensing elements and providing an output which contributes to the overall output of the thermal sensor; c) a first and second cap formed in a second substrate, the first and second substrates being arranged relative to one another such that each of the first and second temperature sensing elements has a respective cap provided thereabove, and wherein the cap for the first temperature sensing element allows a transmission of incident radiation through the cap and onto the sensing element and the cap for the second temperature sensing element blocks at least a portion of radiation being transmitted through the cap and onto the second temperature sensing element, and wherein on arranging each of the first and second substrates relative to each other each of the caps is formed by side walls extending upwardly from the first substrate and supporting a roof therebetween, the roof being in a plane substantially parallel to the temperature sensing elements, and wherein the first and second temperature sensing elements are located on first and second regions, the first and second regions being thermally isolated from the first substrate and wherein the first and second temperature sensing elements are adjacent to one another, the caps provided thereabove sharing a common central column, that extends downwardly from the roof, thereby defining chambers for each of the first and second temperature sensing elements.