Patent ID: 6756310
Filing Date: 2004-06-29
Classification: B81C

Abstract:
A method of constructing a MEMS device having a first stationary conductive member separated from a second movable conductive member by a variable size gap, the method using exclusively surface fabrication techniques and comprising:(a) providing a substrate; (b) depositing sacrificial material onto the substrate to form a sacrificial layer; (c) depositing insulating material onto the sacrificial layer to form an insulating layer having at least a portion that is separated from the substrate by the sacrificial layer; (d) after step (c), depositing conductive material onto the insulating layer to form a conductive layer; (e) etching through a portion of the conductive layer to the insulating layer to form the first and second adjacent conductive structures separated by a variable size gap; (f) etching through a portion of the insulating layer around the second conductive structure to provide a base for the second conductive structure; and (g) etching through at least a portion of the sacrificial layer to release the base and second conductive structure from the substrate, wherein the second conductive structure is movable with respect to the first conductive structure.