Patent ID: 7539003

Claim:
A capacitive micro-electro-mechanical sensor, comprising: a) a first layer, wherein said first layer has a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said first layer comprises single-crystal silicon, and wherein said first layer forms at least one single-crystal silicon electrode; b) a second layer, wherein said second layer has a top surface and a bottom surface, wherein said second layer comprises single-crystal silicon, and wherein at least one single-crystal silicon electrode in said second layer is defined by an insulating trench of dielectrical material that extends from said top surface to said bottom surface of said second layer; and c) at least one electrical contact, wherein said at least one electrical contact is situated on said bottom surface of said second layer and is in electrical connection with said at least one electrode in said second layer; wherein said at least one electrode in said first layer and said at least one electrode in said second layer define a capacitor.