Patent ID: 7767484

Claim:
A method for encapsulating and integrating nano- and/or micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) comprising: providing a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate comprising a handle layer, a device layer, and an insulating layer disposed between the handle and device layers; fabricating a transistor-based circuit in the device layer; fabricating a MEMS device in the device layer; forming an etch resistant layer over the MEMS device and into the device layer; forming a silicon dioxide sacrificial layer; etching the handle layer beneath the MEMS device using the insulating layer as an etch stop; and releasing the MEMS device from the device layer through the backside of the substrate using an etchant, wherein the etch-resistant layer is resistant to the etchant and the etch-resistant layer protects the transistor-based circuit from the etchant, wherein releasing the MEMS device comprises removing the silicon dioxide sacrificial layer in a hydrofluoric acid.