Patent ID: 8501023

Claim:
A method for forming a MEMS device including a mirror, comprising: forming a dielectric layer over a substrate; forming a first metal conductive layer over the dielectric layer; patterning and etching the first metal conductive layer to define first electrodes and hinge supports separated by first openings formed in the first metal conductive layer; forming a selectively removable first spacer layer over the patterned and etched first conductive layer including within the first openings; planarizing the first spacer layer down to the first metal conductive layer, leaving the first spacer layer with a planarized first surface substantially even with a thickness of the first electrodes and hinge supports; forming a second metal conductive layer over the first electrodes and hinge supports and over the planarized first surface of the first spacer layer; patterning and etching the second metal conductive layer to define second electrodes and a hinge including spring tips; forming a selectively removable second spacer layer over the patterned and etched second metal conductive layer; planarizing the second spacer layer to provide a planarized second surface; patterning and etching the second spacer layer to provide a mirror via opening; forming a third metal conductive layer over the planarized second spacer layer including within the mirror via opening; patterning and etching the third metal conductive layer to define a mirror.