Abstract: Forming a thin film acoustic device by patterning a layer of non-conducting material on a first side of a substrate to expose a portion of the first substrate side; depositing layers of conducting material on the layer of non-conducting material and the exposed portion of the first substrate side; depositing a layer of piezoelectric material on the layers of conducting material; depositing and patterning additional layers of material on the layer of piezoelectric material to form a first device electrode; depositing and patterning a masking layer on a second side of the substrate to expose a portion of the second substrate side; etching away the exposed substrate portion to expose the patterned layer of non-conducting material and a portion of the layers of conducting material; and etching away the exposed portion of the layers of conducting material to form a second device electrode.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating robust films across a patterned underlying layer's edges or steps are disclosed. The novel methods diminish the negative effects of electrode steps or edges on the integrity of a membrane. Thus, the methods are particularly applicable to membrane release technology. The height of the step or edge is eliminated or reduced to increase the mechanical integrity of the film.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating robust films across a patterned underlying layer's edges or steps are disclosed. The novel methods diminish the negative effects of electrode steps or edges on the integrity of a membrane. Thus, the methods are particularly applicable to membrane release technology. The height of the step or edge is eliminated or reduced to increase the mechanical integrity of the film.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating robust films across a patterned underlying layer's edges or steps are disclosed. The novel methods diminish the negative effects of electrode steps or edges on the integrity of a membrane. Thus, the methods are particularly applicable to membrane release technology. The height of the step or edge is eliminated or reduced to increase the mechanical integrity of the film.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating robust films across a patterned underlying layer's edges or steps are disclosed. The novel methods diminish the negative effects of electrode steps or edges on the integrity of a membrane. Thus, the methods are particularly applicable to membrane release technology. The height of the step or edge is eliminated or reduced to increase the mechanical integrity of the film.

Abstract: The vented cell structure and fabrication method of the present invention provide an efficient and effective honeycomb structure that allows fluids to flow in and out of the honeycomb without any obstructions that may trap gases and/or liquid in the honeycomb cells. First and second honeycomb layers, including first and second cell walls, respectively, that define first and second cells, respectively, are positioned adjacent one another such that the first and second cells are misaligned. The first and second honeycomb layers are connected with adhesive only at intersections of the first and second cell walls to permit fluid to flow between the first and second cells without obstruction. A structural layer defining at least one opening aligned with the first and/or second cells is also applied on opposite sides of the first and second honeycomb layers, to thereby create the vented cell structure.

Abstract: The vented cell structure and fabrication method of the present invention provide an efficient and effective honeycomb structure that allows fluids to flow in and out of the honeycomb without any obstructions that may trap gases and/or liquid in the honeycomb cells. First and second honeycomb layers, including first and second cell walls, respectively, that define first and second cells, respectively, are positioned adjacent one another such that the first and second cells are misaligned. The first and second honeycomb layers are connected with adhesive only at intersections of the first and second cell walls to permit fluid to flow between the first and second cells without obstruction. A structural layer defining at least one opening aligned with the first and/or second cells is also applied on opposite sides of the first and second honeycomb layers, to thereby create the vented cell structure.

Abstract: A reflector stack or acoustic mirror arrangement for an acoustic device is described which may attain the highest possible impedance mismatch between alternating higher and lower impedance reflecting layers of the stack, so as to maximize bandwidth. The arrangement may also reduce manufacturing costs by requiring fewer layers for the device, as compared to conventional acoustic mirrors. The thinner reflecting stack is accordingly fabricated in reduced time to lower cost, by incorporating materials providing a larger acoustic impedance mismatch than those currently obtainable. The bandwidth of the resulting acoustic resonator device may be widened, particularly when a low density material such as aerogel, CVD SiO2 and/or sputter deposited SiO2 is applied as topmost layer in the reflector stack/acoustic mirror arrangement of the device.

Abstract: Methods for fabricating robust films across a patterned underlying layer's edges or steps are disclosed. The novel methods diminish the negative effects of electrode steps or edges on the integrity of a membrane. Thus, the methods are particularly applicable to membrane release technology. The height of the step or edge is eliminated or reduced to increase the mechanical integrity of the film.

Abstract: A quality-assurance method is described that is useful in the fabrication of piezoelectric films of electronic devices, particularly resonators for use in RF filters. For example, the method comprises determining the surface roughness of an insulating layer on which the piezoelectric film is to be deposited and achieving a surface roughness for the insulating layer that is sufficiently low to achieve the high-quality piezoelectric film. According to one aspect of the invention, the low surface roughness for the insulating layer is achieved with use of a rotating magnet magnetron system for improving the uniformity of the deposited layer. According to other aspects of the invention, the high-quality piezoelectric film is assured by optimizing deposition parameters including determination of a “cross-over point” for reactive gas flow and/or monitoring and correcting for the surface roughness of the insulating layer pre-fabrication of the piezoelectric film.