Abstract: Fully monolithic gimbal-less micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) devices with large static optical beam deflection and fabrications methods are disclosed. The devices can achieve high speed of operation for both axes. Actuators are connected to a device, or device mount by linkages that allow static two-axis rotation in addition to pistoning without the need for gimbals, or specialized isolation technologies. The device may be actuated by vertical comb-drive actuators, which are coupled by bi-axial flexures to a central micromirror or device mount. Devices may be fabricated by etching an upper layer both from the top side and from the bottom side to form beams at different levels. The beams include a plurality of lower beams, a plurality of full-thickness beams, and a plurality of upper beams, the lower, full-thickness and upper beams That form vertical combdrive actuators, suspension beams, flexures, and a device mount.

Abstract: A MEMS system is disclosed. The system includes a MEMS device having including a gimbal-less device mount supported by two or more bi-axial linkages. Each bi-axial linkage is mechanically coupled between the device mount and an actuator. Each bi-axial linkage is distinct from the actuator. Each bi-axial linkage includes a first flexure beam configured to flex about a first axis and a second flexure beam attached to the first flexure beam. The second flexure beam is configured to flex about a second axis. The two or more bi-axial linkages provide the device mount with two or more degrees of freedom of movement. The bi axial linkages and device mount are formed from the same device layer. The MEMS device has a mechanical response that is approximately proportional to a square of a drive voltage. A signal converter is adapted to convert a signal representing a desired position of the MEMS device to a voltage and a filter is coupled to the signal converter.

Abstract: Fully monolithic gimbal-less micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) devices with large static optical beam deflection and fabrications methods are disclosed. The devices can achieve high speed of operation for both axes. Actuators are connected to a device, or device mount by linkages that allow static two-axis rotation in addition to pistoning without the need for gimbals, or specialized isolation technologies. The device may be actuated by vertical comb-drive actuators, which are coupled by bi-axial flexures to a central micromirror or device mount. Devices may be fabricated by etching an upper layer both from the top side and from the bottom side to form beams at different levels. The beams include a plurality of lower beams, a plurality of full-thickness beams, and a plurality of upper beams, the lower, full-thickness and upper beams That form vertical combdrive actuators, suspension beams, flexures, and a device mount.

Abstract: Fully monolithic gimbal-less micro-electro-mechanical-system (MEMS) devices with large static optical beam deflection and fabrications methods are disclosed. The devices can achieve high speed of operation for both axes. Actuators are connected to a device, or device mount by linkages that allow static two-axis rotation in addition to pistoning without the need for gimbals, or specialized isolation technologies. The device may be actuated by vertical comb-drive actuators, which are coupled by bi-axial flexures to a central micromirror or device mount. Devices may be fabricated by etching an upper layer both from the top side and from the bottom side to form beams at different levels, The beams include a plurality of lower beams, a plurality of full-thickness beams, and a plurality of upper beams, the lower, full-thickness and upper beams That form vertical combdrive actuators, suspension beams, flexures, and a device mount.

Abstract: A method for forming a single cavity in a substrate, which may extend approximately the length of a device located on top of the substrate, and device produced thereby. The device has a length and a width, and may extend approximately the length of the substrate. After locating the device on the surface of the substrate, a first etchant is applied through openings on the surface of the substrate. Subsequently, a second etchant is applied through the same openings on the surface of the substrate. As a result, a single cavity is formed beneath the surface of the device, suspending the device and minimizing electrical coupling.

Abstract: A method is provided for the manufacture of a convective accelerometer and tilt sensor device using CMOS techniques. An integrated circuit chip is produced which includes a silicon substrate having an integrated circuit pattern thereon including a heater element located centrally of the substrate and at least first and second thermocouple elements located on the substrate on opposite sides of the heater element. Thereafter, portions of the substrate surrounding and beneath the heater and thermocouple elements are etched away to suspend the element on the substrate and thus to thermally isolate the elements from the substrate. The substrate is etched up to the cold thermocouple junction of the thermocouple elements so the cold junction remains on the substrate.

Abstract: A method for forming a single cavity in a substrate, which may extend approximately the length of a device located on top of the substrate, and device produced thereby. The device has a length and a width, and may extend approximately the length of the substrate. After locating the device on the surface of the substrate, a first etchant is applied through openings on the surface of the substrate. Subsequently, a second etchant is applied through the same openings on the surface of the substrate. As a result, a single cavity is formed beneath the surface of the device, suspending the device and minimizing electrical coupling.