Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an illumination system that receives a first beam and produces second and third beams from the first beam and a catadioptric objective that directs the second beam to reflect from a wafer. A first sensor detects a first image created by the reflected second beam. A refractive objective directs the third beam to reflect from the wafer, and a second sensor detects a second image created by the reflected third beam. The first and second images can be used for CD measurements. The second beam can have a spectral range from about 200 nm to about 425 nm, and the third beam can have a spectral range from about 425 nm to about 850 nm. A third sensor may be provide that detects a third image created by the third beam reflected from the wafer. The third image can be used for OV measurements.

Abstract: Etching equipment and methods are disclosed herein for more efficient etching of sacrificial material from between permanent MEMS structures. An etching head includes an elongate etchant inlet structure, which may be slot-shaped or an elongate distribution of inlet holes. A substrate is supported in proximity to the etching head in a manner that defines a flow path substantially parallel to the substrate face, and permits relative motion for the etching head to scan across the substrate.

Abstract: A MEMS device may be package with a desiccant to provide a moisture-free environment. In order to avoid undesirable effects on the MEMS device, the desiccant may be selected or treated so as to be compatible with a particular MEMS device. This treatment may include baking of the desiccant to as to cause outgassing of moisture or other undesirable material. The structure of the MEMS device may also be altered to improve compatibility with particular desiccants.

Abstract: This disclosure provides apparatus, systems and methods for manufacturing electromechanical systems (EMS) packages. One method includes making an EMS package that includes an out-gassable anti-stiction coating. The anti-stiction coating may be a solvent that is included within part of a desiccant mixture. In some implementations, the method includes sealing an EMS device into a package and then heating the package using a temperature profile that out-gasses at least a portion of a residual solvent. The method may include an incubation bake cycle to distribute anti stiction material to display elements within the EMS package. The incubation bake cycle may also more evenly distribute contaminants within the EMS package so as to reduce their effects.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes an illumination system that receives a first beam and produces second and third beams from the first beam and a catadioptric objective that directs the second beam to reflect from a wafer. A first sensor detects a first image created by the reflected second beam. A refractive objective directs the third beam to reflect from the wafer, and a second sensor detects a second image created by the reflected third beam. The first and second images can be used for CD measurements. The second beam can have a spectral range from about 200 nm to about 425 nm, and the third beam can have a spectral range from about 425 nm to about 850 nm. A third sensor may be provide that detects a third image created by the third beam reflected from the wafer. The third image can be used for OV measurements.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatuses for supporting a mechanical layer. In one aspect, an electromechanical systems device includes a substrate, a mechanical layer, and a post positioned on the substrate for supporting the mechanical layer. The mechanical layer is spaced from the substrate and defines one side of a gap between the mechanical layer and the substrate, and the mechanical layer is movable in the gap between an actuated position and a relaxed position. The post includes a wing portion in contact with a portion of the mechanical layer, the wing portion positioned between the gap and the mechanical layer. The wing portion can include a plurality of layers configured to control the curvature of the mechanical layer.

Abstract: Methods of making a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device are described. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate, treating at least a portion of the sacrificial layer to form a treated sacrificial portion, forming an overlying layer over at least a part of the treated sacrificial portion, and at least partially removing the treated sacrificial portion to form a cavity situated between the substrate and the overlying layer, the overlying layer being exposed to the cavity.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A MEMS device may be package with a desiccant to provide a moisture-free environment. In order to avoid undesirable effects on the MEMS device, the desiccant may be selected or treated so as to be compatible with a particular MEMS device. This treatment may include baking of the desiccant to as to cause outgassing of moisture or other undesirable material. The structure of the MEMS device may also be altered to improve compatibility with particular desiccants.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: Etching equipment and methods are disclosed herein for more efficient etching of sacrificial material from between permanent MEMS structures. An etching head includes an elongate etchant inlet structure, which may be slot-shaped or an elongate distribution of inlet holes. A substrate is supported in proximity to the etching head in a manner that defines a flow path substantially parallel to the substrate face, and permits relative motion for the etching head to scan across the substrate.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems provide MEMS devices exhibiting at least one of reduced stiction, reduced hydrophilicity, or reduced variability of certain electrical characteristics using MEMS devices treated with water vapor. The treatment is believed to form one or more passivated surfaces on the interior and/or exterior of the MEMS devices. Relatively gentle temperature and pressure conditions ensure modification of surface chemistry without excessive water absorption after removal of sacrificial material to release the MEMS devices.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties.

Abstract: A nanowire capacitor and methods of making the same are disclosed. The nanowire capacitor includes a subrate and a semiconductor nanowire that is supported by the substrate. An insulator is formed on a portion of the surface of the nanowire. Additionally, an outer coaxial conductor is formed on a portion insulator and a contact coupled to the nanowire.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an array of MEMS devices includes the formation of support structures located at the edge of upper strip electrodes. A support structure is etched to form a pair of individual support structures located at the edges of a pair of adjacent electrodes. The electrodes themselves may be used as a hard mask during the etching of these support structures. A resultant array of MEMS devices includes support structures having a face located at the edge of an overlying electrode and coincident with the edge of the overlying electrode.

Abstract: The efficiency of an etching process may be increased in various ways, and the cost of an etching process may be decreased. Unused etchant may be isolated and recirculated during the etching process. Etching byproducts may be collected and removed from the etching system during the etching process. Components of the etchant may be isolated and used to general additional etchant. Either or both of the etchant or the layers being etched may also be optimized for a particular etching process.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems provide MEMS devices exhibiting at least one of reduced stiction, reduced hydrophilicity, or reduced variability of certain electrical characteristics using MEMS devices treated with water vapor. The treatment is believed to form one or more passivated surfaces on the interior and/or exterior of the MEMS devices. Relatively gentle temperature and pressure conditions ensure modification of surface chemistry without excessive water absorption after removal of sacrificial material to release the MEMS devices.

Abstract: Methods of making a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device are described. In some embodiments, the method includes forming a sacrificial layer over a substrate, treating at least a portion of the sacrificial layer to form a treated sacrificial portion, forming an overlying layer over at least a part of the treated sacrificial portion, and at least partially removing the treated sacrificial portion to form a cavity situated between the substrate and the overlying layer, the overlying layer being exposed to the cavity.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems comprising a MEMS device, for example, an interferometric modulator, that comprises a cavity in which a layer coats multiple surfaces. The layer is conformal or non-conformal. In some embodiments, the layer is formed by atomic layer deposition (ALD). Preferably, the layer comprises a dielectric material. In some embodiments, the MEMS device also exhibits improved characteristics, such as improved electrical insulation between moving electrodes, reduced stiction, and/or improved mechanical properties.