Abstract: A component having a robust, but acoustically sensitive microphone structure is provided and a simple and cost-effective method for its production. This microphone structure includes an acoustically active diaphragm, which functions as deflectable electrode of a microphone capacitor, a stationary, acoustically permeable counter element, which functions as counter electrode of the microphone capacitor, and an arrangement for detecting and analyzing the capacitance changes of the microphone capacitor. The diaphragm is realized in a diaphragm layer above the semiconductor substrate of the component and covers a sound opening in the substrate rear. The counter element is developed in a further layer above the diaphragm. This further layer generally extends across the entire component surface and compensates level differences, so that the entire component surface is largely planar according to this additional layer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing separated micromechanical components situated on a silicon substrate includes the following steps of a) providing separation trenches on the substrate via an anisotropic plasma deep etching method, b) irradiating the area of the silicon substrate which forms the base of the separation trenches using laser light, the silicon substrate being converted from a crystalline state into an at least partially amorphous state by the irradiation in this area, and c) inducing mechanical stresses in the substrate. In one specific embodiment, cavities are etched simultaneously with the etching of the separation trenches. The etching depths can be controlled via the RIE lag effect.

Abstract: A sensor element is provided for sensing accelerations in three spatial directions, which furnishes reliable measurement results and moreover can be implemented economically and with a small configuration. The sensor element encompasses at least one seismic mass deflectable in three spatial directions, a diaphragm structure that functions as a suspension mount for the seismic mass, and at least one stationary counterelectrode for capacitive sensing of the deflections of the diaphragm structure. According to the exemplary embodiments and/or exemplary methods of the present invention, the diaphragm structure encompasses at least four electrode regions, electrically separated from one another, that are mechanically coupled via the seismic mass.

Abstract: A component having a robust, but acoustically sensitive microphone structure is provided and a simple and cost-effective method for its production. This microphone structure includes an acoustically active diaphragm, which functions as deflectable electrode of a microphone capacitor, a stationary, acoustically permeable counter element, which functions as counter electrode of the microphone capacitor, and an arrangement for detecting and analyzing the capacitance changes of the microphone capacitor. The diaphragm is realized in a diaphragm layer above the semiconductor substrate of the component and covers a sound opening in the substrate rear. The counter element is developed in a further layer above the diaphragm. This further layer generally extends across the entire component surface and compensates level differences, so that the entire component surface is largely planar according to this additional layer.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle, particularly for injecting a pharmaceutical substance into a human or animal body is disclosed. The needle provides a simple way of improving long-term use in a human or animal body. The hypodermic needle includes a tubular hollow body having a needle tip for introducing the hypodermic needle into the human or animal body, wherein the hollow body has a rigidity which is reducible by the influence of heat and/or moisture.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing separated micromechanical components situated on a silicon substrate includes the following steps of a) providing separation trenches on the substrate via an anisotropic plasma deep etching method, b) irradiating the area of the silicon substrate which forms the base of the separation trenches using laser light, the silicon substrate being converted from a crystalline state into an at least partially amorphous state by the irradiation in this area, and c) inducing mechanical stresses in the substrate. In one specific embodiment, cavities are etched simultaneously with the etching of the separation trenches. The etching depths can be controlled via the RIE lag effect.