Abstract: This invention comprises a process for fabricating a MEMS microstructure in a sealed cavity wherein the etchant entry holes are created as a by-product of the fabrication process without an additional step to etch holes in the cap layer. The process involves extending the layers of sacrificial material past the horizontal boundaries of the cap layer. The cap layer is supported by pillars formed by a deposition in holes etched through the sacrificial layers, and the etchant entry holes are formed when the excess sacrificial material is etched away, leaving voids between the pillars supporting the cap.

Abstract: This invention comprises a process for fabricating a MEMS microstructure in a sealed cavity wherein the etchant entry holes are created as a by-product of the fabrication process without an additional step to etch holes in the cap layer. The process involves extending the layers of sacrificial material past the horizontal boundaries of the cap layer. The cap layer is supported by pillars formed by a deposition in holes etched through the sacrificial layers, and the etchant entry holes are formed when the excess sacrificial material is etched away, leaving voids between the pillars supporting the cap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for fabricating a microelectromechanical device from a substrate carrying at least one layer of a non-erodible material laid out to form at least a portion of the microelectromechanical device, at least one layer of an erodible material, and at least one sacrificial layer. The process includes the step of using the layer of non-erodible material as a mask and anistropically etching any of the layer of erodible material not occluded by the layer of non-erodible material. The process also includes the step of isotropically etching the sacrificial layer under at least a beam portion of the microelectromechanical device to free the beam portion of the microelectromechanical device from the substrate.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device is comprised of a cantilevered beam positioned above, and free to move relative to, a substrate. The beam may carry a plurality of conductors which are insulated from one another. One or more tips is positioned on the beam with each tip being in electrical contact with one of the conductors. A memory device may be constructed by providing an array of such cantilevered beams proximate to a layer of media. Devices for positioning the beam in x and y directions perpendicular to each other and parallel to the layer of media and in a z direction perpendicular to the media are provided. A control circuit generates control signals input to the positioning devices for positioning the tips according to x, y, and z coordinates.