Fabrication of IC-compatible capacitive sensors by polymer processing

  • Michael Pedersen*
  • , Wouter Olthuis
  • , Piet Bergveld
  • *Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

    1 Citation (Scopus)
    178 Downloads (Pure)

    Abstract

    A low-temperature (<300 °C) polymer micromachining process has been developed, whereby the sensor can be fabricated directly on substrates containing complete electronic circuits. This approach is strong since any IC process can be selected with no regard to the sensor process. Condenser microphones have been fabricated with a sensitivity of 8. 1 mV/Pa, flat frequency response between 100 Hz and 15 kHz, and an equivalent noise level of 24 dBA SPL. Differential pressure sensors have been made with a nominal sensitivity Δ C/C of 17 %/bar for a pressure range 1 bar. Furthermore, uni-axial accelerometers with a nominal sensitivity of 0.43 %/g have been implemented. From these results it may be concluded that IC-compatible capacitive sensors with good performances can be achieved with this technology, and it is suggested that the use of polymer processing on silicon therefore may become an important issue in smart sensors of the future.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationSmart Structures and Materials 1997
    Subtitle of host publicationSmart Electronics and MEMS
    EditorsVijay K. Varadan, Paul J. McWhorter
    PublisherSPIE
    Pages70-81
    Number of pages12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 19 Jun 1997
    EventSmart Structures and Materials 1997: Smart Electronics and MEMS - San Diego, United States
    Duration: 3 Mar 19976 Mar 1997

    Publication series

    NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
    PublisherSPIE
    Volume3046
    ISSN (Print)0277-786X

    Conference

    ConferenceSmart Structures and Materials 1997
    Country/TerritoryUnited States
    CitySan Diego
    Period3/03/976/03/97

    Keywords

    • Capacitive sensors
    • Integrated sensors
    • Polyimide
    • Polymer processing
    • Silicon sensors

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'Fabrication of IC-compatible capacitive sensors by polymer processing'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this