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Title: Planar surface-micromachined pressure sensor with a sub-surface, embedded reference pressure cavity

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/373935· OSTI ID:373935

Planar, surface micromachined pressure sensors have been fabricated by an extension of the chemical-mechanical polishing (CMP) process. CMP eliminates many of the fabrication problems associated with the photolithography, dry etch, and metallization of non-planar devices. Furthermore, CMP adds additional design flexibility. The sensors are based upon deformable, silicon nitride diaphragms with polysilicon piezoresistors. Absolute pressure is detected by virtue of reference pressure cavities underneath the diaphragms. Process details are discussed and characteristics from many devices are presented.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
373935
Report Number(s):
SAND-96-1985C; CONF-961086-1; ON: DE96013907; TRN: AHC29619%%119
Resource Relation:
Conference: SPIE conference on micromachining and microfabrication, Austin, TX (United States), 14-15 Oct 1996; Other Information: PBD: [1996]
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English