Hydrophobic or hydrophilic?

SELF ASSEMBLING MONOLAYERS SAM

Surface stiction is a major problem during fabrication of MEMS components, such as silicon sensors, microactuators or microfludic devices. In addition, the same phenomena are a limiting factor for reliability and lifetime of these components on the customer’s side.

The gas-phase SAM (self-assembling monolayers) coating process for micro components reduces or eliminates adhesion related phenomena. Essential for the industrial use of hydrophobic SAM-based coatings is the existence of a process suitable to be integrated in an industrial environment for fabrication of large volumes (serial production). microfab has developed such a process and offers it for surface modification..

BENEFITS OF SAM COATING

Avoidance of sticking..

..during use of MEMS devices with delicate structures, like suspended membranes, movable comb structures or cantilevers

Avoidance of sticking..

during wet processing of wafers with suspended MEMS structures

Generation of a hydrophobic surface..

..displaying low surface energy and high contact angles > 110°, similar to Teflon

Stabilization of the treated MEMS surface..

..by low-temperature steps (full back-end process compatibility)

Excellent mechanical and thermal stability

Up to 400°C, therefore compatible to standard-packaging-processes including solder reflow

Selective coating of hydrophilic surfaces..

..with OH-bonds only (metal pads are not coated)

Low-cost batch process

Serial production compatible high-throughput.

For additional information and details, please don’t hesitate
to contact our production team.

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