Packaging of In-Plane Micro-Actuators for BioMEMS Applications

Published

November 5, 2005

Author(s)

Hrishikesh V. Panchawagh, David Serrell, Faheem F. Faheem, Cari F. Herrmann, Dudley Finch, Roop L. Mahajan

Abstract

Two issues related to actuation of in-plane, electro-thermal actuators for BioMEMS applications are addressed. First, a packaging solution to protect the actuator from biological debris and particulates by encapsulating the actuator with a cap using flip-chip bonding is demonstrated. The motion was transferred from encapsulated actuator to the outside via a piston, which moved through a small clearance. The other issue we addressed is the reduction in thermal actuator efficiency in liquids. By coating the encapsulation with a thin hydrophobic layer via atomic layer deposition (ALD), the liquid was prevented from entering inside the encapsulation. This avoided a direct contact of the liquid with the thermal actuator and therefore improved its efficiency. A water-resistant epoxy was applied on the packaged actuators using micro-manipulator to cover the etch-holes in the cap and provide good bonding. Un-packaged and packaged thermal actuators were submerged in de-ionized water and tested. Although, the thermal actuator performance was slightly affected by the package in air, the actuator efficiency in water was improved due to isolation of the thermal actuator hot arms from water. This encapsulation is also applicable to protect electrostatic comb drive actuators, although there is no need of liquid sealing in this case.

Proceedings Title

Microtechnologies inb Medicine and Biology

Conference Location

Oahu, HI, USA

Conference Title

IEEE - EMBS - MMB 2005

Pub Type

Conferences

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DOI Link

Keywords

hydrophobic coating, atomic layer deposition, encapsulation, flip-chip, PolyMUMPs, sealing, thermal actuator

Citation

Panchawagh, H. , Serrell, D. , Faheem, F. , Herrmann, C. , Finch, D. and Mahajan, R. (2005), Packaging of In-Plane Micro-Actuators for BioMEMS Applications, Microtechnologies inb Medicine and Biology, Oahu, HI, USA, [online], https://doi.org/10.1115/IMECE2005-82528 (Accessed October 10, 2025)