Honeywell International Inc.

Finisar Corporation

James C Nohava

Yue Liu

Robert A Morgan

Eva M B Strzelecka

Robert D Horning

Max C Glenn

Jeff A Ridley

Jane Rekstad

Jame Rekstad

An improved MEMS device and method of making. Channels are formed in a first substrate around a plurality of MEMS device areas previously formed on the first substrate. Then, a plurality of seal rings are applied around the plurality of MEMS device areas and over at least a portion of the formed channels. A second substrate is attached to the first substrate, then the seal ring surrounded MEMS device areas are separated from each other. The channels include first and second cross-sectional areas. The first cross-sectional area is sized to keep saw debris particles from entering the MEMS device area.

Saw debris reduction in MEMS devices

Methods for sealing or passivating the edges of chips such as vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (VCSEL) is disclosed. One method includes oxidizing the edges of die at the wafer level prior to cutting the wafer into a plurality of die. This may be accomplished by etching a channel along the streets between die, followed by oxidizing the channel walls. The oxidation preferably oxidizes the aluminum bearing layers that are exposed by the channel walls inward for distance. Aluminum bearing layers, including AlAs and AlGaAs, may be oxidized to a stable native oxide that is resistant to further oxidation by the environment. After oxidation, the wafer can be cut along the channels into a number of die, each having a protective oxide layer on the side surfaces.

Protective side wall passivation for VCSEL chips

Growing community of inventors

Inver Grove Heights, MN, United States of America

James C Nohava