On-chip testing: A miniaturized lab to assess sub-micron uncertainties in polysilicon MEMS

An increasing impact of micromechanically governed uncertainties is nowadays foreseen due to the trend of progressively reducing the footprint of MEMS (Microelectromechanical Systems) devices. For polysilicon MEMS, the two major sources of uncertainties, as resulting from the microfabrication process, are linked to the polycrystalline morphology and to the etching. In this review, we summarize some of our recent results related to the statistical assessment of the aforementioned sources, on the basis of experimental data acquired via an on-chip testing device specifically designed to enhance such effects. Through standard electrostatic actuation and readout, the scattering in the response of a series of nominally identical cantilever structures is analyzed to determine characteristic features of etching defects, and of the overall stiffness of the polysilicon film constituting the movable parts of the tested devices.