Fracture strength of micro- and nano-scale silicon components

Published

May 13, 2015

Author(s)

Frank W. DelRio, Robert F. Cook, Brad Boyce

Abstract

Silicon devices are ubiquitous in many micro- and nano-scale technological applications, most notably microelectronics and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Despite their widespread usage, however, issues related to uncertain mechanical reliability remain a major factor inhibiting the further advancement of device commercialization. In particular, reliability issues related to the fracture of MEMS components have become increasingly important given recent escalations in both MEMS device actuation forces and harsh usage conditions. In this review, the fracture strength of micro- and nano-scale silicon components in the context of MEMS is considered. An overview of the crystal structure and elastic and fracture properties of both single-crystal silicon (SCS) and polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon) is presented. Experimental methods for the deposition of SCS and polysilicon films, fabrication of fracture-strength test components, and analysis of strength data are also summarized. SCS and polysilicon fracture strength results as a function of processing conditions, component size and geometry, and test temperature, environment, and loading rate are then surveyed and analyzed to form overarching processing-structure-property-performance relationships.

Citation

Applied Physics Reviews

Pub Type

Journals

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4919540

Keywords

strength, fracture, silicon, MEMS, NEMS

Citation

DelRio, F. , Cook, R. and Boyce, B. (2015), Fracture strength of micro- and nano-scale silicon components, Applied Physics Reviews, [online], https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4919540 (Accessed April 24, 2026)

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