Fraunhofer Institute for Photonic Microsystems provides ideal services for applying Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems
Nowadays MEMS devices with diverse features can be found in a wide range of products such as printing machines, automotive vehicles, mobile phones or consumer electronics. They are used as sensors for process management and quality equipment as well as for telecommunication or medical technology. The approach of the scientists from Fraunhofer to compete for small and medium sized companies at the MicrNano¬Tech trade show is due to recent investments in modern infrastructure on the one hand and the increasing demand for specific process modules for MEMS development and fabrication on the other. „The fabrication of microsystems takes place in specialized silicon foundries, which are extremely expensive to build and to operate. So smaller companies are normally not able to afford this kind of infrastructure“, says Prof. Dr. Hubert Lakner - Director of the Fraunhofer IPMS. „Our business model allows companies without the needed equipment or facilities to develop and sell highly specialized and competible products, as well. With the recent investments into clean room infrastructure and equipment we cover the whole value chain from technology and product develop¬ment to pilot-fabrication including feasibility studies, simulations of critical parameters and process flows, design, single process development and prototyping to mid size volume production.“
In order to learn more about these new opportunities for MEMS development and fabri¬cation the Fraunhofer IPMS invites all MicroNanoTech visitors to visit the exhibition booth F1 as part of the IVAM exhibition area in hall 6 and to attend the presentation „MEMS Foundry Services @ Fraunhofer IPMS“ within the forum „Innovations for Industry“. The special focus is on foundry services and the fabrication of MEMS devices using standard technologies with defined device characteristics and design rules that can be simulated according to customer requirements.