Tungsten coated silicon fingers

摘要

Methods and apparatus are provided for preparing sensing fingers for use in a highly integrated accelerometer. The method includes steps for forming a tungsten/tungsten silicide coating on a silicon finger. The tungsten/tungsten silicide coating adds mass to the silicon finger. The method includes steps of forming silicon fingers from layers of silicon, oxides, and capping material. The silicon fingers are then exposed to tungsten containing gases under conditions to promote the formation of a tungsten silicide seed layer on the exposed silicon surfaces. The tungsten layer is then grown to a desired thickness through a growth step. The coated silicon fingers display improved resistance to stiction as compared to uncoated silicon fingers.