Mems Switches With Reduced Switching Voltage and Methods of Manufacture

Abstract

MEMS switches and methods of manufacturing MEMS switches is provided. The MEMS switch having at least two cantilevered electrodes having ends which overlap and which are structured and operable to contact one another upon an application of a voltage by at least one fixed electrode.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to MEMS switches and methods of manufacturing MEMS switches and, more particularly, MEMS switches with reduced switching voltage and methods of manufacture.

BACKGROUND

Integrated circuit switches used in 3D and other integrated circuits can be formed from solid state structures (e.g., transistors) or passive wires (MEMS). MEMS switches are typically employed because of their almost ideal isolation, which is a critical requirement for wireless radio applications where they are used for mode switching of power amplifiers (PAs).

MEMS can be manufactured in a number of ways using a number of different tools. In general, though, the methodologies and tools are used to form small structures with dimensions in the micrometer scale. Also, many of the methodologies, i.e., technologies, employed to manufacture MEMS have been adopted from integrated circuit (IC) technology. For example, almost all MEMS are built on wafers and are realized in thin films of materials patterned by photolithographic processes. More specifically, the fabrication of MEMS use three basic building blocks: (i) deposition of thin films of material on a substrate, (ii) applying a patterned mask on top of the films by photolithographic imaging, and (iii) etching the films selectively to the mask.

Depending on the particular application and engineering criteria, MEMS structures can come in many different forms. For example, MEMS can be realized in the form of a single cantilever structure such as, for example, shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,265,492. In this cantilever application, a single cantilever arm (suspended electrode) is pulled toward a fixed electrode by application of a voltage. In known applications, the voltage required to pull the suspended electrode down to the fixed electrode by electrostatic force may be high, which has been seen to cause unwanted charging on insulator after prolonged use and eventual failure of the switch. In certain applications, the high voltage, e.g., 100 volts, is also difficult to obtain since this has to be stepped up from about 1.5 volts to about 5 volts. The minimum voltage required is called pull-in voltage, which is dependent on area of the electrode, spacing or gap between the suspended and fixed electrodes, and spring constant of the membrane or springs.

Lowering the pull-in voltage without decreasing the gap and without softening the spring is desirable, as the spring provides the restoring force and determines the switching speed. In U.S. Pat. No. 7,265,492, a pair of side parallel-plate electrostatic actuators is implemented for lowering or eliminating of the bias voltages. These additional electrostatic actuators are used to reduce or eliminate the bias voltage to be applied on the fixed signal electrode. In implementation, the fixed electrode of the side parallel-plate electrostatic actuators can be elevated above a fixed signal electrode. Thus due to a smaller gap, the pull-in voltage required to pull the suspended electrode down to the fixed electrode can be lowered. However, the MEMS shown in U.S. Pat. No. 7,265,492 are not hermetically sealed, and the additional electrostatic actuators can increase fabrication costs.

Accordingly, there exists a need in the art to overcome the deficiencies and limitations described hereinabove.

SUMMARY

In a first aspect of the invention, a structure comprises at least two cantilevered electrodes having ends which overlap and which are structured and operable to contact one another upon an application of a voltage by at least one fixed electrode.

In a second aspect of the invention, a method of fabricating a switch comprises forming at least two cantilever electrodes and at least one fixed electrode through a series of resist deposition and patterning steps.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a method of forming a switch comprises: depositing layers of resist on a structure; patterning the resist to form sequential openings; sequentially depositing metal or metal alloy within the sequential openings until at least two cantilever electrodes and at least one voltage applying electrode are formed within the layers of resist; depositing a liner over an uppermost layer of the layers of resist; forming openings in the liner; etching the layers of the resist through the opening until the cantilever electrodes and the at least one voltage applying electrode are in a void; and sealing the void with additional liner material to form a hermetically sealed dome.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention is described in the detailed description which follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way of non-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, in which:

FIGS. 1 a-1i show intermediate structures and respective fabrication processes in accordance with the invention;

FIG. 2 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a first aspect of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a second aspect of the invention;

FIG. 4 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a third aspect of the invention;

FIG. 5 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention; and

FIG. 6 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention relates to MEMS switches and methods of manufacturing MEMS switches and, more particularly, MEMS switches with reduced switching voltage and methods of manufacture. In implementation, the invention includes methods and structures of several novel MEMS switches optimized for (1) switching voltage (i.e. reducing it) and (2) reliability.

The MEMS switches of the invention include at least a double cantilever arrangement hermetically sealed within a nitride type liner, for example. In operation, a gap between the electrodes is reduced, compared to conventional MEMS switches. This arrangement will reduce the minimum switching voltage required to pull the electrodes together (i.e., reduced pull-in voltage) and/or the on time of the voltage. Accordingly, unwanted charging on insulator and failure of the switch can be reduced, compared to known conventional switches. Also, in operation, the MEMS switches substantially eliminate arcing, as well as large dielectric breakdown attributable to higher switching voltages. Although the MEMS switches are shown with a nitride hermetic seal, MEMS switches fabricated using the same methodology, either without nitride heremetic seals or with other methods of hermetic seals, such as a MEMS switch inside a cavity with a bonded chip or wafer cap, are contemplated by the present invention.

EXEMPLARY FABRICATION PROCESSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 a-1i show intermediate structures and respective fabrication processes in accordance with the invention. More specifically, the processes shown and described with reference to FIGS. 1a-1h are directed to the embodiment of FIG. 2. However, it should be recognized by those of skill in the art that with some modifications and/or additions to the processes described herein, e.g., patterning, metallization and/or deposition processes, the processes of FIGS. 1a-1i can be used to fabricate any of the embodiments described herein. Although such modifications and/or additions should become obvious to those of skill in the art after an explanation of each of the embodiments, some further explanation of the additional and/or modified processes are described herein as necessary for a more thorough understanding of the invention.

More specifically, FIG. 1a shows a beginning structure in accordance with the invention. The beginning structure includes a dielectric material 10 with a plurality of vias 12. As should be understood by those of skill in the art, the dielectric material 10 may be an M+1 wiring layer in an integrated circuit. Although not shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that the dielectric material 10 may be provided on a wafer of any known type used with the formation of integrated circuits. For example, the wafer can be silicon, BULK, SOI, SiGe; quartz; glass; or Gallium arsenide, to name a few. The vias 12 can be metalized using any combination of methods known in the art, such as physical vapor deposition (PVD), chemical vapor deposition (CVD), electroplated deposition (ECP), metal-organo chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD), etc. In one exemplary embodiment, the vias are tungsten plugs, with TiN liners. In another embodiment, the vias are formed using copper with TaN/Ta liners. In another embodiment, the vias are ‘tapered vias’ which are metalized with the conductor layer used to form 16a and 18a shown in FIG. 1b.

The plurality of vias 12 are formed using conventional lithographic processes. For example, a resist is deposited on the dielectric material 10 and selective portions of the resist are exposed to form openings. In subsequent processes, the dielectric material 10 is etched using a conventional process such as, for example, reactive ion etching (RIE) to form vias. The vias are filled with known metals or metal alloys to form the vias 12. The resist can be stripped away. The vias 12 can act as conductive pads as noted in more detail below.

In FIG. 1b, the lower conductive MEMS switch electrodes are formed. These can be formed using any known method, such as by depositing the conductor, lithographically patterning it, etching it, and removing the photoresist used for lithographic patterning. Alternatively, other known methods, such as lift-off or damascene could be used. FIG. 1b shows a damascene method in which a sacrificial resist layer 14 is deposited over the structure of FIG. 1a. In one embodiment, the sacrificial resist layer 14 comprises Polymethylglutarimide (PMGI). PMGI is compatible with most g-line, i-line, and DUV photoresists and has excellent adhesion to Si, SiN, NiFe, Cu, Au, GaAs, and other III-V/III-VI materials. PMGI also exhibits a high thermal stability and can be applied in any conventional manner such as, for example, spin-coating. The PMGI can be stripped in NMP and DMSO-based removers. Also, PMGI is DUV, E-beam, and x-ray sensitivity, as well as exhibits a high etch rate in oxygen plasma.

In conventional processes, the sacrificial resist layer 14 is patterned to form openings. The openings are filled with a metal such as gold; although, other metals or metal alloys are also contemplated by the invention such as AlCu, W, or Cu. Prior to the deposition of the metal, one or more refractory metals, such as Ti, TiN, Ta, TaN, Ru, etc. can be used to line the vias. In the embodiment described herein, the metal will form fixed electrodes 16a and 16b and cantilevered electrodes 18a and 18b.

In processing steps shown in FIGS. 1c-1f, additional deposition and patterning processes are sequentially shown to build the fixed electrodes 16a and 16b and cantilevered electrodes 18a and 18b. The deposition and patterning processes are similar to that described with reference to FIG. 1band, as such, additional explanation is not required for a complete understanding of the invention. In embodiments, the processes described herein result in the arm (beam) of the cantilever electrode 18b being formed in the processes shown in FIG. 1d and the arm of the cantilever electrode 18a being formed in the processes shown in FIG. 1f. Also, as shown in FIG. 1f, the electrodes 18a and 18b have respective end portions 18a₁ and 18b₂ that overlap. The overlapping end portions 18a₁ and 18b₂, upon application of a voltage, will close the switch, as discussed in greater detail below.

As shown in FIG. 1g, a hermetic dielectric, such as Si₃N₄ (nitride) liner 20 is deposited over the structure of FIG. 1h. In embodiments, the liner 20 can be SiN. In FIG. 1h, holes 22 are etched into the liner 20 to form openings, exposing the sacrificial resist. In subsequent processes, a wet etching using, for example, NMP (N-methylpyrrolidone) is used to dissolve the sacrificial resist encapsulated within the liner 20, creating a void 24. The void 24 is hermetically sealed by a deposition of Nitride 23 in order to close the holes 22 and form a hermetically sealed dome, as shown in FIG. 1i. As discussed above, the nitride dome is used to hermetically seal the MEMS switch and is optional. Although the method used for forming the freestanding cantilever beams uses the sacrificial PMGI resist, any known method of forming cantilever beams, such as using sacrificial -silicon, subtractive-etch wiring, tapered via wiring, etc. could also be used.

First of the Invention

FIG. 2 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a first aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the invention, the electrodes 16a and 16b and 18a and 18b are hermetically sealed within the nitride layer 25. The nitride dome 25 can be oval shaped, as shown in FIG. 2, rectangular shaped, as shown in FIG. 1, or any other known shape. In embodiments, the arms of the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b are about 50 microns long, 9 microns high and 20 microns long; although other dimensions are also contemplated by the invention. Also, in further embodiments, a distance “X” between the respective overlapping end portions 18a₁ and 18b₂ is about two microns; although, other distances are also contemplated by the invention. To decrease the distance “X”, vertically extending portions (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5) can extend from each of the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b.

In operation, upon the application of a positive voltage to the fixed electrode 16a, the cantilever electrode 18a will be pulled down towards the cantilever electrode 18b. Also, upon a negative voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16b, the cantilever electrode 18b will be pushed up towards the cantilever electrode 18a. At a predetermined designed voltage, the respective overlapping end portions 18a₁ and 18b₂ will make contact with one another, i.e., travel the distance “X”, thereby closing the switch. In the off state (0 voltage), the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b will return to their original position, with a space “X” between the respective ends.

In one design, the voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16a is about 30 volts and the fixed electrode 16b is about −30 volts. This design voltage can be significantly lower than known conventional systems as the two cantilever arms are each designed and arranged to move a smaller distance than a single arm in a conventional system. More specifically, there can be a reduced switching voltage due to bending of both arms and the use of two voltage electrodes (e.g., 16a and 16b).

This reduced voltage is a minimum switching voltage required to pull the electrodes together (i.e., pull-in voltage). This reduced voltage can result in many advantages such as, for example, reduced on time voltage, unwanted charging on insulator and reduced failure of the switch (compared to known conventional switches). Also, in operation, the MEMS switch of FIG. 2 substantially eliminates arcing, as well as large dielectric breakdown attributable to higher switching voltages.

Second Aspect of the Invention

FIG. 3 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a second aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the invention, the fixed electrode 16b has been eliminated. As in the other embodiments, the fixed electrode 16a and the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b are hermetically sealed within the nitride layer 22. In embodiments, the arms of the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b are about 50 microns long, 9 microns high and 20 microns long; although other dimensions are also contemplated by the invention. Also, in further embodiments, a distance “X” between the overlapping respective end portions 18a₁ and 18b₁ is about two microns; although, other distances are also contemplated by the invention. To decrease the distance “X”, vertically extending portions (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5) can extend from one or both of the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b.

In operation, upon the application of a positive voltage to the fixed electrode 16a, the cantilever electrode 18a will be pulled down towards the cantilever electrode 18b. At a predetermined designed voltage, the respective overlapping end portions 18a₁ and 18b₁ will make contact with one another, i.e., travel the distance “X”, thereby closing the switch. In one design, the voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16a is about 100 volts. In the off state (0 voltage), the cantilever electrode 18a will return to its original position, with a space “X” between the respective end portions 18a₁ and 18b₂. In this embodiment, the cantilever electrode 18b is designed to remain stationary.

This arrangement also provides advantages such as, for example, reduced sticktion of the electrodes 18a and 18b. More specifically, as there are two cantilever arms 18a and 18b, it is theorized that that switch will stayed in the closed position, upon the application of a voltage, better than conventional MEMS switches. This will ensure that the switch will not fail.

Third Aspect of the Invention

FIG. 4 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a third aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the invention, the electrodes 16a and 16b and 18a and 18b are hermetically sealed within the nitride layer 22. In embodiments, the arms of the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b have different lengths, such that 18b does not extent over 16a, where the arm of the cantilever electrode 18a is longer than the arm of the cantilever electrode 18b (although this can be reversed). To decrease the distance “X”, vertically extending portions (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5) can extend from one or both of the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b.

In embodiments, the arm of the cantilever electrode 18a extends over both of the fixed electrodes 16a and 16b. Also, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, the cantilever electrode 18b is fixed, i.e., embedded, to the nitride layer 22. This can be achieved by depositing the nitride layer 22 directly onto an upper surface of the cantilever electrode 18b. In an alternative embodiment, the cantilever electrode 18b can also be floating by adding an upper layer of sacrificial material (PMGI) prior to the deposition of the nitride layer 22. Also, in further embodiments, a distance “X” between the overlapping cantilevers 18a and 18b is about two microns; although, other distances are also contemplated by the invention. To decrease the distance “X”, vertically extending portions (as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 5) can extend from the cantilever electrode 18a or the fixed electrode 16b.

In operation, upon the application of a positive voltage to the fixed electrode 16a, the cantilever electrode 18a will be pulled down towards the fixed electrode 16b. Also, upon a negative voltage applied to the cantilever electrode 18b, the cantilever electrode 18a will be pushed down towards the fixed electrode 16b. At a predetermined designed voltage, the end portion 18a₁ will make contact with the fixed electrode 16b, i.e., travel the distance “Y”, thereby closing the switch. In the off state (0 voltage), the cantilever electrode 18a will return to its original position, with a space “Y” between the cantilever electrode 18a and the fixed electrode 16b. In this design, the cantilever electrode 18b remains stationary, as it is fixed to the nitride liner 22.

In one design, the voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16a is about 50 volts and the voltage applied to the cantilever electrode 18b is about −50 volts. This design voltage can be significantly lower than known conventional systems as the arm of the cantilever electrode 18a is being pushed and pulled by the use of two voltage electrodes (e.g., 16a and 18b).

This reduced voltage is a minimum switching voltage required to pull the electrodes together (i.e., pull-in voltage). This reduced voltage can result in many advantages such as, for example, reduced on time voltage, unwanted charging on insulator and reduced failure of the switch (compared to known conventional switches). Also, in operation, the MEMS switch of FIG. 4 substantially eliminates arcing, as well as large dielectric breakdown attributable to higher switching voltages.

Fourth Aspect of the Invention

FIG. 5 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the invention, an additional cantilever electrode 18c is formed using the processes described above, e.g., adding an additional deposition layer of resist and additional patterning steps. The electrodes 16a, 16b and 18a-18c are hermetically sealed within the nitride layer 22. In embodiments, the arm of the cantilever electrode 18a also includes a vertical extending protrusion (nub) 18a₂. As in other embodiments, the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b are about 50 microns long, 9 microns high and 20 microns long; although other dimensions are also contemplated by the invention. Also, in embodiments, a distance “X” between the respective portions 18a₂ and 18b₁ is about two microns; although, other distances are also contemplated by the invention. To decrease the distance “X”, vertically extending portions can extend from each of the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b.

In operation, upon the application of a positive voltage to the fixed electrode 16b, the cantilever electrode 18b will be pulled down towards the cantilever electrode 18a. Also, upon a negative voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16a and a positive voltage applied to the cantilever electrode 18c, the cantilever electrode 18a will be pushed upwards toward the cantilever electrode 18b. At a predetermined designed voltage, the respective nub portion 18a₂ and the end portion 18b₁ will make contact with one another, i.e., travel the distance “X”, thereby closing the switch. In the off state (0 voltage), the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b will return to their original position, with a space “X” between the respective ends.

In one design, the voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16b and the cantilever electrode 18c is about 30 volts. Also, the voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16a is about −30 volts. This design voltage can be significantly lower than known conventional systems as the two cantilever arms (18a and 18b) are each designed and arranged to move a smaller distance than a single arm in a conventional system. More specifically, there can be a reduced switching voltage due to bending of both arms and the use of three voltage electrodes (e.g., 16a, 16b and 18c).

This reduced voltage is a minimum switching voltage required to pull the electrodes together (i.e., pull-in voltage). This reduced voltage can result in many advantages such as, for example, reduced on time voltage, unwanted charging on insulator and reduced failure of the switch (compared to known conventional switches). Also, in operation, the MEMS switch of FIG. 5 substantially eliminates arcing, as well as large dielectric breakdown attributable to higher switching voltages.

Fifth Aspect of the Invention

FIG. 6 shows a MEMS structure in accordance with a fifth aspect of the invention. In this aspect of the invention, an additional cantilever electrode 18c is formed using the processes described above, e.g., adding an additional deposition layer of resist and additional patterning steps. Also, the fixed electrode 16b can be raised to be closer to the cantilever electrode 18b which, in turn, provides an improved response time (as the space between the fixed electrode 16b and the cantilever electrode 18b is closed). The height of the fixed electrode 16b is higher than the height of the fixed electrode 16a. To decrease the distance “X”, a vertically extending portion can also extend from the cantilever electrodes 18b. A gap is approximately 5 to 10 microns between the. electrode 16b and the cantilever electrode 18b. In embodiments, the electrodes 16a, 16b and 18a-18c are hermetically sealed within the nitride layer 22.

In embodiments, the arm of the cantilever electrode 18a also includes a vertical extending protrusion (nub) 18a₂. As in other embodiments, the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b are about 50 microns long, 9 microns high and 20 microns long; although other dimensions are also contemplated by the invention. Also, in further embodiments, a distance “X” between the respective end portions 18a₁ and 18b₂ that overlap is about two microns; although, other distances are also contemplated by the invention.

In operation, upon the application of a positive voltage to the fixed electrode 16b, the cantilever electrode 18b will be pulled down towards the cantilever electrode 18a. Also, upon a negative voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16a and a positive voltage applied to the cantilever electrode 18c, the cantilever electrode 18a will be pushed upwards toward the cantilever electrode 18b. At a predetermined designed voltage, the respective nub portion 18a₂ and the end portion 18b₁ will make contact with one another, i.e., travel the distance “X”, thereby closing the switch. In the off state (0 voltage), the cantilever electrodes 18a and 18b will return to their original position, with a space “X” between the respective ends.

In one design, the voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16b and the cantilever electrode 18c is about 30 volts. Also, the voltage applied to the fixed electrode 16a is about −30 volts. This design voltage can be significantly lower than known conventional systems as the two cantilever arms (18a and 18b) are each designed and arranged to move a smaller distance, than a single arm in a conventional system. More specifically, there can be a reduced switching voltage due to bending of both arms and the use of three voltage electrodes (e.g., 16a, 16b and 18c).

This reduced voltage is a minimum switching voltage required to pull the electrodes together (i.e., pull-in voltage). This reduced voltage can result in many advantages such as, for example, reduced on time voltage, unwanted charging on insulator and reduced failure of the switch (compared to known conventional switches). Also, in operation, the MEMS switch of FIG. 6 substantially eliminates arcing, as well as large dielectric breakdown attributable to higher switching voltages.

The structures as described above are used in the fabrication of integrated circuit chips. The resulting integrated circuit chips can be distributed by the fabricator in raw wafer form (that is, as a single wafer that has multiple unpackaged chips), as a bare die, or in a packaged form. In the latter case the chip is mounted in a single chip package (such as a plastic carrier, with leads that are affixed to a motherboard or other higher level carrier) or in a multichip package (such as a ceramic carrier that has either or both surface interconnections or buried interconnections). In any case the chip is then integrated with other chips, discrete circuit elements, and/or other signal processing devices as part of either (a) an intermediate product, such as a motherboard, or (b) an end product. The end product can be any product that includes integrated circuit chips, ranging from toys and other low-end applications to advanced computer products having a display, a keyboard or other input device, and a central processor.

While the invention has been described in terms of exemplary embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modifications and in the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A structure comprising at least two cantilevered electrodes having ends which overlap and which are structured and operable to contact one another upon an application of a voltage by at least one fixed electrode.

2. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least two cantilevered electrodes include a first electrode and a second electrode, the first electrode is configured to move downward upon the application of the voltage by a first of the at least one fixed electrode and the second electrode is configured to move upward upon the application of the voltage by a second of the at least one fixed electrode.

3. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least two cantilevered electrodes include a moveable electrode and a stationary electrode, the moveable electrode is configured to move downward upon the application of the voltage of the at least one fixed electrode to make contact with the stationary electrode.

4. The structure of claim 1, further comprising a hermetically sealed volume having encapsulated therein the at least two cantilevered electrodes and the hermetically sealed volume is provided by at least a liner.

5. The structure of claim 4, further comprising a fixed contact, wherein: the at least two cantilevered electrodes include a moveable electrode and a stationary electrode; andthe stationary electrode is fixed to the liner such that the stationary electrode remains stationary upon the application of the voltage.

6. The structure of claim 5, wherein: the application of the voltage is provided by the stationary electrode and the at least one fixed electrode;the moveable electrode is positioned between the at least one fixed electrode and the stationary electrode;the moveable electrode is structured and operable to move away from the stationary electrode and toward the at least fixed electrode and to contact with the fixed contact upon the application of the voltage.

7. The structure of claim 1, wherein the at least two cantilevered electrodes include three cantilevered electrodes.

8. The structure of claim 7, wherein: the three cantilever electrodes include a first electrode, a second electrode and a third electrode;the first electrode and the second electrode are structured and configured to move towards one another upon the application of the voltage;the third electrode is a stationary electrode and is configured to provide a voltage to move the first electrode toward the second electrode; andthe at least one fixed electrode includes: a first fixed electrode configured to apply a voltage which moves the first electrode toward the second electrode; anda second fixed electrode configured to attract the second electrode toward the first electrode.

9. The structure of claim 8, wherein the second fixed electrode is raised higher than the first fixed electrode.

10. The structure of claim 1, wherein only one of the at least two cantilevered electrodes is structured and configured to bend.

11. The structure of claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least two cantilevered electrodes includes a vertically extending portion which decreases a travel distance between the at least two cantilevered electrodes.

12. A method of fabricating a switch comprising forming at least two cantilever electrodes and at least one fixed electrode encapsulated through a series of resist deposition and patterning steps.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the forming the hermetically sealed dome comprises: forming a hermetically sealed dome such that the at least two cantilever electrodes and at least one fixed electrode are encapsulated within the hermetically sealed dome;providing a liner over layers of sacrificial resist which surround the least two cantilever electrodes and the at least one fixed electrode;forming at least one hole in the nitride liner to gain access to the sacrificial resist;etching the sacrificial resist within the nitride liner; andclosing the holes by deposition of additional liner material.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the liner is deposited directly on an upper surface of one of the at least two cantilever electrodes such that the one of the one at least two cantilever electrodes is fixed to the liner.

15. The method of claim 12, wherein one of the at least two cantilever electrodes is stationary.

16. The method of claim 12, further comprising forming at least three cantilever electrodes, wherein a first of the cantilever electrodes is configured to apply a voltage to move a second of the cantilever electrodes towards a third of the cantilever electrodes, the second and the third cantilever electrodes being formed to be moveable.

17. The method of claim 12, further comprising forming a vertically extending portion on at least one of the at least two cantilever electrodes to reduce a travel distance between the at least two cantilever electrodes.

18. A method of forming a switch, comprising: depositing layers of resist on a structure;patterning the resist to form sequential openings;sequentially depositing metal or metal alloy within the sequential openings until at least two cantilever electrodes and at least one voltage applying electrode are formed within the layers of resist;depositing a liner over an uppermost layer of the layers of resist;forming openings in the liner;etching the layers of the resist through the opening until the cantilever electrodes and the at least one voltage applying electrode are in a void; andsealing the void with additional liner material to form a hermetically sealed dome.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the liner is a nitride liner and the openings in the liner are filled with additional nitride.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the liner is deposited on a portion of one of the at least two cantilever electrodes thereby fixing the one of the at least two cantilever electrodes to the liner.