Diamond Piezoresistor Sensitivity via Crystal Orientation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing force detection devices using diamond piezoresistors lack effective utilization of crystal orientation dependency, leading to reduced piezoresistance coefficients and limited sensitivity, especially at high temperatures and under varying stress conditions.

Innovation Solution

A force detection device utilizing a highly orientated diamond piezoresistor with boron as an impurity, where the diamond piezoresistor is formed on specific crystal planes and subjected to stress aligned with or perpendicular to the input electrodes, leveraging crystal orientation dependency to enhance piezoresistance coefficients and sensitivity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a diamond piezoresistor is used without considering crystal orientation, then the device can be manufactured with simpler processes, but the piezoresistance coefficient is reduced and sensitivity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidcrystal orientation control
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crystal orientation parameter of the diamond piezoresistor from random or conventional orientations to highly oriented configurations, specifically aligning the <100> crystal direction with the stress direction. This parameter change maximizes the piezoresistance coefficient and enhances sensitivity without fundamentally altering the manufacturing process complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces asymmetry in the crystal orientation arrangement, where the diamond piezoresistor is deliberately oriented with its <100> direction aligned with the stress direction rather than using symmetric or random orientations. This asymmetric orientation configuration optimizes the piezoresistive effect and improves measurement sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If conventional diamond piezoresistors are used at high temperatures, then the device can operate in elevated temperature environments, but the piezoresistance coefficient decreases and stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability at high temperatureVSAvoidhigh temperature operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the crystal orientation parameter to highly oriented configurations with <100> alignment, which maintains higher piezoresistance coefficients at elevated temperatures compared to conventional orientations. This parameter change enables reliable operation at high temperatures while preserving sensitivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses boron-doped diamond material that, while having finite temperature stability limits, provides sufficient operational lifetime at elevated temperatures for the intended application. The material is selected to balance cost, manufacturability, and temperature stability requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If the diamond piezoresistor is oriented without specific crystal plane alignment, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the piezoresistance coefficient is not maximized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepiezoresistance coefficientVSAvoidcrystal plane alignment
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies the crystal plane orientation parameter, using <100> oriented diamond surfaces for the piezoresistor configuration. This parameter specification maximizes the piezoresistance coefficient while maintaining compatibility with existing diamond growth and processing technologies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary crystal orientation selection during the diamond substrate preparation stage, ensuring that <100> oriented surfaces are used before piezoresistor fabrication begins. This preliminary action simplifies subsequent manufacturing steps and ensures optimal piezoresistive properties without requiring complex real-time orientation control during fabrication

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device achieves increased sensitivity and stability under high-temperature conditions by maximizing piezoresistance coefficients, allowing for effective detection of various types of stress, including in-plane and out-of-plane stresses, through strategic orientation and alignment of the diamond piezoresistor.

Implementation Method 1

a force detection device is provided with a piezoresistor including diamond into which boron is introduced as an impurity. The force detection device utilizes the crystal orientation dependency of the piezoresistor.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoresistance: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 2

the piezoresistive effect of a piezoresistor formed on the (100) plane of a substrate in the [100] direction is described

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP2796843B1Force detection device, and force transducer device
Publication Date: 2019.08.07 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP2796843B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2796843B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2796843B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A force detection device includes a diamond piezoresistor including a highly orientated diamond into which boron is introduced as an impurity. The absolute value of the piezoresistance coefficient of the diamond piezoresistor is greater than the absolute value of a piezoresistance coefficient π11 or π12 in a case in which a major axis is in the &lt;100&gt; direction.