Leak detection methods for glass capped and polymer sealed MEMS packages

This paper presents the limitations of the helium leak test when applied to typical MEMS packages. Hermeticity testing using FTIR and Raman spectroscopy are investigated with a view to overcoming the limitations of the helium leak test method. Hermeticity testing using FTIR is successful demonstrated for low cavity volume MEMS and glass packaged devices. Raman spectroscopy also improves on these limitations and can be considered to determine leak rates caused by outgassing or permeation through package materials.