Nanotechnology for Packaging

The use of implantable microelectronic devices for treatment of medical conditions, e.g. movement disorders, deafness and urinary incontinence has increased steadily over the years [1]. These devices use microelectronic components to sense biological activities in the im‐ planted patient. The microelectronic components must be protected from the surrounding tissue using insulating (hermetic) packaging material. This packaging prevents the aqueous saline environment of the body from corroding, short-circuiting and contaminating the internal electronics. Microelectronic packages must incorporate some electrically conducting elements that bridge through the protective packaging to allow the internal microelectronics to sense (or stimulate) the surrounding external environment. These conductive elements are called interconnects or feed-throughs.