actuator – TechConnect Briefs

Towards In-Vivo Radio Transmitting Nano-Robots

Dolev S., Narayanan R.P., Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, IL

An implementable design of a Nano Electro Mechani- cal (NEM) Carbon Nanotube (CNT) cantilever for com- munication in nanorobots is sketched in this brief sum- mary. Nano communication devices can provide future nanorobots with the [...]

Using Neutrons to Probe the Electromechanical Response Mechanism of Ionic Block Copolymers

Dugger J.W., Chen M., Long T.E., Fu Y., Kumar R., Lokitz B.S., Browning J.F., Oak Ridge National Lab, US

One of the rapidly developing frontiers in research and engineering applications is focused on the rational design of materials that have targeted functionalities and tunable responses to external stimuli. Such materials stand to revolutionize how [...]

New Designs for MEMS-Micromirrors and Micromirror Packaging with Electrostatic and Piezoelectric Drive

Gu-Stoppel S., Stenchly V., Kaden D., Quenzer H.-J., Wagner B., Hofmann U., Dudde R., Fraunhofer Institute Silicon Technology, DE

New devices of 1 and 2dimensional micro-mirrors based on new designs and new process capabilities using piezoelectric actuators are presented. For micro-mirrors an 8’’ wafer-level packaging process was developed using pre-processed borosilicate glass wafers. An [...]

Freestanding Membranes of Cross-Linked Gold-Nanoparticles: Novel Functional Material for MEMS/NEMS Applications

Schlicke H., Schröter C.J., Rebber M., Battista D., Kunze S., Vossmeyer T., University of Hamburg, DE

We present the focus of our current research, which is the investigation of the electronic and mechanical properties of freestanding gold nanoparticle (GNP) membranes, e.g. by micro bulge tests with atomic force microscopy (AFM) data [...]

Conical, Floating Piston Isolation Valve

Farner B.R., NASA - Stennis Space Center, US

This valve consists of a hollow, moveable floating piston pressed against a stationary solid seat, and can use the working fluid or an external pressure source to seal the valve. This open/closed valve has a [...]

Virtual pivot point MEMS rotary comb actuator with externally mounted mirror for optical applications

Amin T.M.F., Huda M.Q., Tulip J., Jäger W., University of Alberta, CA

The design, fabrication, and characterization of a virtual pivot MEMS actuator with externally mounted mirror is presented. The provision for an externally mounted mirror can be useful for many optical applications which require large and [...]

Design and Fabrication of a Metallic MEMS Gripper Using Electro-Thermal V-Shape and Modified U-Shape Actuators

Khazaai J.J., Qu H., Shillor M., Smith L., Oakland University, US

This abstract reports on the design, fabrication, and characterization of a distinctive MEMS gripper electro-thermally driven by the new metallic (electroplated nickel) V-shape actuator (VSA) and the modified U-shape actuators (mUSA). The VSA and the [...]

Design and Fabrication of a Low Power Electro-thermal V-shape Actuator With Large Displacement

Khazaai J., Oakland University, US

We propose the design and microfabrication of a V-shape MEMS electro-thermal actuator featuring large displacement generation and low power consumption. Electro-thermal MEMS actuators are suitable for a variety of applications where large forces and long [...]

Wireless SensorSystem with Bidirectional Communications

Husak M., Boura A., Jakovenko J., Czech Technical University in Prague, CZ

The system contains units: wireless, control, actuator, software equipment. RF wireless unit ensures wireless communication between control unit and sensors as well as wireless switch unit. The control unit controls system operation, i.e. communication transfer, [...]

Individually addressable Cantilever Arrays for Parallel Atomic Force Microscopy

Sulzbach T., Engl W., Maier R., Nanoworld Services GmbH, DE

Cantilever arrays probes with self-sensing and self-actuating cantilevers and integrated sharp silicon tips for parallel surface scanning were realized. Each cantilever is equipped with a piezoresistive deflection sensor and a thermal bimorph actuator enabling an [...]