Rouabah H.A., Gollasch C.O., Kraft M.
University of Southampton, UK
Keywords: actuator, electrostatic, MEMS, modeling, spring constant, suspention
The advance of MEMS based sensors and microfabrication techniques has facilitated innovative technologies such as so-called ‘atom chips’, where a cloud of ultra cold atoms in a Bose Einstein Condensate (BEC) is controlled and manipulated by magnetic confinement fields. One important part of an atom chip is a three dimensional (3D) electrostatic actuator which allows the precise spatial alignment between an optical fibre and a mirror, forming an optical cavity. This cavity is used to detect the BEC atom cloud. This paper shows how the application of a novel suspension design has led to an improvement in the design and performance of a 3D electrostatic actuator for an atom chip. The design has achieved a lower spring constant in Z direction, and hence a reduced actuation voltage requirement. The analytical model derived has been in a good agreement with the simulated model.
Journal: TechConnect Briefs
Volume: 3, Technical Proceedings of the 2005 NSTI Nanotechnology Conference and Trade Show, Volume 3
Published: May 8, 2005
Pages: 489 - 492
Industry sector: Sensors, MEMS, Electronics
Topic: MEMS & NEMS Devices, Modeling & Applications
ISBN: 0-9767985-2-2