micromachines presentation

8/7/2019 Micromachines presentation

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fabricated from extremely thin layers of silicononly a few millionths of a meter thick. Thesilicon layers can be shaped into levers, gears,

and other mechanical devices. Micromachine technology is currently used in

imaging systems and motion sensors, and isbeing developed for applications inbiomedicine, computers, andtelecommunications.



Also referred to as Microelectromechanicalsystems (MEMS) - a miniaturized mechanicaldevice built with the materials and techniques

used to make integrated circuits for computers most general definition requires that at least

one dimension of a micromachined device bein the micrometer range.



sensitive, they can move faster

use less energy than larger machines do

cheaper to manufacture and can be easily madein large quantities

MEMS technology is currently used in devicessuch as air bag sensors and certain types of

video screen systems. It is being adapted foruses in many other fields, such as medicine,computers, and communication.



Micromachines are constructed by etching or chemicallydissolving patterns onto thin slices of silicon wafers.

Computers and microscopes are used to control themanufacturing process. MEMS construction has the sameadvantages of integrated-circuit construction, such as smallsize, so many can be made at once, and ease of manufacture.

Micromachines are also easy and inexpensive to mass-produce (although perfecting the initial design may beexpensive). Tens to thousands of identical MEMS devices,such as mirrors, valves, and levers, can be madesimultaneously.

Some micromachine designs take advantage of the ease ofmass production and use thousands or millions of MEMSelements that work together to make a complete system.



Communication and Transportation Most of the machines used in transportation and

telecommunication rely on the use of accelerometers. Theseare instruments that measure acceleration forces.

Accelerometers are integrated into complex navigationdevices for aircraft, missiles, other weapon systems, andin simple everyday devices like our cell phones and alarmmotion detectors or vehicles (airbag deployment in cars).Although they are already in use, micromachining aims

to make them smaller, cheaper, and even more sensitive.The same rule applies to memories and batteries. Theseenhancements will boost device performance, especiallyin the demanding areas of satellite systems, groundcontrol systems, and aerospace technology.



Biomedicine MEMS used as biosensors are already in the spotlight of

development. Their main purpose is to identify a specific chemical compound

(protein, enzyme, DNA) and interact with it, within a givenchemical environment.

One of the most common techniques, involves the adsorptionof the compound molecule on the nanostructured surface of thebiosensor and the measurement of the biosignal (current, heat,light, etc.) generated from the molecule-sensor interaction. Suchbiosensors can detect pathogenic organisms and help in

cholesterol and arteriosclerosis prevention. Bio-MEMS that are made up of biocompatible materials can be

used in the medical implant industry or serve as drug deliveryagents. The idea is to substitute any chemical interference withour body to a mechanical one that will have the same effectiveresult.



Energy Field

Micromachines and microtechnology may bringrevolutionary changes in the photovoltaic industry.

High efficiency solar modules are already beingproduced, while other technologies such ashydrogen and catalyst technology are in constantdevelopment.



Textile and Food Industries This is a least known application potential for micromachines.

Many researchers are now focusing on new approaches forprocessing fibers into textile structures using MEMS

technology, such as the monitoring and measurement of warptension during fabric formation.

The fabrication of a micro weaving machine could also lead tothe weaving of fabrics with extraordinary properties forspacesuits, fire suits and even everyday clothing.

On the other hand, the food industry has a lot to learn as well.

Similarly to the biomedicine section, pathogenic agents in foodcould be detected and neutralized prior to mass consumption.Processes such as the nutritional value measurement duringproduction are another possibility as well.



Other Possible Applications Other applications involve the development of microsensors to

detect chemical and biological weapons and thus prevent apossible terrorist strike.

Some researchers have also suggested the use of microtechnology

for a future nanolithography tool below the 100 nm era. Such a toolwill be able to characterize surfaces in an atomic scale, leading tothe development of atomic resolution lithography andconsequently to the printing of nanocircuits and nanochips.

Another idea involves the manufacturing of miniaturized facilitiesor microfactories, to make possible the production of small systemsand enable the tailoring of their optical, mechanical, or thermal

conductive properties (mobility, flexibility, etc.). Taking into account today's growth rate, it seems that microrobots

and nanomachines with movable microparts are still a distantscenario.



Micromachining demands an interdisciplinaryapproach to achieve growth, and it's runningfast. It has already entered our lives and

estimates show that it will dominate theproduction line and revolutionize mostindustry fields within this decade. However, ina world where technology is coupled with

commercialization and funding schemes, it isvery difficult to make accurate predictions.

micromachines presentation

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