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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Mems Fabrication Process Base On Su-8 Masking Layers, Scott A. Ostrow, Ronald A. Coutu Jr. Nov 2013

Mems Fabrication Process Base On Su-8 Masking Layers, Scott A. Ostrow, Ronald A. Coutu Jr.

AFIT Patents

A novel fabrication process uses a combination of negative and positive photoresists with positive tone photomasks, resulting in masking layers suitable for bulk micromachining high-aspect ratio microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices. This technique allows the use of positive photomasks with negative resists, opening the door to an ability to create complementary mechanical structures without the fabrication delays and costs associated with having to obtain a negative photomask. In addition, whereas an SU-8 mask would normally be left in place after processing, a technique utilizing a positive photoresist as a release layer has been developed so that the SU-8 masking material can …


Mems Resonant Magnetic Field Sensor Based On An Aln/Fegab Bilayer Nano-Plate Resonator, Yu Hui, Tianxiang Nan, Nian Sun, Matteo Rinaldi Aug 2013

Mems Resonant Magnetic Field Sensor Based On An Aln/Fegab Bilayer Nano-Plate Resonator, Yu Hui, Tianxiang Nan, Nian Sun, Matteo Rinaldi

Nian X. Sun

This paper reports on the first demonstration of an ultra-miniaturized, high frequency (215 MHz) and high sensitivity MEMS resonant magnetic field sensor based on an AlN/FeGaB bilayer nano-plate resonator capable of detecting magnetic field at nano-Tesla level. Despite of the reduced volume and the high operating frequency of the sensor, high electromechanical performances were achieved (quality factor Q ≈ 511 and electromechanical coupling coefficient kt² ≈ 1.63%). This first prototype was characterized for different magnetic field levels from 0 to 152 Oe showing a frequency sensitivity of ~ 1 Hz/nT and a limit of detection of ~ 10 nT.


Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy To Assess Mems Si/Sio2 Membranes Exhibiting Negative Spring Constant Behavior, Lavern A. Starman, Ronald A. Coutu Jr. Apr 2013

Using Micro-Raman Spectroscopy To Assess Mems Si/Sio2 Membranes Exhibiting Negative Spring Constant Behavior, Lavern A. Starman, Ronald A. Coutu Jr.

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

We introduce a novel micro-mechanical structure that exhibits two regions of stable linear positive and negative stiffness. Springs, cantilevers, beams and any other geometry that display an increasing return force that is proportional to the displacement can be considered to have a “Hookean” positive spring constant, or stiffness. Less well known is the opposite characteristic of a reducing return force for a given deflection, or negative stiffness. Unfortunately many simple negative stiffness structures exhibit unstable buckling and require additional moving components during deflection to avoid deforming out of its useful shape. In Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) devices, buckling caused by stress …


Mems Resonant Magnetic Field Sensor Based On An Aln/Fegab Bilayer Nano-Plate Resonator, Yu Hui, Tianxiang Nan, Nian Sun, Matteo Rinaldi Mar 2013

Mems Resonant Magnetic Field Sensor Based On An Aln/Fegab Bilayer Nano-Plate Resonator, Yu Hui, Tianxiang Nan, Nian Sun, Matteo Rinaldi

Tianxiang Nan

This paper reports on the first demonstration of an ultra-miniaturized, high frequency (215 MHz) and high sensitivity MEMS resonant magnetic field sensor based on an AlN/FeGaB bilayer nano-plate resonator capable of detecting magnetic field at nano-Tesla level. Despite of the reduced volume and the high operating frequency of the sensor, high electromechanical performances were achieved (quality factor Q ≈ 511 and electromechanical coupling coefficient kt² ≈ 1.63%). This first prototype was characterized for different magnetic field levels from 0 to 152 Oe showing a frequency sensitivity of ~ 1 Hz/nT and a limit of detection of ~ 10 nT.


Microfabrication Processes And Advancements In Planar Electrode Ion Traps As Mass Spectrometers, Brett Jacob Hansen Mar 2013

Microfabrication Processes And Advancements In Planar Electrode Ion Traps As Mass Spectrometers, Brett Jacob Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents advances in the development of planar electrode ion traps. An ion trap is a device that can be used in mass analysis applications. Electrode surfaces create an electric field profile that trap ionized molecules of an analyte. The electric fields can then be manipulated to mass-selectively eject ions out of the trap into a detector. The resulting data can be used to analyze molecular structure and composition of an unknown compound. Conventional ion traps require machined electrode surfaces to form the electric trapping field. This class of electrode presents significant obstacles when attempting to miniaturize ion traps …


Mems Resonant Magnetic Field Sensor Based On An Aln/Fegab Bilayer Nano-Plate Resonator, Yu Hui, Tianxiang Nan, Nian Sun, Matteo Rinaldi Feb 2013

Mems Resonant Magnetic Field Sensor Based On An Aln/Fegab Bilayer Nano-Plate Resonator, Yu Hui, Tianxiang Nan, Nian Sun, Matteo Rinaldi

Matteo Rinaldi

This paper reports on the first demonstration of an ultra-miniaturized, high frequency (215 MHz) and high sensitivity MEMS resonant magnetic field sensor based on an AlN/FeGaB bilayer nano-plate resonator capable of detecting magnetic field at nano-Tesla level. Despite of the reduced volume and the high operating frequency of the sensor, high electromechanical performances were achieved (quality factor Q ≈ 511 and electromechanical coupling coefficient kt² ≈ 1.63%). This first prototype was characterized for different magnetic field levels from 0 to 152 Oe showing a frequency sensitivity of ~ 1 Hz/nT and a limit of detection of ~ 10 nT.


Nanoenabled Microelectromechanical Sensor For Volatile Organic Chemical Detection, Chiara Zuniga, Matteo Rinaldi, Samuel M. Khamis, A. T. Johnson, Gianluca Piazza Feb 2013

Nanoenabled Microelectromechanical Sensor For Volatile Organic Chemical Detection, Chiara Zuniga, Matteo Rinaldi, Samuel M. Khamis, A. T. Johnson, Gianluca Piazza

Matteo Rinaldi

A nanoenabled gravimetric chemical sensor prototype based on the large scale integration of single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) decorated single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as nanofunctionalization layer for aluminum nitride contour-mode resonant microelectromechanical (MEM) gravimetric sensors has been demonstrated. The capability of two distinct single strands of DNA bound to SWNTs to enhance differently the adsorption of volatile organic compounds such as dinitroluene (simulant for explosive vapor) and dymethyl-methylphosphonate (simulant for nerve agent sarin) has been verified experimentally. Different levels of sensitivity (17.3 and 28 KHz µm^2/fg) due to separate frequencies of operation (287 and 450 MHz) on the same die have also …


Effect Of Hydrodynamic Force On Microcantilever Vibrations: Applications To Liquid-Phase Chemical Sensing, I. Dufour, E. Lemaire, B. Caillard, H. Debeda, C. Lucat, Stephen M. Heinrich, Fabien Josse, O. Brand Jan 2013

Effect Of Hydrodynamic Force On Microcantilever Vibrations: Applications To Liquid-Phase Chemical Sensing, I. Dufour, E. Lemaire, B. Caillard, H. Debeda, C. Lucat, Stephen M. Heinrich, Fabien Josse, O. Brand

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

At the microscale, cantilever vibrations depend not only on the microstructure’s properties and geometry but also on the properties of the surrounding medium. In fact, when a microcantilever vibrates in a fluid, the fluid offers resistance to the motion of the beam. The study of the influence of the hydrodynamic force on the microcantilever’s vibrational spectrum can be used to either (1) optimize the use of microcantilevers for chemical detection in liquid media or (2) extract the mechanical properties of the fluid. The classical method for application (1) in gas is to operate the microcantilever in the dynamic transverse bending …


Piezoelectric-Based, Self-Sustaining Artificial Cochlea, Jared Evans Jan 2013

Piezoelectric-Based, Self-Sustaining Artificial Cochlea, Jared Evans

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Hearing loss is a prevalent issue, affecting all ages in innumerable occupations. Cochlear implants are one solution to sensorineural hearing complications; and though they are commonly used, the electronic devices have limitations in power consumption and external equipment. Piezoelectric films emulate the relationship between the basilar membrane and inner hair cell structures of the human cochlear epithelium, inducing a potential difference in response to sound pressure. Through proper MEMS fabrication and material selection, an artificial cochlear can be developed utilizing piezoelectrics, which is self-sustainable and functions naturally with the mechanisms of the human ear. This research investigates the feasibility of …


Integration Of Memristors With Mems For Dynamic Displacement Control, Sergio Fabian Almeida Loya Jan 2013

Integration Of Memristors With Mems For Dynamic Displacement Control, Sergio Fabian Almeida Loya

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In recent years the demand for high-speed, lower power consumption and large-capacity non-volatile memories has increased. Promisingly the memristor can be used due to its special characteristic of having memory through resistance change. The memristor behavior is not limited to digital applications but it can be used in analog application as well including: memristors in chaotic circuits, amoeba's learning, neural synaptic emulation, reprogrammable and reconfigurable circuits, and for neuromorphic computers. On the other hand Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) are small scale structures that can interact with the physical world due to their mechanical properties. These devices are widely used …