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Contact Resistance Evolution And Degradation Of Highly Cycled Micro-Contacts, Christopher L. Stilson
Contact Resistance Evolution And Degradation Of Highly Cycled Micro-Contacts, Christopher L. Stilson
Theses and Dissertations
Reliable microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) switches are critical for developing high performance radio frequency circuits like phase shifters. Engineers have attempted to improve reliability and lifecycle performance using novel contact metals, unique mechanical designs and packaging. Various test fixtures including: MEMS devices, atomic force microscopes (AFM) and nanoindentors have been used to collect resistance and contact force data. AFM and nanoindentor test fixtures allow direct contact force measurements but are severely limited by low resonance sensors, and therefore low data collection rates. This thesis reports the contact resistance evolution results and fabrication of thin film micro-contacts dynamically tested up to 3kHz. …