Next Issue
Volume 12, February
Previous Issue
Volume 11, December
 
 

Micromachines, Volume 12, Issue 1 (January 2021) – 98 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): While sorting cells based on their membrane or internal structures has important implications for cell biology, these properties usually do not translate into common properties that have been used for sorting, for example, size, shape, or deformability. We show that by combining electrokinetics with deterministic lateral displacement (DLD) in a microfluidics device, it is possible to sort cells continuously based on differences in their membrane and internal structures. Using heat to deactivate cells, which changes their viability and structure, we demonstrate sorting of a mixture of viable and non-viable cells for two different cell types. We expect our work to form the basis for the development of simple, low-cost, continuous label-free methods that can separate cells and bioparticles based on their intrinsic properties. View this paper.
  • Issues are regarded as officially published after their release is announced to the table of contents alert mailing list.
  • You may sign up for e-mail alerts to receive table of contents of newly released issues.
  • PDF is the official format for papers published in both, html and pdf forms. To view the papers in pdf format, click on the "PDF Full-text" link, and use the free Adobe Reader to open them.
Order results
Result details
Section
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
12 pages, 3153 KiB  
Article
Parallel Recordings of Transmembrane hERG Channel Currents Based on Solvent-Free Lipid Bilayer Microarray
by Ryusuke Miyata, Daisuke Tadaki, Daichi Yamaura, Shun Araki, Madoka Sato, Maki Komiya, Teng Ma, Hideaki Yamamoto, Michio Niwano and Ayumi Hirano-Iwata
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 98; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010098 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2888
Abstract
The reconstitution of ion-channel proteins in artificially formed bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) forms a well-defined system for the functional analysis of ion channels and screening of the effects of drugs that act on these proteins. To improve the efficiency of the BLM reconstitution [...] Read more.
The reconstitution of ion-channel proteins in artificially formed bilayer lipid membranes (BLMs) forms a well-defined system for the functional analysis of ion channels and screening of the effects of drugs that act on these proteins. To improve the efficiency of the BLM reconstitution system, we report on a microarray of stable solvent-free BLMs formed in microfabricated silicon (Si) chips, where micro-apertures with well-defined nano- and micro-tapered edges were fabricated. Sixteen micro-wells were manufactured in a chamber made of Teflon®, and the Si chips were individually embedded in the respective wells as a recording site. Typically, 11 to 16 BLMs were simultaneously formed with an average BLM number of 13.1, which corresponded to a formation probability of 82%. Parallel recordings of ion-channel activities from multiple BLMs were successfully demonstrated using the human ether-a-go-go-related gene (hERG) potassium channel, of which the relation to arrhythmic side effects following drug treatment is well recognized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Lipid Bilayers on Chip)
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 1776 KiB  
Article
Inertial Microfluidics-Based Separation of Microalgae Using a Contraction–Expansion Array Microchannel
by Ga-Yeong Kim, Jaejung Son, Jong-In Han and Je-Kyun Park
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 97; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010097 - 19 Jan 2021
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3342
Abstract
Microalgae separation technology is essential for both executing laboratory-based fundamental studies and ensuring the quality of the final algal products. However, the conventional microalgae separation technology of micropipetting requires highly skilled operators and several months of repeated separation to obtain a microalgal single [...] Read more.
Microalgae separation technology is essential for both executing laboratory-based fundamental studies and ensuring the quality of the final algal products. However, the conventional microalgae separation technology of micropipetting requires highly skilled operators and several months of repeated separation to obtain a microalgal single strain. This study therefore aimed at utilizing microfluidic cell sorting technology for the simple and effective separation of microalgae. Microalgae are characterized by their various morphologies with a wide range of sizes. In this study, a contraction–expansion array microchannel, which utilizes these unique properties of microalgae, was specifically employed for the size-based separation of microalgae. At Reynolds number of 9, two model algal cells, Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) and Haematococcus pluvialis (H. pluvialis), were successfully separated without showing any sign of cell damage, yielding a purity of 97.9% for C. vulgaris and 94.9% for H. pluvialis. The result supported that the inertia-based separation technology could be a powerful alternative to the labor-intensive and time-consuming conventional microalgae separation technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inertial Microfluidics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

21 pages, 3920 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Three-Dimensional Multicellular Spheroid Culture and Future Development
by Honglin Shen, Shuxiang Cai, Chuanxiang Wu, Wenguang Yang, Haibo Yu and Lianqing Liu
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 96; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010096 - 18 Jan 2021
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5156
Abstract
Three-dimensional multicellular spheroids (MCSs) have received extensive attention in the field of biomedicine due to their ability to simulate the structure and function of tissues in vivo more accurately than traditional in vitro two-dimensional models and to simulate cell–cell and cell extracellular matrix [...] Read more.
Three-dimensional multicellular spheroids (MCSs) have received extensive attention in the field of biomedicine due to their ability to simulate the structure and function of tissues in vivo more accurately than traditional in vitro two-dimensional models and to simulate cell–cell and cell extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions. It has become an important in vitro three-dimensional model for tumor research, high-throughput drug screening, tissue engineering, and basic biology research. In the review, we first summarize methods for MCSs generation and their respective advantages and disadvantages and highlight the advances of hydrogel and microfluidic systems in the generation of spheroids. Then, we look at the application of MCSs in cancer research and other aspects. Finally, we discuss the development direction and prospects of MCSs Full article
(This article belongs to the Section E:Engineering and Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

6 pages, 1753 KiB  
Article
Development of a CMOS-Compatible Carbon Nanotube Array Transfer Method
by Chun Fei Siah, Lucas Yu Xiang Lum, Jianxiong Wang, Simon Chun Kiat Goh, Chong Wei Tan, Liangxing Hu, Philippe Coquet, Hong Li, Chuan Seng Tan and Beng Kang Tay
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 95; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010095 - 18 Jan 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2293
Abstract
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have, over the years, been used in research as a promising material in electronics as a thermal interface material and as interconnects amongst other applications. However, there exist several issues preventing the widespread integration of CNTs onto device applications, e.g., [...] Read more.
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have, over the years, been used in research as a promising material in electronics as a thermal interface material and as interconnects amongst other applications. However, there exist several issues preventing the widespread integration of CNTs onto device applications, e.g., high growth temperature and interfacial resistance. To overcome these issues, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible CNT array transfer method that electrically connects the CNT arrays to target device substrates was developed. The method separates the CNT growth and preparation steps from the target substrate. Utilizing an alignment tool with the capabilities of thermocompression enables a highly accurate transfer of CNT arrays onto designated areas with desired patterns. With this transfer process as a starting point, improvement pointers are also discussed in this paper to further improve the quality of the transferred CNTs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section E:Engineering and Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 3799 KiB  
Article
Micropatterning of Substrates for the Culture of Cell Networks by Stencil-Assisted Additive Nanofabrication
by Anita Previdi, Claudio Piazzoni, Francesca Borghi, Carsten Schulte, Leandro Lorenzelli, Flavio Giacomozzi, Alessio Bucciarelli, Antonio Malgaroli, Jacopo Lamanna, Andrea Moro, Gabriella Racchetti, Alessandro Podestà, Cristina Lenardi and Paolo Milani
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 94; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010094 - 18 Jan 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3666
Abstract
The fabrication of in vitro neuronal cell networks where cells are chemically or electrically connected to form functional circuits with useful properties is of great interest. Standard cell culture substrates provide ensembles of cells that scarcely reproduce physiological structures since their spatial organization [...] Read more.
The fabrication of in vitro neuronal cell networks where cells are chemically or electrically connected to form functional circuits with useful properties is of great interest. Standard cell culture substrates provide ensembles of cells that scarcely reproduce physiological structures since their spatial organization and connectivity cannot be controlled. Supersonic Cluster Beam Deposition (SCBD) has been used as an effective additive method for the large-scale fabrication of interfaces with extracellular matrix-mimicking surface nanotopography and reproducible morphological properties for cell culture. Due to the high collimation of SCBD, it is possible to exploit stencil masks for the fabrication of patterned films and reproduce features as small as tens of micrometers. Here, we present a protocol to fabricate micropatterned cell culture substrates based on the deposition of nanostructured cluster-assembled zirconia films by stencil-assisted SCBD. The effectiveness of this approach is demonstrated by the fabrication of micrometric patterns able to confine primary astrocytes. Calcium waves propagating in the astrocyte networks are shown. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 2791 KiB  
Article
Utilization of a Gas-Sensing System to Discriminate Smell and to Monitor Fermentation during the Manufacture of Oolong Tea Leaves
by Ting-Shiang Tseng, Mei-Hui Hsiao, Po-An Chen, Shu-Yen Lin, Shih-Wen Chiu and Da-Jeng Yao
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 93; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010093 - 17 Jan 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2325
Abstract
The operational duration of shaking tea leaves is a critical factor in the manufacture of oolong tea; this duration influences the formation of its flavor and fragrance. The current method to control the duration of fermentation relies on the olfactory sense of tea [...] Read more.
The operational duration of shaking tea leaves is a critical factor in the manufacture of oolong tea; this duration influences the formation of its flavor and fragrance. The current method to control the duration of fermentation relies on the olfactory sense of tea masters; they monitor the entire process through their olfactory sense, and their experience decides the duration of shaking and setting. Because of this human factor and olfactory fatigue, it is difficult to define an optimum duration of shaking and setting; an inappropriate duration of shaking and setting deteriorates the quality of the tea. In this study, we used metal-oxide-semiconductor gas sensors to establish an electronic nose (E-nose) system and tested its feasibility. This research was divided into two experiments: distinguishing samples at various stages and an on-line experiment. The samples of tea leaves at various stages exhibited large differences in the level of grassy smell. From the experience of practitioners and from previous research, the samples could be categorized into three groups: before the first shaking (BS1), before the shaking group, and after the shaking group. We input the experimental results into a linear discriminant analysis to decrease the dimensions and to classify the samples into various groups. The results show that the smell can also be categorized into three groups. After distinguishing the samples with large differences, we conducted an on-line experiment in a tea factory and tried to monitor the smell variation during the manufacturing process. The results from the E-nose were similar to those of the sense of practitioners, which means that an E-nose has the possibility to replace the sensory function of practitioners in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced MEMS/NEMS Technology, Volume III)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 2339 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Compensation for Asymmetrical and Dynamic Hysteresis of Piezoelectric Actuators Using a Dynamic Delay Prandtl–Ishlinskii Model
by Wen Wang, Fuming Han, Zhanfeng Chen, Ruijin Wang, Chuanyong Wang, Keqing Lu, Jiahui Wang and Bingfeng Ju
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 92; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010092 - 16 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2331
Abstract
Piezoelectric actuators are widely used in micro- and nano-manufacturing and precision machining due to their superior performance. However, there are complex hysteresis nonlinear phenomena in piezoelectric actuators. In particular, the inherent hysteresis can be affected by the input frequency, and it sometimes exhibits [...] Read more.
Piezoelectric actuators are widely used in micro- and nano-manufacturing and precision machining due to their superior performance. However, there are complex hysteresis nonlinear phenomena in piezoelectric actuators. In particular, the inherent hysteresis can be affected by the input frequency, and it sometimes exhibits asymmetrical characteristic. The existing dynamic hysteresis model is inaccurate in describing hysteresis of piezoelectric actuators at high frequency. In this paper, a Dynamic Delay Prandtl–Ishlinskii (DDPI) model is proposed to describe the asymmetrical and dynamic characteristics of piezoelectric actuators. First, the shape of the Delay Play operator is discussed under two delay coefficients. Then, the accuracy of the DDPI model is verified by experiments. Next, to compensate the asymmetrical and dynamic hysteresis, the compensator is designed based on the Inverse Dynamic Delay Prandtl–Ishlinskii (IDDPI) model. The effectiveness of the inverse compensator was verified by experiments. The results show that the DDPI model can accurately describe the asymmetrical and dynamic hysteresis, and the compensator can effectively suppress the hysteresis of the piezoelectric actuator. This research will be beneficial to extend the application of piezoelectric actuators. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 5945 KiB  
Article
3D-Printed Microfluidic Droplet Generator with Hydrophilic and Hydrophobic Polymers
by Chandler A. Warr, Hunter S. Hinnen, Saroya Avery, Rebecca J. Cate, Gregory P. Nordin and William G. Pitt
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 91; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010091 - 16 Jan 2021
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 3663
Abstract
Droplet generation has been widely used in conventional two-dimensional (2D) microfluidic devices, and has recently begun to be explored for 3D-printed droplet generators. A major challenge for 3D-printed devices is preventing water-in-oil droplets from sticking to the interior surfaces of the droplet generator [...] Read more.
Droplet generation has been widely used in conventional two-dimensional (2D) microfluidic devices, and has recently begun to be explored for 3D-printed droplet generators. A major challenge for 3D-printed devices is preventing water-in-oil droplets from sticking to the interior surfaces of the droplet generator when the device is not made from hydrophobic materials. In this study, two approaches were investigated and shown to successfully form droplets in 3D-printed microfluidic devices. First, several printing resin candidates were tested to evaluate their suitability for droplet formation and material properties. We determined that a hexanediol diacrylate/lauryl acrylate (HDDA/LA) resin forms a solid polymer that is sufficiently hydrophobic to prevent aqueous droplets (in a continuous oil flow) from attaching to the device walls. The second approach uses a fully 3D annular channel-in-channel geometry to form microfluidic droplets that do not contact channel walls, and thus, this geometry can be used with hydrophilic resins. Stable droplets were shown to form using the channel-in-channel geometry, and the droplet size and generation frequency for this geometry were explored for various flow rates for the continuous and dispersed phases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Droplet-Based Microfluidic Devices)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4756 KiB  
Article
Long-Term Human Hematopoietic Stem Cell Culture in Microdroplets
by Pilar Carreras, Itziar González, Miguel Gallardo, Alejandra Ortiz-Ruiz, Maria Luz Morales, Jessica Encinas and Joaquín Martínez-López
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 90; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010090 - 16 Jan 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2953
Abstract
We previously reported a new approach for micromanipulation and encapsulation of human stem cells using a droplet-based microfluidic device. This approach demonstrated the possibility of encapsulating and culturing difficult-to-preserve primary human hematopoietic stem cells using an engineered double-layered bead composed by an inner [...] Read more.
We previously reported a new approach for micromanipulation and encapsulation of human stem cells using a droplet-based microfluidic device. This approach demonstrated the possibility of encapsulating and culturing difficult-to-preserve primary human hematopoietic stem cells using an engineered double-layered bead composed by an inner layer of alginate and an outer layer of Puramatrix. We also demonstrated the maintenance and expansion of Multiple Myeloma cells in this construction. Here, the presented microfluidic technique is applied to construct a 3D biomimetic model to recapitulate the human hematopoietic stem cell niche using double-layered hydrogel beads cultured in 10% FBS culture medium. In this model, the long-term maintenance of the number of cells and expansion of hHSCS encapsulated in the proposed structures was observed. Additionally, a phenotypic characterization of the human hematopoietic stem cells generated in the presented biomimetic model was performed in order to assess their long-term stemness maintenance. Results indicate that the ex vivo cultured human CD34+ cells from bone marrow were viable, maintained, and expanded over a time span of eight weeks. This novel long-term stem cell culture methodology could represent a novel breakthrough to improve Hematopoietic Progenitor cell Transplant (HPT) as well as a novel tool for further study of the biochemical and biophysical factors influencing stem cell behavior. This technology opens a myriad of new applications as a universal stem cell niche model potentially able to expand other types of cells. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microfluidics for Regenerative Medicine)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 5819 KiB  
Article
Sidewall Slope Control of InP Via Holes for 3D Integration
by Jongwon Lee, Kilsun Roh, Sung-Kyu Lim and Youngsu Kim
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 89; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010089 - 16 Jan 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2615
Abstract
This is the first demonstration of sidewall slope control of InP via holes with an etch depth of more than 10 μm for 3D integration. The process for the InP via holes utilizes a common SiO2 layer as an InP etch mask [...] Read more.
This is the first demonstration of sidewall slope control of InP via holes with an etch depth of more than 10 μm for 3D integration. The process for the InP via holes utilizes a common SiO2 layer as an InP etch mask and conventional inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etcher operated at room temperature and simple gas mixtures of Cl2/Ar for InP dry etch. Sidewall slope of InP via holes is controlled within the range of 80 to 90 degrees by changing the ICP power in the ICP etcher and adopting a dry-etched SiO2 layer with a sidewall slope of 70 degrees. Furthermore, the sidewall slope control of the InP via holes in a wide range of 36 to 69 degrees is possible by changing the RF power in the etcher and introducing a wet-etched SiO2 layer with a small sidewall slope of 2 degrees; this wide slope control is due to the change of InP-to-SiO2 selectivity with RF power. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6034 KiB  
Article
Towards Efficient Milling of Multi-Cavity Aeronautical Structural Parts Considering ACO-Based Optimal Tool Feed Position and Path
by Yupeng Xin, Yuanheng Li, Wenhui Li and Gangfeng Wang
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 88; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010088 - 16 Jan 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2182
Abstract
Cavities are typical features in aeronautical structural parts and molds. For high-speed milling of multi-cavity parts, a reasonable processing sequence planning can significantly affect the machining accuracy and efficiency. This paper proposes an improved continuous peripheral milling method for multi-cavity based on ant [...] Read more.
Cavities are typical features in aeronautical structural parts and molds. For high-speed milling of multi-cavity parts, a reasonable processing sequence planning can significantly affect the machining accuracy and efficiency. This paper proposes an improved continuous peripheral milling method for multi-cavity based on ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO). Firstly, by analyzing the mathematical model of cavity corner milling process, the geometric center of the corner is selected as the initial tool feed position. Subsequently, the tool path is globally optimized through ant colony dissemination and pheromone perception for path solution of multi-cavity milling. With the advantages of ant colony parallel search and pheromone positive feedback, the searching efficiency of the global shortest processing path is effectively improved. Finally, the milling programming of an aeronautical structural part is taken as a sample to verify the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. Compared with zigzag milling and genetic algorithm (GA)-based peripheral milling modes in the computer aided manufacturing (CAM) software, the results show that the ACO-based methodology can shorten the milling time of a sample part by more than 13%. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section E:Engineering and Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4051 KiB  
Article
3D Printed Shape Memory Polymers Produced via Direct Pellet Extrusion
by Trenton Cersoli, Alexis Cresanto, Callan Herberger, Eric MacDonald and Pedro Cortes
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 87; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010087 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3692
Abstract
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are materials capable of changing their structural configuration from a fixed shape to a temporary shape, and vice versa when subjected to a thermal stimulus. The present work has investigated the 3D printing process of a shape memory polymer [...] Read more.
Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are materials capable of changing their structural configuration from a fixed shape to a temporary shape, and vice versa when subjected to a thermal stimulus. The present work has investigated the 3D printing process of a shape memory polymer (SMP)-based polyurethane using a material extrusion technology. Here, SMP pellets were fed into a printing unit, and actuating coupons were manufactured. In contrast to the conventional film-casting manufacturing processes of SMPs, the use of 3D printing allows the production of complex parts for smart electronics and morphing structures. In the present work, the memory performance of the actuating structure was investigated, and their fundamental recovery and mechanical properties were characterized. The preliminary results show that the assembled structures were able to recover their original conformation following a thermal input. The printed parts were also stamped with a QR code on the surface to include an unclonable pattern for addressing counterfeit features. The stamped coupons were subjected to a deformation-recovery shape process, and it was observed that the QR code was recognized after the parts returned to their original shape. The combination of shape memory effect with authentication features allows for a new dimension of counterfeit thwarting. The 3D-printed SMP parts in this work were also combined with shape memory alloys to create a smart actuator to act as a two-way switch to control data collection of a microcontroller. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue 3D Printing of Non-Conventional Materials for Sensing and Actuation)
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2746 KiB  
Article
Modeling and Inverse Compensation of Cross-Coupling Hysteresis in Piezoceramics under Multi-Input
by Xiaochong Zhou, Lue Zhang, Zhan Yang and Lining Sun
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 86; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010086 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1765
Abstract
In the fast tool servo (FTS) system for microstructure surface cutting, the dynamic voltage hysteresis of piezoelectric actuators (PEAs) and the cutting force produced in the manufacturing affect the driving accuracy and the cutting performance. For a multi-input-single-output (MISO) cutting system, in this [...] Read more.
In the fast tool servo (FTS) system for microstructure surface cutting, the dynamic voltage hysteresis of piezoelectric actuators (PEAs) and the cutting force produced in the manufacturing affect the driving accuracy and the cutting performance. For a multi-input-single-output (MISO) cutting system, in this paper, a dynamic hysteresis model based on a rate-dependent Prandtl–Ishlinskii model is proposed. A backpropagation neural network (BPNN) is established to describe the cross-coupling effect between the applied voltage and external load. An inverse dynamic model is developed to compensate the nonlinearity of PEAs. The accuracy of the model and its inverse is discussed and the performance of the inverse feedforward compensator is validated through experiments. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

19 pages, 8069 KiB  
Article
Measurement of Effects of Different Substrates on the Mechanical Properties of Submicron Titanium Nickel Shape Memory Alloy Thin Film Using the Bulge Test
by Nhat Minh Dang, Zhao-Ying Wang, Ti-Yuan Wu, Tra Anh Khoa Nguyen and Ming-Tzer Lin
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 85; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010085 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2288
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of different substrates on the mechanical properties of Ti-60at%Ni shape memory alloys (SMA). Two types of samples were prepared for this experiment: (1) a Ti-60at%Ni deposited on SiNx, and (2) a Ti-60at%Ni deposited on SiNx/Cr; both had a [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effects of different substrates on the mechanical properties of Ti-60at%Ni shape memory alloys (SMA). Two types of samples were prepared for this experiment: (1) a Ti-60at%Ni deposited on SiNx, and (2) a Ti-60at%Ni deposited on SiNx/Cr; both had a 600 nm thick film of Ti-60at%Ni. Deposition was done using the physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, and the microstructural changes and crystallization phase changes were observed through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that the TiNi thin film with a Cr adhesion layer had better mechanical properties. The bulge test showed that TiNi thin film with a Cr adhesion had a higher Young’s modulus and lower residual stress. From the thermal cycling experiment, it was found that the Cr adhesion layer buffered the mismatch between TiNi and SiNx. Additionally, the thermal cycling test was also used to measure the thermal expansion coefficient of the films, and the fatigue test showed that the Cr layer significantly improved the fatigue resistance of the TiNi film. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Smart Sensors 2020)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

36 pages, 3420 KiB  
Review
Carbon Dots: An Emerging Smart Material for Analytical Applications
by Smita Das, Lightson Ngashangva and Pranab Goswami
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 84; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010084 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 41 | Viewed by 7164
Abstract
Carbon dots (CDs) are optically active carbon-based nanomaterials. These nanomaterials can change their light emission properties in response to various external stimuli such as pH, temperature, pressure, and light. The CD’s remarkable stimuli-responsive smart material properties have recently stimulated massive research interest for [...] Read more.
Carbon dots (CDs) are optically active carbon-based nanomaterials. These nanomaterials can change their light emission properties in response to various external stimuli such as pH, temperature, pressure, and light. The CD’s remarkable stimuli-responsive smart material properties have recently stimulated massive research interest for their exploitation to develop various sensor platforms. Herein, an effort has been made to review the major advances made on CDs, focusing mainly on its smart material attributes and linked applications. Since the CD’s material properties are largely linked to their synthesis approaches, various synthesis methods, including surface passivation and functionalization of CDs and the mechanisms reported so far in their photophysical properties, are also delineated in this review. Finally, the challenges of using CDs and the scope for their further improvement as an optical signal transducer to expand their application horizon for developing analytical platforms have been discussed. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

3 pages, 192 KiB  
Editorial
Editorial for the Special Issue on Wide Bandgap Based Devices: Design, Fabrication and Applications
by Farid Medjdoub
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 83; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010083 - 15 Jan 2021
Viewed by 1502
Abstract
Emerging wide bandgap (WBG) semiconductors hold the potential to advance the global industry in the same way that, more than 50 years ago, the invention of the silicon (Si) chip enabled the modern computer era [...] Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Wide Bandgap Based Devices: Design, Fabrication and Applications)
16 pages, 8440 KiB  
Article
A Tunable-Gain Transimpedance Amplifier for CMOS-MEMS Resonators Characterization
by Rafel Perelló-Roig, Jaume Verd, Sebastià Bota and Jaume Segura
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 82; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010082 - 15 Jan 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2692
Abstract
CMOS-MEMS resonators have become a promising solution thanks to their miniaturization and on-chip integration capabilities. However, using a CMOS technology to fabricate microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices limits the electromechanical performance otherwise achieved by specific technologies, requiring a challenging readout circuitry. This paper presents [...] Read more.
CMOS-MEMS resonators have become a promising solution thanks to their miniaturization and on-chip integration capabilities. However, using a CMOS technology to fabricate microelectromechanical system (MEMS) devices limits the electromechanical performance otherwise achieved by specific technologies, requiring a challenging readout circuitry. This paper presents a transimpedance amplifier (TIA) fabricated using a commercial 0.35-µm CMOS technology specifically oriented to drive and sense monolithically integrated CMOS-MEMS resonators up to 50 MHz with a tunable transimpedance gain ranging from 112 dB to 121 dB. The output voltage noise is as low as 225 nV/Hz1/2—input-referred current noise of 192 fA/Hz1/2—at 10 MHz, and the power consumption is kept below 1-mW. In addition, the TIA amplifier exhibits an open-loop gain independent of the parasitic input capacitance—mostly associated with the MEMS layout—representing an advantage in MEMS testing compared to other alternatives such as Pierce oscillator schemes. The work presented includes the characterization of three types of MEMS resonators that have been fabricated and experimentally characterized both in open-loop and self-sustained configurations using the integrated TIA amplifier. The experimental characterization includes an accurate extraction of the electromechanical parameters for the three fabricated structures that enables an accurate MEMS-CMOS circuitry co-design. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section E:Engineering and Technology)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 137060 KiB  
Article
Numerical Study of Multivortex Regulation in Curved Microchannels with Ultra-Low-Aspect-Ratio
by Shaofei Shen, Mengqi Gao, Fangjuan Zhang and Yanbing Niu
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 81; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010081 - 14 Jan 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2182
Abstract
The field of inertial microfluidics has been significantly advanced in terms of application to fluid manipulation for biological analysis, materials synthesis, and chemical process control. Because of their superior benefits such as high-throughput, simplicity, and accurate manipulation, inertial microfluidics designs incorporating channel geometries [...] Read more.
The field of inertial microfluidics has been significantly advanced in terms of application to fluid manipulation for biological analysis, materials synthesis, and chemical process control. Because of their superior benefits such as high-throughput, simplicity, and accurate manipulation, inertial microfluidics designs incorporating channel geometries generating Dean vortexes and helical vortexes have been studied extensively. However, existing technologies have not been studied by designing low-aspect-ratio microchannels to produce multi-vortexes. In this study, an inertial microfluidic device was developed, allowing the generation and regulation of the Dean vortex and helical vortex through the introduction of micro-obstacles in a semicircular microchannel with ultra-low aspect ratio. Multi-vortex formations in the vertical and horizontal planes of four dimension-confined curved channels were analyzed at different flow rates. Moreover, the regulation mechanisms of the multi-vortex were studied systematically by altering the micro-obstacle length and channel height. Through numerical simulation, the regulation of dimensional confinement in the microchannel is verified to induce the Dean vortex and helical vortex with different magnitudes and distributions. The results provide insights into the geometry-induced secondary flow mechanism, which can inspire simple and easily built planar 2D microchannel systems with low-aspect-ratio design with application in fluid manipulations for chemical engineering and bioengineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Inertial Microfluidics)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

11 pages, 3210 KiB  
Article
Temperature-Controlled Crystal Size of Wide Band Gap Nickel Oxide and Its Application in Electrochromism
by Muyang Shi, Tian Qiu, Biao Tang, Guanguang Zhang, Rihui Yao, Wei Xu, Junlong Chen, Xiao Fu, Honglong Ning and Junbiao Peng
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 80; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010080 - 14 Jan 2021
Cited by 30 | Viewed by 3385
Abstract
Nickel oxide (NiO) is a wide band gap semiconductor material that is used as an electrochromic layer or an ion storage layer in electrochromic devices. In this work, the effect of annealing temperature on sol-gel NiO films was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy [...] Read more.
Nickel oxide (NiO) is a wide band gap semiconductor material that is used as an electrochromic layer or an ion storage layer in electrochromic devices. In this work, the effect of annealing temperature on sol-gel NiO films was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) showed that the formation of NiO via decomposition of the precursor nickel acetate occurred at about 300 °C. Meanwhile, an increase in roughness was observed by Atomic force microscope (AFM), and precipitation of a large number of crystallites was observed at 500 °C. X-ray Diffraction (XRD) showed that the NiO film obtained at such a temperature showed a degree of crystallinity. The film crystallinity and crystallite size also increased with increasing annealing temperature. An ultraviolet spectrophotometer was used to investigate the optical band gap of the colored NiO films, and it was found that the band gap increased from 3.65 eV to 3.74 eV with the increase in annealing temperature. An electrochromic test further showed that optical modulation density and coloring efficiency decreased with the increase in crystallite size. The electrochromic reaction of the nickel oxide film is more likely to occur at the crystal interface and is closely related to the change of the optical band gap. An NiO film with smaller crystallite size is more conducive to ion implantation and the films treated at 300 °C exhibit optimum electrochromic behavior. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

25 pages, 6361 KiB  
Article
Attitude and Heading Estimation for Indoor Positioning Based on the Adaptive Cubature Kalman Filter
by Jijun Geng, Linyuan Xia and Dongjin Wu
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 79; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010079 - 13 Jan 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2900
Abstract
The demands for indoor positioning in location-based services (LBS) and applications grow rapidly. It is beneficial for indoor positioning to combine attitude and heading information. Accurate attitude and heading estimation based on magnetic, angular rate, and gravity (MARG) sensors of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) [...] Read more.
The demands for indoor positioning in location-based services (LBS) and applications grow rapidly. It is beneficial for indoor positioning to combine attitude and heading information. Accurate attitude and heading estimation based on magnetic, angular rate, and gravity (MARG) sensors of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) has received increasing attention due to its high availability and independence. This paper proposes a quaternion-based adaptive cubature Kalman filter (ACKF) algorithm to estimate the attitude and heading based on smart phone-embedded MARG sensors. In this algorithm, the fading memory weighted method and the limited memory weighted method are used to adaptively correct the statistical characteristics of the nonlinear system and reduce the estimation bias of the filter. The latest step data is used as the memory window data of the limited memory weighted method. Moreover, for restraining the divergence, the filter innovation sequence is used to rectify the noise covariance measurements and system. Besides, an adaptive factor based on prediction residual construction is used to overcome the filter model error and the influence of abnormal disturbance. In the static test, compared with the Sage-Husa cubature Kalman filter (SHCKF), cubature Kalman filter (CKF), and extended Kalman filter (EKF), the mean absolute errors (MAE) of the heading pitch and roll calculated by the proposed algorithm decreased by 4–18%, 14–29%, and 61–77% respectively. In the dynamic test, compared with the above three filters, the MAE of the heading reduced by 1–8%, 2–18%, and 2–21%, and the mean of location errors decreased by 9–22%, 19–31%, and 32–54% respectively by using the proposed algorithm for three participants. Generally, the proposed algorithm can effectively improve the accuracy of heading. Moreover, it can also improve the accuracy of attitude under quasistatic conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated MEMS Resonators)
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 6199 KiB  
Review
Bending Setups for Reliability Investigation of Flexible Electronics
by Rafat Saleh, Maximilian Barth, Wolfgang Eberhardt and André Zimmermann
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 78; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010078 - 13 Jan 2021
Cited by 35 | Viewed by 8295
Abstract
Flexible electronics is a rapidly growing technology for a multitude of applications. Wearables and flexible displays are some application examples. Various technologies and processes are used to produce flexible electronics. An important aspect to be considered when developing these systems is their reliability, [...] Read more.
Flexible electronics is a rapidly growing technology for a multitude of applications. Wearables and flexible displays are some application examples. Various technologies and processes are used to produce flexible electronics. An important aspect to be considered when developing these systems is their reliability, especially with regard to repeated bending. In this paper, the frequently used methods for investigating the bending reliability of flexible electronics are presented. This is done to provide an overview of the types of tests that can be performed to investigate the bending reliability. Furthermore, it is shown which devices are developed and optimized to gain more knowledge about the behavior of flexible systems under bending. Both static and dynamic bending test methods are presented. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 39774 KiB  
Article
Effect of Strain Rate on the Deformation Characteristic of AlN Ceramics under Scratching
by Shang Gao, Honggang Li, Renke Kang, Yu Zhang and Zhigang Dong
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 77; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010077 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2630
Abstract
To clarify the influence mechanism of strain rate effect on deformation characteristics of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics, some varied-velocity nanoscratching tests were carried out using a Berkovich indenter in this paper. The deformation characteristics of the scratched grooves were observed using the scanning [...] Read more.
To clarify the influence mechanism of strain rate effect on deformation characteristics of aluminum nitride (AlN) ceramics, some varied-velocity nanoscratching tests were carried out using a Berkovich indenter in this paper. The deformation characteristics of the scratched grooves were observed using the scanning electron microscope. The experimental results showed higher scratch speed would lead to shallower penetration depth, fewer cracks, and indenter fewer slipping, which was more conducive to the plastic deformation of AlN ceramics. Considering the strain rate effect and the elastic recovery of material, a model for predicting the Berkovich indenter penetration depth under edge-forward mode was established. The prediction results were consistent with the experimental data, and the error was less than 5%, indicating that the model is effective. Based on the Boussinesq field, the Cerruti field, and the Sliding bubble field, a strain rate dependent scratch stress field model was established. The stress field revealed higher scratch speed may significantly reduce the maximum principal stress in the stress field under the indenter, which is the fundamental reason for reducing the crack damage and promoting the plastic deformation. The above study can provide theoretical guidance for reducing the processing damage of AlN ceramics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro and Nano Machining Processes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 6162 KiB  
Article
Design of a Kirigami Structure with a Large Uniform Deformation Region
by Hiroki Taniyama and Eiji Iwase
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 76; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010076 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4161
Abstract
We designed a kirigami structure with a particular shape at both ends to provide a large uniform deformation region when stretched. When a kirigami structure is stretched, non-deformation regions, where the regions’ cuts do not open, and non-uniform deformation regions, where the regions’ [...] Read more.
We designed a kirigami structure with a particular shape at both ends to provide a large uniform deformation region when stretched. When a kirigami structure is stretched, non-deformation regions, where the regions’ cuts do not open, and non-uniform deformation regions, where the regions’ cuts are not uniformly deformed, are produced. The extent of the non-deformation and non-uniform deformation regions increases in proportion to the number of cut cycles in the width direction nw this reduces the percentage of the uniform deformation region. We propose a method that increases the uniform deformation region in a kirigami structure by deforming the shape of the ends from a rectangle to a trapezoid when stretched. The proposed kirigami structure has separation lines at both ends that separate cuts in the width direction, and the position of contacts at both ends are moved to the center. The proposed kirigami structure has a large uniform deformation region, even when nw is large, as evidenced by calculating the area of open cuts under stretching. The product of our study realizes a stretchable electro device with a large area, which maintains the position of evenly mounted functional elements when stretched. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 2859 KiB  
Article
Horseradish Peroxidase Labelled-Sandwich Electrochemical Sensor Based on Ionic Liquid-Gold Nanoparticles for Lactobacillus brevis
by Le Zhao
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 75; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010075 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 1938
Abstract
Lactobacillus brevis is the most common bacteria that causes beer spoilage. In this work, a novel electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated for ultra-sensitive determination of L. brevis. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were firstly electro-deposited on the electrode surface for enhancing the electro-conductivity and specific surface [...] Read more.
Lactobacillus brevis is the most common bacteria that causes beer spoilage. In this work, a novel electrochemical immunosensor was fabricated for ultra-sensitive determination of L. brevis. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were firstly electro-deposited on the electrode surface for enhancing the electro-conductivity and specific surface area. Ionic liquid was used for improving the immobilization performance of the immunosensor. After optimization, a linear regression equation can be observed between the ∆current and concentration of L. brevis from 104 CFU/mL to 109 CFU/mL. The limit of detection can be estimated to be 103 CFU/mL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials Modified Electrochemical Sensors)
Show Figures

Figure 1

15 pages, 4632 KiB  
Article
Double-Deck Metal Solenoids 3D Integrated in Silicon Wafer for Kinetic Energy Harvester
by Nianying Wang, Ruofeng Han, Changnan Chen, Jiebin Gu and Xinxin Li
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 74; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010074 - 12 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2687
Abstract
A silicon-chip based double-deck three-dimensional (3D) solenoidal electromagnetic (EM) kinetic energy harvester is developed to convert low-frequency (<100 Hz) vibrational energy into electricity with high efficiency. With wafer-level micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication to form a metal casting mold and the following [...] Read more.
A silicon-chip based double-deck three-dimensional (3D) solenoidal electromagnetic (EM) kinetic energy harvester is developed to convert low-frequency (<100 Hz) vibrational energy into electricity with high efficiency. With wafer-level micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication to form a metal casting mold and the following casting technique to rapidly (within minutes) fill molten ZnAl alloy into the pre-micromachined silicon mold, the 300-turn solenoid coils (150 turns for either inner solenoid or outer solenoid) are fabricated in silicon wafers for saw dicing into chips. A cylindrical permanent magnet is inserted into a pre-etched channel for sliding upon external vibration, which is surrounded by the solenoids. The size of the harvester chip is as small as 10.58 mm × 2.06 mm × 2.55 mm. The internal resistance of the solenoids is about 17.9 Ω. The maximum peak-to-peak voltage and average power output are measured as 120.4 mV and 43.7 μW. The EM energy harvester shows great improvement in power density, which is 786 μW/cm3 and the normalized power density is 98.3 μW/cm3/g. The EM energy harvester is verified by experiment to be able to generate electricity through various human body movements of walking, running and jumping. The wafer-level fabricated chip-style solenoidal EM harvesters are advantageous in uniform performance, small size and volume applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section A:Physics)
Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 8891 KiB  
Article
Image Pre-Processing Method of Machine Learning for Edge Detection with Image Signal Processor Enhancement
by Keumsun Park, Minah Chae and Jae Hyuk Cho
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 73; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010073 - 11 Jan 2021
Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5025
Abstract
Even though computer vision has been developing, edge detection is still one of the challenges in that field. It comes from the limitations of the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) Image sensor used to collect the image data, and then image signal processor [...] Read more.
Even though computer vision has been developing, edge detection is still one of the challenges in that field. It comes from the limitations of the complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) Image sensor used to collect the image data, and then image signal processor (ISP) is additionally required to understand the information received from each pixel and performs certain processing operations for edge detection. Even with/without ISP, as an output of hardware (camera, ISP), the original image is too raw to proceed edge detection image, because it can include extreme brightness and contrast, which is the key factor of image for edge detection. To reduce the onerousness, we propose a pre-processing method to obtain optimized brightness and contrast for improved edge detection. In the pre-processing, we extract meaningful features from image information and perform machine learning such as k-nearest neighbor (KNN), multilayer perceptron (MLP) and support vector machine (SVM) to obtain enhanced model by adjusting brightness and contrast. The comparison results of F1 score on edgy detection image of non-treated, pre-processed and pre-processed with machine learned are shown. The pre-processed with machine learned F1 result shows an average of 0.822, which is 2.7 times better results than the non-treated one. Eventually, the proposed pre-processing and machine learning method is proved as the essential method of pre-processing image from ISP in order to gain better edge detection image. In addition, if we go through the pre-processing method that we proposed, it is possible to more clearly and easily determine the object required when performing auto white balance (AWB) or auto exposure (AE) in the ISP. It helps to perform faster and more efficiently through the proactive ISP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Artificial Intelligence on MEMS/Microdevices/Microsystems)
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 4036 KiB  
Article
Micro Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Based on Reduced Graphene Oxide Composite Electrode
by Chaoran Liu, Sanshan Hu, Lu Yin, Wenli Yang, Juan Yu, Yumin Xu, Lili Li, Gaofeng Wang and Luwen Wang
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 72; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010072 - 11 Jan 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2172
Abstract
The effect of an anode composite electrode on the performance of a micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) is analyzed from sample preparation configurations and discussed in detail, with a specific focus on the catalyst layer and the micro-porous layer on the anode [...] Read more.
The effect of an anode composite electrode on the performance of a micro direct methanol fuel cell (μDMFC) is analyzed from sample preparation configurations and discussed in detail, with a specific focus on the catalyst layer and the micro-porous layer on the anode composite electrode. This study investigates the effects of Pt content, Pt-Ru molar ratio, Nafion content, catalyst support, and preparation method in the catalyst layer, along with the carbon loading and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) content in the micro-porous layer, on the performance of the anode composite electrode. The results show that the anode composite electrode delivers the best performance with 30% Pt content, a 1:1.5 Pt-Ru molar ratio, 10% Nafion content on reduced graphene oxide as the catalyst support. The synthesis is optimized with the impregnation reduction method using NaBH4 as the reducing agent, with the addition of 1.5 mg/cm2 carbon loading and 5% PTFE. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 2903 KiB  
Article
Experimental Study of Bubble Formation from a Micro-Tube in Non-Newtonian Fluid
by Georgia Kontaxi, Yorgos G. Stergiou and Aikaterini A. Mouza
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 71; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010071 - 11 Jan 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2025
Abstract
Over the last few years, microbubbles have found application in biomedicine. In this study, the characteristics of bubbles formed when air is introduced from a micro-tube (internal diameter 110 μm) in non-Newtonian shear thinning fluids are studied. The dependence of the release time [...] Read more.
Over the last few years, microbubbles have found application in biomedicine. In this study, the characteristics of bubbles formed when air is introduced from a micro-tube (internal diameter 110 μm) in non-Newtonian shear thinning fluids are studied. The dependence of the release time and the size of the bubbles on the gas phase rate and liquid phase properties is investigated. The geometrical characteristics of the bubbles are also compared with those formed in Newtonian fluids with similar physical properties. It was found that the final diameter of the bubbles increases by increasing the gas flow rate and the liquid phase viscosity. It was observed that the bubbles formed in a non-Newtonian fluid have practically the same characteristics as those formed in a Newtonian fluid, whose viscosity equals the asymptotic viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid, leading to the assumption that the shear rate around an under-formation bubble is high, and the viscosity tends to its asymptotic value. To verify this notion, bubble formation was simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). The simulation results revealed that around an under-formation bubble, the shear rate attains a value high enough to lead the viscosity of the non-Newtonian fluid to its asymptotic value. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro Process-Devices)
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 3539 KiB  
Article
The Wafer-Level Integration of Single-Crystal LiNbO3 on Silicon via Polyimide Material
by Xiangyu Yang, Wenping Geng, Kaixi Bi, Linyu Mei, Yaqing Li, Jian He, Jiliang Mu, Xiaojuan Hou and Xiujian Chou
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 70; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010070 - 09 Jan 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2858
Abstract
In situ measurements of sensing signals in space platforms requires that the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors be located directly at the point to be measured and in contact with the subject to be measured. Traditional radiation-tolerant silicon-based MEMS sensors cannot acquire spatial signals [...] Read more.
In situ measurements of sensing signals in space platforms requires that the micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) sensors be located directly at the point to be measured and in contact with the subject to be measured. Traditional radiation-tolerant silicon-based MEMS sensors cannot acquire spatial signals directly. Compared to silicon-based structures, LiNbO3 single crystalline has wide application prospects in the aerospace field owing to its excellent corrosion resistance, low-temperature resistance and radiation resistance. In our work, 4-inch LiNbO3 and LiNbO3/Cr/Au wafers are fabricated to silicon substrate by means of a polyimide bonding method, respectively. The low-temperature bonding process (100 °C) is also useful for heterostructure to avoid wafer fragmentation results from a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch. The hydrophilic polyimide surfaces result from the increasing of -OH groups were acquired based on contact angle and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterizations. A tight and defect-free bonding interface was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. More importantly, benefiting from low-temperature tolerance and radiation-hardened properties of polyimide material, the bonding strength of the heterostructure based on oxygen plasma activation achieved 6.582 MPa and 3.339 MPa corresponding to room temperature and ultra-low temperature ( −263.15 °C), which meets the bonding strength requirements of aerospace applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro and Nano Machining Processes)
Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 5540 KiB  
Article
Dynamic Modeling and Anti-Disturbing Control of an Electromagnetic MEMS Torsional Micromirror Considering External Vibrations in Vehicular LiDAR
by Yong Hua, Shuangyuan Wang, Bingchu Li, Guozhen Bai and Pengju Zhang
Micromachines 2021, 12(1), 69; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/mi12010069 - 09 Jan 2021
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3055
Abstract
Micromirrors based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology are widely employed in different areas, such as optical switching and medical scan imaging. As the key component of MEMS LiDAR, electromagnetic MEMS torsional micromirrors have the advantages of small size, a simple structure, and low [...] Read more.
Micromirrors based on micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) technology are widely employed in different areas, such as optical switching and medical scan imaging. As the key component of MEMS LiDAR, electromagnetic MEMS torsional micromirrors have the advantages of small size, a simple structure, and low energy consumption. However, MEMS micromirrors face severe disturbances due to vehicular vibrations in realistic use situations. The paper deals with the precise motion control of MEMS micromirrors, considering external vibration. A dynamic model of MEMS micromirrors, considering the coupling between vibration and torsion, is proposed. The coefficients in the dynamic model were identified using the experimental method. A feedforward sliding mode control method (FSMC) is proposed in this paper. By establishing the dynamic coupling model of electromagnetic MEMS torsional micromirrors, the proposed FSMC is evaluated considering external vibrations, and compared with conventional proportion-integral-derivative (PID) controls in terms of robustness and accuracy. The simulation experiment results indicate that the FSMC controller has certain advantages over a PID controller. This paper revealed the coupling dynamic of MEMS micromirrors, which could be used for a dynamic analysis and a control algorithm design for MEMS micromirrors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Optical MEMS, Volume II)
Show Figures

Figure 1

Previous Issue
Next Issue
Back to TopTop