Research

Ongoing: Proposal for "Center for Research and Training (CRT), EWU" 

Capacitive Structure Design for MEMS

Capacitive structure design for MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) involves creating devices that utilize changes in capacitance for sensing and actuation purposes. These structures typically consist of two conductive plates separated by a dielectric material. When an external force or displacement is applied, the distance between the plates changes, altering the capacitance. This change in capacitance can be detected and used for sensing various physical parameters, such as pressure, acceleration, or displacement. Capacitive MEMS devices offer advantages such as high sensitivity, low power consumption, and small size, making them suitable for a wide range of applications in sensors, switches, and actuators. Careful design and fabrication are essential to optimize performance and ensure reliability in these capacitive MEMS devices.

Piezoelectric Cantilever Design 

Optimizing piezoelectric cantilever design involves careful consideration of several key factors. First, selecting the appropriate piezoelectric material with the desired properties, such as high piezoelectric coefficients and mechanical robustness, is crucial. Second, optimizing the geometry of the cantilever, including its length, width, and thickness, to achieve the desired resonance frequency and mechanical sensitivity is essential for efficient energy harvesting or sensing. Third, ensuring proper bonding between the piezoelectric material and the substrate to maximize energy transfer and minimize loss is vital. Additionally, the mechanical and electrical damping within the system should be analyzed and minimized to improve the device's overall performance. Lastly, iterative simulation and experimentation play a significant role in fine-tuning the design to achieve the best possible energy conversion or sensing efficiency. Configurations of piezoelectric cantilevers: (a) unimorph cantilever, (b) bimorph cantilever, c) inter digitated electrodes, (d) piezoelectric cantilever with proof mass.

MEMS Energy Harvesting 

MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) energy harvesting is a technology that involves converting ambient mechanical or thermal energy into electrical energy at the microscale. These devices consist of tiny mechanical structures integrated with electronic components on a chip. They offer a promising solution for powering small-scale electronic devices, such as sensors and wearables, without the need for batteries or external power sources. MEMS energy harvesting has the potential to provide sustainable and self-sufficient power for various IoT applications, reducing the environmental impact and maintenance costs associated with battery-powered devices. The efficiency and scalability of MEMS energy harvesting are continuously improving, making it a key area of research and development in the field of microelectronics and energy systems.