RESEARCH PROJECT
Title: Integration of Shape-Memory-Alloy
Actuator and Its Application as Micromanipulator.
Abstract
:
Bulk shape-memory-alloy actuators have great potential
to be used in various microdevices. Previous studies show that this material is
very attractive due to its very large force, high mechanical robustness with a
simple structure and biocompatibility. This proposal presents a novel shape
memory alloy micromanipulator through applying an integration of multiple shape
memory alloy microactuators. Moreover, the micromanipulator will be developed
using monolithic approach. Due to the challenges exist in developing the
integration and the monolithic approaches into micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) fabrication, the success of bulk shape memory
alloy in MEMS is rather limited today. The successful outcomes of this research
are expected to promote advances in these device technologies in biomedical
fields and beyond. This report discusses the important measures that are
necessary to develop the shape memory alloy micromanipulator, and then reviews
on the challenges and status of current strategies. |