Journal article

A novel approach to construct self-assembled 3D MEMS arrays



Publication Details
Authors:
Akhundzada, S.; Käkel, E.; Buhmann, S.; Ehresmann, A.; Hillmer, H.; Yang, X.; Fiedler, J.; Al-Qargholi, B.

Publication year:
2022
Journal:
Microsystem Technologies
Pages range :
2139-2148
Volume number:
28
ISSN:
0946-7076
eISSN:
1432-1858


Abstract

The paper presents the design and technological fabrication process of Yin or Yang-shaped, micron-sized electromechanical system (MEMS) elements displaying asymmetric hollow cylinders with two different curvatures of the cylinder shell. By adapting the process steps, two neighboring shutter MEMS elements can either be attached to each other to create asymmetric hollow cylinders or remain disconnected to form curled cylindrical or ellipsoidal tubes or tube fractions. A novel 3D self-organization process has been developed to connect two neighboring shutter elements, exploiting surface tension forces via a sequential drying process. The process conditions have been analyzed and optimized to fabricate the two different geometries of the MEMS elements. The resulting MEMS system elements were characterized by focused ion beam and scanning electron microscopy. The contribution of Casimir force, van der Waals force, and other physical interfacial forces are discussed in the formation of the asymmetric hollow cylinders.


Last updated on 2024-24-09 at 09:11