Microtechnology
Microtechnology is technology whose features have dimensions of the order of one micrometre (one millionth of a metre, or 10−6 metre, or 1μm).[1] It focuses on physical and chemical processes as well as the production or manipulation of structures with one-micrometre magnitude.[2]
Development
Around 1970, scientists learned that by arraying large numbers of
More recently, scientists have learned that not only
Today, micromechanical devices are the key components in a wide range of products such as automobile airbags, ink-jet printers, blood pressure monitors, and projection display systems. It seems clear that in the not-too-distant future these devices will be as pervasive as electronics. The process has also become more precise, driving the dimensions of the technology down to sub-micrometer range as demonstrated in the case of advanced microelectric circuits that reached below 20 nm.[3]
Micro electromechanical systems
The term
Though MEMS processes are generally classified into a number of categories – such as surface
MEMS technology has generated a tremendous amount of excitement, due to the vast range of important applications where MEMS can offer previously unattainable performance and reliability standards. In an age where everything must be smaller, faster, and cheaper, MEMS offers a compelling solution. MEMS have already had a profound impact on certain applications such as automotive sensors and inkjet printers. The emerging MEMS industry is already a multibillion-dollar market. It is expected to grow rapidly and become one of the major industries of the 21st century. Cahners In-Stat Group has projected sales of MEMS to reach $12B by 2005. The European NEXUS group projects even larger revenues, using a more inclusive definition of MEMS.
Microtechnology is often constructed using photolithography. Lightwaves are focused through a mask onto a surface. They solidify a chemical film. The soft, unexposed parts of the film are washed away. Then acid etches away the material not protected.
Microtechnology's most famous success is the integrated circuit. It has also been used to construct micromachinery. As an offshoot of researchers attempting to further miniaturize microtechnology, nanotechnology emerged in the 1980s, particularly after the invention of new microscopy techniques.[4] These produced materials and structures that have 1-100 nm in dimensions.[4]
Items constructed at the microscopic level
The following items have been constructed on a scale of 1 micrometre using photolithography:
- Electronics:
- wires
- resistors
- transistors
- thermionic valves
- diodes
- sensors
- capacitors
- Machinery:
- Fluidics:
See also
References
- ISBN 9781439837320.
- ISBN 0831131500.
- ISBN 9783527318711.
- ^ ISBN 9780750669061.