Low-Cost Multi-Purpose MEMS/Mechatronics
Testing Laboratory for Undergraduate Students
These experiments have been developed with support from the National Science Foundation under DUE grant# 0633312
Keeping up with the fast development of modern technology requires students to prepare for a life-long learning and self-training. To achieve this, students need to acquire skills for independent study and the ability to solve open-ended design problems. The micro- and nanotechnology field presents a unique opportunity to foster such skills by exposing students to disciplines outside of their major. Additionally, micro-technology experiments involve the use of instrumentation and system analysis, which are part of traditional undergraduate curricula in US. Therefore, a laboratory experience based on MEMS/NEMS stands a chance of addressing the needs of traditional laboratory instruction and access to new and exciting applications. Unfortunately, the cost of micro-technology education often reduces such classes to a mere laboratory demonstration. Therefore, the objective of this project is to develop tools that could provide affordable access to fabrication and testing of MEMS and NEMS devices. Additionally, the objective is to derive experiments that could replace or augment classical mechatronics and controls courses by using the same data acquisition hardware developed for the micro-technology experimentation. Thus, this project includes two modules: (1) MEMS/NEMS based experiment; and (2) Mechatronics/Controls Design Experiment. For more information click on the links below.
(1) MEMS/NEMS Based Experiment
(2) Micro-Mechatronics and Controls Experiment
Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
The University of Arizona
1130 N. Mountain, Room No: N-417 B
Tucson, AZ 85721
Tel: 520-621-4506 (Office); 520-626-6652 (Lab)
