Intriguing Dynamic-Based Micro and Nano Devices and Phenomena

IAS Residential Fellow Prof Mohammad I Younis delivers a seminar on his research - 

Miniature structures and devices have captured the attention of the scientific community for several decades for their unprecedented attractive features. Today, several micro-electro-mechanical systems MEMS devices are being used in our everyday life, ranging from accelerometers and pressure sensors in automobiles, radio-frequency (RF) switches and microphones in cell phones, and inertia sensors in video games. Due to the quest to boost sensitivity, reduce power consumption, and increase integration density, the past two decades have witnessed the emergence of Nano-electro-mechanical systems NEMS. With the increasing demand to embed more intelligence into various applications, MEMS and NEMS continue to play key role on advancing innovation.

Along with their great promise, micro and nano devices have brought new challenges and a wide spectrum of unexplained and less-understandable mechanical behaviors and phenomena. Because these devices employ moveable compliant structures and due to the interaction with short-range forces, many of these challenges are related to their dynamical behavior, which is mostly nonlinear.

In this talk, we demonstrate that by developing a proper understanding and deep insight into the dynamics and nonlinear mechanics phenomena at the micro and nano scale, new technological solutions and innovative ideas can be realized leading to new generations of superior devices. The talk will overview some of the recent revealed intriguing phenomena at the micro and nano scale including internal resonances, jumps, and modes veering. Then, we discuss the realization of smart resonant sensing platforms utilizing multi-modal vibration excitation of structures to achieve multiple functionalities. These include boosting sensitivity, compensating for temperature drift, and combining sensing and actuation on a single device. In one application, active switches triggered by the detection of gas will be demonstrated. Then we discuss the static and dynamic behavior of actively tunable structures; which can be tuned using electrostatic and or/electrothermal actuation. We will discuss the potential of implementing such structures for logic, memory, and filtering applications. The talk will end on future directions and perspectives.

By booking a place at this event, attendees agree to behave in a respectful manner such that everyone feels comfortable contributing as they wish. The IAS reserves the right to eject anyone who does not abide by this policy.

IAS seminars are typically recorded, minus any Q&A sessions at the end, again to encourage contributions. The recordings are then uploaded to our website on a Fellows bio page and/or Programme page, along with our IAS YouTube Channel. If you are not able to attend a seminar live, please do still register as we will email everyone who registered to let them know once the recordings are made available.