Microtechnology deals with technology whose features have
dimensions of the order of one micrometre (one millionth of a metre, or 10−6
metre, or 1μm). It focuses on physical and chemical processes as well as the
production or manipulation of structures with one-micrometre magnitude.
Around 1970, scientists learned that by arraying large
numbers of microscopic transistors on a single chip, microelectronic circuits
could be built that dramatically improved performance, functionality, and
reliability, all while reducing cost and increasing volume. This development
led to the Information Revolution. menfashdesign
More recently, scientists have learned that not only
electrical devices, but also mechanical devices, may be miniaturized and
batch-fabricated, promising the same benefits to the mechanical world as
integrated circuit technology has given to the electrical world. While
electronics now provide the ‘brains’ for today's advanced systems and products,
micro-mechanical devices can provide the sensors and actuators — the eyes and
ears, hands and feet — which interface to the outside world.
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 ethicmenvoguee
The term MEMS, for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, was
coined in the 1980s to describe new, sophisticated mechanical systems on a
chip, such as micro electric motors, resonators, gears, and so on. Today, the
term MEMS in practice is used to refer to any microscopic device with a
mechanical function, which can be fabricated in a batch process (for example,
an array of microscopic gears fabricated on a microchip would be considered a
MEMS device but a tiny laser-machined stent or watch component would not). In
Europe, the term MST for Micro System Technology is preferred, and in Japan
MEMS are simply referred to as "micromachines". The distinctions in
these terms are relatively minor and are often used interchangeably. allinternetbuziness
Though MEMS processes are generally classified into a number
of categories – such as surface machining, bulk machining, LIGA, and EFAB –
there are indeed thousands of different MEMS processes. Some produce fairly
simple geometries, while others offer more complex 3-D geometries and more
versatility. A company making accelerometers for airbags would need a
completely different design and process to produce an accelerometer for inertial
navigation. Changing from an accelerometer to another inertial device such as a
gyroscope requires an even greater change in design and process, and most
likely a completely different fabrication facility and engineering team.
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. businessdirectorypc
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. These produced materials and structures that have 1-100 nm in
dimensions.
