Shape Memory Actuation Patent
The device's inventor Ken Clements says: "These microactuators fill the huge gap between millimeter-size actuators at the high end and scanning-probe-microscope atomic manipulators at the low end, which are limited to moving individual atoms and small molecules slowly around."
Clements is also CEO of Innovation On Demand and a partner in the development of this technology with Technology Innovations.
The device combines two technologies - heat actuated shape memory alloys (SMAs) and electron-beam or photon-beam heating. SMAs use special metal alloys that return to a "memory" state when heated.
The microactuators are created from an SMA thin film. The energy beams direct energy to heat the SMA element of the microactuator. The actuator can be as small as 2x10microns. The partners says that this is 50 times smaller than what's feasible with current microactuator technology.
In addition, a scanning electron microscope (which creates the electron beams) can be used for visual feedback and control. This aspect will be covered in additional patents that are pending.
"Wireless SMA actuators provide a foundation technology for the creation of a wide range of nanotechnology tools that can be powered through the use of laser-based or electron microscopes," says Michael Riedlinger, vice-president of New Business Development for Technology Innovations.
The partners are seeking the participation of other firms and research organisations for expanded development and commercialisation of the technology. The companies see applications in the construction and control of medical devices such as valves and stents, microsurgical instruments, miniaturised manufacturing moulds and manipulation of proteins and genetic components.
Clements and TiNiAlloy, a specialist in shape memory technology, have created working samples. Shape-memory material was sputtered onto tiny substrates and actuated with a scanning electron microscope.
AngelTech Live III: Join us on 12 April 2021!
AngelTech Live III will be broadcast on 12 April 2021, 10am BST, rebroadcast on 14 April (10am CTT) and 16 April (10am PST) and will feature online versions of the market-leading physical events: CS International and PIC International PLUS a brand new Silicon Semiconductor International Track!
Thanks to the great diversity of the semiconductor industry, we are always chasing new markets and developing a range of exciting technologies.
2021 is no different. Over the last few months interest in deep-UV LEDs has rocketed, due to its capability to disinfect and sanitise areas and combat Covid-19. We shall consider a roadmap for this device, along with technologies for boosting its output.
We shall also look at microLEDs, a display with many wonderful attributes, identifying processes for handling the mass transfer of tiny emitters that hold the key to commercialisation of this technology.
We shall also discuss electrification of transportation, underpinned by wide bandgap power electronics and supported by blue lasers that are ideal for processing copper.
Additional areas we will cover include the development of GaN ICs, to improve the reach of power electronics; the great strides that have been made with gallium oxide; and a look at new materials, such as cubic GaN and AlScN.
Having attracted 1500 delegates over the last 2 online summits, the 3rd event promises to be even bigger and better – with 3 interactive sessions over 1 day and will once again prove to be a key event across the semiconductor and photonic integrated circuits calendar.
So make sure you sign up today and discover the latest cutting edge developments across the compound semiconductor and integrated photonics value chain.
REGISTER FOR FREE
VIEW SESSIONS
