Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a new class of micro-machined electromechanical devices that make use of vibrating membranes. The electromechanical devices include two or more electrodes which are positioned with a membrane. A gap exists between the membrane and each electrode which may vary for each electrode. In general, one electrode is used as an input electrode which receives an electrical signal that causes vibration of the membrane. The vibration of the membrane is then coupled to a receiving or an output electrode. A DC bias voltage is applied to the electrodes to set or modify a width of a gap in the electromechanical device. The electromechanical device could be designed as a transformer, a capacitor, a resonator or a filter. In addition, the device includes a control voltage to dynamically change the coupling between the input electrode and the output electrode(s).

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is provided for optically measuring the static and dynamic displacement of one or more reflectors that can be integrated in electronics and optics applications. The sensor includes an optically transparent substrate and a reflective grating deposited on the substrate. A light source provides optical illumination on the reflector through the substrate and the reflective grating. The reflector is positioned over the substrate and over the reflective grating. Furthermore, one or more photo-detectors are included to monitor reflected and diffracted light from the reflector and the reflective grating. The position of the reflector can be adjusted by applying at least one DC voltage. An AC signal could be added to at least one DC bias voltage for calibration of the sensor. The present invention also includes an array of reflectors as well as a transmission grating to deflect the optical illumination to the array of reflectors.

Abstract: A transducer suitable for ultrasonic applications, fluid drop ejection and scanning force microscopy. The transducer comprises a thin piezoelectric ring bonded to a thin fully supported clamped membrane. Voltages applied to said piezoelectric ring excite axisymmetric resonant modes in the clamped membrane.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for a new class of micro-machined electromechanical devices that make use of vibrating membranes. The electromechanical devices include two or more electrodes which are positioned with a membrane. A gap exists between the membrane and each electrode which may vary for each electrode. In general, one electrode is used as an input electrode which receives an electrical signal that causes vibration of the membrane. The vibration of the membrane is then coupled to a receiving or an output electrode. A DC bias voltage is applied to the electrodes to set or modify a width of a gap in the electromechanical device. The electromechanical device could be designed as a transformer, a capacitor, a resonator or a filter. In addition, the device includes a control voltage to dynamically change the coupling between the input electrode and the output electrode(s).

Abstract: An optical displacement sensor is provided for optically measuring the static and dynamic displacement of one or more reflectors that can be integrated in electronics and optics applications. The sensor includes an optically transparent substrate and a reflective grating deposited on the substrate. A light source provides optical illumination on the reflector through the substrate and the reflective grating. The reflector is positioned over the substrate and over the reflective grating. Furthermore, one or more photo-detectors are included to monitor reflected and diffracted light from the reflector and the reflective grating. The position of the reflector can be adjusted by applying at least one DC voltage. An AC signal could be added to at least one DC bias voltage for calibration of the sensor. The present invention also includes an array of reflectors as well as a transmission grating to deflect the optical illumination to the array of reflectors.

Abstract: A transducer suitable for ultrasonic applications, fluid drop ejection and scanning force microscopy. The transducer comprises a thin piezoelectric ring bonded to a thin fully supported clamped membrane. Voltages applied to said piezoelectric ring excite axisymmetric resonant modes in the clamped membrane.

Abstract: A transducer suitable for ultrasonic applications, fluid drop ejection and scanning force microscopy. The transducer comprises a thin piezoelectric ring bonded to a thin fully supported clamped membrane. Voltages applied to said piezoelectric ring excite axisymmetric resonant modes in the clamped membrane.

Abstract: A micropump in which a fluid is pumped by the interaction of longitudinal acoustic waves and the fluid in the microchannel. The micropump having an acoustical transducer responsive to a high-frequency input and directing a longitudinal acoustic wave into the channel which induces a pressure gradient. The fluid in the channel flowing in the direction of travel of the acoustic wave in the channel.

Abstract: A method of fabrication wherein a nitride layer is spaced from a conductive substrate by an insulating layer and etching removes at least portions of an insulating layer to leave a nitride membrane spaced from the substrate. The surface of the conductive layer where the insulating layer is removed is chemically roughened and the etchant is removed by freeze-drying and sublimation to eliminate sticking of the nitride layer to the substrate surface during fabrication.

Abstract: An ultrasonic capacitance transducer having a sealed membrane supported above a conductive substrate by thin insulating material to form a sealed evacuated cavity whereby the transducer can operate immersed in fluid.

Abstract: A broadband microfabricated ultrasonic transducer which includes a plurality of resonant membranes of different sizes and/or shapes supported above a conductive substrate.

Abstract: An improved fluid drop ejector is disclosed which includes one wall including a thin elastic membrane having an orifice defining a nozzle and elements responsive to electrical signals for deflecting the membrane to eject drops of fluid from the nozzle.