Abstract: Disclosed are examples for printing a one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterial for use in stretchable electronic devices. An ink comprising a nanomaterial solution is dispersed from a pneumatic dispensing system of a printing device. The 1D nanomaterial is printed in a predefined pattern on an underlying substrate positioned on a ground electrode. A voltage is applied between the printing nozzle and the ground electrode to cause the ink to form into a cone during the printing. The substrate can be modified to increase the wettability of the substrate to enhance adhesion of the ink to the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples for printing a one-dimensional (1D) nanomaterial for use in stretchable electronic devices. An ink comprising a nanomaterial solution is dispersed from a pneumatic dispensing system of a printing device. The 1D nanomaterial is printed in a predefined pattern on an underlying substrate positioned on a ground electrode. A voltage is applied between the printing nozzle and the ground electrode to cause the ink to form into a cone during the printing. The substrate can be modified to increase the wettability of the substrate to enhance adhesion of the ink to the substrate.

Abstract: MEMS stages comprising a plurality of comb drive actuators provide micro and up to nano-positioning capability. Flexure hinges and folded springs that operably connect the actuator to a movable end stage provide independent motion from each of the actuators that minimizes unwanted off-axis displacement, particularly for three-dimensional movement of a cantilever. Also provided are methods for using and making MEMS stages. In an aspect, a process provides a unitary MEMS stage made from a silicon-on-insulator wafer that avoids any post-fabrication assembly steps. Further provided are various devices that incorporate any of the stages disclosed herein, such as devices requiring accurate positioning systems in applications including scanning probe microscopy, E-jet printing, near-field optic sensing, cell probing and material characterization.

Abstract: An electrostatic drive includes a first electrode and a second electrode responsive to a drive signal. The drive signal includes an actuation signal constituent and a sensing signal constituent. The sensing signal constituent is at a frequency higher than a natural mechanical resonant frequency of the electrostatic drive. In response to the actuation signal constituent, displacement between the first electrode and the second electrode changes, which is evaluated by detecting a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive as a function of the sensing signal constituent.

Abstract: An electrostatic drive includes a first electrode and a second electrode responsive to a drive signal. The drive signal includes an actuation signal constituent and a sensing signal constituent. The sensing signal constituent is at a frequency higher than a natural mechanical resonant frequency of the electrostatic drive. In response to the actuation signal constituent, displacement between the first electrode and the second electrode changes, which is evaluated by detecting a change in an electrical characteristic of the drive as a function of the sensing signal constituent.

Abstract: MEMS stages comprising a plurality of comb drive actuators provide micro and up to nano-positioning capability. Flexure hinges and folded springs that operably connect the actuator to a movable end stage provide independent motion from each of the actuators that minimizes unwanted off-axis displacement, particularly for three-dimensional movement of a cantilever. Also provided are methods for using and making MEMS stages. In an aspect, a process provides a unitary MEMS stage made from a silicon-on-insulator wafer that avoids any post-fabrication assembly steps. Further provided are various devices that incorporate any of the stages disclosed herein, such as devices requiring accurate positioning systems in applications including scanning probe microscopy, E-jet printing, near-field optic sensing, cell probing and material characterization.