MEMS resonant load cells for micro-mechanical test frames: feasibility study and optimal design

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2010-12-01
Torrents, A.
Azgın, Kıvanç
Godfrey, S. W.
Topalli, E. S.
Akın, Tayfun
Valdevit, L.
This paper presents the design, optimization and manufacturing of a novel micro-fabricated load cell based on a double-ended tuning fork. The device geometry and operating voltages are optimized for maximum force resolution and range, subject to a number of manufacturing and electromechanical constraints. All optimizations are enabled by analytical modeling (verified by selected finite elements analyses) coupled with an efficient C++ code based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm. This assessment indicates that force resolutions of similar to 0.5-10 nN are feasible in vacuum (similar to 1-50 mTorr), with force ranges as large as 1 N. Importantly, the optimal design for vacuum operation is independent of the desired range, ensuring versatility. Experimental verifications on a sub-optimal device fabricated using silicon-on-glass technology demonstrate a resolution of similar to 23 nN at a vacuum level of similar to 50 mTorr. The device demonstrated in this article will be integrated in a hybrid micro-mechanical test frame for unprecedented combinations of force resolution and range, displacement resolution and range, optical (or SEM) access to the sample, versatility and cost.
JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING

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Citation Formats
A. Torrents, K. Azgın, S. W. Godfrey, E. S. Topalli, T. Akın, and L. Valdevit, “MEMS resonant load cells for micro-mechanical test frames: feasibility study and optimal design,” JOURNAL OF MICROMECHANICS AND MICROENGINEERING, pp. 0–0, 2010, Accessed: 00, 2020. [Online]. Available: https://hdl.handle.net/11511/36248.