Fabrication Uncertainty and Noise Issues in High-Precision MEMS Actuators and Sensors

Abstract

We present technical issues involved in the development of actuators and sensors for applications to high-precision Micro Electro Mechanical System (MEMS). The technical issues include fabrication uncertainty and noise disturbance, causing major difficulties for MEMS to achieve high-precision actuation and detection functions. For nano-precision actuators, we solve the fabrication instability and electrical noise problems using digital actuators coupled with nonlinear mechanical modulators. For the high-precision capacitive sensors, we present a branched finger electrodes using high-amplitude anti-phase sensing signals. We also demonstrate the potential applications of the nanoactuators and nanodetectors to high-precision positioning MEMS.