We demonstrate the observation and measurement of simple nanoscale devices over their complete lifecycle from creation to failure within a transmission electron microscope. Devices were formed by growing Si nanowires, using the vapor-liquid-solid method, to form bridges between Si cantilevers. We characterize the formation of the contact between the nanowire and the cantilever, showing that the...

frps (fiber reinforced polymer) possess many favorable characteristics suitable and applicable for construction industry when compared with steel reinforcement. there are new ideas to use frps as longitudinal or transverse reinforcement for new concrete elements particularly for bridge decks or beams. although high tensile strength of frp is main characteristic for applications at both areas, i...

This paper introduces a new concept in RF MEMS switches intended for high RF signal power applications at millimetre-wave operation. The novel SPST switch architecture employs electrothermal hydraulic microactuators. Out-of-plane silicon levers, having spring action and latching mechanisms, have been designed to create an OFF-state gap separation distance of 250 μm between ohmic contact electro...

We present a novel ultrasensitive magnetometry technique using a micromachined magnetic cantilever that is brought in resonance. The induced magnetic moment generates a torque on the cantilever, thereby effectively stiffening the cantilever spring constant and changing its resonance frequency. Experiments are in good correspondence with the presented analytical model for this frequency shift, p...

In this paper, the most widely used mode of atomic force microscopy imaging where the cantilever is oscillated at its resonant frequency is studied. It is shown that the amplitude and the sine of the phase of the orbit vary linearly with respect to the cantilever-sample distance. Experiments conducted on a silicon cantilever agree with the theory developed.

An ac imaging mode for atomic force microscopy ~AFM! has been developed that employs a thermally driven bimetallic cantilever to sense surface topography. Oscillations are induced in a composite cantilever, comprising a Si3N4 layer and Au overcoat, by local heating with a resistive wire heater placed in close proximity to the cantilever. Cantilever bending occurs upon heating due to the differe...

We proposed the method of using a multi-ball-cantilever AFM for measuring the surface profile of soft thin film. At first, we performed the computer simulation to verify the feasibility of this method. Then, we developed the multi-ball-cantilever AFM system using a multi-ball-cantilever that had 8 cantilevers in 2 mm and each cantilever had the ball stylus with 10.9 μm of diameter. The fundamen...

This paper investigates the optimal design of 3D printed energy harvesters for railway bridges. The type harvester studied is a cantilever bimorph beam with mass at tip and load resistance. These parameters are adjusted to find that tunes fundamental frequency bridge. An analytical model based on variational formulation represent electromechanical behaviour device presented. optimisation proble...

Using scanning laser Doppler vibrometer we have identified sources of noise in contact mode high-speed atomic force microscope images and the cantilever dynamics that cause them. By analysing reconstructed animations of the entire cantilever passing over various surfaces, we identified higher eigenmode oscillations along the cantilever as the cause of the image artefacts. We demonstrate that t...