We demonstrate a large aspect ratio self-aligned silicon nanopillar electromechanical switch achieved with a single lithography step. This compact vertical device can be aggressively scaled by virtue of self-limiting oxidation. We describe a scaling relation that outlines the design space for this class of low voltage nanorelays. Summary of Research: We summarize: (a) the implications of electr...

This study developed an integrated global-local approach for locating damage on building structures. A damage detection approach with a novel embedded frequency response function damage index (NEFDI) was proposed and embedded in the Imote2.NET-based wireless structural health monitoring (SHM) system to locate global damage. Local damage is then identified using an electromechanical impedance- (...

A self-sensing magnetostrictive actuator design based on a linear systems model of magnetostrictive transduction for Terfenol-D is developed and analyzed. Selfsensing, or the ability of a transducer to sense its own motion as it is being driven, has been demonstrated for electromechanical transducers such as moving voice coil loudspeakers and, most recently, piezoelectric distributed moment act...

Several new generation memory devices have been developed to overcome the low performance of conventional silicon-based flash memory. In this study, we demonstrate a novel non-volatile memory design based on the electromechanical motion of a cantilever to provide fast charging and discharging of a floating-gate electrode. The operation is demonstrated by using an electromechanical metal cantile...

Comb-actuated micro-electromechanical oscillators are efficient sensors that can be used to study the properties of liquid helium in slab geometry. Complete characterization of these devices will help us to better understand the effects of different mediums on the quality factor of the device. The eigenmodes of two different designs; H1 and H2, are simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics. A shear m...

A hybrid actuation system (HYBAS) utilizing advantages of a combination of electromechanical responses of an electroative polymer (EAP), an electrostrictive copolymer, and an electroactive ceramic single crystal, PZN-PT single crystal, has been developed. The system employs the contribution of the actuation elements cooperatively and exhibits a significantly enhanced electromechanical performan...

Ultrathin plasmonic metasurfaces have proven their ability to control and manipulate light at unprecedented levels, leading to exciting optical functionalities and applications. Although to date metasurfaces have mainly been investigated from an electromagnetic perspective, their ultrathin nature may also provide novel and useful mechanical properties. Here we propose a thin piezoelectric plasm...

Suspended single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) offer unique functionalities for electronic and electromechanical systems. Due to their outstanding flexible nature, suspended SWCNT architectures have great potential for integration into flexible electronic systems. However, current techniques for integrating SWCNT architectures with flexible substrates are largely absent, especially in a mann...