Micromachines on the march

Miniature electromechanical sensors and actuators can be mass produced on silicon wafers much like ICs. They combine readily with signal-processing circuitry into powerful tools that measure, analyze, and control their environments. The authors describe the fabrication techniques, surface activity, atomic bonds, LIGA and SLIGA, and bury and destroy. The following applications are discussed: pressure sensors, medical equipment, industrial/consumer equipment, avionics, and mechanical applications.<
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