Microsystems Technology: The Industries That Use Them and Why It Is Important
Aerospace engineering, automotive, and medical industries are just a few that have seen the significance of microsystems technology (MST) in modern times.
But the industrial challenges just kept on building up. This led industries to get abreast of the times by updating with the latest in MST trends.
With that said, here are some of the different uses of microsystems technology and their importance in particular industries.
Microsystems’s technology in medical applications
Otherwise called micro-electromechanical systems or MEMS, microsystems technology has proven useful as an enabling technology for innovative medical devices. Nowadays, they have become part of many medical devices, which include sensors and actuators of all kinds.
The small size of MST components also offers considerable advantages compared to other technologies with its high integration density which enables superior functional performance and improves system reliability.
Notable examples include the cardiac rhythm management implants, cochlear implants, microsurgical instruments, and point of care testing devices.
Ophthalmic current solutions
Microsystems integrate into medical instruments for measuring intraocular pressure. This is through pressure and strain sensors that stimulate electrodes, microelectronics, and additional microsystems.
Medical microsystems are also combined into medical instruments and tools to help in the process of ophthalmic surgery. There is also significant progress made in the field of multi-vision intraocular lenses for the replacement of lenses with cataracts.
Microelectronics technology for the aerospace industry
Due to the demanding performance and reliability requirements of the aerospace industry, MST provides exceptionally reliable solutions. Such solutions are based on experience and comprehensive knowledge in challenging industries like active implants.
With miniaturization capabilities and 100% traceability, MST also provides a comprehensive collection of materials and processes for advanced equipment in communication, radar, and other airborne control applications.
Micro metal injection molding
There is a potential for powder injection molding for microsystems technology. In fact, it is one of the most promising future technologies today. Such innovations are now in different markets: information technology, life sciences, automotive and power engineering, machine construction, and chemical and physical process engineering, among others.
Wireless integrated microsystems
The addition of non-electrical components to the wireless sensor microsystems has been given emphasis in wireless integrated microsystems (WIMS). This is the combination of semiconductor and microelectromechanical elements into a single hybrid system to enhance system functionality and expand the application space.
One of the notable examples of a hybrid WIMS is the prototype gas chromatography system to provide highly sensitive chemical detection. Furthermore, the combination of MEMS with embedded signal processing and wireless communication is enabling new applications to cover different areas, such as food and environmental monitoring, healthcare, homeland security, and many others.
Photonic crystals in microsystems
Optical microsystems come from a wide variety of micro-optical components, such as micro-lenses and micro-mirrors. These rely on the guiding of light in waveguides, which plays a major role in the application of photonic microsystems to optical communications.
Various applications have emerged for photonic crystals relevant to microsystems. Such would include the 2D waveguide structures with ultra-compact couplers, splitters, and bends. Other uses of photonic crystal structures in passive optical systems include resonators and large-area biosensors.
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