An iris-type variable aperture fabricated using microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) technology is described. The device contains a number of shutter blades, which are each driven by a separate microactuator, and translated synchronously to create a variable polygonal aperture. The optical performance of devices with different numbers of blades is compared using simple analytic models and diffraction theory. The mechanism is simulated by finite element analysis. Four-blade devices driven by buckling mode electrothermal actuators are formed by double-sided patterning and deep reactive ion etching of bonded silicon-on-insulator and characterized experimentally. Symmetric deflections are obtained, and used to create a square pupil. Variable attenuation is demonstrated using optical fibres with thermally expanded cores.

Comprehension of the brain function can be helpful for therapy of neurodegenerative diseases. The brain consists of various types of neuron sets, which organize in three-dimensional complex networks and form neural circuits underlying different behaviors. The circuits act based on the patterns that encode the brain functions. Recognition of the neural patterns requires methods to manipulate the neurons. Electrical stimulation may be the most common method. However, it has significant drawbacks including failure to identify specific neurons in experiments. As an alternative, optical stimulation is a new method that acts in combination with genetic approaches. The novel, optogenetic technology makes it feasible to manipulate either the specific cell types or the neural circuits. This is associated with minimum tissue damages as well as side effects. In this study, a new technology has been introduced, and then its optical and genetical tools have been investigated.

Abstract-A novel multi-state RF MEMS switch for microstrip antenna applications is presented. The proposed switch exhibits seven different states of operation, has a very simple DC biasing mechanism, and can be integrated with antenna structure. Based on these properties, this switch may find its usage in multifunction reconfigurable antennas. To exhibit this application, it is employed in the reconfiguration mechanism of a U-slotted antenna. In different states of the switch, the antenna resonates at different frequencies. All the standard frequency bands of the wireless communication services with some additional frequency bands is covered with this reconfigurable U-slotted antenna. Moreover, the proposed antenna structure is a cost-effective solution since it comprises a commonly used FR4 substrate. The switch is integrated with antenna structure on the same substrate. A prototype of the designed antenna was fabricated and tested for performance verification of the proposed switch and antenna.

No abstract

Purpose The purpose of the study is to explore the potential possibility of using the conductive and piezoresistive nanocomposites that consist of insulating poly(dimethylsiloxane), a very popular silicone polymer, and the amazing properties of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in sensing applications. This nanocomposite is prepared by an optimized process to achieve a high-quality nanocomposite with uniform properties. Design/methodology/approach The optimized process achieved in this study to provide PDMS/CNT nanocomposite includes the appropriate use of ultrasonic bath, magnetic stirrer, molding and curing in certain circumstances that results in obtaining high-quality nanocomposite with uniform properties. Experiments to characterize the influence of some factors such as pressure, temperature and the impact of CNT’s concentration on the electrical properties of the prepared nanocomposite have been designed and carried out. Findings The obtained preparing method of this nanocomposite is found to have better homogeneity in comparison to other methods for CNT/PDMS nanocomposite. This nanocomposite has both desirable properties of the PDMS elastomer and the additional conductive CNT, and it can be used to create all-polymer systems. Furthermore, the conductivity values of these nanocomposites can be changed by varying some factors such as temperature and pressure, so that those can be used in temperature- and pressure-sensoring applications. Originality/value In the present research, a convenient, inexpensive and reproducible method for preparing CNT/PDMS nanocomposite was investigated. These nanocomposites with the unique properties of both PDMS elastomer and CNTs and also with high electrical conductivity, piezoresistive properties and temperature dependent resistivity can be used in different sensoring applications.