Electromagnetic remote control and downscaling advantages and examples for MOEMS

Abstract

Electromagnetic actuation is applied to MOEMS for industrial applications requiring large and long-range forces. Advantages and drawbacks are outlined while down scaling laws are discussed. Technological improvements and new available materials bring to much smaller dimensions, the limit between Electromagnetism and Electrostatics. Remote control and bi-stability are unique characteristics of electromagnetic actuation. The importance of remote control is stressed so as to allow easy tests and optimisation with no technological compatibility problem. These advantages are illustrated on three different electromagnetic MOEMS, developed in LIMMS, a Franco-Japanese research Laboratory based in Tokyo. The first is a resonant 1D magnetic scanner, the second is a magnetic bi-stable matrix array of optical micro-switches and the last is a remarkable application of the properties of thick Magnetostrictive thin layers to a 2D scanner.