Overview

Welcome to the MDL Web site!

Microsystems, or Micro-Eelectro Mechanical Systems (MEMS), is an emerging process technology used to create tiny integrated devices or systems that combine mechanical and electrical components. These devices (or systems), which can range in size from a few micrometers to millimeters, have the ability to sense, control and actuate on the micro scale, and generate effects on the macro scale. MEMS has been identified as one of the most promising technologies for the 21^st Century and has the potential to revolutionize both industrial and consumer products. Its techniques and microsystem-based devices have the potential to dramatically affect all of our lives and the way we live. Significant research and developement in the last decade has made MEMS a reality, but the next stage of evolution and application of MEMS has opened up a whole world of exciting opportunities and technical challenges that need to be addressed before we can even come close to tapping the full potential of this technology.

At the Microsystems and Devices Laboratory (MDL), we are interested in advancing microsystems particularly by investing them with superior motion capabilities. Our main research thrust is toward novel and efficient ways to transduce various forms of energy for actuation, and micromechanisms for motion at small-scales with emphasis on new applications in engineering and biomedical fields. In this direction, we are studying the design and mechanical issues, integrating various physical phenomenon, and synthesizing MEMS with other enabling technologies such as active materials and design approaches such as compliant mechanisms and biomimetics to enable enhanced/special functionality in microsystems.

Ongoing research projects in MDL include development of hybrid micro-actuators, micro-pumps, microfluidic devices, and micro-scale mechanisms and manipulators. Potential applications of our research include implantable micro-chip for visual prosthesis, microfluidic devices for biomedical analysis, tools for high precision micro-surgery, micro assembly, and micro-robotics. The scope of research within MDL encompasses both fundamental and applied investigations including conceptualization, design, modeling and simulation, prototyping, and testing. To address the strong interdisciplinary demands of MEMS technology and its applications, we are currently working closely with Bioeningeering Department at UIC and pursuing collaborations with researchers with expertise in other fields.

The Micro Systems Mechanisms and Actuators Laboratory (MDL) is one of the several laboratories in the Mechanical Engineering Department at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), and is located in Room 3032 in the Engineering Research Facility (ERF) Building on the UIC East Campus.