Instrumentation and measurement technologies are some of the most promising areas for near-term advancements and enabling effects. As optical, fluidic, chemical,and biological components can be integrated with electronic logic and memory components on the same chip at marginal cost, drug discovery, genetics research,chemical assays, and chemical synthesis are all likely to be substantially affected by these advances. Some of the first applications of nanoscale (and microscale) instruments were as basic sensors for acceleration (such as those used in airbags), pressure, etc. Small, microscale, special-purpose optical and chemical sensors have been used for some time in sophisticated laboratory equipment, along with microprocessors for signal processing and computation. As these sensors become more sophisticated and more integrated with computational capability, their utility should grow tremendously. However, there is a need to better understand the mechanics to address the challenges of small-scale instrumentation. LOAM has entered into a strategic colloboration with the Center for Nano and Micro Mechanics, Beijing, China to develop capabilities in this area.
[Contact  Tuck for more details].