Development of characterization tools for reliability testing of micro-electro-mechanical system actuators

Characterization tools have been developed to study the performance characteristics and reliability of surface micromachined actuators. These tools include: (1) the ability to electrically stimulate or stress the actuator, (2) the capability to visually inspect the devices in operation, (3) a method for capturing operational information, and (4) a method to extract performance characteristics from the operational information. Additionally, a novel test structure has been developed to measure electrostatic forces developed by a comb drive actuator.

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