News from PRONANO:

PRONANO E-Learning Module
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New on-line course: Mechanics of Microcantilevers

A new on-line course on mechanics of microcantilevers has been elaborated in the frame of the European FP6 IP PRONANO. This efficient training tool for self-studying is now available on the web.


The course provides the foundations for understanding the mechanical behaviour of microcantilever actuators and sensors. It presents an overview of materials and structures and their application to passive and dynamic operation.

Course content:

  • Material Properties : Young’s Modulus, Poisson’s Ratio, Bending Moments, Flexural Rigidity
  • Material Examples: Silicon, Silicon Components, Metals, Polyimide, SU-8
  • Static Beam Bending: Euler-Bernoulli Equation, Microcantilever Model, Cantilever Tip Deflection, End Load, Distributed Load
  • Static Multilayer Beams: Neutral Axis, Flexural Rigidity, Bending Moment, Initial Deflexion, Deflexion Optimisation
  • Dynamic Beam Vibrations: Mass Damped System, Solution for a Vibrating Beam, Higher Modes, Damping&Q Factor

Target Group

The course addresses researchers and engineers from companies or institutes with expertise outside micro- and nano-technology, who are interested in the fundamental background or/and exploitation of microcantilever technology. Those actively working in the fields of micro- and nano-technology but who are new to the field of microcantilevers are also encouraged to participate.

Access to the on-line course

The on-line course is implemented on an internet e-learning platform where 2 courses are available: “Introduction to Microcantilever Applications” and “Mechanics of Microcantilevers”. Learning time of each course is about one hour.

Thanks to the support of the European FP6 project PRONANO, the access to the courses is free of charge, thus no registration fees are asked. Interested candidates can register by e-mail to Pronano partner FSRM: fsrm@fsrm.ch or on-line at www.fsrm.ch.

Further information: Annette Locher, locher@fsrm.ch, Pronano partner FSRM Swiss Foundation for Research for Microtechnology, www.fsrm.ch.

PRONANO E-Learning Module
download

Introduction to Microcantilever Applications

This new training tool has been elaborated within the European FP6 project Pronano. It is available on the web and accessible via a personal password.

Objectives of the On-Line Course:

  • - To show an overview of the possible applications of microcantilever technology as sensors and actuators in high growth markets (Biomedical, Security, and Environmental) and other industries.
  • - To provide the foundations for further reading into the field of microcantilevers

Content:

  • - Why Microcantilevers?
  • - Microcantilever Applications:
    • - Biomedical: Protein arrays, Viral detection, Micromanipulation, Biological imaging
    • - Security: TNT sensor, Pathogenic Sensor, Biometrics, Infrared imaging
    • - Chemical & Environmental: Calorimetry, Fluid Sensor, Vapour Detectors, Chemical Sensors
    • - Other Applications: Data storage, Optical scanners, Microrobotics, Metrology

Target group:

The on-line course addresses students, researchers and engineers from companies or institutions with experience outside micro- and nano-technology, who are interested in the fundamental background or/and exploitation of microcantilever technology. We also encourage those actively working in the fields of micro-and nano-technology but who are new to the field of microcantilevers to participate.

Registration:

Please register by e-mail to Locher@fsrm.ch
You will then receive a personal password giving you access to the on-line course and allowing you to work on it on your personal computer.

Fees:

Thanks to the support of the European FP6 project Pronano,
the access to the course is free of charge.

Information: Annette Locher, FSRM, Locher@fsrm.ch