MEMS Applications Overview: Research Activity Participant Guide Description and Estimated Time to Complete This Activity will provide you the opportunity to explore a specific application of MEMS. You may research one of the applications discussed in the Primary Knowledge unit (MEMS Applications Overview) or you may find another application or potential application for MEMS. Introduction Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) are very small devices or groups of devices that can integrate both mechanical and electrical components. MEMS can be constructed on one chip that contains one or more micro-components and the electrical circuitry for inputs and outputs of the components. The components include different types of sensors, transducers, actuators, electronics and structures (e.g. gears, sliding mirrors, diaphragms). Each type of components is designed to interface with an input such as light, gas molecules, a specific type of radiation, pressure, temperature, or biomolecules. Applications for MEMS are being realized every day. MEMS are built as submillimeter devices as needed for medical applications and in the millimeter range for miniature robots. A single MEMS can consist of a few components to millions of components ranging in size from the nanoscale to the milli-scale. Because of this versatility, MEMS applications are practically unlimited. Activity Objectives and Outcomes Activity Objectives  Describe the operation of a MEMS or MEMS device within a specific application.  Discuss the effectiveness of the MEMS or MEMS device within this application as compared to previous methods. Activity Outcomes Upon completion of this activity you should have a more in-depth understanding of the working of a MEMS or MEMS device within a specific application.Documentation The documentation for this activity consists of a written report on the chosen MEMS application. The report must include, but is not limited to the following:  A discussion of a specific MEMS application: General information on the application (who uses it and how), what type of MEMS device is used, how the MEMS device works and how the MEMS device works within the application.  A discussion on the use of MEMS in this application compared to previous methods.  Graphics (if available)  References for information, materials, and graphics  Answers to the Post-Activity Questions Procedure: A MEMS Application Description Study a specific application for a MEMS or MEMS device and explore how the MEMS device is used in the application. 1. Choose a specific application for a MEMS or MEMS device in any field of interest. 2. Research your topic. 3. Complete the requirements of "Documentation". Your discussion should include the following (but is not limited to):  General information on the application (who uses it and how)  Type of MEMS or MEMS device used  How the MEMS device works  How the MEMS device compares to previous methods used in this application 4. Answer the Post- Activity Questions.  How the MEMS device works within the application  Ethical implications of MEMS devicePost- Activity Questions 1. What, if any, are the limitations to using a MEMS or MEMS device in the application you researched? 2. In your chosen application, what are the advantages of using a MEMS device over previous methods? 3. Describe a potential or existing application of MEMS in agriculture. 4. What do you see as the limitations of MEMS and MEMS devices in replacing existing macroelectromechanical devices? Summary MEMS have many advantages over their macro counterparts, but they also have limitations. There are some fields where the use of MEMS and MEMS devices are numerous and still growing.