Magnetic micro-actuator

The characteristics of three types of magnetic microactuators made by silicon-based microfabrication are described. The microfabrication, actuator configuration, and dynamic characteristics of a fabricated microactuator with a planar coil are examined. This microactuator is shown to operate in the nanometer range. It has a conical soft-magnetic tip 10 microns high with a one-turn copper coil. This actuator will be applied to microvalves, micropumps, and microsyringes. >