Communication: Means and devices in nano regime

Nano/Micro Electro Mechanical Systems

Smart matter is another term for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), a technology

that combines computers with tiny mechanical devices such as sensors, valves, gears, mirrors, and actuators embedd d in semiconductor chips. Microelectronic integrated circuits can be thought of as the "brains" of a system and MEMS do this decision-making capability to allow microsystems to sense and control the environment. It will be the foundation technology of the next decade. Basically, a MEMS device contains microcircuitry on a tiny silicon chip into which some mechanical device such as a mirror or a sensor has been manufactured. Potentially, such chips can be built in large quantities at low cost, making them cost-effective for many uses. Presently available uses of MEMS are where one can include sensors that can be used for global tracking of the couriers or parcels. In flights the wing can be fabricated with sensors which can sense and react to the air flow by changing the wing surface resistance by creating indefinite number of tiny wing flaps. The optical lighting system can be made so effective so that the light signals over different paths can be switched on at 20 nano second switching speeds. In engines or in factories a sensor driven heating and cooling system is established that dramatically improve energy savings. And similarly building materials can incorporate sensors based on mems which can alter the flexibility properties of a material based on atmospheric stress sensing. MEMS devices are already used in such fields as the automotive industry, where they are incorporated into airbag and vehicle control; medicine, where they are used to control medication dosing and control medical devices such as pacemakers. They are used to make pressure, temperature, chemical and vibration sensors, light reflectors and switches as well as accelerometers for vehicle control.

The technology is also used to make ink jet print heads, micro actuators for read/write heads and all-optical switches that reflect light beams to the appropriate output port. MEMS combine many disciplines, including physics, bioinformatics, biochemistry, electrical engineering, optics and electronics. Typical MEMS devices combine sensing, processing or actuating functions to alter the way that the physical world is perceived and controlled. MEMS devices began to materialize as commercial products in the mid-1990s. Sometimes MEMS and nanotechnology are terms that are used interchangeably, because they both deal with microminiaturized objects. However, they are vastly different. MEMS deals with creating devices that are measured in micrometers, whereas nantotechnology deals with manipulating atoms at the nanometer level. MEMS produce environmental observing capabilities, Commensurate with advances in atmospheric models, Mitigate loss of life and property through improved planning / response; improve weather forecasts especially for high impact weather events. MEMS have a unique ability to collect information, process it, determine a course of action, and then act as a trigger by communicating through an electronic interface. These capabilities allow MEMS to provide the "nuts and bolts" of advanced applications known as "smart devices," such as collision avoidance systems and wireless handsets. MEMS devices do not work in isolation; they are embedded systems that make it possible for a component to perform higher level functions, such as controlling the fuel to air mixture in a car's engine.

In an optical switch, MEMS mirrors reflect the input signal to an output port without regard to line speed or protocol. This technology is expected to be the dominant method for building photonic switches which are essential part of the communication devices. In the future, nanotechnology will no doubt enable revolutionary sensors and communication devices although there are as of yet no commercial devices of this type based on true nanotechnology. However, because of the large potential markets, much effort is now being expended to create such devices.