The Impact of Radiation Damage on Mechanical and Electrical Properties of MEM/NEM Structures

Abstract

Current and proposed applications of Micro- and Nano-scale Electromechanical Systems (MEMS/NEMS) that are relevant for space and military systems range from miniaturized gyroscopes and accelerometers to relays and oscillators. Two-dimensional (2D) materials promise to revolutionize NEMS. The infinitesimal thickness, high stiffness, and low defect density of 2D materials are expected to result in NEMS with high integration density, high operation frequency, low power consumption, and novel functionalities. At the same time, while radiation effects in large-scale MEMS and electrical devices have been investigated on a limited basis, virtually nothing is known regarding the effects of radiation on NEMS, particularly employing 2D materials. The goal of this project is to determine the impact of radiation-induced damage on the atomic structure, and electrical and mechanical properties of 2D materials relevant for applications in NEMS, and the implications in the context of NEMS operation. This project leverages the world-class expertise and experience in materials science, NEMS/MEMS, and radiation effects of the University of California at Berkeley (UCB), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), and the Vanderbilt University (VU) Institute for Space and Defense Electronics (ISDE) to advance the state of understanding of the mechanisms and manifestations of radiation effects relevant to reliability in C-WMD environments.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
May 26, 2016
Source ID
HDTRA11510036

Entities

People

  • Michael Alles

Organizations

  • Defense Threat Reduction Agency
  • Vanderbilt University

Tags

Readers

  • Nanoscale Plasmonic Nanotechnology
  • Nuclear and Radiation Engineering.
  • Research Science/Academic Research

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Microelectromechanical Systems
  • Space