A simulation made with NIST micromagnetic software shows the interaction of "spin waves" emitted by two nano-oscillators that generate microwave signals. The ability of these tiny spintronic devices to spontaneously synchronize their emissions may lead to smaller, cheaper wireless communications components.
Image credit: National Institute of Standards and Technology

"Turbine" - This turbine is one of a number of microdevices included in the tallest build (1mm) the EFAB(tm) process has fabricated to date. This turbine was designed to be air-driven and in this case, drive the connected gear train.

"Mechanical Energy Storage Device" - This device stores mechanical energy in a spiral spring that is wound by a pinion gear when a shuttle is pulled along a toothed rack; releasing the shuttle causes the spring to rotate the pinion, moving the shuttle opposite the direction it is pulled.

"Self-assembled Gear Train" - This gear train is an example of the versatility and flexibility of the EFAB(tm) micro-manufacturing process. Precise meshing of these gears has been accomplished thanks to a clever design where the gears fell into position during the EFAB(tm) process.

"Varactor" - This RF microdevice, fabricated using the EFAB(tm) process, changes its capacitance according to an applied voltage.


Image credit: Microfabrica, Inc.