Development of Micro/Nano Systems and Instrumentations

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The ability to create advanced equipment relies on the availability of adequate materials and the access to appropriate tools. Equipped with these fundamental understandings of micromachining and nanotechnology, the proposed research program will focus on the development of micro/nano systems and instrumentations for real-world applications. In this broad translational research, fundamental findings of the properties of nanomaterials such as nanotubes, and graphene from chemistry or materials and chemical engineering labs will be engineered and exploited to create superior prototype devices such as X-ray, and ultrasound devices. Novel materials with unique properties will be investigated, studied and exploited to create devices and instrumentations to tackle pressing needs of our world. The research program is focused on developing micro and nanodevices, as well as integration of these devices into functional instrumentations, and optimization of the overall systems for wide ranging applications including medical diagnostics and therapeutics, manufacturing and assembly lines, and wearable consumer products. As such, the proposed research program will focus on investigating the fundamental properties of nanomaterials as well as translating this new found knowledge into innovative micro/nanodevices for real-world applications.The long-term goals of this program are to: (i) Discover and exploit new mechanical, electrical, thermal, and structural properties of nanomaterials, and develop micro/nanodevices to address real world problems; (ii) Build a translational research program that bridges prototype validation in a laboratory environment to prototype demonstration in a relevant setting; and (iii) Develop a world-class micro/nanodevice research program, train highly qualified micro/nanodevice researchers/engineers, and attract international talents to build and consolidate Canada's strength in this strategic area. Dr. Yeow aims to improve carbon nanotube's field electron emission (FEE) and capacitive micromachined ultrasound transducer (CMUT) performance and advance X-ray and ultrasound modalities for wide ranging applications through these short-term objectives: (i) O1a: Investigate the fundamental mechanisms of FEE instability and lifespan limitation by using the unique field emission microscopy method invented by Dr. Yeow and his students, and formulate micro/nanodevice design methodology and fabrication process; O1b: Design innovative FEE based X-ray generators for medical and industrial non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. (ii) O2a: study the effectiveness, reliability and robustness of polymer-based CMUTs; Q2b: Formulate accurate performance models and design for annular CMUTs. NDT technologies are instrumental to Canada's strategic manufacturing, aerospace, medical and nuclear industries. The developed technologies will improve the effectiveness of manufacturing processes and safeguard Canadian from defective products and facilities.