Transduction: Actuation

This lecture covers the concept of transduction, focusing on actuation mechanisms such as force-based and deformation-based methods. It explains the definition of a transducer in N/MEMS and explores various actuation techniques in the microscale, including shape memory polymers, optical levers, and interferometers. The lecture also delves into phase change actuators, electrostatic and magnetic actuation principles, and examples like Texas Instruments DLP & DMD. Furthermore, it discusses piezoelectric actuation, thermal actuation based on material expansion, and examples like inkjet printheads and duplexers. The presentation concludes with thermal actuation examples like bimorph and electrothermal actuators.