Thermal Actuators

This lecture covers the design and operation of thermal actuators, focusing on thermal bimorphs, thermomechanical transfer functions, and various types of thermal actuators like horizontal, U-shaped, and V-beam actuators. It also discusses the energy density in thermo-mechanical actuators, high-frequency thermal mixing, and waveguide switches with a latch mechanism. The presentation includes examples of SiO2 Cr bimorphs, out-of-plane thermal actuators, and the dynamical response of bimorph thermal actuators. The instructor emphasizes the scaling laws and simulations in micro and nanosystems, providing insights into the sensitivity and performance of these thermal actuators.