• Journal of Institute of Convergence Technology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.16-24
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• 2011

The angular electrostatic microactuator using skewed electrode array (SEA) scheme was proposed. The moving and fixed electrodes are arranged to make the driving force perpendicular to the rotating moment of arm. By changing the electrode overlap length, the magnitude of electrostatic force and stable displacement will be changed. In order to optimize the design, electrostatic FE analysis were carried out and the empirical force model was established for SEA. Simulation was performed to make the comparison between conventional actuators and SEA. The proposed SEA generates actuating torque 2 times greater than a comb-drive and stable actuator displacement 40% greater than a parallel plate type actuator. The angular electrostatic microactuator using skewed SEA scheme was designed and fabricated using SoG process.

• Journal of Institute of Convergence Technology
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• v.1 no.2
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• pp.6-15
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• 2011

This paper reports the design and fabrication of a micro-electro-mechanical-system(MEMS)-based electrostatic angular microactuator for a dual-stage servo. The proposed actuator employs a novel electrode pattern named "skewed electrode array(SEA)" scheme. It is shown that SEA has better linearity than a parallel plate type actuator and stronger force than a comb-drive based actuator. The moving and the fixed electrodes are arranged to make the driving force perpendicular to the rotating moment of arm. By changing the electrode overlap length, the magnitude of electrostatic force and stable displacement will be changed. In order to optimize the design, an electrostatic FE analysis was carried out and an empirical force model was established for SEA. A new assembly method which will allow the active electrodes to be located beneath the slider was developed. The active electrodes are connected by inner and outer rings lifted on the base substrate, and the inner and outer rings are connected to platform on which the slider locates. Electrostatic force between active electrodes and platform can be used for exiting out of plane modes, so this provides the possibility of the flying height control. A microactuator that can position the pico-slider over ${\pm}0.5{\mu}m$ using under 20 volts for a 2 kHz fine-tracking servo was designed and fabricated using SoG process.