MRI: Development of a Six-Axis, Magnetically Levitated Instrument for Nanoscale Science and Engineering

Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station, College Station TX

Investigators

Abstract

OIA-0116642 Institution: Texas Engineering Experiment Station PI: Won-jong Kim Title: "MRI: Development of a Six-Axis, Magnetically Leviatated Instrument for Nanoscale Science and Engineering Abstract: Nanoscale science and engineering is an emerging technological field and has immense economic and societal impacts. This NSF MRI project presents an innovative concept of a six-axis magnetically levitated (maglev) instrument. This novel instrument can be a fundamental research tool in many crucial research activities in nanotechnology and other precision applications dealing with delicate motions and forces. They include manufacture of nanoscale structures, atomic-level manipulation, assembly and packaging of microparts, vibration isolation for instrumentation, and seismic motion detection. A compact, lightweight, single-moving part that holds the specimen will eventually be magnetically levitated in all six degrees of freedom. The objective of this MRI project is development of a maglev prototype design concept and to demonstrate its applicability in nanotechnology. Magnetic levitation is an enabling technology for high-precision multi-axis motion generation and control. During the first year of this instrument development program, we will derive a dynamic model and analyze mechanical and electromagnetic characteristics. After completing detailed design, we will construct a single-axis unit lenear actuator, compare its behavior with the theory, and calibrate it experimentally. This unit actuator will be a corner stone for the full 6-axis instrument to be constructed by the end of the second year. During the last year of this MRI project, we will design and implement real-time digital controllers based on the dynamic model obtained previously, and perform various tests and experiments.