Adaptation of Electro-Active Polymer Actuator for Microwave Devices

University Of Washington, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

0424414 Kuga The objective of this research is to develop practical microwave devices based on EAP actuators. The PIs have conducted preliminary experiments using Flemion and the results are very encouraging. To achieve their objective, they propose the following four tasks. Task 1: Complete the self-assembly process to create gold electrodes on Flemion and fabricate a practical actuator. Task 2: Develop a Flemion micro-actuator for microwave devices and MEMS. Task 3: Complete the development of a low-cost phase shifter for steerable antennas. Task 4: Design a practical, low-cost phased-array antenna for satellite communications. The proposed activity is centered on new material development and device fabrications. Because the actuator performance depends on the interface between membrane and electrodes, the nanotechnology and self-assemble will be an essential part of their project. In addition, the small low-power microwave devices have tremendous applications for wireless communications. Polymer-based microwave and optical devices are mentioned as one of the most important technologies in the future. Although they are focusing on the microwave applications of EAP actuators in this proposal, these actuators can be applied for many different applications. Education and training of students are always their primary goals.