Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) have transitioned from a technology niche to a role of major industrial significance. The worldwide market for MEMS is now approximately $10 billion, and the total value of systems enabled by MEMS is several orders of magnitude higher than this figure. As the market has grown, the material and process sets have broadened and departed from their semiconductor roots. In addition to engineering materials, there is now great interest in integrating multifunctional nanomaterials, smart materials and biomaterials within MEMS/NEMS to enhance functionality, performance and reliability. The opportunities created by this integration have generated a vibrant research community working on new materials and processes. This book reflects the breadth of topics currently under investigation in the field. Novel materials and accompanying processes are discussed, as are more conventional materials and processes. Consistent themes are the need for accurate material property assessment at the relevant length scales and for suitable metrology tools to support the introduction of new materials.

This book is part of a popular series on the materials science of MEMS devices, first published in 1999. In the years since, many sophisticated devices have emerged and many aspects of MEMS materials behaviors have been characterized. However, there remain many basic questions about the relationship between process, properties and function for MEMS materials. Experimental methods have been developed, but there REMAINS a lack of standardization that would allow comparison between laboratories and commercial vendors or the creation of materials specifications that would enable greater commercialization of MEMS. The book addresses many of these issues including: RF-MEMS; optical MEMS; MEMS metrology, tribology, materials characterization and mechanical behavior; MEMS surfaces, MEMS reliability, packaging and life assessment; MEMS modeling and software tools for materials integration; biocompatibility of MEMS materials and devices; new materials and fabrication methodologies for MEMS; microfluidics and nanofluidics; in vivo drug/gene/protein delivery; novel actuators; MEMS cell-based systems; MEMS neural interfaces; MEMS sensors; and MEMS microengines and microfuel cells.