Micromachined optical fiber enclosed 4-electrode IPMC actuator with multidirectional control ability for biomedical application.
The present paper examined a novel micromachined column structured Ion Polymer Metal Composite (IPMC) actuator with multidirectional control capability. The developed 4-electrode transducer enclosed a section of optical fiber, thereby allowing electronic directional control of conducted laser light. The fabricated device with IPMC actuator dimensions of 5 mm x 2 mm x 1 mm reached a maximum displacement of 400 μm when a square wave of 9 V was applied to the top-bottom electrode pair. Displacements in different directions and moving angles were characterized with side-side and top-right electrode pairs connected to the actuating signals. Furthermore, the generating moment per volt per second by the transducer was analyzed. The maximum value of approximately 200 μN*m/V/s was displayed when the device actuated with the side-side electrode pair. Controlling the developed IPMC actuator moved the laser beam in multiple directions. This device could be promising for biomedical applications such as microendoscopic ocular surgery.
Feng
Guo-Hua
GH
Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Chung Cheng University, Chiayi 621, Taiwan. imeghf@ccu.edu.tw
Tsai
Jen-Wei
JW
D020811:Biomedical Technology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004566:Electrodes; D004724:Endoscopy; D007834:Lasers; D055616:Microtechnology / Q000295:instrumentation*; D055100:Optical Fibers; D009942:Organometallic Compounds / Q000737:chemistry*; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D014159:Transducers
D009942:Organometallic Compounds; D011108:Polymers