Engineering topics
Publications and source records attributed to Tang, T. K..
We present a new microscopy tool for quantitative measurement of the resonant motion of microstructures. The new instrument uses optical interferometry to generate a three dimentional surface topographic map of a vibrating micormachined resonator in vacuum.
This paper reports on the development of a silicon bulk micromachined vibratory gyroscope designed for a micro inertial reference system for microspacecraft applications.
We report on the development of a Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) valve that is designed to meet the rigorous performance requirements for a variety of space applications, such as micropropulsion, in-situ chemical analysis of other planets, or micro-fluidics experiments in micro-gravity. These systems often require very small yet reliable silicon valves with extremely low leak rates and long shelf lives. Also, they must survive the perils of space travel, which include unstoppable radiation, monumental shock and vibration forces, as well as extreme variations in temperature. Currently, no commercial MEMS valve meets these requirements. We at JPL are developing a piezoelectric MEMS valve that attempts to address the unique problem of space. We begin with proven configurations that may seem familiar. However, we have implemented some major design innovations that should produce a superior valve. The JPL micro-valve is expected to have an extremely low leak rate, limited susceptibility to particulates, vibration or radiation, as well as a wide operational temperature range.
In this paper, we present recent work on the design, fabrication, and packaging of a silicon MIcro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) microgyroscope designed for space applications. A hermetically sealed package that houses the microgyroscope and most of its control electronics has been built and tested.
This paper reports on design, modeling, fabrication, and characterization of a novel silicon bulk micromachined vibratory rate gyroscope designed for microspacecraft applications. The new microgyroscope consists of a silicon four leaf cloverstructure with a post attached to the center.