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3D Microscale Anisotropic Metamaterials for Rotation Sensing

Detailed Technology Description

Senses Rotations along Three Axes SimultaneouslyA 3-dimensional metamaterial for orientation sensing features a perfectly anisotropic transmission response and can sense rotations along all three axes simultaneously. The technology, made from biocompatible materials, consists of micro-cubes patterned with split-ring resonators (SRRs). The sensor consists of a polymer cube with a gold patterned array of split ring resonators patterned on each side. The resonators on each face of the 3D microscale cube are patterned in different sizes and at a tilt, so the arrays do not couple to each other. This intentional patterning achieves unique optical properties. The three-axis micro inclinometer (or gyro) could be integrated into a sensor package and used as an attitude sensor for micro-robotics or nanosatellites. It may sense rotation rates far exceeding limitations of current MEMs IMUs.3D Split-Ring Resonator Senses Rotations from 0° to 360°Traditional split-ring resonators (SRRs) are semi-isotropic, leading to 180 degree ambiguity in sensor orientation. Moreover, 2D resonators require three separate sensors for measuring rotation about the x, y, and z axes, which can create interference in their waveform. This technology is an optical inclinometer with 3D anisotropic SRR structures defined on a polymeric cube. The anisotropic 3D design overcomes the limited range of 2D SRR structures and enables the SRR to remotely sense rotations from 0° to 360° along all three axes. Adding a different tilt angle to the patterning of the resonators on each axis suppresses interference between x, y, and z resonators.BENEFITS AND FEATURES:Perfectly anisotropic transmission responseSenses rotations from 0° to 360°Faster speed: Rotation rates far exceed limitations of current MEMs IMUsEasy, scalable and inexpensive fabricationSmall size and remote detectionTriaxial measurementsAPPLICATIONS:Small, lightweight rotation sensorsLow on-chip power or remotely monitored sensorsAngular sensor for micro-robotNanosat attitude sensor for satellite or dronesMagnetometerStar trackerGPSInclinometerRotation sensorGyroscopeNavigation systems or small scale devicesMicro-robotics or nanosatellitesMedical microbot guidance systemsOn-chip power savingMeasuring extremely high and low angular velocityPhase of Development – Prototype device fabricated; isotropic resonant response measured

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Country/Region

USA