Editing Microtechnology (section)

==Micro electromechanical systems==
[[Image:etchedwafer.jpg|thumb|An etched silicon wafer]]
The term [[Microelectromechanical systems|MEMS]], for Micro Electro Mechanical Systems, was coined in the 1980s to describe new, sophisticated mechanical systems on a chip, such as micro electric motors, resonators, gears, and so on. Today, the term MEMS in practice is used to refer to any microscopic device with a mechanical function, which can be fabricated in a batch process (for example, an array of microscopic gears fabricated on a microchip would be considered a MEMS device but a tiny laser-machined stent or watch component would not). In Europe, the term MST for Micro System Technology is preferred, and in Japan MEMS are simply referred to as "micromachines". The distinctions in these terms are relatively minor and are often used interchangeably.

Though MEMS processes are generally classified into a number of categories – such as surface [[machining]], bulk machining, [[LIGA]], and [[Electrochemical fabrication|EFAB]] – there are indeed thousands of different MEMS processes. Some produce fairly simple geometries, while others offer more complex 3-D geometries and more versatility.   A company making [[accelerometer]]s for [[airbag]]s would need a completely different design and process to produce an accelerometer for inertial navigation. Changing from an accelerometer to another inertial device such as a [[gyroscope]] requires an even greater change in design and process, and most likely a completely different [[fabrication (metal)|fabrication]] facility and engineering team.

MEMS technology has generated a tremendous amount of excitement, due to the vast range of important applications where MEMS can offer previously unattainable performance and reliability standards. In an age where everything must be smaller, faster, and cheaper, MEMS offers a compelling solution. MEMS have already had a profound impact on certain applications such as automotive sensors and inkjet printers. The emerging MEMS industry is already a multibillion-dollar market. It is expected to grow rapidly and become one of the major industries of the 21st century. [[Cahners In-Stat Group]] has projected sales of MEMS to reach $12B by 2005. The European NEXUS group projects even larger revenues, using a more inclusive definition of MEMS.

Microtechnology is often constructed using [[photolithography]].  Lightwaves are focused through a mask onto a surface.  They solidify a chemical film.  The soft, unexposed parts of the film are washed away.  Then [[acid]] etches away the material not protected.

Microtechnology's most famous success is the [[integrated circuit]].  It has also been used to construct [[micromachinery]]. As an offshoot of researchers attempting to further miniaturize microtechnology, [[nanotechnology]] emerged in the 1980s, particularly after the invention of new microscopy techniques.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|title=Physical Metallurgy and Advanced Materials, Seventh Edition|last1=Smallman|first1=R. E.|last2=Ngan|first2=A. H. W.|date=2007|publisher=Elsevier|isbn=9780750669061|location=Oxford, UK|pages=607}}</ref> These produced materials and structures that have 1-100&nbsp;nm in dimensions.<ref name=":0" />