Novel MEMS/NEMS sensor for complex fluid characterization: In response to the need of a Fortune 100 food/beverage manufacturer to streamline manufacturing processes, SmallTech invented a new specialized MEMS sensor and method for characterizing dense nanoparticle suspensions. The method depends on neural-network analysis of sensor signals to determine fluid properties. The project was granted high-priority status by client, and resulted in new IP generation. SmallTech was subsequently tasked with prototyping of the device at our in-house laboratory, in collaboration with external nanofabrication/characterization partners. Prototyping effort included nanoparticle sample preparation and characterization, colloidal-probe Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) measurements in liquid, software development (including data analysis with deep neural network), custom sensor design from first-principles, and sensor fabrication using soft lithography techniques.
“Device for quantitative measurement of particle properties” K. Katuri, M. B. Bryning, P. W. Barth, L. A. Field (PCT Application WO 2019055532A2, published March, 2019)