Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
parallel manufacturing of many integrated components, has been a key driver in
the miniaturization of microelectronics because it reduces cost and increases
reliability. Another significant trend is the integration of components and sub-
systems into fewer and fewer chips, enabling increased functionality in ever-
smaller packages. These trends are extending to include microelectromechanical
systems (MEMS) and other technologies for sensors and actuators, thus allowing
the possibility of miniaturizing entire systems and platforms. The combination of
reduced size, weight, and cost per unit function has significant implications for
Air Force missions, from global reach to situational awareness. Examples may
include the rapid low-cost global deployment of sensors, launch-on-demand tac-
tical satellites, distributed sensor networks, and affordable UAVs.
New Engineered Materials
Advances in micro- and nanofabrication technologies are enabling the engi-
neering of materials down to the atomic level. While design and fabrication
capabilities are still primitive from an applications perspective, there is great
potential for improving the properties and functionality of materials. Examples of
recent advances in materials range from carbon nanotubes with great strength and
novel electronic properties, to quantum dot communication lasers, to giant mag-
netoresistive materials for high-density magnetic memories. Theory and simula-
tion will play an increasingly important role in guiding the development of new
nanostructured materials and of systems based on such materials. By combining
materials at the micro- and nanoscales to form smart composite structures, addi-
tional increases in functionality can be achieved. New materials are an underly-
ing enabling capability. They will be used to expand the performance envelope of
electronics, sensors, communications systems, avionics, air and space frames,
and propulsion systems. Theory and modeling of materials are advancing signifi-
cantly, as is our understanding of the relationships between material composition,
properties, and structure. Over time, these advances may reduce the long lead
time for developing new materials and may also help in the design of new, more
functional materials with impact on Air Force systems.
Increased Autonomy and Functionality
The advances in information density, miniaturization, and materials func-
tionality will enable a degree of autonomous operation for systems that cannot be
fully envisioned today. Enhanced functionality and increased autonomy based on
micro- and nanotechnologies have many systems benefits:
•
lower risk for humans
•
higher performance
•
lower cost platforms
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