Microsystem 4625319 208715847 2008-04-28T08:57:13Z Twisp 139245 [[Category:Microtechnology]] {{refimprove|date=June 2006}} '''Microsystem''' is the name commonly used in Europe to describe the same technology which goes under the name [[MEMS]] (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) in the US. In Japan, this field is often termed micromachines. Microsystems are miniaturized (silicon or polymer) devices which perform non-electronic functions: typically sensing and actuation. Typical microsystems have mechanical parts, like microbridges in RF switches or bending cantilevers in [[atomic force microscopes]] (AFMs); electrical parts like piezoresistors in [[airbag]] [[sensors]] or capacitors in pressure sensors; or thermal, optical and fluidic structures like heaters and nozzles in [[inkjet printer]] or flow [[sensors]]. In biomicrosystems (BioMEMS) cells or microbeads are handled by fluidic streams, magnetic and electric fields, thermal gradients etc. In chemical microsystems operations like sample pretreatment, separation and detection are build on microchips. This field is also known as [[microfluidics]] or [[Lab-on-a-chip]]. Today it's possible to build up microsystems without any tooling needed by computer aided direct parallel batch processing technologies called RMPD Rapid Micro Product Development. 'Microsystem' is also a term for systems of acupuncture points that are typically not located on the 'meridians' such points tend to cluster on. See also [[Transducers]], [[Microfabrication]] ==Journals== [http://www.springer.com/east/home?SGWID=5-102-70-1113744-0&changeHeader=true&referer=www.springeronline.com&SHORTCUT=www.springer.com/journal/542 Microsystem Technologies, published by Springer] [[fr:Microsystème]] ==Books== (2004) Geschke, Klank & Telleman, eds.: Microsystem Engineering of Lab-on-a-chip Devices, 1st ed, John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 3-527-30733-8. [http://www.microsystems.ru/eng/conf_news.php?id_table=1&file=102.htm Journal of Micro and Nanotechnique] [[Category:Microtechnology]]