Weichih Wang, Ph.D.
Department of Mechanical Engineering (Micro Technology Lab)
"Micro Sensors and Actuators in Biomedical Applications"

ABSTRACT

Healthcare spending represents an important segment of the U.S. economy:
federal estimates predict that health care spending will surpass the $2 trillion
mark in the next decade. Within the healthcare technology economy, biomedical
devices represent one of the fastest growing segments. An important area in
biomedical product development is the design of biomedical sensors using
microfabrication techniques.  In this talk, selected current research projects in
biomedical sensors at University of Washington Micro Technology Laboratory
will be presented. The topics will include self-configurable robot, acoustic
sensors and actuators (liquid ejector, dome shape microphone and hotwire
anemometer acoustic sensor), fiber optic fluid sensors (viscosity, mass flow),
waveguide based distributive plantar pressure and shear sensor, diffraction
grating based tensile sensor, electric and ferromagnetic polymer based sensors
and actuators as well as optical scanning endoscope and micro display system.
Theoretical and practical information for design and application of sensors in
biomedicine as well as their clinical significance will be discussed.