A first MEMS positioning assembly includes an electro-static comb drive actuator configured to selectively displace a first nanoparticle in a first dimension and an electrode configured to selectively displace the first nanoparticle in a second dimensions. Accordingly, the first nanoparticle may be selectively positioned in two dimensions to modulate the distance between the first nanoparticle and a second nanoparticle that may be coupled to a second MEMS positioning assembly. Modulating the distance between the first and second nanoparticles obtains a coupling interaction between the nanoparticles that alters at least one material property of the nanoparticles applicable to a variety of sensing and control applications.

Technologies: MICROELECTROMECHANICAL (MEMS) MANIPULATORS FOR CONTROL OF NANOPARTICLE COUPLING INTERACTIONS (IN-09-050) View patent details.

MICROELECTROMECHANICAL (MEMS) MANIPULATORS FOR CONTROL OF NANOPARTICLE COUPLING INTERACTIONS (IN-09-050B) View patent details.