Abstract

Microsystems have often relied on traditional materials such as silicon or aluminum for their function. In my lab, we have explored applications of carbon nanotubes in both mechanical and biomedical systems. Carbon nanotubes are tubular molecules of carbon ranging from 10-50 nm in diameter, and as long as several centimeters. Advantages of their use in microsystems include relatively low cost, high aspect ratio, good biocompatibility, beneficial mechanical properties, and the ability to create systems from micrometers to millimeters in scale. This presentation will highlight applications in sensing, robotic systems, arterial stents, thermal insulation, and bacterial resistance, as well as the “world’s smallest Nerf gun” developed with science YouTuber Mark Rober. I will also describe the fabrication methods and measurement of material properties for new materials based on carbon nanotubes, as well as potential future applications.

Biography

Brian D. Jensen is a professor at Brigham Young University. He received the M.S. degree in electrical engineering and the Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan. He also received B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University. He worked as a micromechanism designer at Sandia National Laboratories prior to his academic appointment. He has performed research and published over 100 papers in design topics including microelectromechanical systems and compliant mechanisms, and he holds 20 U.S. patents. His work has been recognized by several best paper awards, the BYU Young Scholar Award, the Utah Engineers Council Educator of the Year Award, and the Harvey Fletcher Professorship in the Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering at BYU.