Commercialization of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS)

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), at their core are a set of technologies that employ the processes developed in the integrated circuit (IC) and semiconductor industries to construct electro- mechanical devices. In the case of Microopticelectromechanical systems (MOEMS), optical elements are also integrated into these devices. MEMS technology holds the promise of significantly miniaturizing, reducing the cost of, and enhancing the performance of many sensors and actuators, evidence its widespread use in the manufacture of accelerometers, ink jet printer heads and various chemical gas sensors. Despite its stellar success in these "killer-applications," MEMS technology has failed to realize the widespread success many had predicted for it. Nonetheless, this technology has recently been explored extensively for new electro-optics applications, specifically in telecommunications for dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) and optical switching. This thesis examines various models of dynamic technology adoption and explores how they apply to MEMS technology. Furthermore, by way of historical comparison to the development of application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), it will identify various developmental similarities. Finally, a unique model outlining the critical driving forces behind the adoption of MEMS technology will be constructed.

Department dc:contributor.department

Management of Technology Program.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Then, Alan M. (Alan Michael), 1965-

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Henry Birdseye Weil.

• Management of Technology Program.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/8920

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/8920