microtechnology
Small-scale device science
Microtechnology refers to the design, manufacture, and application of devices and systems at the micrometer scale—roughly a millionth of a meter.
This field bridges the gap between conventional engineering and the even smaller realm of nanotechnology, encompassing things like microchips, microsensors, and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).
Microtechnology underpins much of modern electronics, from the processors in computers to the accelerometers in smartphones that detect motion and orientation.
Miniature semiconductor processor
- transistorSemiconductor signal switch
- semiconductorPartial electrical conductor
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
- microprocessorCompact computing circuit
capacitor · resistor · diode · integrated circuit · PCB · chipset · silicon · CMOS
Reducing physical scale significantly
- microscaleAt micrometer dimensions
- compactTightly packed together
- microscopicToo small for eyes
- small-scaleLimited in size or scope
submillimeter · microstructure · high-density · form factor · footprint · shrinkage · downscaling
Manufacturing miniature structures precisely
- lithographyGrease-based flat plate printing
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- cleanroomParticle-free manufacturing space
photomask · doping · sputtering · thin-film · bonding · packaging · die · yield
Systematic fact-finding effort
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- patentObvious; inventor's monopoly
- commercializationProfit-driven market introduction
prototype · startup · cutting-edge · advancement · R&D · venture · incubation · scalability
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- metrologyScience of precise quantification
- measurementDetermining size or amount
resolution · fine-tuning · instrumentation · repeatability · traceability · inspection · quality control · alignment
Tiny measurement devices
- hearing aidsPersonal sound amplifiers
- pacemakersImplanted cardiac rhythm devices
- insulin pumpsDevices delivering pancreatic hormone
- cochlear implantsAuditory prostheses for deafness
aerospace · telecommunications · consumer electronics · wearables
microchip
Miniature semiconductor processor
- transistorSemiconductor signal switch
- semiconductorPartial electrical conductor
- circuitClosed electrical pathway
microprocessor · capacitor · resistor · diode · integrated circuit · PCB · chipset · silicon · CMOS · LED
miniaturization
Reducing physical scale significantly
- microscaleAt micrometer dimensions
- compactTightly packed together
- microscopicToo small for eyes
small-scale · submillimeter · microstructure · high-density · form factor · footprint · shrinkage · downscaling
microfabrication
Manufacturing miniature structures precisely
- lithographyGrease-based flat plate printing
- etchingAcid-incised metal print
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
cleanroom · photomask · doping · sputtering · thin-film · bonding · packaging · die · yield · foundry
research
Systematic fact-finding effort
- developmentProgress toward maturity
- breakthroughSudden important advance
- patentObvious; inventor's monopoly
commercialization · prototype · startup · cutting-edge · advancement · R&D · venture · incubation · scalability · disruption
calibration
Adjusting for measurement accuracy
- toleranceWillingness to accept difference
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- metrologyScience of precise quantification
measurement · resolution · fine-tuning · instrumentation · repeatability · traceability · inspection · quality control · alignment
microsensors
Tiny measurement devices
- hearing aidsPersonal sound amplifiers
- pacemakersImplanted cardiac rhythm devices
- insulin pumpsDevices delivering pancreatic hormone
cochlear implants · aerospace · telecommunications · consumer electronics · wearables
- Swiss ExportsSwiss watches, Swiss chocolate, Swiss banks, Rolex, Lindt
microtechnologyheavy industry
Capital-intensive manufacturing sector
heavy machinery · megastructures · civil engineering · nanotechnology
technology, micro, micrometer, biotechnology, nanotechnology, micrometre