Miniaturization Plays a Vital Role - Essay Example

?MINATURIZATION Introduction Miniaturization refers to the creation of small scale optical mechanical and electronic devices and products. This implies that miniaturization is a continuous trend that is involved producing several devices. In miniaturization, items that consume less space are opted to the bulky ones as they ease storage, transport and are more convenient. Reasons for miniaturization Miniaturization plays a vital role in instrumentation of analytical chemistry for future purposes. Advantages of miniaturization Miniaturization is very vital as it has several advantages. It requires low cost, has the ability to accommodate greater density and it is high in speed. The small electronics are very faster as the signals they transmit travel over short distances and the devices do not travel for long distances within the implemented device. Furthermore, packing of small sized devices is quite advantageous as it help reduce the cost incurred in the electronics. For instance, though four times the memory capacity, a 1-megabit DRAM chip which contains 256-kilobit DRAM is less costly as compared to a product of same space. The number of chips on a system determines the total cost of the circuit therefore, 1-megait of DRAM used reduces the probable number of memory chips in the long run reducing the prices as compared to a four 256 kilobit DRAM in use. In addition, the prices of logic devices have gone down due to the greater integration and reduction in the size of the transistors. Miniaturization is also vital as it has the ability to create new markets through enabling new and advanced applications. For instance, through development of the microprocessors which is a very small component in an integrated circuit has led to expansion of markets for personal computers. The flat panel displays with the improved packaging of chips have contributed to the advancement of battery-powered computers. This has been one of the functional markets that miniaturization has created. In addition, the reduction of cellular telephones and computers into small components has led to the merging of these devices to a cordless appliance which can easily link the whole world through network. For instance, the application of miniaturization is evident in companies such as Nippon Electric Company which offers laptops that have a cellular phone. This laptop is available in Japan though countries such as America are also coming up with this technological change in miniaturization. Disadvantages of miniaturization Miniaturization has several side effects that are very difficult to handle. For instance, miniaturization produces a lot of noise. The quality of image suffers the soaring loud noise which comes from miniaturization of the varied pixel sizes. Errors from the registering photons and signaling process in reading out of the CCD phase leads to the production of noise. The different pixels differ in time and due to the varied sensitivity. Thus, there is a big difference in the amount of photons that are transformed to the electrical charge. More so, photons are always changing with change in the pixels at different times. However, if the photons fail to arrive noise must be produced in the process. If the pixels reduce then reducing noise becomes more difficult. There is high amount of photons arriving if the pixel is small in size. The energized or small pixels contain small energy difference as compared to huge pixels. This has made it difficult for one to easily distinguish noise from signals. Image noise in low light is severe while signals are lower. Therefore, amplifying weak signals leads to production of noisy pictures. Increase in miniaturization leads to increase in noise which causes a lot of waste on the area of the chip. Secondly, miniaturization leads to diffraction. Diffraction in miniaturization occurs when a wave takes its way or passes near an obstacle resulting to deflection of light. The normal dispersion of light is linear and involves photons spreading out near the geometrical image which emits the source. This makes the detail quality to become more blurred. The CCD cannot be made tiny without interfering with the resolution of the image. For instance, in the Raleigh criterion, the optical system defines limits of resolution power due to the light passing through the lens is spread through airy disc. This operation is similar to that of the compact cameras which rely on the aperture that controls the resolution. In addition, miniaturization is also limited by the chromatic aberration which is caused by the lens material that has varied diffraction indexes to suit different light wavelength. This therefore makes objects to appear as if they are surrounded by light fringe because individual wavelength cannot be focused at a particular point. Therefore small pixels increase such effects. Historical development of miniaturization Most of the leading technology that is used in the production of the micro manufactured systems and devices are believed to have come from the existing technologies. Therefore, the technological advancement used in the production of laser processors, micro drilling processors and the micro milling processors is the knowledge of miniaturization. This has therefore necessitated the invention of the exact date when this micro manufacturing technology was incepted. It is dated back to the mid 1960s to early 1970s. This micro technology is believed to have its roots to the precision engineering. There are several methods that were employed during this era and they include compensation for varied thermal expansion and resolution positional feedback. It is also believed that several micro manufacturing companies have their roots in the 19th century as the electrical discharge gadget has existed since the initial lightning took place. In the year 1979 set out the first year when diamond was used as a cutting tool. By 1960, diamond had now taken a big role in optical application and programming of weapons. Thereafter, diamond has been used in fabrication of a variety of plastic and metallic components to make it of high precision. Diamond changes the quality of substance to a smooth surface and tolerable surface. It is preferred as the laws of physics have do not tolerate any physical instability. Diamond is thus preferred due to its inherent properties with the best hardness and crystalline nature. It is elastic seven times more than steel therefore it is likely to experience little or no deformation. Diamond was also discovered due to its tensile strength and has the ability to retain very high temperatures. However, the micro machines have not considered diamond in their devices as it will easily diffuses which can shorten the life time of the tool. Micro-drilling projected into US in 1950 though there was no formal definition at that moment. The drilling of holes with a diameter of less than 50 µm qualifies to be called micro-drilling while any diameters less than this require micro-spade drilling. Therefore, small holes in this ranger were applied in the application of textile spinnerettes and the fuel injectors. Therefore, the energy processes like the focused ion beam and the electrical discharge machines have been applied for more than 30 years. 1962 marked the first demonstration of the integrated silicon sensor technology. This device was invented by Honeywell. In the case of the bulk micro-machines, silicon technologies were invented in 1970 by Peterson. He incorporated the wet etching chemical and silicon to make optical modulation appliances. Earlier on, the modulation composed of the cantilever beams which were suspended over the recess that etched in silicon substrate. Later in 1980, interests of MEMS in the world were at its peak and gained momentum with time. This led to the concept of the sacrificial layer was introduced the LIGA (lithography, electroplating, and injection molding) process developed. Similarly, the development of the MEMS industry was paralleled by the development of electronics industry. The future of miniaturization The future of these technological changes is quite bright. There has been little development in this time. The biggest efforts in this era has been has concentrated on the basic principles like driving mechanisms. It has also been characterized by basic technology like the fabrication process that is necessary in realization of miniaturization components. In addition, the future has also been characterized by the application of technology in demonstrating the emerging actuation and sensing schemes and methodology. Thus, there is a pull in technology as compared to the pull from the market. Several industries are taking advantage of this technological change thus it has resolved to several changes within its trends. This implies that most f the efforts has been centered on the development of production technologies. Miniaturization has gained fame in medical, automotive and communication industries. Pressure sensing has been projected to be one of the technologies where miniaturization intends to project its market. The major applications are expected in the optical switching, fluid control and regulation and pressure sensors. It is projected that miniaturization will have a huge resultant market for its products. For instance, the projected market for MEMS and electronic industry is showing positive growth trends. Several countries have now realized the importance of technology thus making it become a national priority to fully support the technological efforts. There are numerous efforts that have been developed in Europe and US. Technology Expanding nanotechnology Although nanotechnology covers a smaller area, the field of miniaturization has a wide opportunity in development and the discovery of drugs. These opportunities include drug discovery, delivery, formulation and target selection. More so, these applications solely depend on collection of changing and advancing technologies. This includes the electronic microscopy and use of the nanoparticles. Many people confuse nano-size compounds when it comes to the combination of drugs with the nanotechnology. Production of small drug particles makes delivery easier especially if it is the injected compounds. According to Gary Liversidge, a Phd chief technology officer, it is better if one can afford to transport less than two milliliters if it is meant for subcutaneous and intramuscular delivery. He also acknowledge that with the improved technology, especially the nanoCrystal approach, then it is possible to get higher drug loading that can go up to 900 milligrams per milliliter. Viscosity is quite low despite the tiny loaded amounts. This requires little needles in this act which also reduces pain inflicted on the skin. Furthermore, building all drug products on nano-size particles reduces the probable impact that food has on oral products. Food influences most bioavailability poorly soluble drugs. For instance, bioavailability is low if one takes ordinary drugs whenever he or she is fasted. However, bioavailability is higher if one takes ordinary drugs when he or she has fed. Furthermore, there is a huge variability as it relies on the fat content in the available food stuffs. If for instance, if a drug has a narrower therapeutic index then it means it is more likely to be safe and effective for consumption. This is a safety issue in the bioavailability feeding. In the nanoCrystal technology, the aspect of volume ratio to surface area is very vital as it helps drugs it dissolve fast and easily. In addition, incorporation of compounds into nanoparticles can help improve the target of the drug. The efficiency with which the drug is taken to the right place is increased by getting the drug in the right place which decreases the level of toxic available. For instance, research conducted at the Cerulean pharma is coming up with a study on the nanopharmaceutical that is comprised of anti-tumor agent that is coupled and attached to the polymer which assembles itself into the nanoparticles. For instance, this product was quite poisonous and but due to the cerulean’s approach, its toxicity was reduced to lower levels. According to the cerulean president, he supports the approach and he concludes that they have two years for encouraging the safety data of the patients. It is also evident that released and nanoparticles were found in tumor biopsy that was taken by one patient after two weeks of injection of the CRLX101. Apart from using small needles for delivering drugs, the research foundation is opting to use nanotechnology to smash or slip compounds into the cells of individual person. This can done by use of soot or a laser that contains carbon black nano-particles. This approach solely depends on this equation: Carbon +water+ energy? Carbon II Oxide + hydrogen Therefore, in the aqueous environment surrounding the cells, a laser is responsible for provision of energy which turns carbon to black carbon II oxide and hydrogen. The two gases make bubbles which implode leading to a tiny explosion which blows a hole near. In a similar approach, the researchers used ultrasounds instead of the laser although they made holes radius of 50 nanometers. In this model, 90% of the cells survive because the the holes used are relatively small. The nano technology has also incorporated the use of imaging up close. It critically analyzes the and looks at the nanotechnology. For instance, in the FEI Company, they are more concerned with the looking at the cellular operations at a high resolution. This is because the resolution for the electron microscopy approaches and matches thus leads to the x-ray approaches. The researchers visions the operation of cells and designing of drugs which work in the specified system. Verification is very important for one to reach our modern resolution. This freezes the cells very fast which inhibits the formation of ice. The ice crystals act like knives that slice the human cells. Verification therefore form s an amorphous ice just like the glass which is quite ideal for one to look through. The nanoparticles van also be vital in building and revealing of the battling brain disease. In this state, researchers from Ohio university state have incorporated biocompatible polymer to create a rain landscape. Therefore, nanotechnology can create several tools vital in pharmaceutical world. However, there is more that is expected in this tiny technology. Expanding molecular nanotechnology Molecular nanotechnology (MNT) refers to the anticipated manufacturing technology which allows accurate and precise positional and control assembly of the size building by use of the nano-scale manipulators arm. The MNT is more distinct and inclusive as compared to nanotechnology which refers to varied technological or scientific projects which focuses on specific properties or phenomena of the nanometer scale. Therefore, the core goal of molecular scale machine system and productivity has been lowly researched on. This means that several researches in this model is still in the preliminary stages. Basically, MNT involves the research on the arrangement of atoms. There are several subsets that are involved in the molecular nanotechnology. The arrangement of atoms is possible in one subset which is physically possible but they cannot be understood nor manufactured. This therefore means that little research has been conducted on this issue. However, there is also another set of atoms which we can manufacture though we do not understand them. This is one of the most common subsets on miniaturization. It is evident that we can understand the subset but we cannot be in a position to manufacture it. This implies that the range of things that we manufacture will actually extend and encroach a range of things which we can understand. Thus, in future, we should be in a position to make some of these structures despite that we cannot make them today. More so, it I bad to talk about things we are unable to manufacture as they become a subject t experiment and verification. It is also important to know that this does not inhibit us from thinking about the same things. Furthermore, it should be noted that we cannot make devices or things smaller as we would wish them to be then implies that we would also be happy to make them. In our modern manufacturing industries, we value treating most our products in bulk. When we view production in terms of atoms, casting as a process involves grinding of scrapes on mountains and finest lithography that involves huge number of atoms. This implies that atoms are dealt with at huge lumbering statistical herds. Some researchers dispute the possibility of physics principles which maneuvers things by use of atoms. We are now in a new age where we can use atomic precision. Thus, we can only bring some of these issues to task if we incorporate our technology with nanotechnology. In technological advancement, we have to answer to questions such as what would happen if researchers or scientists created tiny robots which travel via the body to repair cells that have been damaged. This seems quite impossible but with the molecular nanotechnology, the advances are possible. This is because MNT is the science which modifies objects at molecular or atomic level. All items in this field are applied in terms of nanometer which is like a tenth of a billion meter. Scientist build most objects by linking one molecule to another. This technology produces products that lasts for a long time, are more effective and perform better than the previous product. This is thus a highly specialized field as it involves several people in nanotechnology. For instance, US has incorporated huge amounts of money in its annual budget to cater for the researches in this field. This field of science is applicable in various industries such as the mirrors. The glass coating technology has its roots to the production of mirrors which utilizes protective paints and metallic coating. After discovering that very thin metal coats are transparent has led to the production of the optical beam splitter, reflective glazing and transparent mirrors. After the invention of mobile phones and computers, there was need for specifiers of the metallic film coats which were considerate in determining the effects of EMI and shielding. Therefore, the shielding property in mirrors varies and it is quite beneficial in security of data. Molecular nanotechnology is also applicable in the transparent conducive coating. With the ability to deposit very thin metal films leads to the ability to easily control electrical resistance and conductivity. The transparent metals like indium tin oxide are useful in the establishment of the current which enable chromogenic glazing products to function properly. More so, the transparent coatings have also been quite beneficial in the generation of heat vital in elimination of the frosting on insulating doors of refrigerators. Materials Miniaturization of electronics has been featured in the micro process design philosophy. This is vision by the historical analysis of the role which component miniaturization has contributed information technology industry. Thus, it is through evolution of miniaturization of the computer hardware which has enabled thinking about the whole process of miniaturization especially in chemical engineering design. It is possible for one to have the economic scale out philosophy as compared to the former scale-up philosophy. Electronics and electrical have played a very important role in the automation of the chemical process plant. Initially, simple thermometers which contained pressure gauges and mercury have applied the mechanical methods have helped in monitoring of the process condition. This includes measurement of aspects such as pressure and temperatures. The process conditions were leveled to some accommodating levels based on the human heuristic knowledge in this behavior process. Despite installation of the electronic automation, then several processes require substantial interaction of the operator. More so, the process control will involve a widespread of the utilization of the intelligent sensors and numerous produced intelligent devices like the programmable logic. The programmable logic communicates to the actuators through wireless. Therefore, to reduce the manufacturing cost, these products will be miniaturized thus allowing it to be imbedded in the structures to allow them become quite invisible to casual observers. This will lower the prices of such sensors to allow them either become functional or dysfunctional. If the price threshold has been reached then one embarks on the repair procedure which helps to disable sensors and actuate redundant working sensors. This implies that the intelligence of miniaturization will be developed by simulation models based on the scientific fundamentals. This will make the heuristic rules to be programmed to the controller that will eliminate need for the constant monitoring by the human heuristic knowledge of imminent process behavior. The process that has the ability to optimize itself automatically by applying advanced algorithms has developed through micro process that engineers will be involved. In miniaturization, the advanced control system will rapidly increase the need to control ownership and security of the intelligence process in the business knowledge setting. It therefore will be very difficult to control the intellectual property via the traditional patent methods. To secure the process, trademark, copyright laws and the recognition of the brands will play a huge role. This process will also involve the shift from the conservative viewpoint where history utilizes the available historical trend analysis in the techno-economic analysis. The economic viability of any enterprise will rely on the real time economic information. If the miniaturization is based on renewable materials then it will involve commodities such as the refinery which can be renewed. Historically, there has been existence of small processes in miniaturization process. For instance, there has been existence of breweries and vineyard which have produced processed and stored feedstock. This process is considered a micro-process due to the nature of products it produces. The production of biogas in places such as India from animal waste is a small scale micro-process production. The micro-process in philosophy involves approach to total automation and it is also a new technology which has been instrumental in computer hardware like the micro-processor. Thus, it is quite vital to envision production process on masses. More so, several appliances like the domestic machine washers, air conditioners and refrigerators are considered a micro-process. The design employed by the miniaturization philosophy bases its arguments on scale down theory. This is where a complex process involves several unit operations processes. In addition, the economy of scale is related to the network size in an autonomous distributed micro-process. In this set up, the closure of one micro-process does not lead to shut out of the whole network and it is quite economical, stable efficient and robust. It implies that the future fossil fuel will rely on biomass as the fossils are non-renewable and are consumable. Converting biomass to energy is difficult as compared to getting energy from the fossil fuel. The biomass process includes the water, inorganic and organic matter and other solid particles of varied sizes. The philosophical miniaturization plays a vital role after development of the microbial fuel cells. In a miniaturized device, distribution of knowledge is more fashionable if it enhanced substantially by lower consuming device like a smart phone. If we rethink on the idea of what a power plant is can help create enormous innovations with the recent construction materials, metabolic engineering and the nanotechnology. Microbial fuel cells are faced when it becomes difficult to come up with construction method that is lower, design system and construction materials. Despite the existing that has the ability to generate low power, several applications in the electrical recharging are available in Africa. This can be viewed by smart phones which have the ability to access several web pages by use of the internet. Miniaturization process in the mini nuclear reactors bases its operation from nuclear power. The nuclear power is the green technology as it produces green house gas, traditional gas and carbon dioxide. The mini nuclear reactors are preferred due to the ability to be manufactured and transported to factories. They are transported either by rail or by ship to various parts of the world. In this miniaturization process, the economy of scale by number replaces the economy of scale depending of the size. It is also alleged that several companies are unwilling to risk and invest a lot of money in one large reactor. Miniaturization thus is more economical as it it a reduction in risk capital investment. Spatial in miniaturization Miniaturization has several applications in our technological devices. For instance, in computers, spatial miniaturization has several appliances. In the semi-conductor industry, efforts are made to replace former computers with tiny chips that have tiny features. This means that more transistors should be made to on each chip. More power in computers and phones is increased by increasing the number of transistors. Today, all the electronics have computer chips that help in reducing space. Miniaturization is therefore important in making electronics more powerful and independent on power from a constant source. The ultimate goal of miniaturization in computers is therefore to reduce the size of computers and make them more powerful. The manufacturers of most electronic devices employ the lithographic method to device circuitry which has several layers on silicon substrate However; there are numerous changes on this method. This kind of chip has several limitations such as shrinking the size of individual chip. The surface area of the single chip declines in this process thus making the computer have less room for devices which are vital in reducing the speed and create more room for data entry. More so, components in electronic devices are difficult to shrink. The capacity of electronic or computer chip stops in the design process if it has few components. The creation of tiny microscopic chips that have adopted nanotechnology requires more innovation at macro level. Human beings move in macro level reality. We need to plug macro conduit to power despite having nano computers in place. Miniaturization process is vital in surface area of microchips which has several components connected on the face of chips. Decrease in surface area poses a big problem to the engineers to create a faster and new circuit designs. Nanotechnology is limited as it is difficult to conduct wiring in several devices. This is because nanotechnology lacks a cable which can be used to plug onto the device. However, small wiring is placed at the top of the silicon chips where molecules replace the wires. The future for miniaturization process lies in the three dimension circuits. The cubes are opted in this new setting and they will come in for the two dimensional chips. Cubes are preferred as they have small surface area. The new design has a brighter future as the shrunken cubes retain their larger surface area as compared to the small chips. Therefore engineers can insert more options on the micro-processor with the new surface area. More components on the computer allow the processors to create larger capacity to store information and operate faster. Functional (Multi functional and creative design) Demand for reliable, power efficient and small integrated wire system is unavoidable due to the advance in our communication. The future for a wireless system arises due to integration of the transceivers on a particular chip. This has several benefits attached like improving reliability of the system and reducing the on the cost incurred. Antennas are the main and the largest components of the integrated wire system. This therefore set antenna miniaturization to be one of the devices that help in achieving an optimum design in the integrated system. Several researches have been done on this miniaturization process with early studies acknowledging that a resonant antenna decreases in efficiency if the size decreases. This therefore forms one of the limitations with antenna. However, extensive research on antenna topology design must be carried out for a maximum bandwidth and efficiency for a specified size. The impedance matching for the tiny or small antennas is faced with several challenges thus requires an external matching network. In this case, we prefer antenna which allows for an impedance matching. Comparing the filter theory and the antenna functioning requires that we employ wideband antenna by use of the multi-pole high Q structure. There are several applications of antennas such as the miniaturization using the optimal antenna topology and using the magneto-dielectric materials. For instance, a novel miniaturized antenna is small, has a wide bandwidth, it easily fabricates; easily compatible with the other RF front end and they are relatively cheap. More so, low profile antennas are also common in our societies. The planar antennas are quite efficient especially in the wireless communication. This category of antennas includes the printed dipoles and monopolies, and the micro-strip patch. They have narrow band and miniaturization reduces the useful bandwidth. Several researchers have thus tried to work to reduce the bandwidth of these antennas. The functionality techniques in this antenna category are based on: use of the multiple radiating elements such as parasitic elements and increasing numbers of resonances in narrow band antennas. There is other technique that does not increase minimally the antennas as they rely on increasing the resonance number of narrow band antennas. A wideband antenna can be achieved if the resonances are designed close in frequency. This technology has produced devices such as the micro-strip patch antennas. Increase in technology in the antennas has also led to production of the dual band antennas. The dual band antennas are mainly used in wireless applications. This means that the dual band antenna could be two different bands which are used to receive and transmit operations and minimize on interference. In dual band antennas, two frequencies of 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz are used. This has led to production of different techniques of devices in the printing industry. The dual band antennas occupy little space and are therefore preferred and it also uses a variety of techniques. The antennas have thus experienced several technological changes with varied modes of operation. Thus, each of the types ahs its own advantages and disadvantages. The concepts of Virilio In his early work, he focused on the oblique functions which proposed anew urban order which featured the vertical end as axis of elevation. Virilio is oblique y such thinking as they are both political and military and have a strong influence on deteriorating and revolution of the transmission of information which is believed to have surfaced the works of Archeologists such as Bunker. He doubts that the political economy of the wealthy as it is driven by dromocratic power conception. It is also evident that Virilio is influenced by the works of Tzu in his book “The art of war”. Furthermore, he posits that the political economy of wealth cannot be generalized in the political economy. Therefore, he affirms that miniaturization of the political economy of wealth is not similar to that of political economy. Furthermore, he also shows the miniaturization process through adaptation of other author’s editions and texts. Reference Scheer, E & Cuevas,J 2010, Molecular electronics: an introduction to theory and experiment (nanotechnology and nanoscience) (world scientific series in nanotechnology and nanoscience), World Scientific Publishing Company, New York. Read More