Self-assembly from nano to milli scales (MEMS Reference shelf)

Self-assembly is a well-established concept in physics, chemistry, and molecular biology, and is an important factor in high-volume production of systems made of heterogeneous sub-millimeter components. Only recently have researchers come to understand how self assembly can be extended to engineered components. This timely work by an acknowledge expert in the field provides an overview of recent developments and detailed blueprints for applying new techniques in self assembly to the field of engineering.The author introduces the reader to the basic principles of stochastic parallel self assembly, deftly employing existing examples from fluidic assembly, dry self assembly and other self-assembly techniques. He also includes a discussion and comparison of the various approaches towards building complex systems at the sub-millimeter scale. Is it better, for example, to employ monolithic or modular/distributed methods? What about the relative advantages of sequential and parallel, deterministic and stochastic, or hardwired and programmable levels? In sum, this exceptionally useful volume shows how to use modeling and simulation tools to predict the behavior of self-assembly systems in order to optimize performance.Self-assembly is a well-established concept in physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and is an important approach towards high volume production of systems made of heterogeneous sub-millimeter components. Only recently have researchers come to understand how self assembly can be extended to engineered components.

Motivation and Introduction.- Assembly and Integration in Manufacturing of Microsystems – an Overview.- Stochastic Parallel Self-Assembly.- Modeling and Simulation of Parallel Self-Assembly.- Adding Programmability to Self-assembly.- Self-assembly, Compilers, and Computation.

Self-assembly is a well-established concept in physics, chemistry, molecular biology, and is an important approach towards high volume production of systems made of heterogeneous sub-millimeter components. Only recently have researchers come to understand how self assembly can be extended to engineered components. Self-Assembly from Nano to Milli Scales provides an overview of recent developments and detailed blueprints for applying new techniques in self assembly to the field of engineering. Through introduction to the basic principles of stochastic parallel self assembly with existing examples from fluidic assembly, dry self assembly and other self assembly techniques, this work shows how to use modeling and simulation tools to predict the behavior of self assembly systems in order to optimize performance.