3D Microscale Anisotropic Metamaterials for Rotation Sensing

Senses Rotations along Three Axes Simultaneously

A 3-dimensional metamaterial for orientation sensing features a perfectly anisotropic transmission response and can sense rotations along all three axes simultaneously. The technology, made from biocompatible materials, consists of micro-cubes patterned with split-ring resonators (SRRs). The sensor consists of a polymer cube with a gold patterned array of split ring resonators patterned on each side. The resonators on each face of the 3D microscale cube are patterned in different sizes and at a tilt, so the arrays do not couple to each other. This intentional patterning achieves unique optical properties. The three-axis micro inclinometer (or gyro) could be integrated into a sensor package and used as an attitude sensor for micro-robotics or nanosatellites. It may sense rotation rates far exceeding limitations of current MEMs IMUs.

3D Split-Ring Resonator Senses Rotations from 0° to 360°

Traditional split-ring resonators (SRRs) are semi-isotropic, leading to 180 degree ambiguity in sensor orientation. Moreover, 2D resonators require three separate sensors for measuring rotation about the x, y, and z axes, which can create interference in their waveform. This technology is an optical inclinometer with 3D anisotropic SRR structures defined on a polymeric cube. The anisotropic 3D design overcomes the limited range of 2D SRR structures and enables the SRR to remotely sense rotations from 0° to 360° along all three axes. Adding a different tilt angle to the patterning of the resonators on each axis suppresses interference between x, y, and z resonators.

BENEFITS AND FEATURES:

• Perfectly anisotropic transmission response
• Senses rotations from 0° to 360°
• Faster speed: Rotation rates far exceed limitations of current MEMs IMUs
• Easy, scalable and inexpensive fabrication
• Small size and remote detection
• Triaxial measurements

APPLICATIONS:

• Small, lightweight rotation sensors
• Low on-chip power or remotely monitored sensors
• Angular sensor for micro-robot
• Nanosat attitude sensor for satellite or drones
• Magnetometer
• Star tracker
• GPS
• Inclinometer
• Rotation sensor
• Gyroscope
• Navigation systems or small scale devices
• Micro-robotics or nanosatellites
• Medical microbot guidance systems
• On-chip power saving
• Measuring extremely high and low angular velocity

Phase of Development – Prototype device fabricated; isotropic resonant response measured