Research Projects

This proposal aims to implement a jump to contact suppression mechanism for a self-developed force measurement setup with sub-nano newton resolution inside a high-resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The mechanism will provide insights into the interplay of surface force components in the snap-in behavior in vacuum environments and under electron beam influence. The research method involves designing a linear piezoelectric actuator, identifying and validating its parameters, designing an advanced force feedback loop-based non-linear control algorithm, comparing different control algorithms, implementing the algorithm in the SEM chamber, and analyzing and tuning the SEM chain. The goal is to promote knowledge dissemination, social inclusion, sustainable cross-border cooperation, and technology transfer. The German and Indian teams are working on developing a linear piezo-based actuator with sub nanometer resolution for force spectroscopy. The actuator will be implemented in the SEM chamber at the Division of Microrobotics and Control Engineering at the University of Oldenberg. The project will also include a feedback loop and control algorithm, a feed back adaptive controller, and data acquisition and interpretation. The German group will lead the development of the ultra-precise piezoelectric actuator, while the Indian team will develop force feedback loop and counter force control.