Piezo Systems Applications And What They Have Done

Piezo systems are a series of nanopositioners and actuators that assist people in research, medical fields, and even space exploration. Being able to quickly and precisely place nano-sized items into a position where they can be viewed has always been a problem until newer technology such as this came along. To get a better idea of what this technology can do, here are just some of the applications that have had a major impact on the corresponding career fields.

Genetic Perfection with Micromanipulation

Scientists are learning to alter cells in the human body such that genetic defects found in eggs and sperm are removed and substituted with healthy strands of genetic code. It has been used cure many diseases and prevent some autoimmune disorders too. Such medical advancements could not be conducted without nanopositioners, since these instruments hold the genetic material still while the scientist injects it with the material that will change its outcome forever.

Aerospace Data Collection with Actuators

Getting close to, or landing on a comet, would not be possible without an actuator. Sensors connected to the actuator give satellites freedom of movement while keeping them out of harm's way of other satellites and meteorites. When the satellites are programmed to head after a comet or land on the surface of another planetary body, the sensors and actuators keep the satellite on track, help it land safely, and collect data that aeronautics scientists want.

Moving Microscopic Cells with Stabilized Lasers

Microscopic cells can be fast-moving or slow moving. When it is next to impossible to get these cells to move on their own and/or move faster to test and view them, cellular microbiologists use lasers to "push" them. However, since the slightest vibration and force can alter the trajectory of these lasers, they have to be stabilized and honed in to not move and not move anything but what the scientists want them to move.

Two mirrors and four quadrant-diodes are used to help train the laser directly onto the cell or cells that are being investigated. The idea is to find cures for cells that seem dead or have "given up" and the scientists want to see if they can be reactivated. Reactivating cells means that dead cells may have an extended life, or that slowed cells can be rejuvenated for cosmetic purposes. It could lead to anything from a cure for Alzheimer's to a high-tech fountain of youth.


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