Thermal Micro / Nanosystems

Thermal transport is becoming increasingly critical in the design and performance of micro-and nano-systems. Research in this area includes the development of a range of micropumping approaches and high-resolution measurement techniques. Representative projects include the development of a micromechanical electrohydrodynamics (MEHD) based liquid pump with multiple driving mechanisms to deliver high flow rates, and an ionic wind-driven heat transfer enhancement scheme. Other areas of research include microscale actuation of liquids using electrowetting and dielectrophoresis, thin film evaporation, single and two-phase microchannel transport and development of carbon nanotube-based heat spreaders. Research outcomes from these efforts have direct applications in providing solutions for the thermal management of microelectronics, and are supported by NSF and the State of Indiana, besides a wide range of industrial sponsors.