International Center for Actuators and Transducers (ICAT)
Kenji Uchino, Director
Mission Statement:
The International Center for Actuators and Transducers (ICAT) provides fundamental research on actuator and transducer materials, the design and fabrication process, as well as the applications of solid state actuators to precision machines, micro positioners, smart structure control, ultrasonic motors, etc.
Efforts are underway to provide fundamental research on actuator and transducer materials, the design and fabrication process, as well as the applications of solid state actuators to precision machines, micropositioners, smart structure control, ultrasonic motors, etc. Researchers in the center have demonstrated light powered microwalking and are investigating thick film type photostrictive actuators for space structure applications. On the more applied side, compact ultrasonic motors as small as 3 mmf have been developed for intravascular applications. The Center provides both technical and commerialization consultation to its member companies.
Research Program:
- Shape memory ceramics
- Photostrictive actuators
- Composite actuators
- Compact ultrasonic motors/piezoelectric transformers
- Reliability of multilayer actuators
- Optical studies of domains in relaxor ferroelectrics
- Modeling using FEM and phenomenology
Optical microscope system for the study of electronic materials.
