Micro- and nano-scaled sensors and actuators for aerospace applications

In daily life networked sensing systems become more and more extensive, important and accurate. Often, actuators and sensors, are based on MEMS (micro-electromechanical-systems), such as Fabry-Perot resonators or micro mirrors. To open up new fields for electrostatic actuable micro mirror array modules, we are going to develop a specific system for light steering or visual protection in airplanes. Interaction of the sensors with the aircraft interior will be used to monitor the health of the passengers as well as the air conditions. This creates new possibilities of highly accurate interpolation of temperature and illumination control. Information about the outside conditions, e.g. sun position and cloudiness, will be gathered to optimize the lighting for pilot in the cockpit as well as energy efficiency of the aircraft cabin itself. Additionally we developed nano mirrors to be applied to implement interactive features, such as advertisements or multimedia and informational displays.