A MEMS implementation of a Brownian Ratchet
Date
2001
Authors
Allison, A.
Abbott, D.
Editors
Abbott, D.
Varadan, V.K.
Boehringer, K.F.
Varadan, V.K.
Boehringer, K.F.
Advisors
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Conference paper
Citation
Smart electronics and MEMS II : 13-15 December 2000, Melbourne, Australia / Derek Abbott, Vijay K. Varadan, Karl F. Boehringer (eds.), pp. 319-329
Statement of Responsibility
Andrew G. Allison and Derek Abbott
Conference Name
Smart Electronics and MEMS II (2000 : Melbourne, Australia)
Abstract
Brownian Ratchet is a device that can rectify the random Brownianmotion of particles to yield a directed steady-state flow.We can imagine a thermo-fluid field of particles whichinteract with the ratchet. The laws of thermodynamics imply that theratchet must use energy from some other source.The dynamics of continuous-time Brownian ratchets are determined by astochastic partial differential equation. We have used a simplifieddiscrete-time model of a Brownian ratchet called ``Parrondo's games''which are governed by a difference equation. In their original form,Parrondo's games are a finite set of simple games of chance. Anindefinite pure sequence of any single game is neutral or evenlosing. A periodic or randomised sequence of mixed games can bewinning. There is a steady state flow of probability in the preferreddirection.We have been able to design a feasible and consistent device, bymapping the conservation law of total probability onto the law ofconservation of charge. This device can absorb energy from amechanical field to produce a directed flow of charge. The fundamentalarchitecture is based on a ``bucket-brigade'' device. The capacitorsare 2-port MEMS devices. We use CMOS transmission gates to connect thecapacitors in the required topology.We present an analysis and simulation of the MEMS Brownian ratchet andsuggest some possible applications.
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© 2001 COPYRIGHT SPIE--The International Society for Optical Engineering