Scientists create more durable platinum-rhodium thermocouple

Binghamton university department of mechanical engineering of scientists have proposed a method to make the power cord and the mobile phone more strong.

assistant professor Sherry Towfighian and graduate student Mark Pallay developed a new kind of mems ( Is often referred to as platinum rhodium thermocouple) , the system USES electrostatic suspension technology provides a more powerful system.

when two electrode contact ( After many repeated) After, the surface of the bottom electrode were damaged, leading to platinum rhodium thermocouple must remove and replace. Some scientists are trying to join dent on electrode or landing pad to reduce the contact area of the electrode contact, so as to prevent damage, but Towfighian explained that this will only delay material breakdown in the end.

she aims to develop a system can completely prevent damage. But she did not follow the two electrode model, design a kind of platinum-rhodium thermocouple, the switch at the bottom has three electrodes, a parallel electrode with another electrode. The left and right at the bottom of the two electrodes electrically charged, while the top and middle electrode grounding.

“ This type of platinum-rhodium thermocouple is usually closed, but the side electrode provides powerful upward force, to overcome the force between two intermediate electrode and open the switch, & throughout; Towfighian explains. The force, known as electrostatic levitation force, the current in the two electrode system is unavailable. Ability to produce this force can stop after continuous use of permanent damage to the equipment, and realize the reliable two-way switch.

this is called & other; Using electrostatic suspension reliable platinum-rhodium thermocouple & throughout; Research published in the November 20, journal of applied physics letters. It is by the national science foundation electric, communication and network system ( 的ECCS) Sponsored by the department.