MEMS | ARTICLE
Silicon has penetrated the luxury watch industry. Thanks to the dimension accuracy and the better surface quality of silicon manufacturing technology, silicon’s light weight, the concept of thermal compensation by thin-film technology, and the substance’s excellent tribological and mechanical properties, the performance of mechanical watches has been improved. CSEM has been, and continues to be, a key partner in the research and development of MEMS technologies for the watchmaking industry, providing a complete offering from research to manufacturing incorporating the reliability and know-how required to insure the successful introduction of silicon components into products. This innovation is crucial for the watch industry as guarantor not only of a strong tradition but also of high performing products. By the fine chiselling allowed by MEMS technologies and the colourful optical effects that can be tuned by coatings using silicon technology, MEMS components participate and enhance the aestheticism of watches and, often, are made visible for the pure pleasure of the eye (see figures 3 and 4).
<< Figure 4a >>
<< Figure 4a and b: A silicon constant escapement based on a bi-stable spring system (4a) used in a Girard-Perregaux watch (4b) and made visible (blue structure visible in the lower part of the watch). >>
The know-how acquired while developing and manufacturing the silicon micro parts used in an environment such as a watch is unique to CSEM and is an asset for other industrial and space applications including optical MEMS, micro scanners, micro guiding structures and spring systems. Figure 5 shows an example of CSEM’s expertise used for manufacturing a MEMS-based micro mirror array for high-optical- power beam shaping.
<< Figure 4b >>
About CSEM
CSEM founded in 1984, is a private research and development center specialising in microtechnology, nanotechnology, microelectronics, system engineering, photovoltaics and communications technologies. Over 400 highly qualified and specialized employees from various scientific and technical disciplines work for CSEM in Neuchâtel, Zurich, Muttenz, Alpnach and Landquart. Further information is available at
www.csem.ch
<< Figure 5: A MEMS-based micro mirror array for use in high-optical-power beam shaping. >>
31 | commercial micro manufacturing international Vol 7 No.1
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