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636-0114-00L 4 Credits DR , MSC D-MATL , D-BSSE

Microsensors and Microsystems

Lecturers & Examiners: Prof. Dr. Andreas Hierlemann
Prerequisites: Physics I and Physics II highly recommended. This class builds on the contents of course 636-0103-00L, "Microtechnology", which are assumed to be known
VVZ CR n/a

Last Updated: 2026-06-03 00:14:07

Abstract

Students are introduced to microsensor and microsystem technology, the different materials and associated micromachining and fabrication techniques. They become acquainted with fundamentals of different transducers and their applications.

Objective

Students are introduced to microsensor and microsystem technology. The students will get to know the different materials (silicon, glass, plastics) and the respective micromachining and fabrication techniques. They will become acquainted with the fundamentals of the different transducers including mechanical, thermal, magnetic, chemical, optical, and biosensors. They also will get to know strategies to integrate components into microsystems.

Content

Introduction to microensors and microsystems # Brief introduction to semiconductors # Silicon and glass micromachining # Plastic materials and their micromachining # Fundamentals of different transducers # Mechanical sensors # Thermal sensors # Magnetic sensors # Optical devices # Chemical and biosensors # Microfluidics # BioMEMS

Resources

Lecture Notes

Handouts in English

Literature

- S.M. Sze, "Semiconductor Devices, Physics and Technology", 2nd edition, Wiley, 2002 - W. Menz, J. Mohr, O. Paul, “Microsystem Technology”, Wiley-VCH, 2001 - G. T. A. Kovacs, “Micromachined Transducers Sourcebook”, McGraw-Hill, 1998 - M. J. Madou, “Fundamentals of Microfabrication", 2nd ed., CRC Press, 2002 - S.A. Campbell, "The Science and Engineering of Microelectronic Fabrication", 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, 2001

General Information

Language
English
Levels
DR , MSC
Frequency
Every two years

Examination

Type
end-of-semester examination
Mode
oral 20 minutes
The exam can be hold in English or German. The performance assessment can be examined every session. Repetition possible without re-enrolling for the course unit.

Course Components

Type Title Time & Place Hours
lecture with exercise Microsensors and Microsystems
Lecture takes place in classroom in Basel.
  • Thu 11:15-14:00 (BSS E 23)
3 h weekly

Offered In