Seminar Series on Nanotechnology
Aerospace Applications of Micro- and Nanosystems Technology Dr. Stephen R. Winzer
Lockheed Martin Space Systems CompanyDecember 2, 2003, 3:30-5 p.m.
Room 326, Bannan Engineering Bldg.
Santa Clara University
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Nanotechnology is an old science given new life by the development of technology to design and build integrated systems literally from the atomic and molecular level. Whereas in materials processing technology in the past, nano-sized particles were achieved by hours of milling, and submicron grain size from carefully designed processing, current developments reveal the potential to build a material with desired properties atom-by-atom and molecule-by-molecule. When looked at from the perspective of aerospace applications, nanotechnology is part of the larger discipline of microsystems technology. Microsystems, in its simplest definition, refers to the marriage of MEMS and nanotechnology into a package that either performs the same functions as a macro system, or enables new properties or functions not previously achievable. Microsystems are of the highest interest in the aerospace industry. Applications include chip-level optical systems that correct for atmospheric disturbances, or allow imaging and tracking of multiple objects, chip-level sensors that can identify specific chemical species, micro-sized guidance systems for micro satellites, and new materials that function structurally while performing other functions such as vehicle health monitoring. Applications such as these will be discussed, along with the barriers and pitfalls that must be overcome in order to implement them into operating systems for space exploration, defense and homeland security.
Biography of Dr. Stephen R. Winzer |
Dr. Winzer is Principal Engineer and Group Lead for Smart Materials at Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co., Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto. He has a B.A in Earth Science and Astronomy from Antioch College and a Ph.D. in Petrology-Geochemistry from the University of Alberta, Edmonton. He started his career as a National Academy of Sciences, Resident Research Associate at Goddard Space Flight Center, Planetology Branch in 1973-1975, determining the effects of shock caused by meteorite impact on Lunar and terrestrial rocks. He joined Martin Marietta's corporate research laboratory in 1975 working on rock fragmentation by explosives. In 1985, he started the electronic ceramics department at the Laboratories developing piezoelectric and electrostrictive materials for actuators and sensors. This work led to the development of actuators for adaptive optics and drivers for sonar transducers, and the further development of smart materials and systems for active control of acoustic signatures and self-noise for underwater vehicles. Following the merger of Lockheed and Martin Marietta in 1994, he moved the department to the Advanced Technology Center in Palo Alto and began the development of very high-speed deformable mirrors for use in adaptive optics. Two years ago, he started a MEMS development program for miniaturizing adaptive optics systems, and this year began an IR&D program aimed at developing self-assembled materials for adaptive optics applications. He is the Advanced Technology Centers representative on the Lockheed Martin Nanotechnology integrated product team, the co-chair of the Lockheed Martin MEMS Technology Focus Group, and the ATC representative to the corporate homeland security IPT. Dr. Winzer has 57 publications, 5 patents, and has won several major Lockheed Martin awards for excellence.
