EITC-2004, MEMS Track Workshop Objectives

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is an enabling technology that will potentially impact the economy and society every bit as much as microelectronics have these past few decades. Silicon integrated-circuit fabrication technology, through the practice of batch fabrication and reduction of scale, revolutionized the electronics industry. Applying these same principles and similar technologies to MEMS, the future shall bring microsystems in the biological, chemical, optical, electrical or mechanical domains that will create new and unforeseen markets. Already, MEMS products have reached the consumer marketplace. Examples include the silicon accelerometer in the automotive and video/computer games industries and the Texas Instruments Digital Mirror Device for projection displays. Yet, this is only the beginning. MEMS have the potential to provide critical enabling solutions to many new technology areas including wireless communications, optical communications and biotechnology. Examples include RF switches and other passive elements for personal communication systems; micro-optical switches for optical fiber networks; chemical "lab on a chip" and implant systems for biomedical applications.

To further this vision the fourth Emerging Information Technology Conference is being organized by a group of Chinese-American professionals and professional organizations. The conference would be a forum for the latest developments, issues, and trends in MEMS in the areas of 1) Consumer Products (Automobile Industry); 2) Wireless Communications; 3) Optical Systems; 4) Biotechnolgoy; 5) Aerospace Technology, 6) Harsh Environment Industrial Applications. MEMS have reached a stage for real applications in many fields. Experiences and considerations in practical functional systems would be welcome.

The rapid growth and success of high technology industries around Asia have transformed many economies including Taiwan's, which has a thriving semiconductor and electronics industry. Now, with the movement of the high-tech sector into information technology, and biotechnology, MEMS may have a significant future role in these economies.

One goal of this conference is to build and strengthen technical and business relationships among professionals, institutions and industries around the Pacific Rim. The conference would provide an opportunity for experts and industry leaders to exchange research developments in MEMS technologies, business experiences and to jointly explore new directions and opportunities.