Sample holders for multilayers

Featuring a compact design and replaceable compression springs, the Standard MLA is suitable for the highest frequency range of all systems with preloading force. It can therefore even be used for simply determining the blocking force line.

The high-temperature version of the MLA sample holder features an integrated heating chamber. This lets you perform measurements at both room temperature and up to 200°C. A special version even allows temperatures of up to 300°C. The preloading force caused by compressing the springs can be set precisely at any time via a digital display.

This system allows you to perform measurements on multilayer actuators within an expanded temperature range that extends below zero. This feature is particularly interesting for automotive applications, for example.

You can choose a variant with circulatory cooling system that covers temperatures down to -40°C, or a version that cools using liquid nitrogen. This version lets you characterize multilayer actuators at temperatures as low as -100°C.

Would you like to be able to estimate the actual deflection achievable in the component of a MEMS structure under mechanical preloading? That is exactly why we developed the nanoCMA. It is available as a stand-alone variant or as an expansion to your DBLI. The µN precision is achieved by measuring the deflection of a silicon structure using laser interferometry. This is produced by a configurable contact point with the sample.

When combined with the force control system of the CMA, you can apply a defined force to the test structures and dynamically control it. This allows you to simulate the stiffnesses and resulting forces present in the real component. You can record the force-distance curve of the actuator, for example, allowing you to determine stiffness, maximum deflection and blocking force.

Our modular systems can also be combined with the RS module for investigating contact resistance on MEMS circuits. On top of this, the silicon cantilever used to apply the force can be coated with an appropriate contact material. This lets you investigate potential contact material combinations without time-intensive switch processing.

With our µCMA, you can measure the tiniest multilayer actuators, fibers and fiber compound materials, as well as in bulk materials like small bending actuators. Alongside the precise measurement of large and small-signal characteristics like polarization, large-signal displacement, C(V) or d₃₃, this system also lets you measure blocking force and stiffness on actuators. The µCMA is fitted with high-precision micro-manipulation tables and microscopes, as well as force and distance sensors.

A heating system is available as an optional extra, allowing you to perform measurements in a temperature range of room temperature to 200°C.

Do you want to measure actuators with a total length of up to 100 mm? Thanks to their large adjustment range and measurement chamber, we offer the right solutions with our standard CMA systems. They offer the highest force range. Depending on the sample, you can apply dynamic forces of several kN. The static strength is 30 kN. As these measurements involve high dynamic forces, the length change in the actuator must be recorded differentially via a double-beam laser system.

Multilayer, 1-crystal system or bulk materials can be contacted both electrically and mechanically. This lets you characterize bulk materials with top and bottom contacts, with an excitation voltage of up to 10 kV.

The standard heating chamber, with a temperature range of RT to 200°C, can be expanded to 40°C to 200°C. Here, the temperature is measured on the surface of the actuators by a spring-mounted thermocouple.