Piezoelectric Micro-actuator for Next Generation Smart Phone Camera
FUTURE DEFENCE AND SECURITY
Developing novel , on-chip piezoelectric sensors and actuators to enable compact , low-power , fast , next-generation smartphone cameras
Research Group
The dominant actuator technology in smartphone cameras is based on Voice Coil Motor ( VCM ). While VCM technology is advanced , it is also powerintensive , slow , and has limited potential for further miniaturisation . Additionally , its image stabilisation mechanism relies on separate inertial sensors .
Key capabilities
> Micro / nano piezoelectric fabrication skills and innovative thick film fabrication technology
Differentiators
> The technology is protected by patents
Key customers
> Smart phone manufacturers and start-up companies
unsw . to / aron-michael
This research aims to overcome these drawbacks by developing novel , on-chip piezoelectric microactuators and inertial sensors , and integrating them with flat ( meta ) lenses and complementary metaloxide semiconductor ( CMOS ) sensors .
There is a significant commercial demand for smartphone cameras that are more power-efficient , compact , and faster , with potential for further miniaturisation . This research also has applications in medical devices .
A micro-lens piezoelectric actuator has been developed , and an on-chip control system has been implemented . Integration of the actuator with the CMOS sensor is underway , including packaging to create a complete camera module . • 41