A zero-power plasmonic microelectromechanical system (MEMS) device is capable of specifically sensing electromagnetic radiation and performing signal processing operations. Such devices are highly sensitive relays that consume no more than 10 nW of power, utilizing the energy in detected electromagnetic radiation to detect and discriminate a target without the need of any additional power source. The devices can continuously monitor an environment and wake up an electronic circuit upon detection of a specific trigger signature of electromagnetic radiation, such as vehicular exhaust, gunfire, an explosion, a fire, a human or animal, and a variety of sources of radiation from the ultraviolet to visible light, to infrared, to terahertz radiation.

A laser remote control switching system comprises a laser source and a control circuit. The control circuit comprises a power, an electronic device, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photosensitive element electrically connected in sequence to form a loop. Each of the two nanofiber actuators comprises a composite structure and a vanadium dioxide layer. The composite structure comprises a carbon nanotube wire and an aluminum oxide layer. The aluminum oxide layer is coated on a surface of the carbon nanotube wire, and the aluminum oxide layer and the carbon nanotube wire are located coaxially with each other. The vanadium dioxide layer is coated on a surface of the composite structure, and the vanadium dioxide layer and the composite structure are located non-coaxially with each other.

An example microelectromechanical structures (MEMS) switch includes a body having a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The body extends from a base at the first end and has a first width. The MEMS switch further includes a bridge extending laterally from the body at the second end, and a spine extending between the bridge and the base. The spine has a second width smaller than the first width. At least one of the spine or the body includes a first material with a first thermal coefficient and a second material with a second thermal coefficient different from the first thermal coefficient.

A system and methods for base excitation of moderately high vibration of micro-cantilevers are disclosed. A micro-cantilever may be coupled to one or more actuators adjacent its base. The actuators may comprise bulk materials, bridges, or formed wires that expand and contract by application of electric currents, due to, for example, the effect of electro-thermal heating or piezoelectric effects. Single actuators or an array of actuators may be placed around the micro-cantilever to oscillate it and apply actuation pulses. The system and methods, and adjustments of the geometrical parameters, may be performed to yield a nominal natural frequency in the system. The excitation of actuators with signals corresponding to the natural frequency may induce resonance in the system and may result in high amplitude vibrations and displacement of the cantilever tip of the micro-cantilever. Various architectures of the actuators may be implemented to stimulate different frequencies of the beam and induce displacement in different direction and amplitudes.

A power conversion circuit includes a high-side switch and a low-side switch connected in series with one another and configured to control a load current flowing through a load, wherein at least one of the high-side switch and the low-side switch comprise a power relay circuit for switching the load current, and wherein the power relay circuit comprises a micro-electro-mechanical system switch, and a semiconductor power switch, wherein the MEMS switch and the semiconductor power switch are connected in series with the load.

Systems and methods for providing information about thermal overload conditions and near-miss tripping events in a circuit interrupter are disclosed. The systems and methods provide a user with detailed information about thermal overload and near-miss tripping events, including how much time remains until a trip will be initiated due to a thermal overload, and what the real-time thermal capacity of the circuit interrupter is after a thermal overload condition ends.

Systems and methods for providing information about thermal overload conditions and near-miss tripping events in a circuit interrupter are disclosed. The systems and methods provide a user with detailed information about thermal overload and near-miss tripping events, including how much time remains until a trip will be initiated due to a thermal overload, and what the real-time thermal capacity of the circuit interrupter is after a thermal overload condition ends.

Zero-power system for remote monitoring of heat sources is provided. The systems detect failure indicators of remote equipment including power substations, oil rigs, large inaccessible machinery in a factory, and communications equipment. The systems also can be used to detect the presence of people in buildings or in other locations, so as to improve HVAC utilization in large buildings. When the zero-power monitoring systems detect heat sources, such as the presence of people, failure indicators, or a targeted environmental signal, a circuit is closed using the energy of the detected radiation, and activating an RFID tag, a radio transmitter, or an alarm. The monitoring systems can remain deployed and active for many years without the need for battery replacement.

A laser remote control switching system comprises a laser source and a control circuit. The control circuit comprises a power, an electronic device, a first electrode, a second electrode, and a photosensitive element electrically connected in sequence to form a loop. Each of the two nanofiber actuators comprises a composite structure and a vanadium dioxide layer. The composite structure comprises a carbon nanotube wire and an aluminum oxide layer. The aluminum oxide layer is coated on a surface of the carbon nanotube wire, and the aluminum oxide layer and the carbon nanotube wire are located coaxially with each other. The vanadium dioxide layer is coated on a surface of the composite structure, and the vanadium dioxide layer and the composite structure are located non-coaxially with each other.

A power relay circuit for switching a load current includes a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) switch and a semiconductor power switch. The MEMS switch and the semiconductor power switch are connected in series with the load current.