Prof. Demetrios Papageorgiou's
Research Group
 
 
 
 
Microelectromechanical Systems geared towards biological applications (BioMEMS). Microactuators, microvalves, microflowmeters, microchannels, and other structures are used to form microfluidic systems, energy harvesting devices, physiological monitoring/sensing systems, etc.
 
 
Our focus is on analog integrated circuits (especially low-power circuits for implantable systems). Design and simulation is performed at Northeastern, and chips are fabricated by MOSIS. We have worked on Analog-to-Digital Converters, Voltage-Controlled Oscillators, Low-Noise Amplifiers, Voltage References, and more.

 
 
Our work in this area resembles the term 'nanotechnology' in that it is broad. Work in the area includes carbon nanotubes, magnetic nanoparticles, and nanofluidics to name a few.

  Implantable Micro- and Nano-Systems
          Our research pulls together sensors, actuators, and circuits aimed at creating stand-alone systems for use in vitro and in vivo.

Current projects include: energy harvesting technology compatible with highly sensitive regions of the body, ultra-miniature pressure sensors for intraocullar pressure monitoring (also usable elsewhere), and ultra low-power microactuators.

  High-Throughput Screening
          The core of this system combines MEMS microfluidic sample-handling components with functionalized magnetic nanoparticles. The targeted applications include early cancer detection, prenatal diagnosis, and more.

  Hearing Research
          This topic is approached from three directions: prevention, understanding, and restoration.
Prevention: We are investigating various methods of decreasing the volume required for cell phones, portable audio devices, etc. via the incorporation of noise-canceling technology.
Understanding: Our high-density microelectrode arrays are used to interface with neurological systems to gain insight into their behavior. Microfluidics can be added to allow for a clearer understanding of the effects of various drugs on the systems. We are seeking additional collaborators interested in using this technology.
Restoration: We are interested in using low-power circuits and microelectrode arrays to restore hearing in the profoundly deaf, and also use low-power circuits to improve the performance of hearing aids.

  Inertial Sensors
          We create robust inertial sensors for acceleration and vibration detection.
 
 

Awarded Grants:

NASA - (co-PI) Development of a Reconfigurable Masking Technology Based on Carbon Nanotubes: $75,000
NSF - (PI) An Intracranial Energy Harvesting Device for Treatment of Neurological Disorders: $270,000
SBIR - (PI) MEMS-based Slow-Wave W-Band Amplifier: $30,000
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