Self-sufficient self-oscillating microsystem driven by low power at low Reynolds numbers
Farzin Akbar, Boris Rivkin, Azaam Aziz, Christian Becker, Dmitriy D. Karnaushenko, Dmitriy D. Karnaushenko, Mariana Medina‐Sánchez, Daniil Karnaushenko, Daniil Karnaushenko, Oliver G. Schmidt
Abstract
Oscillations at several hertz are a key feature of dynamic behavior of various biological entities, such as the pulsating heart, firing neurons, or the sperm-beating flagellum. Inspired by nature’s fundamental self-oscillations, we use electroactive polymer microactuators and three-dimensional microswitches to create a synthetic electromechanical parametric relaxation oscillator (EMPRO) that relies on the shape change of micropatterned polypyrrole and generates a rhythmic motion at biologically relevant stroke frequencies of up to ~95 Hz. We incorporate an Ag-Mg electrochemical battery into the EMPRO for autonomous operation in a nontoxic environment. Such a self-sufficient self-oscillating microsystem offers new opportunities for artificial life at low Reynolds numbers by, for instance, mimicking and replacing nature’s propulsion and pumping units.