Motion investigation of electrostatic servo-accelerometers by means of transparent ITO fixed electrodes

Abstract

The authors introduce a novel thin film material for sensors and actuators: indium tin oxide (ITO). ITO has the unique feature of combining low electrical resistivity and high visual transparency. Thin ITO films were deposited by DC-sputtering to form the fixed electrodes of a capacitive servo-accelerometer. Since the movable electrode of the accelerometer is visible during real operation of the sensor, its behavior can be studied under various conditions. One investigation presented is a study of the motion of the movable electrode at high electrostatic voltages, and its effect on the measurement range of the sensor. The benefits of ITO for mass production are illustrated by means of the evaluation of the temperature behavior of the accelerometers.<>