Laboratory for Integrated
Micro-Mechatronic Systems

In the Energy research axis, LIMMS researchers have obtained world-class results in developing phononic crystals for heat guiding and focusing. Technologies developed at LIMMS are at the cutting edge of thermoelectric micro-devices and have confirmed new concepts in thermionic cooling. Interface research programs are also set to find solutions to power the internet of things based on energy harvesters integrated with Smart MEMS devices.

This research axis is a highly interdisciplinary field that combines cutting research from physics, chemistry, and biology. This axis bridges the two other axes (energy and biology), while also exploring its unique research questions. At the heart of this axis lies the exploration and integration of quantum technology and molecular technology. Quantum technology is concerned with the use of quantum mechanics to develop new technologies, such as manipulating the transport of heat, electrons or light, while molecular technology deals with the study and manipulation of molecules and their properties. Our research ranges from fundamental endeavors such as single-electron transfer in electrochemistry to the storing of massive data in DNA, the sensing of biomolecules, or the integration of electronics into our everyday life with flexible electronics.

The Bio axis gathers three themes. Disease treatment via prevention and detection is investigated by developing new devices for diagnosis and vaccine delivery. With a complementary approach, implantable tissues and devices are also key activities. This branch is related to complex tissues opening to organ modelling where the cellular and even the molecular scale are investigated. Researchers seek to better understand blood vessel formation, neuronal communication behavior, and the interaction of metabolic organs such as the liver and pancreas. By studying different organs, LIMMS aims at understanding the role of tissues and especially cell interactions in diseased and healthy tissues. BioMEMS such as platforms with multi-modal sensors and actuators are developed in LIMMS to help investigate organ behavior and create biohybrid systems. Biocompatible materials and/or cells are also used to create Bio-robotic systems. A particularity of the Bio axis is the complementary contribution of an international team, SMMIL-E. Its activities are focused on research against cancer, at the interface between BioMEMS and Organ modeling.