It’s the micro things that matter (Feb 2013)

The Micro Mechanical Analyzer is a device that combines X, Y and Z axis Piezo actuated positioners with a Capacitive MEMS load sensor to acquire the mechanical properties of a sample.   This whole assembly is mounted on an inverted microscope for sample viewing and probe placement.  The analyzer can be seen in action performing preliminary measurements on a protein fiber here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgpeKzihHOA.  Travel ranges from 300 to 500 µm depending on axis and max loading capacity varies from 300 to 2000 µN depending on sensor.  More information can be found here http://www.ccmr.cornell.edu/facilities/.