5
$\begingroup$

While Fabrication (usually referring to MEMS/NEMS1 technology) is a fundamental part of physics, somehow I feel the physics stack isn't the place for it. The physics stack seems most suitable for discussions pertaining to theoretical and experimental results, and posting a question about fabrication techniques seems slightly out of place to me.

What do you think? Is the physics stack a good place for discussing how to fabricate MEMS/NEMS devices or should this be placed in engineering?

1 MEMS = Micro-ElectroMechanical System and NEMS = Nano-ElectroMechanical System.

$\endgroup$
0

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
7
$\begingroup$

As with any other equipment-related questions they could be on- or off-topic.

Probably on-topic if:

  • The question related to the underlying physics of how they work
  • The question related to their direct application as experimental equipment.
  • The question related to the construction, characterization, calibration and tuning of one-of-a-kind experimental versions.
  • Other cases where a solution is unlikely to come from anyone other than a physicist.

Probably off-topic if:

  • The question pertains to engineering of these system in general.
  • The question is related to COTS units applied outside of an experimental setting.
  • The question concerns hypothetical impacts on society.
  • Lots of other cases where there is no obvious reason that a physicist should be involved

References (most recent first order):

$\endgroup$
1
  • $\begingroup$ I would add the general rule of thumb that questions about physics are on topic, but questions about the tools used to do physics are not (necessarily). $\endgroup$
    – David Z Mod
    Commented Nov 11, 2015 at 5:33

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .