Microfabrication of a resistance temperature detector by freshman engineering students

A hands-on microfabrication project was developed and implemented for Louisiana Techpsilas integrated freshman engineering curriculum. The project involved the design and fabrication of a simple nickel resistance temperature detector. The project is part of a series of hands-on projects being developed for the freshman engineering curriculum as part of a "Living with the Lab" concept that utilizes a microcontroller-based robotics kit to increase experiential learning. The project was initially piloted in two sections of a freshman engineering course and was extended to seven sections in the current academic year. The project included the direct application of fundamental engineering topics as well as applied technical skills and additionally provided an opportunity to introduce students to some common microfabrication techniques. The sensors were fabricated using optical lithography and etching of a nickel coated microscope slide. Students interfaced the sensors with microcontrollers and calibrated the sensors. The project provided an opportunity for freshman students to gain first-hand experience in the design, fabrication and calibration of a temperature sensor as well as motivated the need for engineering tools such as spreadsheets and CAD packages. The paper presents assessment results for the projectpsilas impact on student knowledge and interest in micro and nanotechnology.