A Miniature Thermomagnetic Actuator Driven by Low-Grade Heat
Sivaprasad, Athira Kattiparambil; Joseph, Joel
1; Haghighirad, Amir A. 2; Kruk, Robert 3; Kohl, Manfred
1; Xu, Jingyuan
1
1 Institut für Mikrostrukturtechnik (IMT), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
2 Institut für QuantenMaterialien und Technologien (IQMT), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
3 Institut für Nanotechnologie (INT), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
1; Haghighirad, Amir A. 2; Kruk, Robert 3; Kohl, Manfred
1; Xu, Jingyuan
11 Institut für Mikrostrukturtechnik (IMT), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
2 Institut für QuantenMaterialien und Technologien (IQMT), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
3 Institut für Nanotechnologie (INT), Karlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)
Abstract (englisch):
We present the design, fabrication, and characterization of a miniature thermomagnetic (TM) actuator employing a La–
Fe–Si thermomagnetic material plate to harness low-grade heat below 333 K. The actuation mechanism is based on the
intrinsic temperature-dependent change in magnetization of the TM material under an applied magnetic field. A NdFeB
permanent magnet simultaneously serves as the heat source and magnetic field source, enabling compact device integra-
tion. The fabricated actuator operates at an exceptionally low heat-source temperature of 305 K and achieves a displace-
ment of 200 μm at an actuation frequency of 2.1 Hz in self-sustained operation mode. Surface engineering of the La–Fe–
Si plate through copper electroplating and polishing significantly improves thermal contact. These results demonstrate
the feasibility of miniature thermally driven actuators powered by near-room-temperature heat sources for compact and
precisely controlled motion systems.
Fe–Si thermomagnetic material plate to harness low-grade heat below 333 K. The actuation mechanism is based on the
intrinsic temperature-dependent change in magnetization of the TM material under an applied magnetic field. A NdFeB
permanent magnet simultaneously serves as the heat source and magnetic field source, enabling compact device integra-
tion. The fabricated actuator operates at an exceptionally low heat-source temperature of 305 K and achieves a displace-
ment of 200 μm at an actuation frequency of 2.1 Hz in self-sustained operation mode. Surface engineering of the La–Fe–
Si plate through copper electroplating and polishing significantly improves thermal contact. These results demonstrate
the feasibility of miniature thermally driven actuators powered by near-room-temperature heat sources for compact and
precisely controlled motion systems.
| Zugehörige Institution(en) am KIT | Institut für Mikrostrukturtechnik (IMT) Institut für Nanotechnologie (INT) Institut für QuantenMaterialien und Technologien (IQMT) |
| Publikationstyp | Proceedingsbeitrag |
| Publikationsdatum | 15.09.2026 |
| Sprache | Englisch |
| Identifikator | ISBN: 978-3-8007-6743-4 ISSN: 1432-3419 KITopen-ID: 1000198847 |
| HGF-Programm | 47.11.02 (POF IV, LK 01) Emergent Quantum Phenomena |
| Erschienen in | ACTUATOR 2026 : International Conference and Exhibition on New Actuator Systems and Applications : GMM Conference, June 30-July 1, 2026 in Wiesbaden. Ed.: M.Kohl |
| Veranstaltung | International Conference and Exhibition on New Actuator Systems and Applications (ACTUATOR 2026), Wiesbaden, Deutschland, 30.06.2026 – 01.07.2026 |
| Verlag | VDE Verlag |
| Serie | Gesellschaft Mikroelektronik, Mikrosystem- und Feinwerktechnik: GMM-Fachbericht ; 115 |