What is your scientific expertise and where has your professional journey taken you so far?
My research expertise is in micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), also known as microsystems. These can be defined as devices that combine elements from different domains of physics (mechanics, electromagnetism, optics, etc.) with dimensions below the millimeter. The small size makes them very sensitive to external stimuli, which is why microsystems are ideal for building sensors. My work focuses on sensors to characterize micro- and nanoparticles, the physical properties of liquids, and living matter. I am also particularly interested in microsystems that integrate piezoelectric materials: these materials can convert electrical signals into mechanical movement and viceversa.
My journey has taken me through different areas of knowledge and technology: materials science, biology, control theory, wireless communications, etc. Being exposed to different fields and combining them to explore new ideas is what I love about academic research. At the same time, my career has allowed me to interact with incredibly brilliant colleagues in a variety of research cultures: Spain, the United States, Australia and the Netherlands, to name some.
What are you working on at the moment?
I have a number of different projects ongoing, but if I have to choose one I am very excited about my work on ultrasound transducers. Building these transducers with microsystem technologies will enable compact imaging systems that can be integrated into small medical devices such as catheters. Or maybe they will lead to the next type of sensor to be incorporated into our smartphones.
As a user of Zurich Instruments' products, how have the instruments supported your research?
In my case, Zurich Instruments' digital lock-ins – in particular the 600 MHz UHFLI Lock-in Amplifier – have been of great value for my project on resonant mass sensors. Measurement schemes such as lock-in detection or phase-locked loops have been known for decades, but they have never been so easy to implement and configure. Removing the workload of designing and implementing these measurement schemes allows me to spend more time and stay focused on the actual research problems.
What do you like to do when you are not in the laboratory?
I love watching movies, reading and doing sports. I am a big football fan and I practice padel – which is a version of tennis played in a smaller pitch. It's a sport that's becoming increasingly popular in Europe and Latin America. I also enjoy hanging out with friends while having a beer.
