Research

• Developing MEMS transducers, optical and radio frequency (RF) MEMS devices and systems

Developed several MEMS devices that have many promising applications in optical, radio frequency (RF) and bioscience fields, such as in miniaturized optical imaging tools, miniaturized high voltage devices in power engineering and spectroscopic biosensing applications.

Current research efforts focused on:

• Integrating MEMS devices with their interface electronics (supported by an EPSRC grant)
• Developing novel measuring devices and systems for bioscience applications (supported by the Royal Society)
• Investigating micro power scavenging devices (supported by the Leverhulme Trust)

Selected publications

• Leisheng Jin, Xiaoping Wang, Lijie Li, Chaotic synchronization of two microresonators with application in mass sensors, Journal of Applied Physics, 2013, 113, 9, [ISSN:00218979], [DOI: 10.1063/1.4794172]
• Lijie Li, Comparison of ZnO nanowires synthesized on various surfaces on a single substrate, Materials Letters, 2012, 72, [DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2011.12.001]
• Lijie Li, Localised zinc oxide nanowires growth on printed circuit board by in-situ joule heating, Materials Letters, 2012, 76, [DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2012.02.111]
• Lijie Li, Modeling a novel energy harvester working in Lame mode, Physics Letters A, 2012, [DOI: 10.1016/j.physleta.2012.04.029]
• Lijie Li, Multiple-output MEMS DC/DC converter: a system modeling study, Microsystem Technologies, 2012, [DOI: 10.1007/s00542-012-1549-2]
• Lijie Li, AC analysis and simulation of smart electro-thermal microactuators, 2012, [ISBN:978-1-4673-0341-5], [DOI: 10.1109/icit.2012.6209937]
• Lijie Li, Frequency self-tuning of ZnO nanoresonator, Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures, 2012, [ISSN:13869477], [DOI: 10.1016/j.physe.2012.09.020]
• Lijie Li, A discrete memristor made of ZnO nanowires synthesized on printed circuit board, Materials Letters, 2012, [ISSN:0167577X], [DOI: 10.1016/j.matlet.2012.10.011]
• Z.J. Chew, L. Li, Printed circuit board based memristor in adaptive lowpass filter, Electronics Letters, 2012, 48, 25, pp.1610, [ISSN:0013-51941350-911X], [DOI: 10.1049/el.2012.2918]
• Lijie Li, Single pixel optical imaging using a scanning MEMS mirror, Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 2011, [DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/21/2/025022]
• Lijie Li, Recent Development of Micromachined Biosensors, IEEE Sensors Journal, 2011, [DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2010.2063424]
• Lijie Li, Small Size Molecule Sensor Based on Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes, IEEE Sensors Journal, 2011, [DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2011.2106772]
• Lijie Li, Study of Temperature Characteristics of Micromachined Suspended Coplanar Waveguides for Biosensing Applications, Sensors, 2011, [DOI: 10.3390/s110302640]
• Lijie Li, Single Walled Carbon Nanotube for Sensing Small Molecules, Procedia Engineering, 2011, 25, [DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2011.12.070]
• Lijie Li, Design and simulation of a high power CMOS driver for microactuators, Procedia Engineering, 2011, 25, [DOI: 10.1016/j.proeng.2011.12.317]
• Lijie Li, Design of piezoelectric bimorph for collecting both bending and torsional energies, 2011, [ISBN:978-1-61284-971-3], [DOI: 10.1109/IECON.2011.6119975]
• Lijie Li, Two-dimensional moveable optical pinhole with applications in single-detector imaging systems, Electronics Letters, 2010, [DOI: 10.1049/el.2010.1299]
• Lijie Li, A multi-mode MEMS sensor design to support system test and health & usage monitoring applications, 2010, [ISBN:978-1-4244-5834-9], [DOI: 10.1109/ETSYM.2010.5512728]
• Lijie Li, Design and simulation of a multi-function MEMS sensor for health and usage monitoring, 2010, [ISBN:978-1-4244-4756-5], [DOI: 10.1109/PHM.2010.5413415]
• Lijie Li, SIMULTANEOUS DETECTION OF ORGANIC AND INORGANIC SUBSTANCES IN A MIXED AQUEOUS SOLUTION USING A MICROWAVE DIELECTRIC SENSOR, Progress In Electromagnetics Research C, 2010, [DOI: 10.2528/PIERC10051308]
• Zhengjun Chew, Lijie Li, Design and characterisation of a piezoelectric scavenging device with multiple resonant frequencies, Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, 2010, 162, 1, [ISSN:09244247], [DOI: 10.1016/j.sna.2010.06.017]
• Lijie Li, Design and implementation of MEMS Cockcroft-Walton voltage multiplier, Electronics Letters, 2009, [DOI: 10.1049/el:20092767]
• Lijie Li, External linearisation of a MEMS electrothermal scanner with application in a confocal microscope, Micro & Nano Letters, 2009, [DOI: 10.1049/mnl.2009.0018]
• Lijie Li, Optical imaging with scanning MEMS mirror - A single photodetector approach, 2009, [ISBN:978-1-4244-5653-6], [DOI: 10.1109/ICIP.2009.5414118]
• Lijie Li, An imaging systen based on a single MEMS scanner and photodetector, 2009, [ISBN:978-1-4244-4648-3], [DOI: 10.1109/IECON.2009.5415326]
• Lijie Li, A Microwave Dielectric Biosensor Based on Suspended Distributed MEMS Transmission Lines, IEEE Sensors Journal, 2009, [DOI: 10.1109/JSEN.2009.2031388]
• Lijie Li, A confocal micro-imaging system incorporating a thermally actuated two axis MEMS scanner, 2009, [DOI: 10.1117/12.807745]
• Lijie Li, Demonstration of a Tunable RF MEMS Bandpass Filter Using Silicon Foundry Process, Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications, 2009, [DOI: 10.1163/156939309787604355]
• Lijie Li, Joao Gomes, Gordon Brown, Deepak Uttamchandani, Wenke Pan, Dominik Weiland, Mark Begbie, Craig Lowrie, Marc P Y Desmulliez, Simultaneous determination of the Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio in micro/nano materials, Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 2009, 19, 12, [ISSN:0960-13171361-6439], [DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/19/12/125027]
• Lijie Li, D. Uttamchandani, Flip-Chip Distributed MEMS Transmission Lines (DMTLs) for Biosensing Applications, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 2009, 56, 4, [ISSN:0278-0046], [DOI: 10.1109/TIE.2008.2003204]
• Lijie Li, Deepak Uttamchandani, Dynamic response modelling and characterization of a vertical electrothermal actuator, Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 2009, 19, 7, [ISSN:0960-13171361-6439], [DOI: 10.1088/0960-1317/19/7/075014]
• Lijie Li, MEMS microwave device with switchable capacitive and inductive states, Micro & Nano Letters, 2008, [DOI: 10.1049/mnl:20080020]
• Lijie Li, A CONCEPT OF MOVING DIELECTROPHORESIS ELECTRODES BASED ON MICROELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS (MEMS) ACTUATORS, Progress In Electromagnetics Research Letters, 2008, [DOI: 10.2528/PIERL07122811]

Teaching

• EG-168 - Scientific and Engineering Skills (12/13)
• EGA324 - Mechanical Engineering Practice (12/13)
• EG-062 - Development of Key Skills for Engineers (12/13)
• EG-151 - Microcontrollers (12/13)
• EGNM04 - Nanoscale Structures and Devices (12/13)

Research thesis supervised

PhD

• 2012 - Nonlinear dynamics in MEMS/NEMS (2nd Supervisor: Dr. John Mason)
• 2011 - Synthesis, characterization and modelling of nanoelectromechanical systems (2nd Supervisor: Professor Huw Summers)
• 2011 - Computational Simulation of Large Deformation Nonlinear Piezoelectric Materials (2nd Supervisor: Dr. Antonio Gil)
• 2010 - Intelligent Microelectromechanical Actuators (2nd Supervisor: Professor Stephen Wilks)

MSc

• 2010 - PSPICE simulation of a Piezoelectric energy harvester with improved interface circuits using ORCAD version 16.5

Work history

• Senior Lecturer, College of Engineering, Swansea University, UK, April 2010 -
• Lecturer, Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde, UK, 2008-2010 
• Senior Design Engineer, worked on integrated micro-photonic systems and MEMS sensor design, Institute for System Level Integration, Livingston, UK, 2006-2007
• Research Fellow at the Centre for Microsystems and Photonics, working in the area of MEMS, University of Strathclyde, 2000-2005  From 2006 to 2007, he was a Senior Design Engineer at the Institute for System Level Integration, Livingston, UK where he worked on integrated micro-photonic systems and MEMS sensor design. He was a Lecturer at the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Strathclyde. In April 2010, he became a Senior Lecturer at the School of Engineering, Swansea University, UK

Professional positions

• Senior Member, IEEE
• Chair, Technical Committee in MEMS in the IEEE Industrial Electronics Society
• Member, Editorial Board for Nano-Micro Letters

Journal papers

• C Wang, L Li, Z Chew, "Vibrating ZnO-CNT nanotubes as pressure/stress sensors," Accepted for publication in Physica E: Low-dimensional Systems and Nanostructures, March 2011.
• L Li, Z Liu, "Study of temperature characteristics of micromachined suspended coplanar waveguides for biosensing applications," accepted for publication in Sensors Journal, February 2011.
• L Li, C Wang, "Small size molecule sensor based on single walled carbon nanotubes," to appear in IEEE Sensors Journal, January 2011.
• L Li, V Stankovic, L Stankovic, L Li, S Cheng, D Uttamchandani, "Single pixel optical imaging using a scanning MEMS mirror," To appear in Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, January 2011.
• L Li, “Two-dimensional moveable optical pinhole with applications in single-detector imaging systems,” Electronics Letters, vol. 46, no. 17, p.1215-1217, August 2010. (Electronics Letters Features: Knowledge Network home > Magazines > Electronics Letters - features > Vol 46 issue 17)
• L Li, “Recent development of micromachined biosensors,” IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 305-311, Feb, 2011. (Invited Review Paper)
• L Li, “Simultaneous detection of organic and inorganic substances in a mixed aqueous solution using a microwave dielectric sensor,” Progress In Electromagnetic Research C, vol. 14, 2010, pp. 163-171.
• Z Chew, L Li, “Design and characterisation of a piezoelectric scavenging device with multiple resonant frequencies,”Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, vol. 162, no.1, July 2010, pp. 82-92.
• L Li, J Gomes, G Brown, D Uttamchandani, W Pan, D Weiland, M Begbie, C Lowrie, MPY Desmulliez, “Simultaneous determination of the Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio in micro/nano materials,” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 19, December 2009, no. 125027.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “A microwave dielectric biosensor based on suspended distributed MEMS transmission lines”, IEEE Sensors Journal, vol. 9, no. 12, pp. 1825-1830, December 2009.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Dynamic response modelling and characterization of a vertical electrothermal actuator,” Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 19, no. 075014, July 2009.
• SP Poland, JM Girkin, L Li, D Uttamchandani, “External linearization of an MEMS electrothermal scanner with application in confocal microscope,” Micro & Nano Letters, vol. 4, no. 2, June 2009, pp. 106-111.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Flip-chip distributed MEMS transmission lines (DMTL) for biosensing applications,” IEEE Tran. Industrial Electronics, vol. 56, no. 4, April 2009, pp. 986-990.
• L Li, F Vilela, J Forgie, PJ Skabara, D Uttamchandani, “A miniature humidity microsensor based on organic conductive polymer –poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene),” Micro & Nano Letters, vol. 4, no. 2, June 2009, pp. 84-87.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Demonstration of a tunable RF MEMS band-pass filter using silicon foundry process,” Journal of Electromagnetic Waves and Applications, vol. 23, 2009, pp. 405-413.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Design and implementation of a MEMS Cockcroft-Walton Voltage multiplier,” Electronics Letters, vol. 45, no. 1, 2009, pp. 36-37.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “MEMS microwave device with switchable capacitive and inductive states,” Micro & Nano Letters, vol. 3, no. 3, September, 2008. pp. 77-81.
• L. Li, and D Uttamchandani, “A concept of moving dielectrophoresis electrodes based on microelectromechanical (MEMS) actuators,” Progress In Electromagnetics Research Letters, vol. 2, 2008, pp. 89-94.
• L Li, M Begbie, and D Uttamchandani, “A single-input, dual-output MEMS DC/DC converter,” Electronics Letters, vol. 43, no. 15, pp. 809-810, July 2007.
• L Li, M Begbie, G Brown, and D Uttamchandani, “Design, simulation, and characterization of a MEMS optical scanner,” IOP Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 17, no. 9, 2007, pp. 1781 – 1787.
• C Jenkins, JG Brown, L Li, W Johnstone, and D Uttamchandani, “MEMS Retro-Phase-Modulator for free-space coherent optical communications,” IEEE Journal of Selected Topics of Quantum Electronics, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 330-335, March-April 2007.
• L Li, and M Begbie, “A Design Approach to 2-D Electrostatic Torsional Micromirrors with Z-axis Displacement Compensation,” IEEE Photonics Technology Letters, vol. 18, no. 22, pp. 2422-2424, Nov. 2006.
• L Li, and D Uttamchandani, “Monolithic RF MEMS inductor using silicon MEMS foundry process,” Micro & Nano Letters, vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 5-8, July 2006.
• L Li, G. Brown, and D Uttamchandani, “Air damped microresonators with enhanced quality factor,” IEEE/ASME Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, vol. 15, no. 4, pp. 822-831, Aug. 2006.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Twin-Bladed MEMS Variable Optical Attenuator,” Optical Review, vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 93-100, MAR-APR. 2006.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Modified asymmetric micro-electro-thermal actuator: thermal optimization and experimentation,” IOP Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 14, no. 12, 2004, pp 1734 – 1741.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Design and evaluation of a MEMS optical chopper for fibre optic applications,” IET Science, Measurement and Technology, vol. 151, No. 2, 2004, pp. 77-84.
• A Unamuno, L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Fiber Bragg Grating demodulator based on hybrid optical MEMS,” IEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics, vol. 10, no. 3, 2004, pp. 598-603.
• L Li, G Brown and D Uttamchandani, “Flexing of scratch drive actuator (SDA) plates – modelling and experimentation,” IET Science, Measurement and Technology, vol. 151, No. 3, 2004, pp. 137-141.
• L Li, J Zawadzka, and D Uttamchandani, “Integrated self-assembling and holding technique for 3-D free-space optical MEMS devices,” IEEE/ASME Journal of Microelectromechanical Systems, vol. 13, No. 1, 2004, pp. 83-90.
• J Zawadzka, L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Characterization of nanostepper driven optical shutter for applications in free-space micro-optics,” IET Science, Measurement and Technology, vol. 151, No. 2, 2004, pp. 61-66.
• L Li, G Brown and D Uttamchandani, “Study of scratch drive actuator force characteristics,” IOP Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, vol. 12, no. 6, 2002, pp. 736 – 741.
• L Li, C-G Liang, “Micromachined convective accelerometer,” Pan Tao Ti Hsueh Pao/Chinese Journal of Semiconductors, v 22, n 4, April, 2001, p 465-468, Language: Chinese , ISSN: 0253-4177 CODEN: PTTPDZ.
• Y Yang, T Wei, L Li, Y Xu, Y Zhao, C-G Liang, “Silicon micromachined electron tunneling infrared detector,” Guti Dianzixue Yanjiu Yu Jinzhan/Research & Progress of Solid State Electronics, v 20, n 3, Aug, 2000, p 244-249 Language: Chinese, ISSN: 1000-3819 CODEN: GDYJE2
• L Li, “Design and fabrication of micromachined membrane,” Dianzi Qijian/Journal of Electron Devices, v 22, n 3, Sep, 1999, p 177-181 Language: Chinese.
• L Li “Design and Fabrication of Micromechanical Membrane”, Microfabrication Technology (Chinese), No.3, Sep.1999, p45-48.
• L Li “Fabrication of Tunneling Micro Silicon-Tip”, Semiconductor Information (Chinese), Vol.36, No.3, 1999, p45-47.

Patents

• D. G. Uttamchandani, L. Li, D.R.S. Cumming, T. D. Drysdale, “Guided electromagnetic wave filter device,” PCT/GB2006/001226, 3 April 2006.

Conference papers

• Z Chew, L Li, “Piezoelectric power harvesting device with multiple resonant frequencies,” 21st Micromechanics and Microsystems Europe Workshop, June 2010.
• L Li, “Detection of organic and non-organic materials in a mixed solution using one microwave sensor,” 20th Anniversary World Congress on Biosensors, 26-28 May 2010, Glasgow, UK
• L Li, “Temperature characteristics of biosensors based on micromachined suspended coplanar waveguides,” 20th Anniversary World Congress on Biosensors, 26-28 May 2010, Glasgow, UK
• Z Xu, A Richardson, D Koltsov, L Li, M. Begbie, C Wang, “A multi-mode MEMS sensor design to support system test and health & usage monitoring applications,” 15^th IEEE European Test Symposium (ETS), 2010, Praha, DOI: 10.1109/ETSYM.2010.5512728
• Z Xu, D Koltsov, A Richardson, L Li, M Begbie, "Design and simulation of a multi-function MEMS sensor for health and usage monitoring," Prognostics and Health Management Conference, 12-14 Jan 2010, Macao, China. DOI: 10.1109/PHM.2010.5413415.
• D Weiland, C. Lowrie, G. brown, S. Ray, A. Chaehoi, L. Li, M. Begbie, D. Uttamchandani, and M.P.Y. Desmulliez, “Passive test structures for characterization of SOI/MEMS process,” MME 2009, France.
• J Gomas, G Brown, S Poland, L Li, W Lubeight, D Burns, V Stankovic, D Uttamchandani, “Integrated 2-axis MEMS scanners for optical applications”, EMRS DTC Technical Conference, July 2009, Edinburgh. (Best paper awarded in this conference)
• L Li, L Li, V Stankovic, L Stankovic, D Uttamchandani, “Single pixel camera using MEMS scanners,” the 35th Annual Conference of IEEE Industrial Electronics Society (IECON 2009), Porto, Portugal, November 2009.
• L Li, M Mirza, V Stankovic, L Li, L Stankovic, D Uttamchandani, S Cheng, “Optical imaging with scanning MEMS micromirror – a single photodetector approach,” 2009 IEEE International Conference on Imaging Processing, Cairo, Egypt, November 7-11, 2009.
• S Poland, L Li, D Uttamchandani, JM Girkin, “A confocal micro-imaging system incorporating a thermally actuated two axis MEMS scanner,” Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), vol. 7172, 25th January 2009, SPIE Photonics West 2009, San Jose, USA.
• A Chaehoi, D. Weiland, R. Adamson, M. Begbie, C. Lowrie, M. Desmulliez, G. Brown, L. Li, D. Uttamchandani, “Design of an integrated monolithic 3-axis piezoresistive accelerometer on SOI”, ESSDERC&ESSCIRC 2008, Edinburgh, September 2008.
• L. Li, D Uttamchandani, “A Microelectromechanical System (MEMS) tuneable cassegrain lens,” EUROSENSORS XXII, Germany, Sep. 2008.
• L Li, D Uttamchandani, “Design and Simulation of Modified 1-D Electrostatic Torsional Micromirrors with z-axis Displacement,”, PIERS, 24-28 March, 2008, Hangzhou, China
• D Uttamchandani, L Li, “Design and Characterization of a Radio Frequency MEMS Inductor Using Silicon MEMS Foundry Process,” PIERS, 24-28 March 2008, Hangzhou, China
• L Li, and D Uttamchandani, “A Concept of Moving Dielectrophoresis Electrodes Based on Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) Actuators,” PIERS, 24-28 March, 2008, Hangzhou, China
• L Li, W. Johnstone, and D Uttamchandani, “Micromirrors for high power CW lasers,” 3rd EMRS DTC Technical Conference, paper number B29, Edinburgh, 2006.
• G Brown, L Li, and D Uttamchandani, “MEMS Based Retroreflcetor Phase Modulator,” 3rd EMRS DTC Technical Conference, paper number B30, Edinburgh, 2006.
• L Li, G Brown, and D Uttamchandani, “Elevated microresonators for investigating the effect of air damping,” IET Seminar on MEMS Sensors and Actuators, pp. 253-256, Apr. 2006.
• A Unamuno, L Li, and D Uttamchandani, “Hybrid optical MEMS demodulator for optical fiber sensing,” Proceedings of Second European Workshop on Optical Fibre Sensors, SPIE vol. 5502, pp. 398-402, June 2004, Spain.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Design and evaluation of a dual-shutter optical chopper for fibre optic applications,” Proceedings of IEEE/LEOS Optical MEMS, Aug. 2004, Japan, pp. 92-93.
• L Li and D Uttamchandani, “Analysis of microsprings for calculating the force produced by microactuators,” Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), vol. 4755, pp. 394 – 402, 2002, France.
• L Li, G Brown and D Uttamchandani, “Comparison of theoretical and experimental determination of the flexing of scratch drive actuator plates,” Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), vol. 4928, pp. 180 – 189, 2002, Shanghai.
• J Zawadzka, L Li, Anartz Unamuno and D Uttamchandani, “Nano-stepper driven optical shutter for applications in free-space micro-optics,” Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), vol. 4928, pp. 50 – 57, 2002, Shanghai.
• L Li, G Brown and D Uttamchandani, “Detailed study of scratch drive actuator characteristics using high-speed imaging,” Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), vol. 4558, pp. 117 – 123, 2001, San Francisco.
• L. Li, Y. Yang, T. Zhao, Y. Zhao, C.-G. Liang, “Micromachined convective accelerometer and inclinometer,” Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), vol. 3990, pp. 345-349, Jun. 2000, USA.
• Y. Yang, L. Li, Y. Xu, Y. Zhao, C.-G. Liang, T. Wei, “Micromachined accelerometer based on electron tunnelling,” Proceedings of the Society of Photo-optical Instrumentation Engineers (SPIE), vol. 3891, pp. 121-125, Sep. 1999, Australia.
• L Li, Y Zhao “Fabrication of Micromachined Membrane”, proceedings of the 11th Chinese Semiconductor Integrated Circuit and Silicon Materials Conference, Dalian, China, Sep.1999, p286-289.
• L Li “Micromachined Microwave Switch”, proceedings of the First Microwave and Milimeter Symposium of China, Changsha, Oct.1999, p326-328.
• Y Yang, L Li and T Wei “Uncooled Micromachined Electron Tunneling Infrared Detectors”, proceedings of 14th Infrared Technology Symposium of China, Kunming, Oct.1999.
• L Li, “Developed Fabrication of Electron Tunneling Sensors”, proceedings of 19th Symposium of Hebei Semiconductor Research Institute, China, Feb. 1999, p36-39.