Curved micromechanical beams are a versatile platform for exploring multistable behavior, with potential applications in mechanical based logic elements and electrical and optical switches. Here we demonstrate bidirectional electrostatic actuation of a bistable, latched, micromechanical beam by the same electrode, which was used for the snap-through switching of the device. The release of the mechanically-latched beam is achieved by pre-loading the structure using a rising voltage applied to the electrode, followed by a sudden decrease of the voltage. This abrupt removal of the loading results in a transient response and dynamic snap-back of the beam.
Keywords: Bistability; Curved micro beam; Dynamic release; Electrostatic actuation; MEMS/NEMS.