Preface

Abstract

The Micromechanics and Microsystems Europe Workshop is a well-established European event in the area of micromachining, microengineering and microtechnology. The goals of the MME workshop include stimulation and improvement of the technical knowledge as well as the establishment of cooperation and friendship between the delegates. The presented works span over all aspects of MEMS and microsystems technology, including design and fabrication, modelling and simulation, experimental evaluation and commercial use.The MME 2018 was held in the Smolenice Castle situated at the foothill of the Little Carpathians Mountains, 60 km northwest of Bratislava. The first written mention of the village of Smolenice dates back to middle of the 13th century. In the 14th century, a castle was built above the village, the last of several fortresses constructed to guard the Carpathian passes. During the years and centuries, the castle and the estates were owned by several families. The castle was burnt out during the Napoleonic wars at the beginning of the 19th century and only part of the outer fortifications remained from the original Gothic castle. The castle was completely rebuilt after the Second World War. In 1945, the state became the owner of the castle. On 26 June 1953, the rebuilt and furnished castle was handed over to the Slovak Academy of Sciences to become a representative meeting place for scientists from all over the world. Currently the castle serves as a conference centre.We have heard 4 very interesting lectures in the field of new graphene and 2D materials for gas sensors, nanometrology for MEMS and NEMS elements, carbon-based structures, as well as materials and sensor development for multifunctional smart-system integration. Similarly interesting were the 32 flash presentations and subsequent poster discussions, 15 participants were actively involved in the paper review session led by Leon Abelmann.We believe that our short 2-day meeting has provided ample room for the intense exchange of thoughts and opinions, and has provided, in particular to PhD students and young researchers from different countries a great deal of new inspiration and impetus to their early scientific career. Certainly, it was also beneficial for older researchers, not only by being able to see our students and graduate students, but that we were able to convince ourselves that the emerging young scientific generation would be equally entertaining and aiming for new insights in these attractive areas like micromechanics, micromachining, microfabrication, microtechnology and microsystems.We as organizers have tried to create a suitable environment and a relaxed atmosphere in a somewhat interesting and somewhat unusual environment of the Smolenice Castle surrounded by the woods of the Little Carpathians.We think that the format of this already well-worked and long-standing workshop addresses young people and creates good conditions for mutual cooperation not only within Europe but also Asia (Japan, Taiwan).We also thank the steering committee for enabling us to organize this workshop and thus provide our Slovak young researchers with a space for their presentation and contacts.Ivan Hotovy and Miroslav MikolasekInstitute of Electronics and PhotonicsSlovak University of Technology in BratislavaSlovakia