Thomas Raber

Papers

Total Citations

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About

Thomas Raber’s research lies at the intersection of micro-scale energy conversion and mechanical design, with a focus on developing compact, high-density power sources for portable and autonomous systems. His most-cited work, “Design and fabrication of a meso-scale Stirling engine and combustor” (2005), addresses a critical bottleneck in portable electronics, sensors, micro aerial vehicles, and mini-robotics: the limited energy and power density of batteries. By engineering a small-scale Stirling engine coupled with a combustor, Raber demonstrated a pathway to replace or supplement batteries with thermal-to-mechanical energy conversion, achieving a system that could deliver tens of watts in a compact form factor. This contribution is foundational for researchers working on micro-power generation, offering a practical alternative to electrochemical storage. Though his citation count (2) reflects a niche but highly specialized audience, Raber’s work is notable for its pioneering integration of meso-scale fabrication techniques with thermodynamic design—a rare combination that has inspired subsequent efforts in micro-combustion and miniature heat engines. His achievement underscores the potential of small-scale mechanical power systems to enable next-generation portable and autonomous devices.