Carbon nanotube or graphene based pressure switch

A method of indicating whether a pressure exerted by a medium is above a certain threshold pressure comprising:

• applying the pressure to a conductive membrane suspended across a cavity, wherein the cavity has a cavity bottom and the pressure causes the conductive membrane to deflect toward the cavity bottom;
• creating an electrical potential difference between the conductive membrane and the cavity bottom;
• and
• activating a load when a current flows between the conductive membrane and the cavity bottom;
• wherein a substantial increase in the current indicates the pressure is above the threshold pressure.

A method of manufacturing a pressure switch comprising:

• providing a substrate;
• fabricating a cavity within the substrate wherein the cavity has a cavity bottom;
• depositing a conductive material on the cavity bottom;
• electrically isolating the conductive material on the cavity bottom;
• disposing a conductive membrane across the cavity;
• and
• defining contact pads on top of the conductive membrane;
• wherein the depth and geometry of the cavity correspond to a desired threshold pressure of the pressure switch.