A new set of advanced nanofabrication equipment has been installed at MIT.nano, making it one of the world’s most advanced research facilities in microelectronics. Provided by Applied Materials, the equipment will expand MIT.nano’s capabilities to work with wafers up to 200 millimeters in diameter, commonly used in industry. This will allow researchers to prototype new microelectronic devices using cutting-edge materials and processes, fostering collaboration with industry for rapid adoption and mass production of innovations.
MIT.nano’s leaders believe that the new equipment will greatly enhance the facility’s capabilities, enabling experts to explore new approaches in sectors such as advanced electronics, renewable energies, and biological sensing. The equipment will also be available to scientists outside of MIT, promoting regional research and collaboration.
The investment in advanced nano-fabrication equipment at MIT.nano, made possible through an agreement with Applied Materials, Inc. and a grant from the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub, totals over $40 million. This substantial investment will support research and innovation in microelectronics and microsystems, benefitting researchers and students within and beyond MIT.
The new machines at MIT.nano will allow researchers to work with industry-standard wafers, facilitating the transition from academic innovations to impactful, mass-produced products. The equipment will provide researchers with greater precision and repeatability, accelerating research and development processes. It is expected that the equipment will lead to exponential growth in research opportunities and collaborations.
The availability of the equipment to external parties, including regional researchers, industry partners, and startups, will foster new collaborations and entrepreneurial ventures. This aligns with MIT’s mission of using technology to make the world a better place. MIT.nano’s leaders are excited about the potential for innovation and entrepreneurship that the new equipment will bring, fulfilling the vision set forth at the facility’s inception.