Modern communications and information systems, enabled by microelectronics and photonics, require the integration of sophisticated and complex principles and practices from a multiplicity of disciplines. Although a clear understanding of contemporary concepts in a single discipline is central to research and development of future generations of these systems, such contributions increasingly demand an understanding and appreciation of concepts from other disciplines. This Master's degree and Graduate Certificate program in Microelectronics and Photonics Science & Technology is established by three academic disciplines as a cooperative program to address this increasingly important theme of interdisciplinary knowledge in topics of a high degree of sophistication and complexity.
This program aims to attract students and practicing engineers who are interested in combining the scientific understanding and technological realization of modern microelectronic and photonic devices for contemporary applications. The course offerings span the range of basic science to device and system design to fabrication, performance and reliability, with a particular emphasis on microelectronics and photonics for communications and information systems. Relevance to industry is an important criterion in the development of this program, which has been accomplished with significant and continuing input from our colleagues in related industries.
Microelectronics and Photonics Science & Technology
From novel devices though advanced components to integrated systems
Innovations in Devices
Shown top right is a miniaturized, electronically-controlled mirror fabricated using MEMS (MicroElectroMechanical Systems) technologies. By applying electric fields, the mirror tilts in controlled directions, allowing optical beams to be switched from an input optical fiber to an output optical fiber.
Innovations in Components
Shown bottom right is a miniaturized optical switch based on movement of miniaturized bubbles that deflect optical beams. Motivated by ink-jet printer technologies, the optical switch is shown as a multiple input, multiple output component with accompanying control electronics..
Innovations in MicroSystems
Shown below is a miniaturized electronic and optical system designed to acquire an image using a 64 x 64 detector array and performing analysis of the image to recognize captured objects.
The "cube" is approximately 1 cm2 at its base, with electronic circuitry distributed throughout the 3-D volume of the cube.
By compressing the overall dimensions using 3-D stacks of integrated circuits, the power dissipation is reduced by several orders of magnitude compared to conventional packaging and assembly.
Innovations in MicroSystems
