Semiconductor

The Laurie Nanofabrication Facility at the University of Michigan serves technology educators and creators through broad access to advanced nanofabrication equipment and staff expertise in a safe, collaborative environment. The Facility enables multi-disciplinary research, experiential learning, and co-operation with industry to advance cutting-edge technologies. Some of their recent work has centered on: building the first chips that harness the incredible precision of light for real world measurements in the field with quantum semiconductors, developing silicon carbide (SiC) NASA technology for industrial applications in the aerospace industry, and developing the next generation of semiconductor technologies for the automotive industry.

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) at Michigan State University (MSU) is a world-class research and training center, and houses the world’s most advanced rare isotope accelerator. MSU operates FRIB as a user facility for the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science (DOE-SC), furthering the mission of the DOE-SC Office of Nuclear Physics. FRIB allows MSU graduate students to engage in groundbreaking research while they get their degrees. MSU also offers a BS in Electrical Engineering, and a Graduate Certificate in Semiconductors, as part of their top tier engineering curriculum.

The Microfabrication Shared Facility (MFF) and the Institute of Materials Processing (IMP) at Michigan Technological University (MTU) are actively involved in semiconductor research, contributing significantly to the development of advanced materials, devices and applications. The MFF provides resources for micro- and nano—scaled research and development of solid-state electronics, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), lab on a chip, and microsystem materials and devices. Their capabilities include thin film deposition, clean room, plasma and characterization, thermal processing and advanced deposition and electrical characterization. The IMP is a state-of-the-art materials research and development facility, providing a wide range of capabilities for small batch material processing and proof-of-concept experiments. MTU also offers an Electrical Materials and Processing Certificate, a BS in Electrical Engineering, and an MS in Electrical Engineering, all providing graduates with skills and knowledge for successful careers in the Semiconductor Industry.

The University of Michigan’s three campuses (Ann Arbor, Dearborn and Flint) offer 54 courses in Semiconductor and Microelectronics in the upper division undergraduate to master’s degree programs. Their College of Engineering consistently ranks in the top 10 for undergraduate and graduate degrees. From materials, future technologies and devices to VLSI, wireless communication and computing systems, their engineering, physics, and chemistry colleges are leading the way with courses, research and resources to address the changes in the development and production of next generation semiconductors. Examples of U-M innovation leading to start ups in the industry include: MemyrX, SkyGig, AgitaLabs, CubeWorks, and NSNanotech. In addition to these programs, MAVERIC (Michigan Advanced Vision for Education and Research in Integrated Circuits) provides monthly sessions and summer camps for hands on training in semiconductors.

Wayne State University’s Advanced Technology Education Center provides training and programs in advanced manufacturing technologies and collaborates on research with industry partners to turn manufacturing issues into the next opportunities. WSU’s new Master of Science in Electrical Engineering provides graduates the skills knowledge to harness the power of emerging technologies to develop new devices and circuits in the rapidly advancing semiconductor industry.