PhD in Microsystems Engineering

Ph. D. in Microsystems Engineering

RIT offers a unique program leading to a doctorate degree in microsystems engineering. This multidisciplinary program builds on the fundamentals of traditional engineering and science combined with curriculum and research activities addressing the numerous technical challenges of micro- and nano-systems. These include the manipulation of electrical, photonic, optical, mechanical, chemical, and biological functionality to process, sense, and interface with the world at a nanometer scale. The goal of the program is to provide a foundation to explore future technology through research in nano-engineering, design methods, and technologies and their integration into micro- and nano-scaled systems. Some of the program’s areas of exploration include the following:

• Scaling-driven nanoelectronics including:
  • new materials, techniques, and architectures for next-generation semiconductor devices
  • innovations in device patterning and nanolithography
  • new materials research including germanium, III-V materials, carbon nanotubes, and spintronics
• MEMS (micro-electro-mechanical systems), MEOMS (micro-electro-optical-mechanical systems) and NEMS (nano-electro-mechanical systems) device, processing and materials research for smart sensors, actuators, biochips, and micro-implantable appliances
• Photonics and nanophotonics imaging, communications, and sensing research including couplers, micro-lasers, micro detectors, integrated silicon waveguides, silicon spectrometers, and biosensors
• Photovoltaic research in silicon, organic, and stacked solar cells and thermophotovoltaics
• Scaled micro- and nanoelectronics for integration into biomedical systems
• New and improved technologies in organic electronic components and devices
• Microfluidics research on the behavior, control, and manipulation of fluids at the micro-scale

Mission

The doctorate program in microsystems engineering fulfills a critical need for an expanded knowledge base and expertise in the innovation, design, fabrication, and application of micro- and nano-scale devices, components, and systems. RIT is becoming an internationally recognized leader in education, research, and economic development in the fields of microsystems and nanoscale engineering.

The curriculum of this multidisciplinary program is structured to provide each student with a sound background and a thorough foundation in engineering and science. The curriculum provides world-class education through the innovative application of educational technologies and partnerships.