Introduction
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Overview
Explore the future of nanotechnology as you work to address the technical challenges of micro-and nano-systems through analysis, research, and integration.
The multidisciplinary doctorate degree in microsystems engineering 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. This nanotechnology PhD program provides a foundation to explore future technology through research in nano-engineering, design methods, and technologies and their integration into micro-and nano-scaled systems.
The microsystems engineering doctorate includes the following areas of exploration:
Next-generation nanoelectronics including:
development of new techniques, processes, and architectures for nanoelectronic and nano-optoelectronic devices
exploration into new materials research including germanium, III-V materials, carbon nanotubes, and spintronics
Photovoltaic research in silicon, compound semiconductor, and organic solar cells
Photonics and nanophotonics imaging, communications, and sensing research including couplers, micro-lasers, micro-detectors, integrated silicon waveguides, silicon spectrometers, and biosensors
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
Scaled micro-and nanoelectronics for integration into biomedical systems
New and improved technologies in organic electronic components and devices
Nanomaterials research including carbon nanotubes, nanoparticles, quantum dots, self-assembly materials and their applications in electronics, optics, and materials science
Microfluidics research on the behaviour, control, and manipulation of fluids at the micro-scale
Mission
The program fulfils a critical need for an expanded knowledge base and expertise in the innovation, design, fabrication, and application of micro-and nano-scale materials, processes, devices, components, and systems. RIT is an internationally recognized leader in education and research in the fields of microsystems and nanoscale engineering.
The curriculum is structured to provide a sound background and a thorough foundation in engineering and science through world-class education in the innovative application of educational technologies and research experiences.
Program highlights
The program is designed for students with a strong background in engineering and the physical sciences, and with an interest in a hands-on exploration into new fields of micro-and nano-systems.
The program has a renowned, multidisciplinary faculty that shares resources and expertise over a wide variety of micro-and nano-scale technologies. The program is administered by core faculty from RIT’s colleges of engineering and science.
Unique state-of-the-art research laboratories have been developed to provide a focus for microsystems and nanoscale engineering research across traditional disciplinary boundaries. A semiconductor and microsystems fabrication clean-room constitute part of the research facilities, providing students access to the most advanced micro-and nano-electronic processing capabilities.
Students explore applications of microsystems and nanotechnology through close collaboration with industry and government laboratories.
Graduates have discovered exciting opportunities in new technology frontiers.
