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 Ph.D. 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 include:
- development of new techniques, processes, and architectures for nanoelectronic and nano-optoelectronic devices
- exploration into new materials research including thin-film electronics, III-V materials, 2D materials, carbon nanotubes, and spintronics
- Scaled micro- and nano-electronics for integration into biomedical systems
Photonics and Optoelectronics Research including:
- Photonic Integrated Circuits for computing, communications, and sensing.
- Light emitters (Lasers, LEDs/micro-LEDs)
- Research in biosensing, imaging and detection
- Quantum optics and photonics
Photovoltaic research in compound semiconductors (III-V), and organic solar cells
- Neuromorphic devices and circuits for machine learning, and the use of artificial intelligence to design nanomaterials and microsystems
- Nanomaterials research including nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, quantum dots, self-assembly materials, and their applications in electronics, optics, and materials science
- 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
- Microfluidics research on the behavior, control, and manipulation of fluids at the micro-scale
Renowned, multidisciplinary faculty from RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering and College of Science who share resources and expertise over a wide variety of micro- and nano-scale technologies.
Unique state-of-the-art research laboratories–including a semiconductor and microsystems fabrication clean-room (RIT Nano Fab)–constitute part of the research facilities, providing students access to the most advanced micro- and nano-electronic processing capabilities.
Explore applications of microsystems and nanotechnology through close collaboration with industry and government laboratories.
Graduates have discovered exciting opportunities in new technology frontiers