Nanotechnology and Microfabrication MSc

Bangor University

This module aims to allow students to pursue an in-depth study of a topic/area that is at near or actual state of the art research level relevant to their programme; apply an appropriate process/methodology to designing, implementing/building and evaluating their solution; explore and understand the wider impact of their work, including pertinent professional, ethical, social, technological, legal, and environmental aspects; convey the results of their work, using a variety of media, to a varied audience within their field.

To equip students with skills required for completing their MSc project and subsequently to enable them to carry out independent research in the course of their professional carrier. The module therefore aims to provide principles of secondary and primary research design; planning and execution of research activities and enable students to critically review results of their investigations in a given context.

Practical modelling and design is taught using the multiphysics modelling package ?Comsol Multiphysics?. Guided projects are undertaken to model and analyse physical systems. Students are required to research their chosen system and identify significant design parameters. Simulation and analysis will be aimed at identifying an optimal configuration for the chosen system

This module aims to provide an introductory background to the subjects of nanotechnology and microsystems technology (NMT). The module will provide an overview of the development of the subjects and introduce topics of microfabrication and scanning probe techniques. The module will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of nanotechnology and microsystems technology in a range of application area. Current and future business prospects and markets will be discussed along with current exploitation routes and the requirement for economic manufacturing routes.

This module builds on the knowledge of microengineering and microfabrication gained in module IES4003 Microengineering and provides practical microfabrication experience. The module examines a broad range of advanced manufacturing process including techniques suitable for larger scale production, particularly of polymer devices. The module also examines specialist fabrication methods using laser systems and their flexibility in fabricating macroscopic and sub micron structures.

This module aims to provide an introduction to the rapidly expanding subject of microengineering. Starting with a discussion of the benefits and market demand for micro engineered systems, the module investigates clean room-based lithographic and other methods of microfabrication. Micro manufacturing issues for a range of materials such as silicon, polymers and metals will be discussed along with routes to larger scale manufacture. A range of example devices and applications will be used to illustrate manufacturing parameters.

This module aims to introduce the use and benefits of miniaturised microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in semiconductor based photonic and RF technologies. The module will review the basic mechanical, electrostatic and optical/RF concepts underlying MEMS technology and will present manufacturing processes and applications of the technology. Special emphasis will be placed on using COMSOL Multiphysics and associated toolboxes in this module. Assessment will include mini-projects and presentations, in addition to the traditional written examination. Students will have the opportunity to design a MEMS photonic chip, which will then be fabricated and characterised as part of the practical portion of this module.