Microelectronics Research Center (MRC)

The Microelectronics Research Center (MRC) was established in 1983, and its mission is to research and develop new semiconducting and opto-electronic materials and technology for the next generation of electronic and photonic devices; interact with industry in the commercialization of these new technologies; and provide a state-of-the-art learning laboratory. The primary goal is to accomplish world-class research in a few, carefully selected niche areas.

Optoelectronic and Photonic; Organic and Inorganic

The major research areas in which MRC specializes are:

• Thin film opto-electronic devices, including photovoltaic energy conversion and thin film devices on plastic and process engineering for these devices. MRC has been involved in photovoltaic energy conversion for 20 years, and has recently strengthened these activities, both in fundamental research, and in working with industries to develop more reliable processes for higher conversion efficiency devices. Recent new research developments include initiation of work on novel hybrid organic-inorganic PV materials and devices, nanocrystalline superlattice solar cells and photonic bandgap devices for enhancing optical absorption in thin film solar cells.
• Photonic bandgap devices and materials and negative index materials for optical waveguides, antennas, filters, light valves, sensors, etc.
• Integrated biological and toxic gas sensors based on organic and inorganic thin film semiconductors.

State-of-the-Art Laboratories for Education and Research

A major task of MRC is to provide high-quality educational laboratory facilities for both graduate and undergraduate students. About 100 students benefit from these facilities every year and several classes are held at MRC at both graduate and undergraduate levels. Twenty-one faculty and their students use MRC facilities for doing their research.