Nanotechnology Research - Universities

This option provides an introduction to the principles of electronics, electromagnetics and photonics as they apply at the nanoscale level. By selecting this option, students will learn about the process involved in the fabrication of nanoscale structures and become familiar with the computer aided design (CAD) tools necessary for analyzing phenomena at these very high levels of miniaturization.

The Nanoengineering Option provides broad skills suitable for entry to the nanotechnology professions, combining core Electrical Engineering and Physics courses with additional instruction in biochemistry and chemistry, and specialized instruction in nanoelectronics, nanobioengineering, and nanofabrication.

Students entering this option will be exposed to the exciting and emerging field of nano and functional materials. Subject areas covered include electronic, optical and magnetic materials, nanomaterials and their applications, nanostructured molecular sieves, nano and functional materials processing and fabrication. Employment opportunities exist in several sectors of Canadian industry, such as microelectronic/optoelectronic device fabrication, MEMS processing and fuel cell development.

The Buriak group at the University of Alberta

Specializing in surface characterization and modification, ACSES provides sample analysis capabilities for a wide range of material and process applications. With a focus on elucidating the composition and structure of thin films, the equipment set available to academic and industrial users is unmatched within an academic environment. Coupled with a dedicated staff of 3, ACSES provides all necessary onsite experitise for training and data analysis.

The focus of the group's research is to understand the fundamental process of nanoscale interfaces and use that information to develop novel instrumentation and tools which will enhance our quality of life and protect the environment. Their focus areas are nanoscale interface and molecular engineering with an emphasis on oilsands, nanobiology, and energy harvesting.

The nanoFAB is an open access micro and nano fabrication research facility. With approximately $30,000,000 worth of micro and nano fabrication equipment and infrastructure, our instruments allow for optical mask generation, electron beam lithography, PVD, LPCVD and PECVD deposition of thin films, deep Si etch processes and micro and nano embossing. Along with a dedicated staff of 10 for training and on site technical assistance for process development we are an unparalleled Canadian academic facility for micro and nano fabrication research and development.

A a multi-disciplinary research center with nanoscience and nanotechnology research.

The group is engaged in many areas of microsystems and nanotechnology, with a particular focus on devices and systems, experimentation and fabrication. Applications of MiNa research span over many areas, including biomedical devices, nano-computing, nano-devices, communication, energy, sensors and actuators.

The research program of Prof. Hongbin Li's group is in the area of single molecule biophysical chemistry. They are interested in the mechanical properties and conformational dynamics of elastic proteins.