IMB-CNM secures eleven projects and more than €2 million in state funding

The Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (IMB-CNM-CSIC) is strengthening its leadership in microelectronics with eleven projects awarded by the Spanish Research Agency (AEI) as part of its Knowledge Generation Projects, worth more than €2 million. The initiatives range from wearable neurotechnology to radiation detectors for CERN and medical applications. In addition, a researcher from the IMB-CNM is leading a project from the University of La Rioja (UR) as principal co-investigator (PI), thus strengthening the institute's presence in collaborative initiatives at the national level.

IMB-CNM's research stands out for its multidisciplinary nature, reflected in the thematic diversity of the projects awarded: four in the area of Physical Sciences; four in Information and Communication Technologies; and three in Industrial Production, Civil Engineering, and Engineering for Society. This distribution demonstrates a unique ability to tackle complex challenges from multiple approaches, consolidating the center as a benchmark in cross-disciplinary innovation and applied knowledge.

In terms of IMB-CNM staff, two projects are led by principal investigators (PIs) who are women, three including the UR project, while nine have teams of two male researchers. In total, three women (four including the UR project) and 19 men are participating as scientific leaders.

• IP: Xavi Illa and Jose Yeste

The project is aimed at pushing the boundaries of in vitro biomedical research by creating next-generation Organ-on-Chip (OoC) systems. Traditional experimental models, ranging from animal testing to conventional cell cultures, frequently fail to replicate the human physiology, resulting in poor translational outcomes, high drug development failure rates, and continued dependence on ethically and financially challenging animal testing. OoC models are a promising solutions that mimic human tissue interactions and provide physiologically relevant environments for studying cellular processes. However, their full potential remains underdeveloped due to the lack of integrated sensors capable of capturing real-time, in-situ data on cellular functions. 

ASMEMS wants to take advantage of complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) technology to replace conventional plastic membranes in OoC systems with porous, silicon-based membranes populated with advanced sensor technologies. This innovation is envisioned to enable real-time, high-resolution monitoring of cellular behavior, disease mechanisms, and therapeutic responses, enhancing the precision and applicability of in vitro models. In addition to fabricating thin SiO2; membranes with precisely engineered pores.

As a proof of concept, these sensing elements will be integrated onto a single chip-membrane that will be accommodated in a microfluidic device to create an advanced OoC with capabilities for precise, real-time monitoring of cellular processes. We are confident that this flexible platformin which any combination of sensors can be customized for a specific research needwill enhance and advance monitoring methods in cutting-edge OoC technologies for reducing animal usage, accelerating therapeutic screening, and improving the predictive power of preclinical studies, such as the case study performed in this project: a neurovascular co-culture model with neuroinflammation for the study of epileptogenesis, in which endothelial cells migrate into an environment with neuroinflammation. 

• IP: Giulio Pellegrini and Joan Marc Rafí

With the aim of exploring the energy frontier in particle physics, a substantial upgrade of the LHC accelerator at CERN will be carried out to increase its nominal luminosity by an order of magnitude. The High Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) is expected to start operating in 2028. To adapt, it will be necessary to upgrade several subsystems of the ATLAS experiment.

This project is part of CERN's flagship program and is a collaboration between the IMB-CNM, the Institute for High Energy Physics (IFAE), and the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB). It includes key contributions to three components of the ATLAS detector: 3D pixel modules for the new inner detector (ITk), LGAD modules for the high-granularity time detector (HGTD), and mechanical structures to improve the TileCal hadronic calorimeter. The IMB-CNM's participation focuses on designing and manufacturing radiation sensors resistant to the extreme conditions of the HL-LHC. Sensors made of materials such as silicon (Si), silicon carbide (SiC), and gallium nitride (GaN) will be produced in the Clean Room, where their tolerance and durability will be evaluated.

During the HL-LHC phase, the high number of collisions will affect the detector's performance. To mitigate this, the HGTD will be implemented, based on LGAD technology developed by the IMB-CNM, consolidating Spanish participation in the project.

• IP: Joaquín Faneca and Carlos Domínguez

CryptoPIC aims to develop innovative solutions for the protection and security of digital data and infrastructures using photonic integrated circuits (PICs). The growing demand for secure, high-speed communication systems need advanced technologies that ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and authenticity of information. In this context, PICs emerge as a revolutionary alternative, enabling the integration of multiple optical functions onto a single chip and offering advantages in terms of speed, energy efficiency, and resistance to physical attacks. 

The project, in collaboration with the Institute of Microelectronics of Sevilla (IMSE-CNM-CSIC), addresses the implementation of cryptographic primitives in PICs with a dual objective. On one hand, it seeks to enhance the robustness of traditional cryptographic primitives by leveraging more secure photonic mechanisms. On the other, it aims to strengthen photonic devices through the development of advanced cryptographic and authentication techniques. By integrating physically unclonable functions (PUFs) and other fundamental cryptographic elements within PICs, the project will create security systems capable of generating unique and unrepeatable identifiers, bolstering protection against cyberattacks. Furthermore, advanced optical structures will be explored to improve the robustness, efficiency, and functionality of the devices, enabling the derivation of secure digital identities.

• IP: Esteve Amat and Jordi Llobet Sixto

The objective is to develop innovative manufacturing processes that allow vertical structures to be used as an alternative to flat ones for integrated circuits in technological nodes smaller than 1 nanometer (nm). The project will be carried out by a team from the IMB-CNM and the Institute of Materials Science of Madrid (ICMM, Paloma Tejedor), part of the CSIC, and consists of two stages. In the first stage, processes will be developed to enable vertical structures, exploring new strategies at the IMB-CNM. The aim will be to obtain structures with defined dimensions and geometry, using high-performance electron beam lithography (EBL). It will also be key to correctly define the doped regions, achieving adequate levels and thicknesses through epitaxial growth or doping with Spin-On-Dopant.

The ICMM will investigate alternative materials and devices, such as replacing silicon with III-V materials with higher carrier mobility, using epitaxial growth techniques. Tunnel-FET devices will also be explored for their better performance.

Once the processes are mature, an integrated circuit will be implemented on a silicon pillar as a proof of concept: a CMOS inverter with two stacked transistors, reducing area and energy consumption. At the same time, electrical characterizations will be performed to validate the project's objectives.

• IP: Iñigo Martin and Francesc Perez Murano

Enhancing the performance or functionality of an electronic component often relies on the implementation of new materials and manufacturing technologies. Among the promising candidate materials for next-generation nanoelectronic circuits is graphene—a one-atom-thick form of carbon—when patterned into nanometer-wide ribbons (graphene nanoribbons, GNRs). However, the scalable patterning of GNRs and the fabrication of the corresponding nanodevices remain significant challenges.

GTRONICS aims to address these challenges by exploring a deterministic growth method to achieve GNRs with precise control over their structure, morphology, and position on the substrate; by developing advanced micro- and nanofabrication methods to enable transistor-like devices; and by applying advanced characterization techniques and developing models for both materials and devices.  The project is carried out in collaboration with the University of Valladolid, and some experiments will be conducted jointly with researchers from the University of Hamburg.

• IP: Xavier Muñoz and Pablo Giménez

Flexible electronics, made from biocompatible and sustainable materials, are becoming increasingly important. Their ability to adapt to specific shapes and sizes is key in sectors such as sports (patches for athletes), food control (smart packaging), environmental monitoring (biodegradable devices), and especially health, where they adapt to biological tissues.

This project proposes to develop flexible silk-based devices and integrate them into organoid analysis platforms to study cellular functionality. Properties such as silk's biocompatibility, mechanical, thermal, and chemical stability, along with its low dielectric constant and compatibility with microfabrication, will be leveraged to create flexible substrates. In addition, its ability to retain compounds will enable the development of new inks, bioinks, and electrochromic films.

These biomaterials will be used in flexible microelectronic devices to stimulate and record organoids. The project has a multidisciplinary team with expertise in biomaterials, sensors, biofunctionalization, biosensors, electrochemical transducers, and micro/nanofabrication technologies. It is complemented by international collaborations: Tufts University (USA) in silk technologies, the University of Oslo (Norway) in eye diseases, and the company DAN*NA (Spain) in flexible electronics, ensuring a comprehensive and innovative approach.

• IP: Miguel Ullán and Manuel Lozano Fantoba

The IMB-CNM is actively involved in the construction of the Inner Tracker (ITk) for the ATLAS Upgrade experiment at CERN's HL-LHC. The next step is to complete the production of the necessary large-area strip sensors. Production is well underway, and to complete it successfully, the tests must be finished, the sensors evaluated, and sent to the assembly sites for installation.

The Radiation Detectors Group (RDG) plays a key role: the project IP is the Strip Sensor Coordinator and the group leads the Quality Assurance (QA) tasks. It also performs measurements on test structures before irradiation, using automatic and manual tests, parameter analysis, and uploading results to the database.

In addition to the ITk, the IMB-CNM maintains R&D lines in radiation detectors for future experiments, aligned with the ECFA's Detector R&D Roadmap. These include integrated microchannel cooling, heterogeneous integration, strip technology optimization, and the development of characterization and data acquisition systems. With these lines, the group remains at the forefront of technological development for the next generation of detectors.

• IP: Celeste Fleta and Consuelo Guardiola

Advanced silicon carbide (SiC) radiation detectors based on new micromachining technologies will be developed. They will then be validated in radiation beams to respond to the technological challenges of new radiotherapy techniques that are changing the paradigm of cancer treatment: proton therapy and FLASH radiotherapy (RT).

On the one hand, ultra-thin transmissive SiC diodes will be used for beam monitoring in radiotherapy. Using MEMS technologies, SiC membrane diodes will be produced in which the rear face of the substrate is etched to measure the position and intensity of proton beams with minimal disturbance. On the other hand, SiC microdiodes will be made for microdosimetry using MEMS technologies to create 3D detection volumes optimized for accurate microdosimetric measurements in extreme radiation environments such as FLASH RT. The detectors manufactured will be characterized using advanced techniques and their performance as radiation detectors in preclinical and clinical radiation beams will be evaluated.

In addition, the IMB-CNM Micro and Nanofabrication Clean Room (recognized as a Unique Science and Technology Infrastructure, ICTS) is one of the few in the world that has succeeded in manufacturing SiC dosimeters capable of working optimally under FLASH radiation conditions. In fact, the principal investigators of this proposal are co-authors of a patent that protects this technology.

• IP: Anton Guimerà and Gemma Gabriel

Electrophysiology techniques are essential for evaluating pathophysiological states in the nervous, cardiovascular, and muscular systems. Current non-invasive technologies have limitations, such as the need for conductive gels, which affect the stability of prolonged recordings. Advances in materials and printing have enabled the development of electronic tattoos with multiple functionalities, improving wearable electrophysiology. However, they still do not meet the requirements of high-density electromyography (HD-EMG), which is key to understanding the neuromuscular system.

The NEUROSKIN project seeks to overcome these limitations by using highly conformable electrodes in wearable tattoos for HD-EMG, improving signal acquisition and enabling real-time muscle modulation. New manufacturing techniques will be explored to route signals in conductive layers on flexible substrates, achieving arrays of up to 512 electrodes with 1 mm spacing. Porous materials for semi-dry electrodes will also be developed, using conductive polymers and hydrogel precursors, creating a rehydratable skin-electrode interface. In addition, wireless reading electronics will be designed on flexible substrates.

The project represents a breakthrough in flexible neurotechnology, with applications in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, rehabilitation, brain-computer interfaces, and home healthcare. The teams of researchers Juan C. Moreno (CSIC), Raimon Jané (IBEC), and Javier Ibañez (University of Zaragoza) are participating in the project.

• IP: Xavier Jordà and Xavier Perpiñà

Power electronics are key to the energy transition, enabling electrification based on renewable energy. Their main components are switching cells with power semiconductor devices and control circuits, which require greater intelligence, density, robustness, and efficiency. They are currently manufactured using traditional techniques that limit their performance.

An innovative solution is chip embedding, which integrates chips into the multilayer structure of PCBs, connecting them via micro-vias. This allows control and power to be combined on a single, more compact board, reducing costs and facilitating recycling. However, it depends on a few companies (none in Spain) and specific chips that are difficult to obtain.

The POWERCELLS project seeks to develop chip-embedded integrated cells compatible with standard national manufacturing processes. A multilayer structure with good thermal and electrical response will be designed, and interconnection will be optimized using copper-metallized chips. Si VDMOS transistors will be developed that mimic WBG devices, which are more expensive and scarce, to facilitate prototyping. Structures to improve integration will also be investigated and these techniques will be applied to GaN devices.

Finally, reliability will be ensured through advanced characterization techniques, such as high-resolution electroluminescence and thermoreflectance.

• IP: Enric Cabruja and Pablo Fernández

This project, coordinated with the Institute of High Energy Physics (IFAE), seeks to combine LGAD sensors with the Timepix4 chip to create a more sensitive device. The goal is to achieve a lower energy detection threshold than that obtained when using Timepix4 with passive sensors, while maintaining all its new functionalities.

As the design of the LGAD sensor is already advanced thanks to a previous project, the team will focus on reading data and exploring its applications. This approach allows them to move directly towards the development and validation of the device.

The resulting device has great potential in multiple areas: from synchrotron light sources, where materials are studied with great precision, to high-energy physics (HEP) experiments and applications in medical physics, such as radiation detection or the development of new imaging techniques.

• IP: Fayna García (Universidad de la Rioja) and Elisabet Prats. 
• Elisabet Prats is a Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red (CIBER-BBN Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina) researcher at the Biomedical Applications Group at IMB-CNM.

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is often detected at advanced stages due to the lack of clear symptoms and its confusion with benign diseases. Early detection is key to improving prognosis. This proposal presents MAPS, an innovative strategy that uses graphene-based sensors (gSGFET) to identify autoantibodies, biomarkers produced by the immune system in response to cancer before symptoms appear.

MAPS initially focuses on the MUC1 antigen, allowing the platform to be optimized and chemical conjugation to be improved. In addition, a selective immobilization technique will be developed to increase diagnostic accuracy. Subsequently, the system will be expanded with a panel of lung cancer-specific antigens, reducing false positives and improving reliability.

Thanks to optimized chemical bonding, MAPS will be able to detect multiple analytes in a single device. This approach not only seeks to identify NSCLC in its early stages, but also to guide personalized treatments, representing a significant advance in the diagnosis and management of lung cancer. The Micro and Nanofabrication Clean Room at IMB-CNM and Nanbiosis ICTS, where IMB-CNM manages the Micro-Nano Technology Unit, will provide technological support for the project.