The IMB-CNM will be in charge of the coordination of the ICTS MicroNanoFabs for the next two years

The IMB-CNM assumes the coordination of the MicroNanoFabs network for the next two years in the map of Unique Scientific and Technical Infrastructures, ICTS, of the Ministry of Science and Innovation. The distributed network hosts clean rooms dedicated to micro and nanofabrication and includes those of the Institute of Microelectronics of Barcelona (of the CSIC), the Institute of Optoelectronic Systems and Microtechnology (ISOM) and the Valencia Nanophotonics Technology Center (NTC).

The people responsible at the technical and institutional level of the three nodes held, together with the people responsible for the ICTS program of the Ministry, the annual meeting of the network in Madrid on June 22, where the changes of the new management were approved.

Strategic asset for the deployment of the microelectronics and semiconductors PERTE approved by the Government

The CSIC Clean Room, hosted and managed by the IMB-CNM, and the entire MicroNanoFabs Network have been considered a strategic asset in the deployment of the Chip Strategic Project (Microelectronics and Semiconductors). The institute makes available to the Government its experience in the design and manufacture of electronic devices and systems, as well as its capacity to train new professionals in these areas.

The Council of Ministers has allocated more than 12,000 million euros to the microelectronics industry within the framework of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.

More than thirty years dedicated to micro and nanofabrication

The IMB-CNM houses the Integrated Micro and Nanofabrication Clean Room, of 1,500 m2 and holds the classes 100-10,000. Its main lines of activity are in the fields of Micro and Nanoelectronics, Sensors, Actuators and MEMS, both in aspects of design and manufacturing of devices, circuits and systems. It is located in Bellaterra (Cerdanyola del Vallès), on the Campus of the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB).

In 2015, the room was integrated into the MicroNanoFabs distributed network, together with ISOM and NTC, under the ICTS umbrella, although it already had the previous seal. The network increases added value and offers unique open and competitive access to the capabilities of the three nodes. Thus, it expands the technological offer in the fields of Micro and Nano Fabrication, Photonics and Characterization of Materials and Devices.

The coordination rotates between the three nodes and the IMB-CNM assumes responsibility again this year.

"It is a pride to resume the coordination of the MicroNanoFabs network, which is giving such good results," explains Luis Fonseca, director of the IMB-CNM. "Above all, at this time when the Spanish Government is making a commitment to the semiconductor sector, to which we want to contribute with the experience of the three nodes, asserting the support we have received from the institutions and which we hope will be strengthen to live up to PERTE's ambition", he adds.

Images

• Above: Photolithography area of ​​the CSIC Micro and Nanofabrication Clean Room with staff working.
• Bottom: Meeting held in Madrid with representatives of the three nodes and those responsible for the ICTS program.