MicroN Lab: Microsystem and Nanoelectronics Lab (Room: Tech 213)
Where small-scale science powers big ideas
The Microsystem and Nanoelectronics (MicroN) Lab is UB’s interdisciplinary hub for innovation at the micro- and nano-scale. Here, students and faculty collaborate on breakthroughs in microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), nanoelectronics, VLSI design, and cutting-edge applications of artificial intelligence.
Our work spans inertial, optical, biomedical, and RF MEMS — tackling challenges in navigation, healthcare, optical display, and communications. We also explore next-generation nanoelectronics and molecular electronics, advancing Moore’s Law and shaping the future of computing.
Research that reaches the real world
MicroN researchers are pushing boundaries in:
- Molecular electronics: Investigating rotaxane and other molecule-based moletronics for future memory and logic systems.
- AI and machine learning: A primary health care kit is hung near the lab’s entry door. Safety is our top priority. A safety briefing is conducted before starting the lab activity.
- Interdisciplinary discovery: Integrating deep learning with remote sensing to improve environmental monitoring and disaster response.
Hands-on learning and advanced tools
Students gain practical experience with industry-standard hardware and software:
- MEMS Class-on-a-Chip allows students to observe and activate devices in real time
- Raspberry Pi 5, Arduino, and Digilent Nexys A7 FPGA platforms
- Optical microscopes and Altera DE2 FPGA boards
Software and simulation
- COMSOL for MEMS/Bio-MEMS design
- NAMD/VMD for molecular dynamics
- Cadence OrCAD PSPICE, Altera Quartus II/ModelSim, and other VLSI EDA tools
Courses connected to the lab
Tech 213 supports a range of Electrical and Computer Engineering classes, including:
- MEMS (BME/EE-446) and BioMEMS (BME/EE-547)
- Nanotechnology (EE-451)
- VLSI Design, Testing and Low-Power Circuits (EE-448, EE-548, EE-549)
- Microprocessors and Computer Architecture (CPEG/EE-286, CPEG-510)
- FPGA Design, Modern Electronics, and more
Students see theory come alive by designing, simulating, and building devices that prepare them for graduate research or careers in advanced electronics
Rotaxane nanomachines: Peiqiao Wu, Bhushan Dharmadhikari, Prabir Patra, Xingguo Xiong, “Rotaxane Nanomachines in Future Molecular Electronics,” Nanoscale Advances, Royal Society of Chemistry, Vol. 4, June 2022, pp. 3418-3461.
Molecular switches: Peiqiao Wu, Bhushan Dharmadhikari, Prabir Patra, Xingguo Xiong, “Rotaxane as a switch for molecular electronic memory application: A molecular dynamics study,” Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling, (Impact Factor: 2.942) Elsevier, Volume 114, July 2022, p. 108163.
AI wildfire detection: “Machine Learning based Wildfire Detection Using Satellite Imagery and Drone Surveillance,” NASA Connecticut Space Grant Consortium (CTSGC) - Faculty Research Grant, PI: Dr. Xingguo Xiong, Co-PIs: Dr. Navarun Gupta, Dr. Ahmed El-Sayed, 07/01/2024 - 05/31/2025.