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Nanotechnology/Microelectronics

In 2004, New Mexico was ranked third in the nation (behind California and Massachusetts) in a leading business magazine’s top ten list of centers of nanotechnology and microsystems research, development and commercialization. (Nanotechnology is the science and technology of building electronic circuits and devices from single atoms and molecules while micro electronics is defined as the branch of electronics that deals with miniature components. Optics and photonics are also included in the cluster.)

Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico Tech and New Mexico State University, along with Sandia National Laboratories and the University of New Mexico, are important catalysts for nanotech R&D and commercialization. The vast majority of companies working in this field are located in the ‘metroplex’ area of Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, though there are about 30 companies outside of this area that are engaged in manufacturing and R&D activities.

At the University level, NMSU has a nanotechnology group within its physics department, and New Mexico Tech researchers have been recognized for their work in the field. NMSU has Centers for Nanomaterials and for Photonics Materials Research. New Mexico Tech also has a Center for Photonics Technology located within its engineering department.

Nanotechnology Assets

The Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) is a Department of Energy/Office of Science Nanoscale Science Research Center (NSRC) operating as a national user facility devoted to establishing the scientific principles that govern the design, performance, and integration of nanoscale materials.

CINT is one of five NSRCs in the United States that form an integrated national program, affiliated with major facilities at the Department of Energy’s national laboratories, to cover the diverse aspects of nanoscience and technology. Through its core facility in Albuquerque with gateways to both Los Alamos and Sandia National Laboratories, CINT provides open access to tools and expertise needed to explore the continuum from scientific discovery to the integration of nanostructures into the micro and macro world.

The Nano-Network of New Mexico is organized as a project of the Micro and Nanotechnology Commercialization Education Foundation (MANCEF), a volunteer-based, global non-profit dedicated to the acceleration of commercialization of miniaturization technologies through educational products and projects.

While the definition of ‘optics’ is the use of light, ‘photonics’ is the science of generating, manipulating, transporting, detecting and using light information energy. New Mexico’s optics and photonics companies design, develop and manufacture optics systems and components for both the public and private sector. Activities include laser, sensor, component and instrument manufacturing; production of entire systems; design and supply.

New Mexico State University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in electro-optics through a joint program between the engineering school and the physics department. New Mexico Tech offers a degree in Optical Science and Engineering.  OPAL (the Optics and Photonics Lab at New Mexico Tech) conducts research in experimental adaptive optics and directed energy and the effects of radiation on semiconductors.

Community colleges offering degrees and certificates in Electronics include Northern New Mexico College, NMSU Alamogordo and Dona Ana Community College.

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