MAP student participates in 49th Conference of Micro and Nanoengineering
I had the privilege of attending the 49th International Conference of Micro and Nanoengineering (MNE) in Berlin, one of the biggest conferences in the field of nano and microfabrication. From 25 to 28 September 2023, researchers from all over the world and from various fields presented their research results.
What all participants had in common was their interest in creating small structure and circuit fabrication, as well as in the methods used to achieve those. I had the chance to discuss the latest innovations in equipment and materials development directly with the manufacturers. This way, I was able to obtain information that is very difficult to access otherwise. Most exciting for me was the opportunity to hear some of the pioneers in the industry speak, along with being able to see the latest “fashion” in process development, as well as where the industry and research are heading. The new developments of high NA EUV lithography and smart-glasses using nanoimprint technologies will impact the daily life of the general public immensely in the near future. For my career, it was beneficial to speak with people from leading groups, such as Ronald Hanson’s group developing quantum internet from Delft, and discuss the opportunities of a Ph.D. thesis.
An essential aspect of my visit to the conference was being able to compare the research environments in Erlangen with those at some of the leading institutions. My conclusion was that Erlangen, with the Max Planck Institute for the Physics of Light (MPL) and the Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits and Devices (IISB), offers a unique, vibrant environment and that cutting-edge research is possible here. For instance, IISB can produce its own substrates and further process them, something very few research laboratories can boast of doing. By attending the conference, I gained a new perspective on my current environment, due to which I am now seriously considering staying here for my PhD. Additionally, I would like to thank MAP for supporting my visit to Berlin financially by an educational grant.
By MAP student Momčilo Milosavljević (matriculation group 2021)