Minnesota Nano Center
The Minnesota Nano Center, or MNC, is a state-of-the-art facility for interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and applied nanotechnology.
The Center offers a comprehensive set of tools to help researchers develop new micro- and nanoscale devices, such as integrated circuits, advanced sensors, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and microfluidic systems. The MNC is also equipped to support nanotechnology research that spans many science and engineering fields, allowing advances in areas as diverse as cell biology, high performance materials, and biomedical device engineering.
Have a Project?
The tools and labs of the Nano Center are open for use by all trained and qualified users. We also do custom projects in the areas of microdevices, nanoparticles, and biomedical applications of nanotechnology.
Contact us and find out how we can help you realize your research goals or turn your ideas into new products.
Nano Center News
Global Quantum Leap
Global Quantum Leap is an international consortium dedicated to advancing nanofabrication infrastructure to enable quantum computing technology. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the Global Quantum Leap network seeks to accelerate the discovery and development of next-generation computing and communications systems by linking nanofabrication technologies with quantum information sciences. More information, please visit www.globalquantumleap.org.
Elliott-Yafet Spin Relaxation
University of Minnesota researchers recently published a cutting-edge study using tools at the Minnesota Nano Center. Profs. Chris Leighton (Dept. of Chemical Engineering and Material Science) and Paul Crowell (Dept. of Physics) and their students tested a type of electron spin relaxation in aluminum nanowires over a large thickness range (8.5–300 nm). The researchers fabricated these nanostructures using the Nano Center’s electron beam lithography system and e-beam evaporator. The study was published in the May 17 issue of Physical Review Letters.
Acknowledgment of NSF and NNCI
Published papers must acknowledge all sources of financial support. Since MNC receives funds from the National Science Foundation through the NNCI network, MNC users must acknowledge that support on all publications and presentations. Our funding is jeopardized unless everyone complies, so please add the following to your acknowledgement sections:
“Portions of this work were conducted in the Minnesota Nano Center, which is supported by the National Science Foundation through the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) under Award Number ECCS-2025124."
In circumstances where there is insufficient space for this entire acknowledgement, please be sure to mention "Award Number ECCS-2025124" at a minimum.