Winter 2025-26 Nano News

Message from the Director

As I approach the end of my first semester as director of the Minnesota Nano Center (MNC), I am honored to build on the remarkable foundation this community has created. The MNC has long been a hub for innovation, collaboration, and education, and this fall has reminded me just how vibrant and far-reaching that community truly is.

From advancing new fabrication capabilities to hosting Nano Day at the MNC, this season has been full of momentum and connection. Nano Day, in particular, captured what makes MNC so special by bringing together K–12 students, university researchers, and industry partners to experience the power of nanotechnology firsthand. Events like these remind us why we do what we do—to make science accessible, inspiring, and impactful at every level.

We are also excited to highlight several exciting research breakthroughs from our users, including advances in biomedical 3D printing, energy-efficient electronics, and RFID security. These achievements reflect MNC’s mission to support discovery through shared facilities and shared purpose.

I look forward to connecting with many of you in the coming months, whether in the cleanroom, at conferences, or over coffee during our monthly Coffee Hours. To learn more about my vision for MNC and the future of nanotechnology at the University of Minnesota, I invite you to read my recent interview with the University of Minnesota Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM).

Read more about Nano Day.

Sarah Swisher, Director
Minnesota Nano Center

Research Highlights

3D-printed tissue brings new realism to medical training

College of Science and Engineering (CSE) researchers have successfully 3D-printed lifelike human tissue structures that can be used for medical training. This technique mimics the strength and flexibility of real tissues such as skin and organs.

graphic modeling Ni₄W magnetization in electronic devices

Designing smarter, more sustainable electronics

Ni₄W enables more efficient control of magnetization in electronic devices using spin-orbit torque, and can switch magnetic states without external magnetic fields and with lower energy input, which could enable smarter, more sustainable devices.

Read the full spin orbit torque paper.

graphics of FMR-ID system using magnetic nanowires in an anodized aluminum oxide to control magnetic fields.

Semi-wireless magnetic ID for enhanced RFID security

A semi-wireless FMR-ID system using magnetic nanowires in an anodized aluminum oxide template is capable of encoding and retrieving multi-bit data under controlled magnetic fields. This shows potential for enhanced RFID security applications.

Read the full FMR-ID paper.

Around the Minnesota Nano Center

characterization image in the shape of a gold fish

Researcher Spotlight: UMN takes home wins NNCI image contest

Research assistants Sadikshya Pandey and Rishi Raj received awards in a recent National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) Plenty of Beauty image contest.

Learn about the NNCI contest awards.

New tool: RAITH PicoMaster 200

MNC acquired a RAITH PicoMaster 200, a direct-write laser lithography system with dual laser sources (375 and 405 nm), multiple write heads, and backside alignment. With a resolution limit of 0.3 µm and support for fast, grayscale direct-write, it provides users with enhanced flexibility and precision for lithography projects.

Learn about the RAITH PicoMaster 200.

Featured Facility: Characterization Facility

The Characterization Facility recently acquired a new Keyence VK-X3050 Optical Profilometer and Horiba LabRAM Odyssey Microscope. Learn more about recent updates in the CharFac summer newsletter or visit the CharFac website.

Learn about the Keyence VK-X3050.

Education and Outreach Update

selfie of 18 people dressed in cleanroom suits

Inspiring the next generation

This summer, the Minnesota Nano Center engaged hundreds of students, educators, and community members through tours, CSE Youth Programs (Eureka! And Discover STEM), Teacher PD workshops, and Research Experience for Teachers program building excitement and awareness for careers in nanotechnology and semiconductor manufacturing.

3 people tabling at the state fair and two people looking at table

MNC at the Minnesota State Fair

Together with Polar Semiconductor, MNC shared the magic of photolithography and cleanroom science with fairgoers during STEM Day, complete with cleanroom gowning races and giveaways!

20 people mingling at a networking event talking in groups of 2-5

Workforce Development

MNC continues to collaborate with SCALE and industry partners to strengthen workforce development and connect education with real-world semiconductor applications for undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Minnesota. To learn more, visit the SCALE program website or reach out to [email protected].

Did you know?

hiedelberg machine inside of the cleanroom

MNC makes photomasks!

Did you know about the MNC photomask capabilities? Our lithography team can help you design and fabricate high-precision photomasks for your next project. Submit your design and we'll make the mask for you, or get trained to make your own!

Learn more about MNC mask making.

Stay in touch!

Follow us on LinkedIn!

physics and nanotech building from scholars walk in spring time with flowers and trees in full bloom

Stay up to day on all the things nano by following the MNC LinkedIn page.

Coffee Hour-NEW time!

The Nano Center hosts coffee hour for current and potential users on the first Tuesday of each month from 10-11 a.m. in the Physics and Nanotechnology Building, room 130. These informal drop-in sessions offer a chance to meet MNC staff, discuss research projects, and get guidance on using our nanofabrication tools.

Have a project in mind?

If you are in the middle of a complex project, launching a new project, or are in the planning stages of a new research project, the MNC can help with your planning, cost estimation, and proposal support. Reach out to us at [email protected] or visit the Minnesota Nano Center website.