CHTM Research

Research

CHTM is a nationally recognized center for photonics and microelectronics research and over 80% of our annual research budget of approximately $7M is funded by external research contracts. This strong funding record has allowed CHTM to furnish its facilities with modern equipment and to maintain a focus on leading-edge research topics that are relevant to government and industry. This pays off in many ways;

CHTM can offer high quality and advanced research capabilities, where, for example, a novel semiconductor device can be designed, fabricated and evaluated completely in-house (see vertical integration below).
This fertile research environment provides a superb educational opportunity for graduate students, allowing them to gain an in-depth experience of their research topic. In addition they have the opportunity to interact with peer groups and to establish a professional network though conference and meeting presentations. This experience gives graduating students a competitive "edge" as they enter the job market.
CHTM's active research and education role also promotes economic development in New Mexico. There are now several spin-off businesses that have grown from research projects at CHTM and the "hi-tech" environment that CHTM is part of and is promoting, has attracted new businesses to New Mexico.

Vertical Integration is a key to CHTM's strong research capability. To create a useful semiconductor device a clear understanding of device theory is necessary. CHTM faculty are experienced in the theory and practice of a wide range of photonics and microelectronics devices and they have access to powerful computing power when required for device simulation. The structure of modern semiconductor devices can comprise literally hundreds of individual layers that must be grown with a tight tolerance. CHTM boasts 2 MOCVD reactors and 5 MBE systems for the materials growth of advanced epitaxial semiconductor structures. CHTM's cleanroom offers a full range of process equipment for the fabrication of advanced semiconductor devices. Characterization provides critical feedback at all stages of fabrication and CHTM laboratories are extremely well equipped with electrical and optical test equipment for the evaluation of materials, devices and systems.