Microelectronics Research Group

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One of Australia's largest and most respected semiconductor electronics research groups

The MRG, led by Prof Lorenzo Faraone, is one of Australia's largest and most respected semiconductor electronics research groups and is leading the world in the innovative combination of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) with infrared sensor technologies for fourth generation IR systems.

In collaboration with other world-leading universities and organisations across the globe, the MRG is also actively involved in innovative technologies for the characterisation and processing of new and emerging semiconductor materials including GaN, InAlN and GaInN.

The Microelectronics Research Group (MRG) undertakes fundamental and applied research into advanced microelectronic, optoelectronic and photonic materials, devices and systems.

The MRG undertakes studies into electro-optic systems design, and has an outstanding record in atmospheric IR and UV propagation research. The MRG also runs a completely vertically integrated facility, from materials growth, through device design, fabrication and testing, to packaging and subsystem assembly.

Research

The MRG undertakes world-leading research in the areas of compound semiconductor device design, simulation, fabrication and characterisation. The group has wide-ranging capabilities in the areas of HgCdTe-based high-performance infrared sensors, AlGaN/GaN-based ultraviolet sensors and high-speed high-power electronics, compound semiconductor growth by Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE), microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), and atmospheric electro-optic propagation.

The MRG also has numerous links with both national and international research institutes, industries and universities.

We are seeking graduates (for PhD research programs) and postdoctoral researchers (at both junior and senior levels) in Physics, Materials/Mechanical Engineering, or Electrical/Electronic Engineering, for immediate commencement of research programs.

Microscope in lab setting

The MRG is currently undertaking a number of government funded research programs, industrial research contracts, and international collaborations including a multi-million dollar project on Infrared Adaptive Focal Plane Arrays. The extensive facilities of the group include a $2.5 million upgrade of the semiconductor clean-room microfabrication facilities, $1.5 million upgrade of the Molecular Beam Epitaxy facility and the formation of a high calibre Western Australian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facilty.

The group is interested in highly motivated PhD candidates and postdoctoral researchers who are keen to work in a successful, interesting and challenging research environment, as part of a dynamic and cohesive team of researchers. Potential PhD candidates would be expected to be eligible and to apply for an Australian Postgraduate Award (APA), or similar support.

The MRG also provides generous supplementary scholarships in addition to an APA. Further information for prospective students at The University of Western Australia is available.

For further information regarding specific projects and assistance with applications, please contact us using the information below.

People of MRG

The Microelectronics Research Group (MRG) is home to a dynamic team of researchers, engineers, and students working at the forefront of microelectronics, optoelectronics, and photonics. The team specialises in advanced semiconductor materials, infrared sensors, and MEMS technologies, driving innovation and contributing to global advancements in these fields.

Staff

Jarek Antoszewski, Principal Research Fellow
Nima Dehdashti, Super Science Fellow
John Dell, Emeritus Professor
Lorenzo Faraone, Head of MRG
Ken Fogden, Technical Manager
Gurpreet Singh Gill, Research Associate
Renjie Gu, Senior Engineer
Martin Hill, Associate Professor
Karen Kader, School Assistant (Microelectronics)
Hemendra Kala, Research Fellow
Adrian Keating, Professor
Wen Lei, Professor
Yinong Liu, Professor
Mariusz Martyniuk, Principal Research Fellow
Brett Nener, Professor
Wenwu Pan, Research Fellow
Gia Parish, Professor
Dilusha Silva, Associate Professor
Gilberto Umana-Membreno, Principal Research Fellow
Michal Zawierta, Research Fellow

Associated Researchers

Kevin Fynn, Adjunct Associate Professor
Roger Jeffery, Adjunct Associate Professor
Gino Putrino, Adjunct Associate Professor
Nicola Sasanelli, Adjunct Associate Professor

Student

Oleg Bannik, PhD Student
Jesse Fletcher, PhD Student
Farhad Foroozandeh, PhD Student
Jega Thisan Gurusamy, PhD Student
Yan Liu, PhD Student
Daniel Morley, PhD Student
Pranjal Mukherji, Visiting Research Student
Fahia Munna, PhD Student
Aayushi Nanda, PhD Student
Aayushi Nanda, Masters Student
Damini Rangaswamy, PhD Student
Kanwal Zakir, PhD Student
Zekai Zhang, PhD Student

Research centres

ANN

The Microelectronics Research Group is an active member of the Australian Nanotechnology Network (ANN). Nanotechnology has been identified by industry and governments globally as a priority area of research, and billions of dollars have been invested in research and development. The US has launched a National Nanotechnology Initiative, and other major economies have already addressed this important need through the creation of major European and Asian networks in nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is decidedly interdisciplinary and straddles all science and engineering disciplines.

To adequately seize the enormous research opportunities that exist in this new field, and to maximise the outcomes of such research for the nation, it is essential that links are fostered to allow researchers to interact across discipline boundaries. Australia has distinct nanotechnology thrusts in areas of nanoparticles, nano materials/devices, semiconductor electronics/optoelectronics, functional nanomaterials and polymers/composites.

ANN intends to bring together all the groups working in the field of nanotechnology and related areas in Australia. The ANN aims to substantially enhance Australia's research outcomes in this important field by promoting effective collaboration and exposing researchers to alternative and complementary approaches from other fields.

The Network will promote international links, create forum for students, young investigators and entrepreneurs, enhance the awareness of existing infrastructure and actively seek to enhance the nanotechnology infrastructure in the country, and carry out outreach activities to enhance the public awareness of nanotechnology. In order to cover the broader areas and to create critical mass, four seed funding networks have joined to create ANN.

WASCOM

The Western Australian Centre for Semiconductor Optoelectronics and Microsystems (WACSOM) was established in 2003 and the Centre manager is Prof. Mariusz Martyniuk. The WACSOM facility is a fully-equipped semiconductor fabrication laboratory which includes: chemical vapour deposition systems and thermal and electron-beam evaporators for thin film deposition (dielectrics, metals, semiconductors); reactive ion etching systems for dry etching of materials; rapid thermal annealer; photolithography facilities including mask aligners; fume hoods for chemical processing; and surface profilers and optical microscopes (Nomarski) for in-line test and inspection. The nanofabrication facility is equipped with reticulated de-ionised water, compressed air, chilled water and process gases.

The State Government funding provided, via a Western Australian State Government Centres of Excellence Program funded from the Premiers Office of Science and Innovation, to the Centre was used for specific equipment purchase and the building/refurbishment of the A. G. Nassibian Nanofabrication Facility (NNF), which is located within the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering at The University of Western Australia. The Facility was commissioned in September/October 2003 and officially opened on the 20th June 2004, by the Deputy Premier, the Honorable Eric Ripper.

Projects

A wide range of projects are currently being undertaken in the facility:

Fabrication of infrared photodetectors, utilising on the semiconductor mercury cadmium telluride.
Fabrication of GaN-based devices for development of ultraviolet detectors and high performance electronic devices.
Fabrication of MEMS devices for integration with temperature sensitive compound semiconductors for use in optical applications.
Fabrication of MEMS devices for electronic components.
Micro-machining for fabrication of silicon-based heat-exchangers in novel refrigeration units.
Development of various dry etching and thin film deposition techniques for application in projects at other research institutions.

Key Researchers:

W/Prof. Lorenzo Faraone Professor, BEng PhD W.Aust.
Professor, School of Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering Institute of Agriculture
W/Prof. John Dell Emeritus Professor, BE PhD W.Aust. , FIEAUST
Emeritus Professor, School of Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering
Prof. Brett Nener Professor, MSc Tokyo, BE PhD W.Aust., SMIEEE
Professor, School of Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering
Prof. Gia Parish Director, UWA Defence & Security Institute, Professor
Professor, School of Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering
Prof. Jarek Antoszewski Associate Professor
Principal Research Fellow, School of Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Computer
Prof. Mariusz Martyniuk Associate Professor, FAIP, SMIEEE, Dr
Principal Research Fellow, School of Engineering, Electrical, Electronic and Computer
Prof. Yinong Liu Professor
Professor, School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Prof. Adrian Keating Professor
Professor, School of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

TMOS

The Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems (TMOS) is revolutionizing the future of optical technologies by developing ultra-compact systems with unprecedented capabilities. By leveraging the disruptive potential of meta-optics, TMOS aims to overcome key challenges in light generation, manipulation, and detection at the nanoscale. These innovations will drive breakthroughs across multiple sectors, enabling real-time holographic displays, artificial vision for autonomous systems, remote Earth observation, and wearable medical devices. Positioned at the forefront of Industry 4.0, TMOS is shaping technologies that could be as impactful as the invention of the transistor.

ANFF

The Australian National Fabrication Facility provides access to micro and nanofabrication services to enable Australia's innovation agenda.

Find out more

Contact us

Phone

Get in touch

(+61 8) 6488 3801

Email

Send an enquiry

mrg-ecm@uwa.edu.au

Location

Room 1.52, Electrical and Electronic Engineering building, The University of Western Australia. 35 Stirling Highway Crawley, Perth Western Australia 6009

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