Research Themes

The Holonyak Micro and Nanotechnology laboratory has a strong historical legacy that begins with John Bardeen and his established semiconductor research, and Nick Holonyak, with his foundational work on semiconductor lasers and LEDs. HMNTL is a central intellectual hub for 42 faculty and more than 300 students from a large number of departments and schools at the University of Illinois. Our unique combination of in-house fabrication facilities and legacy of multidisciplinary collaborative research enables the highest impacts in fields spanning ultra-high-speed electronic and photonic devices, wireless and optical communications, energy-efficient lighting systems, quantum computing, biosensors, fundamental life science research, translational clinical practice and many more.

 

High Speed Electronic Systems for 5G/6G

HMNTL researchers are at the forefront of high-frequency device fabrication and testing. We work towards a future where our wireless technologies, like wide bandgap and compound semiconductors, address challenges in transportation, healthcare, manufacturing, communication and more. 

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Photonic Technologies

Photonic systems represent the foundational technology for the generation and digital distribution of data across oceans, cities and datacenters. Photonic research supports U.S. industry and defense needs with application ranging from sensing and manufacturing to consumer applications like LEDs and VCSEL arrays in smart phones.

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Quantum Technologies

We are uniquely positioned to build on interdisciplinary quantum efforts at the University of Illinois thanks world-class experts in quantum and device physics, and exceptional supercomputing capabilities second to no other university in the U.S. Our focus and legacy in integrated, high-performance device technologies will inform the design of future quantum computers. 

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Nanoscale Devices for Artificial Intelligence

From 1D nanowires to graphene nanoribbons and nanoscale device simulations, the award-winning research by HMNTL faculty provides a solid foundation in materials and devices for the next phase in the digital computing revolution. These technologies will continue to profoundly impact energy, public health, security, business and artificial intelligence.

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Power Electronics

Power electronic devices today control distribution of over 50% of the world's electricity with a projected increase to 80% by 2030. HMNTL semiconductor materials and devices research, expert faculty, and long-standing partnerships with campus interdisciplinary research units are the key to addressing the challenges presented by this increase.

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Translational Biotechnologies

A convergent approach integrating the sciences, engineering, and medicine will drive a third life science revolution. HMNTL is developing new tools to enhance medical practice and making breakthroughs in measuring dynamic processes in live cells, designing synthetic nucleic acids, developing nanoparticles for medical imaging and more.

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Neurotechnologies

HMNTL is developing innovative neurotechnologies that will enable recording and manipulation of massive neuron populations to produce a dynamic picture of brain circuit interactions at the speed of thought. To do this, we are creating a revolutionary, transdisciplinary method of research that will break through disciplinary divides and traditional engineering workflows. 

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