Electronics, photonics and MEMS (Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) are fundamental to the operation of most of today’s products and infrastructure. CNM’s Advanced Systems Technology program enables its students to succeed in all three technologies making its graduates well prepared to contribute to these high tech industries.
The Microsystems and Laser Optics Concentration provides its students the Laser, optics, and microsystems applications, fabrication and hands-on experiments to prepare its graduates for a successful career in contributing to high tech industry and laboratories. The program of study uses facilities containing modern equipment for testing, troubleshooting, calibrating, analyzing, designing and fabricating electronic and microsystems for processing wafers in both MEMS and SMT applications.
Microsystems lab classes are held at the University of New Mexico’s Manufacturing Training and Technology Center clean room, which makes use of research grade fabrication processes and tools.
Micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)-Microsystems Technology (MST), also known as Micro-Machines, are an increasingly pervasive in our daily lives. Smartphones and tablets feature an array of MEMS, from auto focusing micro cameras, pico projection, motion and tilt sensors, to touch screens, microphones and speakers. MEMS are present in automotive crash and rollover safety, navigation, fuel economy and emissions control systems. Microsystems are also found in bio chemical and medical applications including chemical sensor arrays, pace-makers, pressure sensors, cochlear and artificial retina implants, microfluidic drug delivery systems and “chem lab on a chip” diagnostic application. These systems can sense, think and actuate!
Many of these microsystems require not only an understanding of device fabrication and electronics but also photonics (optics). Additional laboratory facilities provide the ability to analyze and test various materials and components such as fiber optic cabling, alignment, and applications of optics in the laser industry. Students study the laser, both as an instrument and as an integral part of a system designed for industrial application and scientific research. The laser optics classes cover topics such as laser alignment, safety and the use of lasers in electronics production, testing and maintenance - students acquire a hands-on skills and knowledge of light, geometrical and physical optics, optical components and systems.
Many of our courses are transferable to four-year degree programs, and CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
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