Exploring the Future with MIRELAI: A Journey through the EKL’s Microelectronics Innovations at TU Delft

The Else Kooi Lab (EKL) at the Delft University of Technology (TU Delft) is renowned for its cutting-edge research and innovation in the field of microelectronics. An exclusive guided tour of the EKL offers attendees a unique opportunity to gain firsthand insights into the forefront of microelectronics (especially microchips) research and development. The EKL visit was part of MIRELAI’s first annual meeting and workshop being conducted for all doctoral candidates.

EKL lab tour: thoughts and reflection of Vikram (DC1)

1. State-of-the-Art Facilities: The EKL is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and cutting-edge technology. Visitors will have the chance to explore advanced laboratories, cleanrooms, and specialized research areas where scientists and engineers work on a wide range of microelectronics projects.

2. Meet the Experts: During the tour, you will have the opportunity to meet with experts like Silvana Milosavljevic (40 years of work experience in the microchip industry) and other staff who are at the forefront of microelectronics research. Silvana Milosavljevic will provide valuable insights into lab expertise, breakthroughs, and the real-world applications of their work.

3. Hands-On Experience: Depending on the tour’s format, you may have the chance for a hands-on experience or live demonstrations of some of the lab’s research equipment and experiments. This interactive element can make complex concepts more accessible and engaging. Due to time constraints, we had live demonstrations of the chip manufacturing process.

4. Innovative Research Areas: Microelectronics is a diverse field that encompasses areas such as semiconductor devices, integrated circuits, photonics, and nanotechnology. The EKL tour may cover a wide range of research topics, showcasing the lab’s multidisciplinary approach to advancing microelectronics.

5. Inspiration: The EKL lab tour can be highly inspirational, especially for students and aspiring researchers like me. Witnessing the cutting-edge work being done in microelectronics can spark interest and motivation for pursuing careers or further studies in this field.

To attend an EKL lab tour at TU Delft, it is advisable to check the university’s official website or contact the lab directly for information about scheduled tours, availability and any specific requirements for participation. These tours are an excellent way to witness the exciting advancements in microelectronics and gain a deeper appreciation for the world of semiconductor technology and innovation. I personally appreciate the efforts of Dr Peter Fuchs (MIRELAI Coordinator), Prof Willem van Driel (TU Delft) and his team for organizing this event and exposing us MIRELAI DCs to such a complex yet interesting chip fabrication process. Finally, I would like to thank (even on behalf of all MIRELAI group members) Silvana Milosavljevic for gifting us the souvenirs in remembrance of the lab visit.