CEF Facilities

The Centre for Electronics Frontiers (CEF) labs in Murchison House are at the forefront of emerging nanotechnology research. They offer state-of-the-art semiconductor characterisation facilities that complement the fabrication facilities of the Scottish Microelectronics Centre (SMC). In particular, the facilities enable a range of emerging nanoelectronics device and systems testing, novel semiconductor films characterisation and bioelectronic interface measurements. The quality of the labs and equipment allow the users to focus on the creation of high-impact research.

These facilities allow expert users across academia and industry to conduct research into a range of disruptive technologies. They enable the development of electronic systems with embedded artificial intelligence that underpin memristive technologies that merge memory with computing power - supporting a new era for advanced computing solutions that are more capable whilst also more energy-efficient and friendly to the environment. The CEF labs also support research in ultra-low power sensors that unlock new possibilities to monitor the world around us, ranging from smart implants and disease detection/monitoring to advanced image and sound processing capabilities that find a wide range of applications across healthcare, mobile assistance, IoT and defence.

Researchers in cleanroom suits working with equipment in the Scottish Microelectronics Centre

The SMC, based in the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh, offers commercial and academic clients access to state-of-the art facilities and in-house expertise in areas such as micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), semiconductor, and nano fabrication.

Blue probe card with a silver circle in the middle

The semiconductor device testing lab houses several probe stations, and can handle full wafers. There is also the capability to characterise all devices on a 200 mm wafer automatically.

Image of a memristor crossbar array taken by an SEM

Our materials characterisation capabilities include a top-spec AFM from Park Systems and a benchtop SEM, which is equipped for elemental analysis. We also have the facilities to test packaged nanoelectronic components completely. The lab is equipped with modern soldering and PCB rework tools, validation boards for crossbar arrays, and a suite of electrical test instruments.

Three people in lab coats working in a bioelectronics lab. Two are sat at a desk and one is stood in front of a fume cupboard.

The centre includes a space designated for bioelectronics research activities. This lab includes two laminar flow cabinets, a confocal microscope and a range of smaller instruments.

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