Microfabrication Laboratory showcases academic-industry collaboration

WTC’s Microfabrication Laboratory Open House attracted researchers from around the Pacific Northwest to view the latest prototypes and commercial products developed at this premier R&D facility in Seattle. Engineers, chief technology officers, academic researchers, and industry executives flocked to the Washington Technology Center’s state-of-the-art facility to get an inside glimpse of the organization’s Microfabrication Laboratory, the largest micro-technology R&D facility in the Pacific Northwest.

Attendees view equipment in the lab's back end room.

More than 125 attendees from Washington and Oregon turned out to tour the lab February 26. The facility provides specialized equipment, trained personnel and other services for developing micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS)—miniaturized mechanical devices on silicon chips or wafers—a trend that is revolutionizing the technology industry.

Washington is home to a growing number of micro-technology companies. WTC is a critical partner in helping both new and established companies fabricate and test proprietary technology and prototypes in the earliest stages of development.

Microvision demonstrates the Nomad Expert Technician system

“Having access to fully-functioning fabrication resources through WTC is enormously valuable to us,” says Matt Nichols, Director of Communications for Microvision, a Bothell-based company that develops high-resolution displays and imaging systems based on proprietary silicon micro-mirror technology. “The Microfab Lab offers a controlled environment, which is critical, and we aren’t burdened with building these facilities ourselves or dividing our time among labs that only provide a portion of the functionality,” explains Nichols. “As a result, we are able to move to market faster with a more stable, reliable product.”

Microvision exhibited its Nomad Expert Technician System at the open house, a wireless wearable augmented vision display that allows technicians to view detailed service information at their point of task, head-up and hands-free.

CombiMatrix, Intelligent Ion, Neah Power Systems, and TraceDetect also previewed products and prototypes developed at the Microfab Lab. Industry and academic researchers have shared access to the lab, which represent nearly $20 million in facilities and equipment. Clients can customize use of the facilities to best fit their needs, ranging from part time and contract use to full time R&D.

Posters and product demonstrations line the hall in Fluke.	CombiMatrix shows off its "Platform for Discovery."

“We’re pleased to offer a facility of this caliber to our industry and academic clients,” says Lee Cheatham, Executive Director for the Washington Technology Center. “WTC will continue to deliver resources and services that foster academic-industry partnership and contribute to the growth and economic strength of technology commerce in our state.”