History

The University of Wisconsin Center for NanoTechnology formed at a time when computer chip fabrication seemed to be approaching its size limit in the creating circuits with ultraviolet light.

Created in 1984 as the Center for X-ray Lithography, the interdisciplinary research center was the first academic facility to have clean rooms for computer chip fabrication. It was renamed the Center for NanoTechnology in 1998 to reflect an enlarging focus. We continue to be a national leader in pioneering research for the field of semiconductor manufacturing. Our research has also expanded into biological investigations, such as the production of large strands of DNA using photolithography.

Our facilities have likewise expanded into the biotechnology sector, with laboratory space within the UW Biotechnology Center in addition to our established space at the Kegonsa Research Campus alongside the UW Synchrotron Radiation Center.

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