The CNR - Istituto di Microelettronica e Microsistemi (IMM) develops cutting-edge processes and technologies to create micro-nano devices and electronic and photonic sensors for applications in numerous sectors, such as energy, environment, bio-medicine, agritech, space, telecommunications, transport and quantum technology. The activities of IMM range from basic research (synthesis, modelling, characterization of advanced materials and processes) to enterprise innovation (prototyping, technology transfer to companies, promotion of start-ups).
At the Catania headquartes, the research activities are spread over the areas of Micro-Nanoelectronics, Functional materials and devices and Photonics. In particular, the activities on Micro-Nanoelectronics are focused on power electronics, including the development of processes and materials (SiC, GaN) for power devices, and are strongly linked with STMicroelectronics research programs in Catania.
The activity on Functional materials and devices are focused on the development of sensors for different applications: biosensors, environmental monitoring, UV and particle detectors based on SiC devices, and cell manipulation.
The activities on Photonics are mainly concentrated on photovoltaics including: improvement of electrical stability of amorphous/microcrystalline silicon solar cells, development of SIPOS/Si heterojunction solar cells and materials for light trapping. Particularly relevant in this field is the collaboration with 3Sun.
Strada VIII 5 - Catania - Italy
By plane: The institute is only 7 km far from the Airport of Catania, that is the main gateway to the east coast of Sicily.
By bus: CNR-IMM (CT) can be reached by bus n. 538 from the Airport, and by bus n. 927 from downtown Catania.