MIRL

Micro Instrumentation Research Laboratory

(MIRL)

Georgia Institute of Technology
School of Electrical & Computer Engineering

    The Micro Instrumentation Research Laboratory (MIRL) is
dedicated to the research and development of micro scale instrumentation
systems. The micro systems utilize a variety of micromachining technologies
including integrated circuit technologies, bulk micromachining technologies,
surface micromachining technologies and a variety of precision engineering
technologies (including micro milling, micro drilling, micro EDM, laser
ablation, and plastic injection molding). The research laboratory is divided
into 4 separate bays for processing and system testing. In addition, a central
cleanroom facility (GaTech Pettit Microelectronics Research Laboratory) is
available for general processing equipment and facilities.

    Currently, there are between 10-15 students (both
graduate and undergraduate) working in the research laboratory. The majority of
the research conducted in our laboratory is focused on exploring micro
instrumentation for biological applications. The applications range from
precision surgical tools to highly parallel biological and chemical analysis
systems. Many of the projects are sponsored by industry, thus providing a
practical aspect to many of the projects. In addition to the bio-instrumentation,
there is a considerable effort in electromagnetic components for electronic
micro systems. Their components typically utilize a combination of
micromachining technologies and integrated circuit technologies to realize the
end product.

    The laboratory environment is eclectic. Students from a
variety of engineering and science disciplines work in the laboratory. In
addition, many of the student projects require substantial interfacing with
other biologically oriented laboratories on-campus. The broad interactions with
experts in the areas life sciences and advanced electronics provides a unique
opportunity for students to gain technical expertise in several quickly
emerging areas of micro instrumentation.