Louisiana Tech University, College of Engineering and Science (COES), and Institute for Micromanufacturing (IfM) will strengthen the resiliency and efficiency of defense technology through a two-year, $1.3 million Department of Defense (DoD) grant . Funding awarded by the Air Force Sponsored Research Office will be used for research and development of new coating materials for military electronics used in communications, computing and power systems.
Electronic systems essential to today's defense operations typically must withstand harsh environments such as high temperatures and corrosive elements that degrade standard components.
Dr. Bala “Ram” Ramachandran, Project Principal Investigator, Vice President of Research, and Dean of the Graduate School at Louisiana Tech University. Dr. Arden Moore, Director of the Micromanufacturing Institute. Dr. Colin Wick, dean of the School of Engineering Sciences, is leading efforts to develop more durable protective coatings to extend the life of devices in these extreme environments.
This research will be conducted at the Micromanufacturing Institute, a nationally recognized research center with a history of leading the development of innovative solutions for government and commercial partners. The grant will fund additional capabilities in IfM's cleanroom facilities and work with industry partners to build capacity in the area of microelectronic packaging.
“Our efforts here will not only protect critical defense technologies, but also pave the way for breakthrough enhancements across a variety of sectors,” Ramachandran said.
Mr. Wick also expressed his enthusiasm for the project.
“This grant will help push the boundaries of microelectronics and support the U.S. military, giving Louisiana Tech students the opportunity to do both,” he said.
“The success of this grant will redefine the way microelectronic materials are developed and integrated to ensure they can withstand the demanding demands of defense missions around the world,” Moore added. “These improvements will significantly extend the operational life of critical military electronics.”
Louisiana Tech University's commitment to this project underscores its role as a vital contributor to national security advances and a leader in materials science innovation.
Explore how IfM's innovations are driving the future of technology and visit the Center's website to see the latest research and developments.
About Louisiana Tech University and Microfabrication Institute:
Louisiana Tech University is classified as an active Carnegie Research Institution (R2) and offers a unique, experiential engineering and science education that prepares students to succeed in a rapidly changing workforce. It is famous for that. The Micromanufacturing Institute is a state-of-the-art research facility dedicated to advances in micro- and nanotechnology and plays a vital role in the university's efforts to innovate and improve microelectronic materials and devices.
