Dr Michael Brett
Nanoengineering ICT Devices; Thin Film Engineering
Dr Michael Brett has a renewed iCORE Professor award ($1.5M over five
years) and holds an iCORE Industrial Chair award ($500K over five
years). He’s received federal funds from NSERC ($1.72M over multiple
years) and CFI ($923K); and he shares an NSERC grant with Dr Mark
Freeman ($490K over two years). Dr Brett has a Tier 1 Canada Research
Chair ($1.4M over seven years) as well as industry cash and in-kind
contributions ($695K over five years).
Research Program Overview
Nanofabrication takes a huge role
in nanotechnology, especially in the computing industry. Dr Michael
Brett plays an instrumental role in the growth of nanotechnology and
nanofabrication research and training in Alberta.
Dr Brett’s research focuses on modeling and characterization of
the physical and electrical properties of nanoscale materials as well
as modeling and characterization of physical properties of nanofibres
in order to optimize materials for device applications and enhance
commercialization prospects.
Dr Brett works with both National Institute for Nanotechnology
(NINT) and NanoFab (a nano fabrication facility) at the University of
Alberta (U of A). This cross-appointment has provided new research
opportunities through collaborations and access to a significant
arsenal of equipment. The nanofabrication facilities and collegial
environment of NINT and the U of A, in conjunction with iCORE funding
and top personnel, provide an ideal breeding ground for innovation in
the development of new devices. Industrial sponsorship by Micralyne and
international collaboration with Philips Research (Netherlands) has
provided a strong commercial perspective.
Dr Brett continues his leadership in the establishment of
nanofabrication expertise and facilities, and has overseen the NanoFab
in its growth to a user base of over 750 researchers. This facility is
seen as the best of its kind in Canada, and defines Alberta as the
focal point for nanotechnology processing that attracts users from six
provinces.
Biographical Information
Dr Brett consistently establishes standards of excellence and
innovative leadership at the U of A. He was a key leader in the
creation of MicroFab, a micro fabrication lab with an open access
policy so that industry and external researchers can use the equipment.
He has been awarded the McCalla and Killam Research Professorships, and
the Rutherford Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching.
Dr Brett's has authored internationally-known simulator (SIMBAD) to
predict thin film structure. IBM, Toshiba, and Intel have purchased
SIMBAD for use in development of integrated circuit processes. Dr Brett
and his research group invented the Glancing Angle Deposition (GLAD)
process for nanoengineering thin films capable of controlling structure
at the nanometre scale.
Related Links:
Dr Brett's Homepage
National Institute for Nanotechnology
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