MPaCT Lab cleanroom and semiconductor research at Northern Arizona University
Open to Researchers & Industry Nationwide

The MPaCT Lab at
Northern Arizona University

A $13 million shared-use research facility open to faculty and private companies nationwide. We provide access to 25+ advanced instruments and expert technical staff to support semiconductor research, materials characterization, and workforce development across the country.

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Powering Arizona's
High-Tech Future

Welcome to the NAU Microelectronics Processing and Characterization Testing Lab (MPaCT). We are the premier open-access research hub in Northern Arizona, dedicated to transforming academic theory into industrial reality.

As a central pillar of Arizona's emerging semiconductor corridor, we provide state-of-the-art metrology, lithography, deposition, and characterization tools. Our mission is to cultivate a transdisciplinary ecosystem where students, faculty, and industry partners collaborate to push the boundaries of materials science and device engineering.

MPaCT researcher mentoring a student at the SEM workstation
$13M
Facility Investment

Featured Equipment

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Metrology
July 1st

Photoluminescence Spectrometer

Photoluminescence Spectrometer
Building 98EOptical Characterization
About
Electrical
July 1st

MPI TS200 Probe Station

MPI TS200 Probe Station
Building 98EWafer Characterization
About
Fabrication
Available

LPKF ProtoLaser R4

LPKF ProtoLaser R4
Building 98ELaser Ablation
About Book
Fabrication
Available

SUSS Mask Aligner

SUSS Mask Aligner
Building 98EPhoto-Lithography
About Book
Fabrication
July 1st

Haas Desktop Lathe

Haas Desktop Lathe
Building 98ECNC Turning
About
Metrology
July 1st

XRD (X-Ray Diffraction)

XRD
Building 98ECrystallography
About
Metrology
July 1st

SIMS Workstation

SIMS Workstation
Building 98EMass Spectrometry
About
Workforce Development

Training the Next Generation

NAU Nano bridges the gap between academic theory and industrial application. Our intensive hands-on curriculum ensures graduates are "Day-1 Ready" for the semiconductor fab floor.

Interested in Partnering?

Shape the curriculum, gain early access to talent, and collaborate on sponsored research. Join our network of industry leaders.

Become an Industry Partner

Current Industry Partners

We are proud to collaborate with these leaders in semiconductor manufacturing:

Premier Partner
Co-Op Program
Recruiter
Research Grant
Academic Programs

Integrated Education Paths

From foundational degrees to specialized training, prepare for a career in semiconductor manufacturing and research.

View All Programs
Fall 2026 4 Years
Bachelor of Science

Computer Engineering

Bridge the gap between hardware and software. Design high-performance computing systems, embedded controllers, and advanced processor architectures essential for the AI and semiconductor era.

  • Computer Architecture
  • Digital Logic & VLSI
  • FPGA Design
  • Network Systems
Explore Program
Fall 2026 4 Years
Bachelor of Science

Computer Science

Build foundational knowledge in software development, algorithms, and computing systems. Modern fabrication plants run on millions of lines of code—your skills are vital for automation and yield optimization.

  • Software Engineering
  • Algorithms & Data
  • Operating Systems
  • Artificial Intelligence
Explore Program
Fall 2026 4 Years
Bachelor of Science

Electrical Engineering

Design, develop, and analyze electrical and electronic systems used in semiconductor manufacturing, communications, energy systems, and embedded technologies.

  • Circuit Analysis & Design
  • Microelectronics
  • Embedded Systems
  • Signal Processing
Explore Program
Fall 2026 4 Years
Bachelor of Science (BSET)

Engineering Technology

Focus on applied engineering practices and technical problem-solving. This degree lays the groundwork for roles in manufacturing supervision, equipment maintenance, and industrial operations.

  • Manufacturing Systems
  • Quality Assurance
  • Industrial Systems
  • Project Management
Explore Program
Fall 2026 4 Years
Bachelor of Science

Mechanical Engineering

Design, analyze, and improve mechanical and energy systems. The semiconductor industry relies on mechanical engineers for thermal management, equipment design, and vacuum systems.

  • Thermodynamics
  • Materials Science
  • Solid Mechanics
  • System Dynamics
Explore Program
Fall 2026 4 Years
Bachelor of Science

Mechatronics & Robotics Engineering

Integrate mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering with control systems to design automated and intelligent systems. Perfect for semiconductor automation and wafer handling robots.

  • Robotics Design
  • Control Systems
  • Sensors & Actuators
  • Industrial Automation
Explore Program
Enrolling Now 2 Years
State-Registered Apprenticeship

Process Technician Apprenticeship (PTAP)

A 2-year program developed in partnership with TSMC Arizona, Rio Salado College, and the City of Phoenix. Combines 600 hours of coursework with 4,000 hours of on-the-job training at TSMC's fab.

  • OSHA 30 Safety
  • Vacuum Technology
  • Metrology & Instrumentation
  • Semiconductor Processes
View PTAP Details

Committed to innovation

Contact the Semiconductor Metrology Lab

928-523-0000
mpct.nano@nau.edu
Request Information

Northern Arizona University

Building 98E

561 E Pine Knoll Dr, Flagstaff, AZ 86001