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Laboratory

MiNaLab

MiNaLab conducts research and development in the field of microsystems and nanotechnology, along with operating a small-scale production line for high-tech sensors.

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Employees at SINTEF MiNaLab. Photo: Geir Mogen

The researchers and engineers at MiNaLab are working to bridge the gap between applied research, innovation, and production.

In the green transition, it is crucial to research relevant technology that can be quickly adopted.

No green transition without digitalization, no digitalization without microchips.

At SINTEF MiNaLab, everything is done from idea to production. This is the only independent, complete line for the development and fabrication of microchips in Norway.

This includes everything from basic research to the development of production processes, design, and production. MiNaLab also contributes to education.

Read more about our development of piezoelectric MEMS here.

For more information: https://www.sintef.no/alle-laboratorier/minalab/

Facts about MiNaLab:

  • Specialized expertise in producing sensors that can measure pressure underwater, in the air, and in space.
  • Approximately 20 companies, both national and international, depend on microchips made at MiNaLab. In addition, MiNaLab is a development partner for about 20 companies.
  • Collaborates with Norwegian companies, half of which are startups. In total, this involves about 300 Norwegian jobs.
  • Develops and delivers specially designed sensors, which are not off-the-shelf items. These are components that give Norwegian and European companies unique competitive advantages.

SINTEF MiNaLab's main focus is on sensor chips. Sensors are instrumental in digitalization, and thus also in the green transition.

  • MiNaLab is part of NorFab, a national partnership of infrastructure for micro- and nanofabrication in Norway. They are located in Vestfold, Oslo, and Trondheim.

The lab has a high-tech cleanroom of 800 sqm, is certified according to ISO 9001:2015 (quality management), ISO 14001:2015 (environmental management), and ISO 45001 (occupational health and safety). It is organized under the Department of Microsystems and Nanotechnology at SINTEF Digital.

Both Norwegian and international industry use SINTEF MiNaLab for the production of key components.

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Expertise

What we do

Our price model

The New Reduced-Price Model at SINTEF MiNalab offers an opportunity for prototyping and production at a competitive price. The service offers a unique opportunity to benefit from SINTEF's over 40 years expertise in the field of silicon radiation detectors!

In our recent remodelling of business model, we can now offer a new, lower rate on silicon sensor fabrication for all our standard 4- or 5- layer process, with guaranteed specifications for our standard pad diodes.
• Standard 4- or 5-layer (with passivation) p-on-n process

The new business model also allows the same competitive rate on two of our new technologies that are currently at prototyping level:
• N-on-p technology
• Edgeless and slim edge technology

Detailed terms and conditions will be agreed upon individual basis.

Our sensors are fabricated on high-quality 150 mm diameter, FZ silicon wafers. Together with our state-of-the-art fabrication technology, the dark current of our standard pad diode can be as low as 200 pA/cm2. The wafer thickness can be selected from a range between 300 μm and 1 mm.

The detector design can be provided by the customer or performed by SINTEF at our fixed hourly rate. Additional electrical characterisation or dicing can also be performed at an hourly rate. The cost for the photomask set will be quoted according to the pricing given by our supplier.

For more information, please contact:

Contact information

SINTEF MiNaLab
P.O. Box 124, Blindern
0314 OSLO, NORWAY

Visitors address: Gaustadalléen 23C, 0373 Oslo