UNAM is advancing from research to quantum and semiconductor hardware manufacturing, strengthening Mexico’s position in high-tech supply chains. The initiative supports telecommunications, computing, and renewable energy sectors, while aligning with national innovation focus.

 

The UNAM is prioritizing the fabrication of functional quantum devices and semiconductor components through its specialized laboratory infrastructure. This strategic commitment enables the institution to transition from theoretical research to the production of hardware essential for the global telecommunications and computing industries.

“The National Nanofabrication Laboratory (LaNNaFab) develops devices with potential application in this field because quantum technologies are ‘the train that is departing now,'” says José de la Cruz, Researcher at the National Nanofabrication Laboratory, UNAM. This shift ensures that the university contributes directly to the supply chain of high-precision electronic and optical components.

Originally established through material science research, the LaNNaFab now operates as a hub for microfabrication and nanofabrication. This transition is supported by the Center for Nanosciences and Nanotechnology (CNyN) and is formally recognized by the Ministry of Science, Humanities, Technology, and Innovation. By integrating it into the national laboratory network, the university provides a bridge between academic innovation and B2B industrial requirements.

Central to this effort is the operation of a Class 100 (ISO 5) cleanroom. This environment is critical for the manufacturing of devices that require a strict control of suspended particles. In an ISO 5 setting, the air must contain fewer than 3,520 particles per m3 for particles measuring 0.5µm or larger. Such precision is a prerequisite for the production of transistors and integrated circuits, as even microscopic contaminants can compromise the integrity of the active materials.

This infrastructure allows the university to address the technical demands of quantum computing, a field that utilizes light and subatomic particles to process information. While classical computers rely on binary logic, quantum systems offer significant advantages for complex tasks that involve massive datasets. 

The commitment to developing these technologies in Mexico aims to reduce the dependence on foreign hardware and position the country as a participant in the high-tech manufacturing sector.

National Nanofabrication Lab Priorities

The fabrication activities at LaNNaFab focus on the design and characterization of specific electronic and optical components. Researchers and technicians are actively working on transistors, resistors, capacitors, and diodes. A significant portion of this work involves the use of thin films composed of semiconductor oxides. 

Specifically, the university is developing p-type semiconductor thin films using materials such as tin monoxide, nickel oxide, zinc oxide, and cobalt oxide. These materials are selected for their specific electrical, catalytic, electrochromic, and capacitive properties.

The production of these films is particularly relevant for the development of transparent and flexible electronics. These components are essential for modern industrial applications, including smart sensors and energy-efficient displays. By mastering the deposit and characterization of these films, the university provides the foundation for the next generation of wearable technology and advanced industrial interfaces. 

In addition to semiconductor devices, the university is heavily committed to the development of photonic circuits. These circuits process information using guided light rather than electrical currents. This approach is a primary platform for quantum computing and secure communication. 

The laboratory produces waveguides that facilitate the movement of light through specialized materials. This technical focus complements other research efforts within the university system, such as the cold atom platforms managed by the Institute of Physics in Mexico City. By diversifying its technical approaches, the university ensures a broader coverage of the quantum technology landscape.

Collaborative partnerships are a cornerstone of the fabrication strategy at UNAM. The university works with the University of Sonora (UNISON), for example, to synthesize silicon metal oxide nanoparticles. These nanoparticles are used to create functional coatings for solar cells, which directly impacts the renewable energy market. 

Furthermore, the university maintains a strong relationship with the Ensenada Center for Scientific Research and Higher Education (CICESE). Through the Laboratory of Nonlinear Interactions and Quantum Optics at the CICESE, researchers have established a methodology for the production of ridge-type waveguides. 

The commitment to hardware production also serves a critical role in professional development. Currently, 18 students are engaged in the fabrication processes at the laboratory, ranging from undergraduate levels to postdoctoral research. These individuals acquire direct experience in a cleanroom environment, a skill set that is in high demand within the global semiconductor industry. 

Cruz says that students with experience in ISO 5 processes often secure immediate employment in international research centers and private technology companies. Graduates have successfully transitioned to roles in the United States, South Africa, Europe, and Saudi Arabia, often supported by specialized scholarships.

Finally, the UNAM is not only conducting theoretical research but is also building the physical components that will define the future of the industry. By focusing on the production of waveguides, thin films, and semiconductor devices, the institution provides a clear path for technological sovereignty. 

The integration of high-level academic research with industrial-grade manufacturing standards ensures that the university remains a central figure in the B2B technology ecosystem.