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Publication Date - 12/3/1999

56. NSF/ENG - Engineering Microsystems: "XYZ on a Chip"

The Engineering Directorate (ENG) of the National Science Foundation (NSF) announces a second round of competition of the research initiative on Engineering Microsystems: "XYZ on a Chip." The focus of this year's initiative is on non-electronic applications that make effective use of the fundamental aspects of the technology of microelectronics by adding new functions, processes or capabilities.

The initiative is intended to encourage development of novel applications, exploration of non-electrical processes at micro-scale, extension of lithographic "printing" methods to non-electrical processes, architectural and design issues of "wet" chips that interface to biological or chemical processes, materials and layering problems, and rapid prototyping. This initiative has a strong emphasis on non-traditional applications. Proposals are encouraged to integrate electronics with non-electronic processes to enhance functions and capabilities, but the processing of electrical signals in itself is not a focus of this initiative.

The evolution of microelectronics chip technology has created opportunities to develop new types of micro-systems based on physical, chemical, and biological principles. This initiative is designed to support fundamental research that will enable the development of advanced engineering micro-systems involving non-electrical processes and their integration with electronics. Proposals in support of the following themes are invited:

• Investigation of non-electrical processes and relevant properties at micro and nano scales;
• development of architectures, physical representations and design methodologies for non-electrical processes and micro-systems;
• development of fabrication techniques for biological, chemical, optical, mechanical and other processes;
• rapid prototyping techniques for novel chips; and
• interfacing and integrating of non-electrical processes with electronics and with each other.

Proposed research projects should substantially contribute to one or more of these basic research themes of engineering microsystems and address the integration of these themes in the context of specific environments and applications. Although the primary emphasis will be on achieving a high degree of fundamental understanding, any investigation of potential impact on new applications will also be given a high priority. Experimental testing and evaluation of prototype systems is encouraged.

NSF solicits proposals for funding up to $170K per year for up to 3 years with one or two investigators. For group proposals, awards up to $500K per year for up to 3 years may be considered. Approximately 12-15 awards are expected to be made. NSF funding for this solicitation in FY 99 is budgeted at approximately $10M.

Principal Investigators who plan to submit a pre-proposal are encouraged but not required to submit an optional Notice of Intentby DECEMBER 10, 1999. Pre-proposals, however, are required.The deadline for receipt of mandatory pre-proposals is FEBRUARY 14, 2000. Invited full proposals will be due JUNE 5, 2000.