25 In the realm of cutting-edge technological advancements, Dr. Yossi Abulafia, the esteemed head of the nanofabrication unit at the Institute for Nanotechnology and Advanced Materials at Bar-Ilan University, has been at the forefront of innovation. With an eye on the challenges that lie ahead and a commitment to strengthening ties with the industry, Dr. Abulafia has been the driving force for the integration of diverse disciplines under the same technological roof. In the past few years, Dr. Abulafia provided insight into the group’s technological breakthroughs, industry collaborations, and the unique perspectives gained during the challenging year of the Coronavirus pandemic. However, this year’s discourse takes a forward-looking stance, delving into assessments for the years to come and how they are shaping the convergence of various technologies. The fabrication group, under Dr. Abulafia’s leadership, plays a pivotal role in enabling groundbreaking research in an array of innovative technological domains. One such domain that has garnered significant attention is bioelectronics, a field of multidisciplinary research that combines elements of chemistry, biology, physics, nanotechnology, and materials science. The technological aspect of manufacturing bioelectronic devices for research has several challenges: The typical dimensions of a microfluidic biochip, for example, is larger than the typical dimensions of microelectronics. In addition, the size of the devices on a biochip need to be smaller and require higher fabrication resolution. For example, the current technology for the fabrication of a microfluidic chip requires a resolution of microns. Hence, the integration of electronic or optical elements require fabrication with submicron resolution. These challenges underscore the critical importance of attaining high production yields to minimize defects and ensure optimal device performance. Moreover, the interdisciplinary nature of this pursuit demands seamless integration with fields like electronics and optics. “At the heart of our endeavor, prominent researchers from the Center for Nanotechnologies have been propelling research forward in tandem with the fabrication group,” explains Dr. Abulafia. “Their insights have been invaluable in defining the necessary equipment and processes to enable this fusion of disciplines.” Abulafia points to three colleagues in particular: Prof. Yossi Mandel, Head, Ophthalmic Science and Engineering Laboratory, Life Sciences; Prof. Doron Gerber, Microbiology and Virology, Life Sciences; and Prof. Orit Shefi, Neurobiological Systems Development, Faculty of Engineering. So, what tangible steps have been taken to push the boundaries of possibility? Here are some highlights of 2023 and beyond. Enhanced Workstations: Workstations have been upgraded to ensure a cleaner and more precise initial production stage, which is going to improve the production yield. “At the heart of our endeavor, prominent researchers from the Center for Nanotechnologies have been propelling research forward in tandem with the fabrication group”
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