MicromagnetS
for high-performance
miniaturized devices.

Enabling next-generation microelectronics with integrated micromagnets

Magnetfab is at the forefront of microtechnology innovation, pioneering the production of integrated micromagnets that are poised to transform the next generation of microelectronic systems. Our micromagnets, made from the strongest known magnetic material, are typically as small as a grain of sand. Comparable magnets with such microscopic dimensions and extraordinary magnetic properties are absent from the market, as traditional magnet manufacturing methods are limited to sizes no smaller than 1 mm. 

At Magnetfab, we are breaking thouthis barrier by leveraging a revolutionary thin-film technology, enabling the production of thousands of integrated micromagnets on a single wafer substrate simultaneously - similar to the fabrication of integrated circuits. This breakthrough technology paves the way for cost-effective, high-volume production of integrated micromagnets, unlocking endless possibilities for innovation in microelectronics.

Technology

Unlike traditional magnet fabrication, which relies on powder metallurgy, we produce micromagnets using sputtering - a thin-film deposition technique widely employed in semiconductor manufacturing. This advanced process allows us to deposit precise layers of magnetic material, tailored for micro-scale applications.

Using state-of-the-art microfabrication equipment in a controlled clean-room environment, we achieve exceptional precision in patterning our sputtered magnetic films. This enables us to produce thousands of micromagnets with unparalleled uniformity and micron-level shape control, all seamlessly integrated onto a single substrate.

Our micromagnets are made from neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB), the strongest magnetic material known today. Renowned for its exceptional magnetic properties, NdFeB is the same material used in over 90% of electric vehicle motors, further underscoring its transformative potential in high-performance applications at the microscale.

Example of a 100 mm Si wafer containing rectangular-shaped NdFeB micromagnets with a thickness of 50 µm. The smallest magnets have lateral dimensions as small as 20 µm.

The table below summarizes the main specifications of our micromagnets:

Precision for shape Control ≈ 1 μm in lateral dimensions.
≈ 0.1 μm in thickness.
Remanence Br Up to 1.3 T for out-of-plane operation.
0.6 T for in-plane operation.
Coercivity Hci 1600 kA/m (2 T). Can be increased to 3T by composition tuning.
Variations in Br et Hci ≈ 1% on a single wafer
Maximum magnet thickness tmax (on Si) tmax ≈ 50 μm
Minimum lateral dimensions ≈ 50 μm for tmax. If a magnet thickness of 10 μm is sufficient, then the lateral size can be reduced to 10 μm.
Maximum lateral dimensions ≈ 300μm for tmax. If a magnet thickness of 10-20 μm is sufficient, then one can implement lateral dimensions of several millimeters and beyond.
Substrate material Typically Si. Other materials also possible, such as metals (e.g. Ti), glass, sapphire.
Substrate size We currently use 100 mm silicon wafers for prototype fabrication. As we prepare for our upcoming pilot production line, we plan to transition to 200 mm wafers to scale our operations.
Maximum operating temperature for the magnets (i.e. temperature up to which magnetic properties are reversible) ≈ 80 °C. Can be increased to at least 150 °C by composition tuning.

Applications

Just as LEDs have revolutionized lighting and transistors have empowered computing, micromagnets hold the promise of transforming microsystems, most prominently represented by microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The importance of using permanent magnets in microsystems lies in their ability to enable miniaturization, energy efficiency, and precise control of magnetic fields at the microscale. This opens up a wide range of applications in fields like in medtech, portable consumer devices, microfluidics, robotics, sensing, and in quantum technology, where the integration of magnetic functionality is essential for achieving exceptional performance and functionality in micro-sized devices.

Microspeakers
Miniaturized loudspeakers for hearing aids and true wireless stereo (TWS) earbuds.
Cell phone camera
Actuators for autofocus and optical image stabilization.
Tactile sensors
Giving the sense of touch tofor prosthetics and to robotic systems.
Augmented reality
Scanning MEMS micromirrors for making ultra-compact projection displays.
Automotive position sensors
Contactless and robust position sensing of moving parts such as valves and the motor.
Haptic feedback
Providing high-resolution tactile feedback, e.g. when touching a smartwatch.
Magnetic field sensors
For measuring extremely weak biomedical signals, e.g. from the heart and the brain.
Microfluidics
Micropumps, magnetic cell separation and droplet manipulation.

Prototypying services

We provide prototyping services for customers interested in exploring innovative micromagnet-based concepts through the development of proof-of-concept microelectronic devices.

If you're interested, feel free to contact us at info@magnetfab.com with your request.
Examples of micromagnet structures that can be realized with Magnetfab’s manufacturing process.

About us

Magnetfab was founded in April 2024 as a spinoff from the French National Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS), specifically from the renowned Institut Néel, a global leader in magnetism and materials science. Our company builds on almost two decades of groundbreaking research conducted at the institute, where we are currently hosted.

The growing team is led by Dr. Milan Ćalić (Chief Executive Officer) and Dr. Abdellatif Bachar (Chief Technical Officer), both of whom bring extensive industry experience and dynamic leadership. Their combined expertise bridges the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world applications, driving the growth of a startup poised to transform microelectronics.

Contact

Our address:

Magnetfab
25 Av. des Martyrs
38042 Grenoble, France

For any types of requests or questions, please send us an email.
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