The Archer Lab Bridges Education and Innovation in Nanotechnology

With the support of Timothy and Sandra Archer, Caltech will establish a state-of-the-art nanotechnology teaching laboratory.

The Timothy and Sandra Archer Nanotechnology Teaching Laboratory will provide undergraduates with hands-on training in nanoscale science and engineering, helping prepare them for a world where one-nanometer structures—just three atoms wide—are the norm.

"It's crucial that we provide our students with direct experience working with equipment that can create and observe structures at this incredible nanoscale," said Axel Scherer, Bernard Neches Professor of Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics and Physics. "The opportunity to start this new lab allows us to introduce the technology of today and tomorrow—and even go beyond what is currently possible."

Harry Atwater, the Otis Booth Leadership Chair of the Division of Engineering and Applied Science (EAS), emphasized the broader implications of the Archers' gift for Caltech. "This gift will inspire the development of a new complex of student labs that fosters innovation and collaboration across disciplines," Atwater said.

The project is deeply personal for Timothy Archer (BS ʼ89), who recalled the formative lab experience that influenced his entire career path. "The most impactful class I ended up taking was the Applied Physics 9 Lab," said Archer, who is president and CEO of Lam Research and a member of the EAS Chair's Council. "It was the kind of course that brought classroom theory into practice—you got to make something, hold it in your hand, and see real results. It inspired me to go into the semiconductor field, where I've been ever since."

Scherer expressed gratitude for the Archers' support. "It is through the generosity of knowledgeable and visionary individuals like Tim that we are able to prepare the next generation for the challenges ahead in nanotechnology," he said.

Scherer noted, for example, that the current semiconductor industry is largely based on silicon technology, but as structures get smaller, there is a need to explore other materials. In the Archer lab, students will get to experiment with a variety of materials and be able to explore the unique properties that emerge at the nanometer scale, such as quantum tunnelling, in their device designs and fabrication.

A Bridge to Advanced Research

Set to open this year, the 1,500-square-foot Timothy and Sandra Archer Nanotechnology Teaching Laboratory will offer a space custom-built with undergraduate education in mind. "They'll learn to use electron microscopes, dry etching systems, deposition tools, and characterization equipment—all in one place. It's a game changer," Scherer said.

This suite of tools will enable students to fabricate, analyze, and iterate on their designs, providing them with a holistic education of nanoscale science. "The process flow in this lab will be incredibly flexible," Scherer said. "Students will have the freedom to work with a variety of materials and configurations, fostering creativity and innovation."

Archer hopes the lab will spark curiosity and serve as a bridge to advanced research. "The fun of building things, turning theory into practice—that's what gets students interested," he said. "This lab will be a space that inspires them to explore, innovate, and contribute to the next big advances in nanotechnology."

Archer highlighted the growing role of nanotechnology and materials science as fields like AI become increasingly important. "Nanotechnology represents the enabling capabilities for the future of semiconductors and computing solutions," he said. "Software doesn't exist without the chips and semiconductors required to power those computers."

He also thinks the lab could help address the global shortage of skilled engineers in semiconductor manufacturing. "If you think about the objectives of the US CHIPS Act and similar programs worldwide, the number one challenge is the shortage of skilled engineers," Archer said. "This lab is a small but vital step in addressing that challenge."

A Hub for Multidisciplinary Collaboration

The nanotechnology teaching laboratory will operate like Caltech's machine and electronics shops, enabling students to tinker and experiment outside of formal coursework. "Caltech students are some of the smartest and most fearless people I've ever met," Scherer said. "When you give them the tools to experiment, amazing things happen."

Both Archer and Scherer also envision the lab as a hub for multidisciplinary collaboration and innovation. "Most groundbreaking advancements happen when people from different fields work together," Archer said.

Scherer agreed. "There are many applications outside the semiconductor industry for one-nanometer structures—for example, as biological and environmental sensors," he said. "This creates a great opportunity to translate this inherent understanding into other disciplines."

Reflecting on his gift, Archer expressed his appreciation for the community that shaped his career. "Caltech taught me that the world is full of incredibly smart people, and the key to innovation is learning how to collaborate with them," he said. "This lab will foster that kind of environment, where students can work together, learn from each other, and build something extraordinary."

Top image: Sandra and Tim Archer (BS ʼ89), courtesy of Tim Archer