Microsystems technology, as embodied in electronics, photonics, and MEMS components, has been the engine for innovation over the past 50 years. By driving down the size, weight, and power of ever higher performance components, Microsystems technology has enabled a revolution in macro-system capability by delivering new capabilities in sensing, communication, energy management, actuation, and processing.

In support of the U.S. Department of Defense, the Defense Advanced Research Project Agency’s (DARPA’s) Microsystems Technology Office (MTO) has the mission to develop beyond leading edge Microsystems technology to deliver new capability for Defense platforms. In the past, MTO has sponsored research that enabled such critical technologies as: complex integrated circuit design tools, microwave frequency monolithic integrated circuits, semiconductor ultra violet sources and detectors, high throughput optical fiber networks, uncooled infrared imaging focal plane arrays, micro-accelerometers and gyroscopes, and chip scale atomic clocks.

MTO is sponsoring a Symposium in San Jose, CA on March 5-7, 2007 to expand the dialogue on directions for future Microsystems technology that will enable new platform capability. These platforms will extend from nanotechnology enabled chemical and biological detectors to handheld wireless assistants to intelligent imaging systems to adaptable sensors to unmanned vehicles. The platform advances will arise from component improvements in sensing, communication, energy management, actuation, and processing. As component scaling continues and complexity grows, new challenges and opportunities for Microsystems research are emerging. Examples include the development of a new class of adaptable components, exploitation of unique quantum phenomena, exploitation of new sensing modalities, and the heterogeneous integration of multiple technologies at the chip-scale. The goal of the symposium is to convene experts from across all aspects of Microsystems technology to enhance the dialog on future research directions.

The Symposium will consist of a series of keynote and invited talks, panel sessions, and posters session. Attendance is targeted at those actively involved in Microsystems research and development with demonstrated knowledge of emerging Microsystems directions. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from MTO program managers who are directing novel Microsystems research, listen to leading researchers who are opening new Microsystems frontiers, and contribute to poster presentations or panel discussions, to assist in defining the next generation of Microsystems opportunities and challenges.

I hope you can join me in San Jose March 5-7, 2007 to help chart the course for the future of Microsystems technology.