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 one millimeter.


At MagnetFab, we are breaking this barrier through a revolutionary thin-film technology that enables the production of thousands of integrated micromagnets on a single substrate, similar to how integrated circuits are fabricated. This breakthrough paves the way for cost-effective, high-volume manufacturing and opens new frontiers in microelectronics.

Technology

MagnetFab produces chip-integrated micromagnets using sputtering, a thin-film deposition technique widely employed in semiconductor manufacturing. This process allows us to deposit precisely controlled layers of magnetic material, optimized for microscale applications.


With state-of-the-art microfabrication in a controlled cleanroom environment, we achieve exceptional precision and uniformity, producing thousands of micromagnets seamlessly integrated on a single substrate. Our approach mirrors the way integrated circuits are made, ensuring full compatibility with semiconductor and MEMS processes.

Rare-earth magnets power speakers, vibration motors, and sensors in virtually all smartphones, laptops, and earbuds. Yet these components still rely on millimeter-sized magnets made with traditional methods. MagnetFab’s thin-film technology miniaturizes this same high-performance material to the microscale, unlocking entirely new device architectures that were previously impossible.

Since the advent of MEMS, the absence of integrated permanent magnets has been a missing building block. MagnetFab is the first to make this component possible, enabling seamless magnetic integration at the chip scale. This breakthrough not only opens new possibilities for magnetic MEMS but also enables powerful miniaturization of existing applications, drastically reducing the amount of critical rare-earth materials required and contributing to more sustainable, resource-efficient electronics.

Our micromagnets are made from neodymium iron boron (NdFeB), the strongest permanent magnet known today. In the future, our fabrication process can also integrate recycled rare-earth materials, further strengthening supply-chain independence and sustainability.

Through our patented thin-film magnet technology, MagnetFab bridges the gap between magnetism and microelectronics, enabling a new generation of MEMS devices from highly sensitive magnetic sensors to ultra-compact microspeakers and quantum components.

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 (i.e. temperature up to which magnetic properties are reversible) Up to 150 °C.

Applications

Just as LEDs revolutionized lighting and transistors empowered computing, micromagnets are set to transform microsystems, most notably within microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Integrating permanent magnets at the microscale unlocks new levels of miniaturization, energy efficiency, and precision control of magnetic fields.

This capability opens a broad range of applications across medical technology, portable consumer devices, robotics, microfluidics, sensing, and quantum technology, where magnetic functionality is essential for achieving exceptional performance in miniaturized systems.

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
c/o Institut Néel
25 Avenue des Martyrs
38042 Grenoble, France

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