The idea for establishing a center in Israel for advanced experimental Submicron Research was conceived in the early 1980’s by Prof. Yoseph Imry, then at Tel-Aviv University. At that time, Prof. Imry and associates were developing theoretically the main concepts of the new field of mesoscopic Physics, which dealt with the Physics of systems that are in-between the microscopic and macroscopic realms. While these systems obey the microscopic rules of quantum mechanics, they can be experimentally addressed by sophisticated, macroscopic techniques, adapted to the submicron scales. This field uniquely combines exciting Physics with possibilities for nontrivial applications. It has evolved into what is currently referred to as Nanoscience. It was felt that much could be achieved by combining these insights with a first-rate experimental effort. In addition, an important by-product of this project would be the training of students in emerging cutting-edge technologies that were becoming very relevant to the high-tech industry.

No academic institution in Israel seemed to be interested in or able to take on such an effort, except the Weizmann Institute of Science. In 1986, Prof. Imry joined the Department of Condensed Matter Physics at the Institute, and after lengthy in-depth discussions and deliberations among various committees for 2-3 years, the decision was reached to try and create such a Center for submicron research in semiconductor materials, based on III-V compounds, on the Weizmann campus. The two remaining problems were to find a suitable experimentalist to build the Center and direct it, and to obtain the considerable necessary funds.

At this time Dr. Mordehai Heiblum, a distinguished experimentalist in the field of semiconductor research, was a senior researcher at IBM's Yorktown lab in New York, working on advanced semiconductor technologies and using them to demonstrate ballistic electron transport. Imry initiated a fruitful collaboration with Prof. Heiblum, who subsequently joined the Weizmann Institute faculty as a professor of physics. He went on to oversee the building of the Center, and become its Director. From its inception, the academic agenda and manpower of the Center have been carefully selected by Professors Heiblum and Imry, to fit the needs of a leading center in the field of experimental semiconductor research.

Around that time (1989), Professor Haim Harari became the president of the Weizmann Institute and quickly became convinced of the potential of this project. He assigned it a high priority, both in allocating the necessary funds and administering the very sophisticated building and equipment requirements. With an initial investment of some $16 million, the building was constructed in a single year, and the equipment was installed and functional after an additional two years. The Joseph H. and Belle R. Braun Center for Submicron Research opened its doors in 1993. The faculty, staff and description of the projects of the Center and its facilities are described on its website.