Nanotechnology gives sensitive read-out heads for compact hard disks

This year's physics prize is awarded for the technology that is used to read data on hard disks. It is thanks to this technology that it has been possible to miniaturize hard disks so radically in recent years. Sensitive read-out heads are needed to be able to read data from the compact hard disks used in laptops and some music players, for instance.

In 1988 the Frenchman Albert Fert and the German Peter Grünberg each independently discovered a totally new physical effect – Giant Magnetoresistance or GMR. Very weak magnetic changes give rise to major differences in electrical resistance in a GMR system. A system of this kind is the perfect tool for reading data from hard disks when information registered magnetically has to be converted to electric current. Soon researchers and engineers began work to enable use of the effect in read-out heads. In 1997 the first read-out head based on the GMR effect was launched and this soon became the standard technology. Even the most recent read-out techniques of today are further developments of GMR.

A hard disk stores information, such as music, in the form of microscopically small areas magnetized in different directions. The information is retrieved by a read-out head that scans the disk and registers the magnetic changes. The smaller and more compact the hard disk, the smaller and weaker the individual magnetic areas. More sensitive read-out heads are therefore required if information has to be packed more densely on a hard disk. A read-out head based on the GMR effect can convert very small magnetic changes into differences in electrical resistance and there-fore into changes in the current emitted by the read-out head. The current is the signal from the read-out head and its different strengths represent ones and zeros.

The GMR effect was discovered thanks to new techniques developed during the 1970s to produce very thin layers of different materials. If GMR is to work, structures consisting of layers that are only a few atoms thick have to be produced. For this reason GMR can also be considered one of the first real applications of the promising field of nanotechnology.

Organic molecular nanotechnology

The vision of revolutionary bottom-up nanotechnology is based on a concept of molecular assembly technologies where nanoscale materials and structures self-assemble to microscale structures and finally to macroscopic devices and products. We are a long way from realizing this vision but researchers are busily laying the foundation for nanoscale engineering. Assembling nanoscopic components into macroscopic materials is an appealing goal but one of the enormous difficulties lies in bridging approximately six orders of magnitude that separate the nanoscale from the macroscopic world. Until machinery capable of automated and industrial-scale nano-assembly can be built, the parallelism of chemical synthesis and self-assembly is necessary when controlling materials at the nanoscale. An obvious direct approach to molecular nanotechnology therefore is to start with organic molecules as building blocks. Modest from the viewpoint of molecular manufacturing visionaries, but quite fascinating to a lot of scientists, research into nanofibers, as a modification of organic crystals, is making good progress. New research results coming out of Denmark offer the basis for a novel organic-molecule-based nanotechnological concept that allows for a multitude of applications in fundamental research and in device applications. Essentially, this concept is based on three steps: 1) directed self-assembled surface growth of nanofibers from functionalized molecules; 2) transfer and manipulation of individual fibers as well as of ordered arrays; and 3) device integration. "Work in our group has allowed us to overcome the previous obstacles of growing molecular nanowires – namely the controlled growth of crystallites of predefined shapes and predefined mutual orientations and their transfer onto more complicated target substrates" Dr. Horst-Günther Rubahn tells Nanowerk."The result is an organic molecular nanotechnology that allows for the generation of mutually aligned, morphologically well-defined light-emitting organic nanofibers from functionalized molecules, essentially bridging the gap between the nanoscopic and microscopic worlds. Our nanofibers can be transferred easily and destruction-free as individual entities or in a massive parallel fashion onto pre-structured target substrates. Due to their crystalline perfection and due to the morphological control, organic nanofibers are perfectly suited for fundamental studies of optics, mechanics, and electronics on the mesoscale. Applications as passive and active elements in printed all-optical chips are within reach." The work of Rubahn, a professor at the University of Southern Denmark's Mads Clausen Institute, and his collaborators from the University of Oldenburg and the University of Bonn, both in Germany, advances bottom-up nanotechnology since it shows that it is possible to generate on a large scale well-oriented and well-defined nanostructures, the properties of which can be modified at will. "In addition" says Rubahn, "discontinuous growth of the kind demonstrated in our work is interesting per se for a better control of organic thin film growth. Such control, in turn, is most relevant for future organic electronics and photonics – from flat screens to photonic circuits." In their paper in the January 18, 2008 online edition of Small ("Organic Molecular Nanotechnology") the scientists introduce their three-step concept that provides a new route to bottom-up organic nanotechnology. Step 1: In their work the researchers came to the conclusion that the growth of oriented nanofibers from functionalized quaterphenylenes on muscovite mica is a generic process that can be performed with a variety of different functionalizations of quaterphenylenes. "The ordered form of discontinuous organic molecular film growth forms the basis of our nanotechnological concept" says Rubahn. "Our detailed investigations have shown that the growth of large, parallel oriented fibers or 'needles' is due to the unique combination of an atomically flat, single-crystalline growth substrate with large electric dipole domains and molecules that fulfill, in their crystalline bulk form, quasiepitaxial relationships between adsorbate and substrate." He describes the second step of their nanotechnological concept as the detachment, controlled transfer, and mechanical manipulation of the as-grown nanofibers. "By using an appropriate combination of liquid, external energy, and specific surface morphology, nanofibers can be stamped as single entities or as ordered arrays onto storage media and from there onto arbitrary substrates" Rubahn explains. "Alternatively, they can be transferred into liquids or gels for further manipulation. These manipulation processes appear to be working for functionalized nanofibers as well and they take great advantage of the chemical inertness and thermal stability of the nanofibers." Finally, in step three – due to the ease of nanofiber transfer – numerous possibilities for device integration come into technological reach. Rubahn cites examples such as the transfer of individual fibers onto optoelectronic circuits for electroluminescence applications or mass transfer of nanofiber arrays onto precious documents, such as banknotes, for security purposes. "It is important to note that neither the individual nor the mass transfer process mechanically affects the morphology of the nanofibers, thus their specific properties (dichroism, waveguiding, optical resonance) are fully functional on the new substrate" says Rubahn. The research team also points out that their novel concept is related to the morphology of the organic nanofibers as well as their high degree of crystallinity and the specific orientation of the molecular building blocks. The result is a new class of materials of on a nanoscale morphologically tailored fibers with specific optoelectronic and chemical properties. Typical widths of the nanofibers range from less than a hundred to a few hundred nanometers with heights of the order of a few tens of nanometers and lengths between a few hundred nanometers and a millimeter. Since the nanofibers are emitting intense visible light they are obvious candidates for basic nanophotonic investigations.

The list of potential applications includes nanoscale frequency doublers, nanolasers with low threshold, generic nanosensor platforms etc. Rubahn has set up a company – Nanofiber A/S — to commercialize his research on organic nanofibers. One of the company's first products are security markers that incorporate organic nanofibers, called 'nanomarkers.' The work of Rubahn's team has opened the way for new materials for advanced applications such as core/shell wires and segmented nanowires from different organic materials or even from combinations of organic and inorganic compounds. For now, there are still some basic challenges to be overcome, such as the stability of the organic material as well as investigating the potential toxicity of the nanofibers.

nanotechnology in america

More and more companies from the USA and Japan are investing and launching partnerships in France to take advantage of its cutting-edge nanotechnology expertise. France boasts several zones dedicated to advancing nanotechnology excellence, including the SCS cluster in Sophia Antipolis, the Systematic cluster in the Paris region and notably, the global micro-nanotechnology cluster Minalogic in Grenoble. In 2007, Minalogic will strengthen its leader status by investing €80 million (approx. $108 million) into eight new collaborative projects focused on micro and nanotechnologies for next-generation semiconductors and new manufacturing processes, and it recently welcomed Hewlett-Packard (HP) as its 50th partner. Starting in September, HP will help cluster members save valuable amounts of time and money with access to highly advanced 2-TeraFlop data processors, called Virtual Nodes. On the research side, France’s world-class nanotech laboratory CEA-Leti and the leading Japanese lithography company Nikon announced a joint effort to examine Double Patterning and Double Exposure technology for 32-nm semiconductor devices. “Leti offers an outstanding, state-of-the-art facility with all of the processes required for Double Patterning,” says Toshikazu Umatate, Executive Officer, Precision Equipment Company, Nikon Corporation. Another Japanese leader, Yamatake, is already working with Leti to develop nanotechnologies. International companies looking to expand in nanotechnology are also choosing France for their European headquarters. The California-based analog semiconductor company Monolithic Power Systems, ranked as one of the fastest growing companies in Silicon Valley by Deloitte, has now opened its headquarters in Bernin-Crolles. Boc Edwards, part of the Linde Group, has also moved its European semiconductor business headquarters from London to Grenoble to be closer to its electronics customers and to recruit skilled talent in the region. France’s expertise is expected to grow on the healthcare side of nanotechnologies following the recent announcement of the opening of Clinatec, an experimental nanotechnology-based neurosurgery clinic expected to be set up in the next three years. The clinic will benefit from the work being carried out at Minatec, Europe’s largest research center in micro-nanotechnologies.

Nanomaterials - Worldwide Market Challenges & Opportunities

NanoMaterials are redefining trends in vital industries such as automobile, and paints & coatings among others. Nanomaterials of all types are poised to find growing interest from healthcare and electronics sectors. Oxides and metals are expected to capture a major share of global NanoMaterial revenues in the short-term. Emerging NanoMaterials such as single-wall nanotubes, and dendrimers are forecast to contribute significantly to market growth. In terms of end-use, healthcare and electronics are key segments. Commercial usage of NanoMaterials is limited to few applications such as sunscreen lotions, wafer polishing, and treatment of textiles.

These and other market data and trends are presented in 'Nanomaterials: Worldwide Market Challenges & Opportunities' by BizAcumen, Inc. Our reports are designed to be most comprehensive in geographic coverage and vertical market analyses.

Carbon Fibers - Global Strategic Business Report

This report analyzes the worldwide markets for Carbon Fibers in Metric Tons.The market for ‘Carbon Fiber’ is analyzed by the following end-use segments: Aerospace and Defense, Sports Goods, and Industrial Applications. The report provides separate comprehensive analytics for US, Japan, Europe, and Rest of World. Annual forecasts are provided for each region for the period of 2006 through 2015. A ten-year historic analysis is also provided for this market. The report profiles 61 companies including many key and niche players worldwide such as Cytec Industries, Inc., Hexcel Corp., Mitsubishi Rayon Co., Ltd., Grafil, Inc., SGL Carbon Group, Teijin Ltd., Toho Tenax Co., Ltd., Toho Tenax America, Inc., Toray Industries, Inc., Toray Carbon Fibers America, Inc., and Zoltek Companies, Inc. Market data and analytics are derived from primary and secondary research. Company profiles are mostly extracted from URL research and reported select online sources.

Please note: Reports are sold as single-site single-user licenses. The delivery time for hard copies is between 3-5 business days, as each hard copy is custom printed for the organization ordering it. Electronic versions require 24-48 hours as each copy is customized to the client with digital controls and custom watermarks.

Nanomaterials - Worldwide Market Challenges and Opportunities

NanoMaterials are redefining trends in vital industries such as automobile, and paints & coatings among others. Nanomaterials of all types are poised to find growing interest from healthcare and electronics sectors. Oxides and metals are expected to capture a major share of global NanoMaterial revenues in the short-term. Emerging NanoMaterials such as single-wall nanotubes, and dendrimers are forecast to contribute significantly to market growth. In terms of end-use, healthcare and electronics are key segments. Commercial usage of NanoMaterials is limited to few applications such as sunscreen lotions, wafer polishing, and treatment of textiles.

The Global Market for Nanotubes to 2015: A Realistic Assessment

Carbon nanotubes open up tremendous possibilities for materials enhancement in a wide range of markets. Contrary to most hyperbolic estimates, the current global market for carbon nanotubes has been measured by Nanoposts.com at approximately $90.5million. At present nanotubes represent a niche materials additives market; but one with limitless revenue potential.

New functionalised nanotubes applications will come onto the market in the next few years that will greatly increase global revenues to $1.4 billion plus by 2015; driven mainly by the needs of the electronics and data storage, defence, energy, aerospace and automotive industries. As commercial-scale production ramps up, the significant decrease in cost for these high performance materials will also drive new applications. Up to now, most carbon nanotubes production has been on a pilot-scale level; however scale-up of production by large multi-nationals such as Arkema, Bayer MaterialsScience and Showa Denko and access to cheaper nanotubes from Russian and China will greatly increase commercialization opportunities.

The 87 page report “The Global Market for Nanotubes to 2015: A realistic assessment” provides in-depth coverage of one of the most active and commercially important areas of nanotechnology and includes:

Global revenue figures and projections 2006-2015 across all markets
Key drivers across all markets
Products, applications and market trends

Profiles of over 80 major and minor companies developing commercial applications of nanotubes including:
Bayer MaterialScience
BASF
Thomas Swan
Nanocomp
Nanocyl
Arkema
Mitsui
Toray
IBM
Surrey Nanosystems
Nanotero
Natural Nano
Unidym
Eikos

Sectors covered include:

Aerospace & Aviation
Automotive
Construction
Defence
Electronics & Data Storage
Energy
Environment
Healthcare & Life Sciences
Personal Care
Printing & Packaging
Sporting Goods
Textiles

Nanomaterials - Global Strategic Business Report

Nacbo (Italy)
Nano Interface Technology, Inc (USA)
Nano Science and Technology Network of CAS (China)
Nano- DTU (Denmark)
Nanobiomagnetics, Inc (USA)
NanoBioTec GmbH (Germany)
Nanobiotix SA (France)
Nano-C, Inc (USA)
Nanocarblab (Russia)
Nanocarrier Company (Japan)
Nanocerox, Inc (USA)
Nanoco Technologies Ltd (UK)
Nanocraft, Inc (USA)
Nanocrystal Imaging Corporation (USA)
Nanocs, Inc (USA)
Nanocyl SA (Belgium)
Nanodynamics, Inc (USA)
Nanoener, Inc (USA)
Nanofactory Instruments AB (Sweden)
Nanofilm Limited (USA)
Nanogate Technologies GmbH (Germany)
NanoGram Corporation (USA)
Kainos Energy Corporation (USA)
NanoHorizons, Inc (USA)
NanoLab, Inc (USA)
Nanoledge (France)
Nanologica AB (Sweden)
Nanomat, Inc (USA)
Nanomaterials Company (USA)
Nanomaterials Discovery Corporation (USA)
Nanomaterials Research LLC (USA)
Nanomaterials Technology Pte, Ltd (Singapore)
NanoMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc (USA)
Nanometrix, Inc (Canada)
Nanominerals Corporation (Canada)
Nanomix, Inc (USA)
Nanophase Technologies Corporation (USA)
Nanopore, Inc (USA)
Nanopowder Enterprises, Inc (USA)
Nanoprobes, Inc (USA)
Nanoproducts Corporation (USA)
Nanoquest Pty, Ltd (Australia)
NANOSAFE (USA)
Nanoscale Materials, Inc (USA)
Nanoscape AG (Germany)
NL Nanosemiconductor GmbH (Germany)
Nanosolar, Inc (USA)
Nanosolutions GmbH (Germany)
Nanosonic, Inc (USA)
Nanosphere, Inc (USA)
The NanoSteel Company (USA)
Nanostellar, Inc (USA)
Nanostructured & Amorphous Materials, Inc (USA)
Nanosys, Inc (USA)
Nanotechnologies, Inc (USA)
Nano-Tex (USA)
Nanothinx SA (Greece)
Nanova LLC (USA)
Nanowerk LLC (USA)
Nano-X GmbH (Germany)
Nantero, Inc (USA)
NaturalNano, Inc (USA)
NEC Corporation (Japan)
NEI Corporation (USA)
Nektar Therapeutic (USA)
Neophotonics Corporation (USA)
Netcomposites (UK)
NexTech Materials Ltd (USA)
nGIMAT Co (USA)
NN-Labs (USA)
Noble Polymers LLC (USA)
n-TEC (Norway)
Ntera (Ireland)
Nucryst Pharmaceuticals Corporation (USA)
Nyacol
Nano Technologies, Inc (USA)
Optiva, Inc (USA)
Ormecon GmbH (Germany)
Oxford Applied Research Ltd (UK)
Oxonica Ltd (UK)
Pacific Fuel Cell Corporation (USA)
PharmaSol GmbH (Germany)
Phelps Dodge Corporation (USA)
Climax Engineered Materials (USA)
Plasmachem GmbH (Germany)
PolyOne Corporation (USA)
Powdermet, Inc (USA)
PowerMetal Technologies, Inc (USA)
Praxair, Inc (USA)
Psimedica Limited (UK)
Qinetiq Group PLC (UK)
QinetiQ Nanomaterials Ltd (UK)
Qtech Nanosystems (P) Ltd (India)
Quantiam Technologies, Inc (Canada)
QuantumSphere, Inc (USA)
Raymor Industries, Inc (Canada)
AP&C Advanced Powders and Coatings, Inc (Canada)
Rhodia SA (France)
Reactive Nanotechnologies, Inc (USA)
Rockwell Scientific Company LLC (USA)
Rosseter Holdings Limited (Cyprus)
RTP Company (USA)
Saigon Hi-Tech Park (SHTP) (Vietnam)
Salvona Technologies LLC (USA)
Samsung Electronics Co, Ltd (South Korea)
Thai Samsung Electronics (Thailand)
Seldon Laboratories LLC (USA)
Sensatex, Inc (USA)
SES Research (USA)
Shenzhen Chengyin High-Tech Company Limited (China)
Shenzhen Junye Nano Material Co, Ltd (SJNMC) (China)
Shenzhen Nanotech Port Co, Ltd (China)
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co, Ltd (Japan)
Showa Denko KK (Japan)
Sigma Technologies Intl, Inc (USA)
Sigma-Aldrich Corporation (USA)
Southern Clay Products, Inc (USA)
Southwest Nanotechnologies, Inc (USA)
Spire Corporation (USA)
Starpharma Holdings Limited (Australia)
Strem Chemicals, Inc (USA)
Süd-Chemie AG (Germany)
Sumi Long Nanotechnology Materials (Shenzhen) Co, Ltd
(China)
Sumitomo Corporation (Japan)
Sun Nanotech Company Limited (China)
Sunraynano Advanced Science Co, Ltd (USA)
Sunyx GmbH (Germany)
Synthesechemie GmbH (Germany)
Tailored Materials Corporation, Inc (USA)
Technische Universiteit Eindhoven (The Netherlands)
The AWM Companies (Switzerland)
Thomas Swan & Co, Ltd (UK)
Toray Industries, Inc (Japan)
Tosoh Corporation (Japan)
TPL, Inc (USA)
Triton Systems, Inc (USA)
Umicore SA (Belgium)
US Global Nanospace, Inc (USA)
Versilant Nanotechnologies (USA)
Voridian (USA)
Vulvox Nano/Biotechnology Corporation (USA)
Wacker-Chemie GmbH (Germany)
Wilson Greatbatch Technologies, Inc/Greatbatch, Inc (USA)
Xintek (USA)
Zia Laser, Inc (USA)
Zyvex Corporation (USA)
B RESEARCH INSTITUTIONS
Ball State University (USA)
California Institute Of Technology (USA)
CASE-Southwest Missouri State University (USA)
Centre For Nanomaterials Applications In Construction
(Spain)
Clarkson University (USA)
CNT@Cambridge (UK)
CNT-Center For Nanotechnology (USA)
Commonwealth Scientific And Industrial Research
Organization (CSIRO) (Australia)
GE Global Research (USA)
Georgia Institute Of Technology (USA)
Goddard Space Flight Center (USA)
Hebrew University Of Jerusalem (Israel)
IBM Almaden Research Center (USA)
IBM Research
Nanoscale Science Department (USA)
Johnson Space Center (USA)
Kettering University (USA)
Kyoto University (Japan)
Los Alamos National Laboratory (USA)
Motorola Labs (USA)
Nanux Co, Ltd (Korea)
NASA Ames Research Center (USA)
National Physical Laboratory (UK)
National Polytechnique Institute Of Toulouse (France)
NTT Basic Research Laboratories (Japan)
Oak Ridge National Laboratory (USA)
Philips Research (The Netherlands)
Polymer Research Center (Japan)
Purdue University (USA)
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Carbon Nanomaterials
Research Group (USA)
Rice University (USA)
Samsung Advanced Institute Of Technology (South Korea)
Seoul University (South Korea)
Superconductivity Technology Center (USA)
Superlattice Nanomaterials Lab (Republic Of Korea)
Swiss Federal Institute Of Technology (Switzerland)
The National Dendrimer And Nanotechnology Center (USA)
The University Of Tokyo
Hirao Laboratory (Japan)
University of Akron (USA)
University of California (USA)
University of Cambridge (UK)
University of Illinois (USA)
University of North Carolina (USA)
University of Texas (USA)
Weizmann Institute (Israel )

Nanomaterials - Global Strategic Business Report

D Systems Corporation (USA)
Adnano (Degussa AG) (Germany)
Advanced Magnetics, Inc (USA)
Advanced Nano Products Co, Ltd (Korea)
Advanced Nano Technologies Pty, Ltd (Australia)
Advance Nanotech, Inc (USA)
Advanced Powder Technologies Pty, Limited (Australia)
Advectus Life Sciences, Inc (Canada)
Ahwahnee Technology, Inc (USA)
Air Products and Chemicals, Inc (USA)
ALCove Surfaces GmbH (Germany)
ALD NanoSolutions, Inc (USA)
Altair Nanotechnologies, Inc (USA)
AMCOL International Corporation (USA)
Nanocor, Inc (USA)
American Dye Source, Inc (USA)
American Pharmaceutical Partners, Inc (USA)
Advanced Powder Materials, Inc (USA)
Apex Nanomaterials (USA)
ApNano Materials, Inc (USA)
Applied Nanoworks, Inc (USA)
Applied Sciences, Inc (USA)
Argonide Corporation (USA)
Arkema Group (France)
Basell NV (The Netherlands)
Basell Service Company BV (Belgium)
BASF Aktiengesellschaft (AG) (Germany)
Beijing Chamgo Nano-Tech Co, Ltd (China)
Beijing Huihaihong Nano-ST Co, Ltd (China)
Biophan Technologies, Inc (USA)
Biotrove, Inc (USA)
Bucky (USA)
Buhler AG (Switzerland)
Buhler Partec GmbH (Germany)
BYK-Chemie GmbH (Germany)
Cabot Corporation (USA)
Cambridge Display Technology Ltd (UK)
Cambridge Nanotech, Inc (USA)
Capres AS (Denmark)
Carbolex, Inc (USA)
Carbon Designs, Inc (USA)
Carbon Nanotechnologies, Inc (USA)
C Sixty, Inc (USA)
Carbon Solutions, Inc (USA)
Catalytic Materials LLC (USA)
Cetek Technologies, Inc (USA)
CFN -DFG (Germany)
Cheap Tubes, Inc (USA)
Chemat Technology, Inc (USA)
Chengyin Technology Co, Ltd (China)
Chevron Corporation (USA)
Ciba Specialty Chemicals Holding, Inc (Switzerland)
Ciba Specialty Chemicals North America (USA)
Cima Nanotech, Inc (USA)
Clariant International Limited (Switzerland)
Crystalplex Corporation (USA)
CSEM
Centre Suisse Delectronique Et De Microtechnique
SA (Switzerland)
CytImmune Science, Inc (USA)
DA NanoMaterials LLC (USA)
Dendritech, Inc (USA)
Dendritic Nanotechnologies, Inc (USA)
Dow Chemical Co (USA)
Dow Corning Corporation (USA)
Dynas International Corporation (Taiwan)
E I Du Pont De Nemours And Company (USA)
Eikos, Inc (USA)
Eka Chemicals AB (Sweden)
Elmarco SRO (Czech Republic)
Empa (Switzerland)
Engelhard Corporation (USA)
Entegris, Inc (USA)
EnviroSystems (USA)
Espin Technologies, Inc (USA)
Evident Technologies, Inc (USA)
Evolved Nanomaterials Sciences, Inc (USA)
Exxonmobil Research And Engineering Company (USA)
FEI Company Tools For Nanotech (TM) (USA)
Firstnano, Inc (USA)
Five Star Technologies (USA)
Flamel Technologies SA (France)
Forschungszentrum Karlsruhe (Germany)
Frontier Carbon Corporation (Japan)
Fullerene International Corporation (USA)
Futuresoft Technologies, Inc (Canada)
General Electric Company (USA)
GE Advanced Ceramics (USA)
GP Nanotechnology Group Limited (Hong Kong)
Hefei Kiln Nanometer Technology Development Co, Ltd
(China)
Helix Material Solutions, Inc (USA)
Honeywell International, Inc (USA)
Hosokawa Micron Group (Japan)
Hosokawa Nano Particle Technology Center (USA)
Hybrid Plastics (USA)
Hyperion Catalysis International, Inc (USA)
IBU-Tec GmbH & Co KG (Germany)
IGI, Inc (USA)
Iljin Nanotech Co, Ltd (South Korea)
Illuminex Corporation (USA)
Industrial Nanotech, Inc (USA)
Infineon Technologies AG (Germany)
Inframat Corporation (USA)
Inmat, Inc (USA)
Inseq Corporation (USA)
Integran Technologies, Inc (USA)
Introgen Therapeutics, Inc (USA)
Invitrogen Corporation (USA)
Ishihara Sangyo Kaisha Limited (Japan)
ITN Nanovation GmbH (Germany)
Kemira OYJ (Finland)
KIA, Inc (USA)
Lambda Photometrics Ltd (UK)
Lavipharm Corporation (USA)
Liftport Group (USA)
Lightyear Technologies, Inc (USA)
Lion Corporation (Japan)
Liquidia Technologies (USA)
Luna Innovations (USA)
Luna Nanoworks (USA)
Lux Research, Inc (USA)
Luxtera (USA)
Mach I, Inc (USA)
Marion Technologies (France)
Materia, Inc (USA)
Materials and Electrochemical Research Corporation (USA)
Materials Modification, Inc (USA)
Mayaterials, Inc (USA)
MBN Nanomaterialia SpA (Italy)
Meliorum Technologies, Inc (USA)
Metallicum LLC (USA)
Micro Materials Limited (UK)
Microparticles GmbH (Germany)
MicroPowder Solutions LLC (USA)
Microtechnano, Inc (USA)
Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Co, Inc (Japan)
MO BV (The Netherlands)
Molecular Nanosystems, Inc (USA)

United States Leads Globe in Nanotechnology Research

The United States is the world leader in nanotechnology, but international competitors are aggressively developing their own programs in this area, according to an assessment released May 18 by President Bush’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST).

The report, described in a press release from the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), assessed the multi-agency National Nanotechnology Initiative (NNI) and its work in coordinating the federal nanotechnology research enterprise.

The NNI organizes federal nanotechnology research and establishes a strong national research infrastructure across 23 federal agencies, each with its own distinct mission.

Nanotechnology is the science and technology of building electronic circuits and devices from single atoms and molecules. Nanotechnology deals with devices typically smaller than 100 nanometers (a nanometer is one billionth of a meter) and is expected to make a significant contribution to computer storage, semiconductors, biotechnology, manufacturing and energy.

“This report is a thoughtful and highly informative assessment on the current status of the United States’ research programs for nanotechnology,” said OSTP Director John Marburger, science adviser to President Bush.

According to the report, The National Nanotechnology Initiative at Five Years: Assessment and Recommendations of the National Nanotechnology Advisory Panel, the approximately $1 billion the federal government will spend on nanotechnology research and development this fiscal year is roughly one-quarter of the current public-sector investments by all nations.

Total annual U.S. research and development spending (federal, state and private) is about $3 billion, or one-third of the estimated $9 billion in total worldwide spending by the public and private sectors combined.

The United States also leads in the number of start-up companies based on nanotechnology, and in research output as measured by patents and publications.

The report found that the NNI recognizes that the societal implications of nanotechnology -- including potential environmental and health effects -- must be taken into account and is moving deliberately to identify, prioritize and address such concerns.

In the fiscal year 2006 budget, $82 million (8 percent of the total NNI budget) will be dedicated to addressing these issues.

The report is based in part on input from a technical advisory group of nanotechnology experts representing diverse disciplines in government, industry and academia. PCAST also convened panels of experts to discuss advances and opportunities in science and technology and potential environmental, health, and safety implications of nanotechnology.

How to Use an iPod Nano

Start by connecting your iPod Nano to your computer using a USB cable. Next visit www.apple.com to download iTunes to your computer. iTunes may take a while to download.

Be sure to register your new iPod Nano, once iTunes has been correctly downloaded. This process will take only a matter of minutes. Registering your Nano is a way of providing your personal information to Apple. This is an important step, if ever you need to take your iPod Nano in to be tested for technical issues that may arise.

Browse through your new iTunes software program. At this time you should set up an iTunes account. Use a credit card that has a reasonable balance so that you can purchase music, videos, podcasts and television shows for your iPod Nano. iTunes takes a number of different credit cards.

Start adding CD's to your iTunes library. When you place a CD into the CD player, a window will pop up requesting permission to add the music to your iTunes library. Approve the music transfer. You will then be able to create a personalized iTunes library with your favorite music. iTunes automatically alphabetizes the artist's names in the library.

Create playlists for your iPod Nano. Browse the left side of your iTunes display screen. Place the cursor over all symbols at the bottom of the iTunes display. Left click the mouse over the symbol that reads, "playlist." Once it has been added to your group of playlists, double click on the title and create a personalized title. You can name your playlists by date, genres, names or any clever wording that you come up with. For instance, you can create a playlists that reads, Christmas Music, Love Songs or Wedding Songs. Once you have created your playlist, click and drag music from your iTunes library and place it into your new playlists. After you have added all the music to your playlist, you can go into your iPod and apply all current updated information.

Purchase music and videos from the iTunes store. Now that you have set up a valid iTunes account, you can proceed with purchasing as many songs and videos as you wish.

Add photos from your digital camera and online. Create a folder on your desktop or photo section on your computer. Add these photos to your iPod via iTunes.

EPA Proposes SNURs for Carbon Nanotubes

On November 6, 2009, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed significant new use rules (SNUR) under Section 5(a)(2) of the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) for two chemical substances that were the subject of premanufacture notices (PMN). EPA identified the substances generically as multi-walled carbon nanotubes and single-walled carbon nanotubes. According to the notice, these substances are subject to TSCA Section 5(e) consent orders issued by EPA. The consent orders require protective measures to limit exposures or otherwise mitigate the potential unreasonable risk. The proposed SNURs are based on and consistent with the provisions in the underlying consent orders, and designate as a significant new use the absence of the protective measures required in the corresponding consent orders. Persons who intend to manufacture, import, or process either of these two substances for an activity that is designated as a significant new use would be required by the proposed rule to notify EPA at least 90 days before commencing that activity. The required notification would provide EPA with the opportunity to evaluate the intended use and, if necessary, to prohibit or limit that activity before it occurs.

Nanotechnology with Carbon Nanotubes

Columns, pipes, bearings and springs are a few common ways that engineers have made use of the geometric shape known as a 'cylinder.' The utility of this shape is apparent in architecture, plumbing and mechanical devices. Carbon nanotubes are molecular cylinders that are rapidly extending our ability to fabricate nanoscale devices by providing molecular probes, pipes, wires, bearings and springs.

Their strength as structural supports comes from their sturdy molecular structure, which looks like what one would get if one could roll a two dimensional sheet of graphite into a three dimensional cylinder. The limit to how long they can be is unknown, thus aerospace scientists are seriously considering using them as cables extending into space, an idea that is not possible with traditional ropes since they would break under their own weight. Furthermore, carbon nanotubes can easily be cut into sections as small as a few nanometers. One of the first important applications of carbon nanotubes has been in the fabrication of sharp, strong and functionalized AFM probe tips.

The hollow nature of nanotubes allow them to function as pipes for transporting and molding atoms and molecules. Furthermore, the tubes come in insulating, semiconducting and conducting form, meaning that they can also be used as molecular wires and circuits. Whats more, capillary induced filling of the nanotubes with other materials further extends the diversity of nanowires that can be fabricated. The electronic properties of carbon nanotubes are directly related to their shape, making them an important Nano-Electromechanical System (NEMS). For example, the feasibility of a nanotube-based random access memory device with a memory density around 100 gigabytes/cm² and an operation frequency around 100 gigahertz has recently been developed at Harvard University.

In addition to their high aspect ratio (meaning long and thin) and particle transport capabilities, carbon nanotubes can also function as durable bearings and springs. Nanotubes can be fabricated in two forms: single-wall nanotubes (SWNT) or multi-wall nanotubes (MWNT). While a SWNT consists of only a single cylinder, a MWNT consists of several (between 2 and 30) concentric tubes, each with a specific diameter. Physicists at the University of California, Berkeley have recently demonstrated that a MWNT can act as a molecular bearing when one of the inner tubes rotates, or as a molecular spring when an inner tube is pulled out, causing the MWNT to stretch in a way similar to a telescope .

What will government do for nanotechnology?

Government will play the key role in assuring that the enormous benefits of nanotechnology will be realized quickly and the U.S. will share the global benefits. The goals of nanotechnology are too long term (greater than ten years) for industry to take an immediate leadership role, although the high level of industry interest and concern for the field is almost unprecedented. Because of its interdisciplinary nature, the development of nanotechnology requires creating teams of physicists, chemists, biologists, and engineers to tackle the problems, and the funding agencies will need to be organized to foster this teamwork. The enabling infrastructure and technologies must be in place for industry to take advantage of nanotechnology innovations and discoveries. Industry is frequently reluctant to invest in risky research that takes many years to develop into a product. In the US the university and government research system fills this gap. The increasing pace of technological commercialization requires a compression of past time scales and parallel development of research and commercial products and a synergy among industry, university, and government partners. New infrastructure at the universities and national labs is required for the field to grow. A worldwide competition is underway, and the US response is fragmented in comparison to the approach of European and Asian countries. For all of these reasons, this is a moment of opportunity to create an inter-agency initiative in nanotechnology to catalyze academe, industry, health, business, and national security efforts.

Why is this length scale so important?

There are five reasons why this length scale is so important:

• The wavelike properties of electrons inside matter are influenced by variations on the nanometer scale. By patterning matter on the nanometer length scale, it is possible to vary fundamental properties of materials (for instance, melting temperature, magnetization, charge capacity) without changing the chemical composition.
• The systematic organization of matter on the nanometer length scale is a key feature of biological systems. Nanotechnology promises to allow us to place artificial components and assemblies inside cells, and to make new materials using the self-assembly methods of nature. This is a powerful new combination of materials science and biotechnology.
• Nanoscale components have very high surface areas, making them ideal for use in composite materials, reacting systems, drug delivery, and energy storage.
• The finite size of material entities, as compared to the molecular scale, determine an increase of the relative importance of surface tension and local electromagnetic effects, making nanostructured materials harder and less brittle.
• The interaction wavelength scales of various external wave phenomena become comparable to the material entity size, making materials suitable for various opto-electronic applications.

Nanotechnology is the creation of functional materials, devices, and systems through control of matter on the nanometer (1 to 100+ nm) length scale and the exploitation of novel properties and phenomena developed at that scale.

A scientific and technical revolution has begun that is based upon the ability to systematically organize and manipulate matter on the nanometer length scale.

Examples of nanotechnology applications:

• giant magnetoresistance in nanocrystalline materials
• nanolayers with selective optical barriers, hard coatings
• dispersions with optoelectronic properties, high reactivity
• chemical and bio-detectors
• advanced drug delivery systems
• chemical-mechanical polishing with nanoparticle slurries
• new generation of lasers
• nanostructured catalysts
• systems on a chip
• carbon nanotube products
• nanoparticle reinforced materials
• thermal barrier
• ink jet systems
• information recording layers
• molecular sieves
• high hardness cutting tools