CENIDE Nano Summer Program

Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology deals with the fabrication and use of structures on the nanoscale, usually from the atomic scale to 100 nanometers. On this scale, the structural properties of a material play a more important role compared to volume properties and one has to take into account quantum physical effects. On the nanoscale, the properties of an object are particularly determined by its size. Thus, materials obtain new electronic, magnetic, or optic properties which one can take advantage of.

Because nanotechnology enables this manipulation of material properties, it is one of the key technologies of the 21st century. It is applied in many different areas, such as energy technology, information and communication technology, or consumer products, and it is an important innovation driver. Nanotechnology holds an enormous development potential for the coming years.

Both in terms of scientific research and economic impact, Germany belongs to the world’s leading nations in nanotechnology. More than 600 university institutes and research centers in Germany are working in this area, and in 2010 more than €400 million in federal funding was invested in nanotechnology research. About 950 nanotechnology companies are located in Germany, and there currently are more than 60,000 jobs in this field. All of this makes Germany an ideal place to explore nanotechnology and be taught be leading experts in the field.

 

Further information concerning nanotechnology by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research:


Photo:
Surface: with a cw-laser locally brominated, following aminated alkylsiloxane mono coating; donut by Au nanoparticles
© B. Klingebiel, A. Schröter, S. Franzka, and N. Hartmann, CENIDE, UDE