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Research topics
- R&D Priorities: Enabling Technological Families
- R&D Priorities: Enabling Systems and Solutions
R&D Priorities: Enabling Technological Families
- Mixed technologies for integrated micro-nano-systems
- Often integrating technologies are to combine developments, technologies, sciences of a very different heterogeneous nature. Combining different scientific disciplines (true multi-disciplinarity) into new fields of competencies is considered a main challenge with high potential for innovation. Examples are bio-electro (f.i. combining living cells and electronics) or bio-mechanical (incl. bio-inspired technologies), fluidic combined technologies or MNT-chemistry combined technologies (for new forms of energy), technologies for micro fuel cells and many more.
- (Hardware) technology for integration of Micro-Nano-Technology (MNT) into larger areas
- Focus is on the introduction of sensing, actuating and intelligence in large areas (surfaces, volumes), different materials. This requires multi-disciplinary engineering competencies and may build upon or extend the part of polymer electronics and plastic display or light technology out of Calls 1 and 2. Suggestions may range from addressing the technological challenges for the next generation of low cost disposable wireless tags up to the hardware challenges and hardware solutions related to sensor networks. Micro-Nano-Technology for Mass storage applications incl. f.i. molecular mass-storage devices with very high storage densities and technologies for the manufacturing of large flat screens using e.g. a thin layer of carbon nanotubes are other examples of a different nature.
- (Hardware) technology aimed at highly integrated and miniaturised systems
- This is following the traditional race to further integration of microsystems towards smaller dimensions and real nanosystems and to fulfil the requirements of ever more portable products with ever more functionality. Suggestions for research could include very high density interconnect and integration technologies to integrate different structures, devices, components into very small form factors. Of particular interest are the enabling technologies at the macro to micro to nano interface. A challenge will be the development of technologies to interface the nano dimension with the macro world.
- Supporting needs for Integrated Micro-Nano Systems research and technological development
- Important additional challenges for supporting technology development and innovation in Integrated Micro-Nano Systems are expected to be highlighted also. These could address topics as:
- the challenge of the combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches
- the challenge of interfacing of biological and synthetic systems
- applied research of a multi-disciplinary nature
- infrastructure needs, educational requirements
- any other issues
R&D Priorities: Enabling Systems and Solutions
- Micro-nano-systems enabled integrated subsystems, products, systems
- Integration of MNT in systems and subsystems modules having different functionalities drives different new generations of stand-alone products (portable or large sized integrating complex functionality) capable to satisfy different needs in a broad range of applications. Examples are f.i. 4th generation optical mass storage systems integrating small dimensional technology with next generation optical technologies; new types of highly integrated displays systems; micro-displays as subsystems components for further integration; 3DTV systems exploring the progress in holographic display technology; micro-robotic systems for next generations of automation and handling; e-dust, a highly miniaturised wireless communicating and sensing grain; smart wireless sensor systems; bio-MEMS based solutions for in-vitro clinical analysis or implemented in point-of-care units for professional purposes; integrated drug delivery systems; in-vivo analysis and patient treatments, solutions capable to cover future medical implants and devices; lab-on-chip and microarray approaches, and many more. -It is expected that innovation in the product or system itself (including their benefits and potential impact), in the underlying technologies and devices as well potential processing or manufacturing challenges are commented upon.
- Networked micro-nano-systems enabled products and systems and their deployment to address major socio-economic problems.
- This includes societal and economic areas and their needs where micro-nanotechnologies (MNT) based solutions can demonstrate their usefulness, bringing solutions otherwise unreachable, adding value to the set of acquired information, improve the quality of the provided services and the quality of the life. A holistic approach to make visions becoming reality is suggested. This requires synergy among a variety of disciplines, including MST/MEMS/MNT and related technologies, computer science, electrical engineering, networking etc... combined with the specific application expertise related to that sector (e.g. medical, biological,...) . The holistic approach is expected to promote a variety of application solutions and leverage the deployment and market potential. A sectorial classification is suggested.
Sectors as environment addressing water and air quality, health, automotive (safety and environmental impact), living places (for improved comfort or sustainability of people), security, safety, mobility, agriculture and others are areas where ideas for major initiatives are solicited. The MNT present status allows to approach, in a holistic way, different needs in these sectors. It is important to show the benefits an AmI and integrated MNT enabled initiative can bring to these sectors as well as the potential of the sector for the future deployment of micro and nano-systems and of integrated micro and nano-systems enabled products. Suggestions may range from addressing architectural system development exploring the potential of MNT enabled products, networks and the establishment of experimental infrastructure for smart wireless sensors deployment, including field trials, in combination with the use of this infrastructure or system for applications in the sector envisaged.