EU probes success
Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) techniques enable scientists to study the properties of materials at the nanoscale and are the basis of nanoscience and technology. SPM is an area of microscopy that forms an image of a surface by using a mechanically moving probe that scans the specimen. The technique was originally developed using a scanning tunnelling microscope. The 'Advanced scanning probes for innovative nanoscience and technology' (Asprint) project was established to speed up the development and application of SPM methodologies. The EU-funded project built on existing European expertise by joining research laboratories and commercial enterprises and acting as a centre of knowledge. A new generation of probes capable of carrying out visualisation, manipulation and spectroscopy were created thanks to Asprint efforts. Consortium scientists produced new probes that had an increased number of applications and greater resolution. During the few last years scanning probe technology and nanoscience have become increasingly important for the European economy. In addition, an awareness of and access to SPM by the industry has improved. The technology developed by the Asprint consortium will therefore help Europe maintain its position as a world leader in the realm of nanoscience and technology.
