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Novel Nano-Template Technology And Its Applications To The Fabrication Of Novel Photonic Devices

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Nano-template processes to boost fabrication tech

Fabrication technologies such as moulding, imprinting and hot embossing can benefit significantly from nano-templates made from resistant materials.

Industrial Technologies icon Industrial Technologies

Competitiveness, cost-effective technologies and faster nano-manufacturing are set to take some European industries by storm with the development of efficient nano-template processes. The EU-funded project 'Novel nano-template technology and its applications to the fabrication of novel photonic devices' (N2T2 Devices) developed wafer-scale nano-imprinting to advance this field considerably. The new technology relies on porous alumina thin films and advanced technology to make novel sub-wavelength photonic elements with superior functionality. N2T2 Devices was designed to produce products and processes that lead to long-term growth, competitiveness and sustainability in a commercial line of products and processes. In particular, individuals from different fields of expertise came together to develop advanced technologies linked to low-cost solar panels, high-brightness LEDs and photonic crystal optical devices. Thus, the project combined mass replication with quantum electronics. The development of sample devices was enriched through strategic alliances with partners beyond Europe. The industrial partners distributed their results to companies that could benefit from them and have been recognised as leaders in the field, attesting to the project's outstanding success. At the same time, related research in academic institutions encouraged PhD students and post-doctorate staff to embrace this emerging field. These newly formed partnerships and the wealth of data emerging from the project show enormous promise for nano-templates, whether for lighting, solar energy or other applications. With project outcomes already having been used in other European research projects, the next few years are set to reveal the full extent of exploitation of project results.

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