Nanotechnology Research Laboratories

The focus point for a variety of individual and collaborative research within various colleges and departments at the university.

Nanoscale Materials Characterization Facility ? NMCF is located in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) in the School of Engineering and Applied Science (SEAS) at the University of Virginia (UVa) is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to microscopy and microanalysis of materials from atomic to microscopic levels.

The Institute for Nanoscale and Quantum Scientific and Technological Advanced Research (nanoSTAR) is a dedicated, multi-disciplinary team striving to advance research & development at the nanoscale. They have efforts in three main thrust areas: nano and quantum electronics, nanomedicine, and nanotechnology for energy and the environment.

After admission to a participating department, graduate students can apply for our 'Option Ph.D. in Nanotechnology' program. Fulfillment of both departmental and Nanotechnology Program requirements will lead to a Ph. D. in Nanotechnology and the chosen discipline.

The Gao lab is interested in molecular diagnostic, optical labels, drug discovery and delivery.

The Institute for Nano-engineered Systems (NanoES) is an initiative of the College of Engineering. Its mission is to bring together faculty teams from across the college and the university to catalyze cutting-edge and translational research in the design, processing and integration of scalable nano-engineered devices and systems.

The NanoTech User Facility (NTUF) is available to both academic and industrial users nationwide. NTUF houses leading-edge instruments for characterization and fabrication at the micro- and nanoscales. Imaging tools include a field-emission scanning transmission electron microscope (S/TEM) with tomography capability, a field-emission scanning electron microscope (SEM) with energy-dispersed spectrometry, a laser scanning confocal microscope, a Raman confocal microscope, a fluorescence microscope, and two Scanning Probe Microscopes (SPMs). Fabrication tools include a fully equipped soft lithography shop and electron beam lithography capability in the SEM.

The efforts within the Lab are focused on obtaining basic understanding of nanofabrication processes and device operation, applying that knowledge to produce better models, simulators and devices.

The lab interested in developing 'smart' biomaterials that mimic the complex signaling environments of natural tissue development. Particular emphasis is placed on temporal and spatial control over growth factor activity, gene transfer, and mechanical stimulation. Includes research on nanostructured materials.

The Center for Sustainable Nanotechnology is a multi-institutional partnership devoted to investigating the fundamental molecular mechanisms by which nanoparticles interact with biological systems. Our goal is to use fundamental chemistry to enable the development of nanotechnology in a sustainable manner, for societal benefit. Funding for the CSN comes from the National Science Foundation Division of Chemistry through the Centers for Chemical Innovation Program.