Nanotechnology Research – Universities

The Institute for Nanotechnology was established as an umbrella organization for the multimillion dollar nanotechnology research efforts at Northwestern University. The role of the Institute is to support meaningful efforts in nanotechnology, house state-of-the-art nanomaterials characterization facilities, and nucleate individual and group efforts aimed at addressing and solving key problems in nanotechnology.

Prof. Koray Aydin's group is mainly focused on the broad area of nanophotonics, an emerging field strategically positioned at the intersection of electrical engineering, applied physics, materials science and nanoscience.

The MEMS and Nanomechanics group is focused on characterizing mechanical behavior and properties of materials at small scale, biomaterials and artificial bio-inspired materials, materials at high strain rates, and on developing the expertise and tools to address micro and nanoscale fabrication and testing.

The research of the Mirkin Research Group at Northwestern focuses on developing methods for controlling the architecture of molecules and materials on the 1-100 nm length scale, and utilizing such structures in the development of analytical tools that can be used in the areas of chemical and biological sensing, lithography, catalysis, and optics.

The group's vision is to develop innovative technologies that harness biomolecular activity perfected by nature towards applications in cellular interrogation, bio-energetic/functional materials development, and next-generation medicine.

The group harnesses molecular recognition and self-assembly processes in template-directed protocols for the synthesis of functionalized and mechanized molecules, prior to their being introduced into integrated nanosystems.

The Stupp laboratory at Northwestern University

The 5-year programme is supported on a solid foundation of courses within physics, chemistry and mathematics. These are combined with courses in electronics and materials science that are oriented towards technology to give a good grounding for further studies in nanotechnology. The programme provides the theoretical basis and knowledge of experimental methods and technological applications of nanotechnology. The social implications of nanotechnology pertaining to ethical and environmental issues are also addressed. The first two years are common for all students in the programme. In the last three years, students choose their main profile from key areas relating to research, business and industry.

The aim of NTNU NanoLab is to establish a cross-disciplinary research environment for researchers within the fields of physics, chemistry, biology, electrical engineering, materials technology and medical research.