Molecular Foundry Workshop

Purpose: Forum for scientific feedback as a necessary

step in developing the center for governmental funding
approval
 One of 3 new nanotechnology centers in the US
developed through the nanotechnology initiative
–Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences (Oak Ridge, TN)
–Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (Los Alamos/Sandia, NM)
–To be completed in 2006

 Designed to be a user facility for governmental,

educational, and industrial usage
 Emphasis on training of first generation of nanoscientists
 Six Facilities at the Molecular Foundry

 Inorganic Nanomaterials
 Organic, Polymer/Biopolymer Synthesis
 Theory
 Nanofabrication
 Biological Nanostructures
 Imaging and Manipulation
 Emphasize multidisciplinary approach; collaboration
amongst facilities
Inorganic Nanomaterials (A. P. Alivisatos)
- Concentrates on building and synthesis of building
blocks
 Nanocrystal growth
 CVD growth of nanowires/ nanotubes
 X-ray diffraction, Luminescence optical absorption
Organic, Polymer/Biopolymer Synthesis (J. M. J. Frechet)
 Site-assisted self-assembly growth of structures based
on polymers and biomolecules
 User-run experiments (synthesis, molecular assembly
characterization)
 Organic synthesis, combinatorial synthesis, polymer
synthesis, hybrid materials
 Soft materials
Theory I (S. G. Louie)
 Crossed single-walled carbon nanotubes
 Nano-peapods
 Mode of operation
- short term interactions
- long term collaborations
- theory visitors program
 Tools and expertise
- electronic structure
- molecular dynamics
- quantum and classical Monte Carlo
simulation
- continuum mechanics
- many-particle Green’s function
Theory II (S. G. Louie)
 Challenges-
-Quantum confinement – new properties and phenomena
-Property sensitivity to size, symmetry, and structure
-Degrees of freedom
-Different length scales at the nanoscale
Nanofabrication (J. Boker)
 Utilizing microfabrication techniques for nanoscale
applications
 Top-down approach
 E-beam, focused ion-beam, optical soft lithography,
resist processing, film deposition, plasma etching, wet
etching
Allowance of “unwelcome” materials for standard
microfabrication
 Examples:
- Nanofabrication of catalysts
- Nano-MOSFETs
- Decoder array chip for nanodevices
Biological Nanostructures (C.R. Bertozzi)
 Nature builds devices from nanoscale components
 Biological components into devices:
- Molecular motors
- Structural assemblies
- Cell-based biosensors
- Biocompatible/Biodegradable materials
 DNA- directed assembly of nanocrystals
Example: Patterning Cells onto Chips
Imaging and Manipulation (M. Salmeron)
 LT-STM, LT-AFM, NSOM, Combined SEM and
STM/AFM with nano-manipulators, single molecular
microscopy, analytical transmission electron microscopy,
confocal microscopy
 Microscopes with in-situ manipulators
 Optical imaging and spectroscopy
 Imaging of very soft matter (bio-materials, liquids)
 Building and manipulating single atom and molecule
 Expanding on standard available techniques to develop
specialized new equipment for specific applications
Feedback and Conclusions
 Long time until Molecular Foundry opens
 Ramp-up time – Until 2006 opening?
 Cost policy – no user cost (supported by DOE)
 Possible fellowships for users (travel/housing stipends)
 Outreach Programs
 Intellectual property