Grenoble, 21/06/2002 (Agence Europe) - At an information meeting in Grenoble Friday last, the European Commission and researchers discussed the state of research into nano-technologies (one nanometer = a millionth of a millimetre); an area in which individual atoms and molecules are manipulated (more than 80,000 times less than the width of a hair). Prospects for developments are indeed enormous for industry, with entirely new sectors of activity, numerous applications and thus, very real economic stakes. To take up this challenge, the EU will, in the sixth framework programme, have some 700 million euro for the four-year period ranging 2003 to 2006 (as a comparison, the United States devotes between $600 and 700 million a year in the sector).
His visit to CEA-Minatec, research centre into micro- and nano-technology, enabled Commissioner Philippe Busquin to stress the role of the European research area in the "creation of new tools that will possibly place acquired knowledge into question". The contours of the different specialities (chemistry, physics, biology) seeking their own objectives are rendered vague by the miniaturisation that nano-technologies involve. Thus, international co-operation between experts in these different fields through networking and the setting up of public-private partnerships constitutes the essential contribution for large-scale European action so as to obtain better performing products and procedures, Mr. Busquin recalled. As was the case for information technologies, some researchers see in nano-technologies the foundations of the next industrial revolution. Many fields are already concerned, from housing to clothing, cars to medical equipment, and applications may be found in almost all aspects of human life. Gains in speed and cost are especially promising regarding the storage and distribution of energy, processors, bio-analysis, robotics, etc.. The Minatec centre is a "multi-technological platform" associating fundamental and applied research into nano-technologies. It should be fully operational in 2005, but already plays host to many start-up industries and offers students the possibility of following training courses (200 graduate engineers and 50 doctorates a year).
Already user of electronic nano-technology, the laboratory Tixell, present on the site in Grenoble, is now considering introducing nano-technologies in its medical imagery business. Flat panels developed by this joint-venture (Thales, Philips, Siemens) allow for medical x-rays and dynamic images (cardiovascular examinations) with results close to a digital camera. These benefits may be improved through nano-electronic equipment (more precise diagnosis and possibly better resistance to ionising rays).