By Michael Orshan
Are we really in a globalized market? As I was looking for news items to post on nano and microsystems, I saw a trend. The trend has been very popular for software, call centers, and many services. This is moving key components of ones business to different areas of the world. I question whether nanotech, MEMS and other advanced technology is ready for this.
I understand that the growing trend in semiconductors is fabless chip design houses. The design gets done, the design is sent to a fab and the fab creates a run of chips not knowing exactly what the chip does. This allows high end items with short chip runs to be satisfied. Military, prototype, and high priced applications all fit in this model. So do high volume runs fit this model as functionality becomes more and more customized per order. Areas such as Singapore, Malaysia, Taiwan and China are doing quite well with this model.
However, I am now seeing this with MEMS. Can you just take a design and move it to a fab? What security do you need with the fab? What quality controls? What insurance that your design will not be stolen? Certainly the fab will need to know more than the knowledge being passed in the semiconductor world.
I’d like to hear your comments on this. I think if we can get to the semiconductor model, we will be able to lower costs and create high global productivity Maybe global rules need to be decided upon.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Discovery cuts cost of next generation optical fibres
1/20/2008 12:39:10 AM
Scientists have discovered a way of speeding up the production of hollow-core optical fibres - a new generation of optical fibres that could lead to faster and more powerful computing and telecommunications technologies.
The procedure, described today in the journal Optics Express, cuts the production time of hollow-core optical fibres from around a week to a single day, reducing the overall cost of fabrication.
Initial tests show that the fibre is also superior in virtually every respect to previous versions of the technology, making it an important step in the development of new technologies that use light instead of electrical circuits to carry information.
These technologies include faster optical telecommunications, more powerful and accurate laser machining, and the cheaper generation of x-ray or ultra-violet light for use in biomedical and surgical optics.
“This is a major improvement in the development of hollow-core fibre technology,” said Professor Jonathan Knight from the Centre for Photonics & Photonic Materials in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath.
“In standard optical fibres, light travels in a small cylindrical core of glass running down the fibre length.
“The fact that light has to travel through glass limits them in many ways. For example, the glass can be damaged if there is too much light.
“Also, the glass causes short pulses of light to spread out in a blurring effect that makes them less well defined. This limits its usefulness in telecommunications and other applications.
“Hence, fibres in which light travels in air down a hollow core hold great promise for a next generation of optical fibres with performance enhanced in many ways.”
The problem in developing hollow-core fibres is that only a special sort of optical fibre can guide light down an air hole. They use a two-dimensional pattern of tiny holes in the glass around the core to trap the light within the core itself.
The highly detailed nature of these fibres means that they have been difficult to fabricate and they can only work for a limited range of wavelengths.
However, the new procedure developed by the Bath photonics group shows how a tiny change to these fibres – narrowing the wall of glass around the large central hole by just a hundred nanometres (a 10 millionth of a metre) – broadens the range of wavelengths which can be transmitted.
They achieved this by omitting some of the most difficult steps in the fabrication procedure, reducing the time required to make the fibres from around a week to a single day.
The improved fibre was developed as part of a European Commission-funded Framework 6 project ‘NextGenPCF’ for applications in gas sensing.
However, the superior performance of the fibre means that it could have a significant impact in a range of fields such as laser design and pulsed beam delivery, spectroscopy, biomedical and surgical optics, laser machining, the automotive industry and space science.
“The consequences of being able to use light rather than electrical circuits to carry information will be fundamental,” said Professor Knight.
“It will make optical fibres many times more powerful and brings the day when information technology will consist of optical devices rather than less efficient electronic circuits much closer.
“For biomedical research, we can use these fibres to deliver light for diagnosis or surgery anywhere – even deep inside the body.
“Almost any device where light is important or can be used, photonic crystal fibres can make more efficient, sensitive and powerful.”
‘Control of surface modes in low loss hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers’, Optics Express, Vol. 16, Issue 2, pp. 1142-1149.
Scientists have discovered a way of speeding up the production of hollow-core optical fibres - a new generation of optical fibres that could lead to faster and more powerful computing and telecommunications technologies.
The procedure, described today in the journal Optics Express, cuts the production time of hollow-core optical fibres from around a week to a single day, reducing the overall cost of fabrication.
Initial tests show that the fibre is also superior in virtually every respect to previous versions of the technology, making it an important step in the development of new technologies that use light instead of electrical circuits to carry information.
These technologies include faster optical telecommunications, more powerful and accurate laser machining, and the cheaper generation of x-ray or ultra-violet light for use in biomedical and surgical optics.
“This is a major improvement in the development of hollow-core fibre technology,” said Professor Jonathan Knight from the Centre for Photonics & Photonic Materials in the Department of Physics at the University of Bath.
“In standard optical fibres, light travels in a small cylindrical core of glass running down the fibre length.
“The fact that light has to travel through glass limits them in many ways. For example, the glass can be damaged if there is too much light.
“Also, the glass causes short pulses of light to spread out in a blurring effect that makes them less well defined. This limits its usefulness in telecommunications and other applications.
“Hence, fibres in which light travels in air down a hollow core hold great promise for a next generation of optical fibres with performance enhanced in many ways.”
The problem in developing hollow-core fibres is that only a special sort of optical fibre can guide light down an air hole. They use a two-dimensional pattern of tiny holes in the glass around the core to trap the light within the core itself.
The highly detailed nature of these fibres means that they have been difficult to fabricate and they can only work for a limited range of wavelengths.
However, the new procedure developed by the Bath photonics group shows how a tiny change to these fibres – narrowing the wall of glass around the large central hole by just a hundred nanometres (a 10 millionth of a metre) – broadens the range of wavelengths which can be transmitted.
They achieved this by omitting some of the most difficult steps in the fabrication procedure, reducing the time required to make the fibres from around a week to a single day.
The improved fibre was developed as part of a European Commission-funded Framework 6 project ‘NextGenPCF’ for applications in gas sensing.
However, the superior performance of the fibre means that it could have a significant impact in a range of fields such as laser design and pulsed beam delivery, spectroscopy, biomedical and surgical optics, laser machining, the automotive industry and space science.
“The consequences of being able to use light rather than electrical circuits to carry information will be fundamental,” said Professor Knight.
“It will make optical fibres many times more powerful and brings the day when information technology will consist of optical devices rather than less efficient electronic circuits much closer.
“For biomedical research, we can use these fibres to deliver light for diagnosis or surgery anywhere – even deep inside the body.
“Almost any device where light is important or can be used, photonic crystal fibres can make more efficient, sensitive and powerful.”
‘Control of surface modes in low loss hollow-core photonic bandgap fibers’, Optics Express, Vol. 16, Issue 2, pp. 1142-1149.
Carbon nanosheets promise super-fast chips
18:00 08 January 2008
NewScientist.com news service
Tom Simonite
Atom-thick sheets of a carbon compound called graphene should smash the record for room-temperature conductivity, say UK researchers.
The fact that the near-2D layers lets electrons travel so freely means the sheets could allow a new generation of super-fast microelectronics, they say.
Prototype devices like transistors have already been made from graphene, but its basic properties are still being explored.
Graphene is the name given to a sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagon pattern. Stacks of such sheets make the pencil-core ingredient graphite, but until recently it had been extremely difficult to isolate single layers.
The new research was carried out by scientists at the University of Manchester – where graphene was first isolated in 2004 – and colleagues from Russia, the Netherlands, and the US.
The team calculated that pure graphene should allow electrons to travel more easily than in any other material, including gold, silicon, gallium arsenide, and carbon nanotubes.
Electronic qualityThe mobility of charge in a semiconductor is known as its "electronic quality" and governs the speeds the material is able to provide in electronics.
For example, gallium arsenide is used in cellphone transmitters because its higher electronic quality means it can operate at greater frequencies than the silicon used for most other applications.
At room temperature, gallium arsenide has an electronic quality of 8500 cm2/Vs compared with just 1500 cm2/Vs for silicon. But good quality graphene without impurities should reach up to 200,000 cm2/Vs, according to the new research.
In experiments, the team showed that two different factors were slowing down the movement of charge.
The first factor is a "built-in" speed limit that cannot be changed: ripples in the sheets trap vibrations from heat passing through the graphene, which in turn slow down the travelling electrons.
The second source of electron congestion is impurities in the graphene. These could be removed, however, via better manufacturing, meaning the material's electronic quality should reach the proposed record-breaking levels.
Manufacturing problem"Graphene exhibits the highest electronic quality among all known materials," says Andre Geim of the Manchester University team. "Our work singles it out as the best possible material for electronic applications."
Walt de Heer at Georgia Institute of Technology, US, says that the projected figure agrees with what he had expected, based on the behaviour of similar materials like nanotubes.
But he adds the result highlights the main barrier between graphene and the electronics industry – it is hard to isolate pure layers of graphene in sheets large enough for industrial manufacture. "They need a workable material presented in large wafers like silicon," he says.
The experimental devices used in the new research were made by carefully peeling off layers of graphene from chunks of graphite using sticky tape. That technique, while useful in the lab, is of little use to semiconductor companies.
De Heer and colleagues are working to overcome this practical problem. They can already cover areas with a few layers of graphene by heating silicon carbide wafers up to 1300 ºC – the heat breaks down the material, leaving the graphene behind.
"We are able to 'grow' a canvas of material that has similar if not identical electrical properties," says de Heer.
The new research will appear in a forthcoming edition of the journal Physical Review Letters
NewScientist.com news service
Tom Simonite
Atom-thick sheets of a carbon compound called graphene should smash the record for room-temperature conductivity, say UK researchers.
The fact that the near-2D layers lets electrons travel so freely means the sheets could allow a new generation of super-fast microelectronics, they say.
Prototype devices like transistors have already been made from graphene, but its basic properties are still being explored.
Graphene is the name given to a sheet of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagon pattern. Stacks of such sheets make the pencil-core ingredient graphite, but until recently it had been extremely difficult to isolate single layers.
The new research was carried out by scientists at the University of Manchester – where graphene was first isolated in 2004 – and colleagues from Russia, the Netherlands, and the US.
The team calculated that pure graphene should allow electrons to travel more easily than in any other material, including gold, silicon, gallium arsenide, and carbon nanotubes.
Electronic qualityThe mobility of charge in a semiconductor is known as its "electronic quality" and governs the speeds the material is able to provide in electronics.
For example, gallium arsenide is used in cellphone transmitters because its higher electronic quality means it can operate at greater frequencies than the silicon used for most other applications.
At room temperature, gallium arsenide has an electronic quality of 8500 cm2/Vs compared with just 1500 cm2/Vs for silicon. But good quality graphene without impurities should reach up to 200,000 cm2/Vs, according to the new research.
In experiments, the team showed that two different factors were slowing down the movement of charge.
The first factor is a "built-in" speed limit that cannot be changed: ripples in the sheets trap vibrations from heat passing through the graphene, which in turn slow down the travelling electrons.
The second source of electron congestion is impurities in the graphene. These could be removed, however, via better manufacturing, meaning the material's electronic quality should reach the proposed record-breaking levels.
Manufacturing problem"Graphene exhibits the highest electronic quality among all known materials," says Andre Geim of the Manchester University team. "Our work singles it out as the best possible material for electronic applications."
Walt de Heer at Georgia Institute of Technology, US, says that the projected figure agrees with what he had expected, based on the behaviour of similar materials like nanotubes.
But he adds the result highlights the main barrier between graphene and the electronics industry – it is hard to isolate pure layers of graphene in sheets large enough for industrial manufacture. "They need a workable material presented in large wafers like silicon," he says.
The experimental devices used in the new research were made by carefully peeling off layers of graphene from chunks of graphite using sticky tape. That technique, while useful in the lab, is of little use to semiconductor companies.
De Heer and colleagues are working to overcome this practical problem. They can already cover areas with a few layers of graphene by heating silicon carbide wafers up to 1300 ºC – the heat breaks down the material, leaving the graphene behind.
"We are able to 'grow' a canvas of material that has similar if not identical electrical properties," says de Heer.
The new research will appear in a forthcoming edition of the journal Physical Review Letters
Boron nanotubes could outperform carbon
15:00 04 January 2008
NewScientist.com news service
Stephen Battersby
Carbon may be losing its monopoly over the nanoworld. According to the latest calculations, tubes built out of the element boron could have many of the same properties as carbon nanotubes, the ubiquitous components of nanoengineering. And for some electronic applications, they should even be better than carbon.
Boron nanotubes will have a more complicated shape than the simple linked hexagons that work for carbon, as the chemistry of boron makes that chicken-wire pattern unstable. The first boron nanotubes to be created, in 2004, are thought to be formed from a buckled triangular latticework.
But according to Xiaobao Yang, Yi Ding and Jun Ni from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, the best configuration for boron is to take the unstable hexagon lattice and add an extra atom to the centre of some of the hexagons (see image, top right). They calculate that this is the most stable known theoretical structure for a boron nanotube.
Their simulation also shows that, with this pattern, boron nanotubes should have variable electrical properties: wider ones would be metallic conductors, but narrower ones should be semiconductors. If so, then boron tubes might be used in nanodevices similar to the diodes and transistors that have already been made from carbon nanotubes, says Ni.
Variable surfacesIt's a surprise to other researchers, who expected all boron nanotubes to be metallic. "If this is true, it's interesting," says Sohrab Ismail-Beigi of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, whose earlier paper showed that this same structure would make stable flat sheets of boron.
Ismail-Beigi suspects that it will be difficult to make semiconducting boron nanotubes, even so. His work shows that there are many different structures almost as stable as this one, so real tubes are likely to have variable surfaces. "I would hypothesize that this would make most tubes metallic," Ismail-Beigi told New Scientist.
Metallic boron nanotubes would still be useful, however, as they should be better conductors than carbon. Ismail-Beigi speculates that they might also be superconducting at higher temperatures. So if a superconducting nanocomputer is ever built, it might have boron wiring.
To actually make the boron tubes, Ni suggests chemical vapour deposition, which is a process already used to grow carbon nanotubes. This technique requires an appropriate catalyst, such as a nanoparticle of nickel, to act as a template for the nanotube. "The key issue for the growth of boron nanotubes is to find effective catalysts," says Ni.
Journal ref: Physical Review B (DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.77.041402)
NewScientist.com news service
Stephen Battersby
Carbon may be losing its monopoly over the nanoworld. According to the latest calculations, tubes built out of the element boron could have many of the same properties as carbon nanotubes, the ubiquitous components of nanoengineering. And for some electronic applications, they should even be better than carbon.
Boron nanotubes will have a more complicated shape than the simple linked hexagons that work for carbon, as the chemistry of boron makes that chicken-wire pattern unstable. The first boron nanotubes to be created, in 2004, are thought to be formed from a buckled triangular latticework.
But according to Xiaobao Yang, Yi Ding and Jun Ni from Tsinghua University in Beijing, China, the best configuration for boron is to take the unstable hexagon lattice and add an extra atom to the centre of some of the hexagons (see image, top right). They calculate that this is the most stable known theoretical structure for a boron nanotube.
Their simulation also shows that, with this pattern, boron nanotubes should have variable electrical properties: wider ones would be metallic conductors, but narrower ones should be semiconductors. If so, then boron tubes might be used in nanodevices similar to the diodes and transistors that have already been made from carbon nanotubes, says Ni.
Variable surfacesIt's a surprise to other researchers, who expected all boron nanotubes to be metallic. "If this is true, it's interesting," says Sohrab Ismail-Beigi of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, whose earlier paper showed that this same structure would make stable flat sheets of boron.
Ismail-Beigi suspects that it will be difficult to make semiconducting boron nanotubes, even so. His work shows that there are many different structures almost as stable as this one, so real tubes are likely to have variable surfaces. "I would hypothesize that this would make most tubes metallic," Ismail-Beigi told New Scientist.
Metallic boron nanotubes would still be useful, however, as they should be better conductors than carbon. Ismail-Beigi speculates that they might also be superconducting at higher temperatures. So if a superconducting nanocomputer is ever built, it might have boron wiring.
To actually make the boron tubes, Ni suggests chemical vapour deposition, which is a process already used to grow carbon nanotubes. This technique requires an appropriate catalyst, such as a nanoparticle of nickel, to act as a template for the nanotube. "The key issue for the growth of boron nanotubes is to find effective catalysts," says Ni.
Journal ref: Physical Review B (DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.77.041402)
Colorado State scientists dramatically improve soft x-ray lasers with discovery
FORT COLLINS, CO | Posted on January 22nd, 2008
The groundbreaking discovery covers very short wavelengths of light near 13 nanometers that are valuable particularly for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, which aims to develop the next generation of faster computer chips using that type of light by 2010 or 2011, said CSU University Distinguished Professor Jorge Rocca, senior author of the research. Rocca collaborated on the Nature Photonics paper with CSU colleagues Yong Wang, Brad Luther, Francesco Pedacci, Mark Berrill, Eduardo Granados and David Alessi.
"The potential applications are many - ultrahigh resolution microscopy, patterning to make nanodevices, and semiconductor industry measurements," Rocca said. "There are many other possibilities that in the future will also include biology."
The technology involves the generation of short wavelength light in the extreme ultraviolet or soft X-ray range of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths about 50 times shorter than visible light. A nanometer is billionths of a meter. A human hair is about 60,000 nanometers. These lasers can be used to "see" tiny features, create extremely small patterns and manipulate materials in ways that visible light can't.
The research reported in the Nature Photonics paper focused on making the light of lasers operating at 18.9 and 13.9 nanometers more "coherent" - a property that distinguishes laser light from light generated by other sources. Rocca's team generated a little seed of coherent X-ray light, converted the frequency of a visible laser beam to soft X-ray light and obtained a very coherent light at a low intensity. That seed was injected through a plasma amplifier and grew to produce a very high intensity beam of soft x-ray light with extraordinarily high coherence.
"Coherent soft x-ray light can be used to measure the properties of materials and directly write patterns with nano-scale dimension," Rocca said. "It can be used to look for extremely small defects in the masks that will be used to print the future generations of semiconductor chips."
The work is part of the research conducted at the National Science Foundation's Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology - a partnership between Colorado State University in Fort Collins, the University of Colorado-Boulder and the University of California Berkeley - that combines the expertise of researchers who are among the world leaders in developing compact extreme ultraviolet coherent light sources, optics and optical systems for nanoscience, nanotechnology and other applications.
The center also has significant industry and national laboratory involvement. The largest computer chip manufacturers - Intel, Advanced Micro Devices Inc, IBM and Samsung - are industrial members of the EUV ERC, joining a set of industries that include small- and medium-sized companies.
####
About Colorado State University
Colorado State University is one of our nation's leading research universities with world-class research in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies, and environmental science. It was founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, six years before the Colorado Territory became a state.
Last year, CSU awarded degrees to more than 5,000 graduates, and this year, it attracted nearly $300 million in research funding. Colorado State is a land-grant institution and a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University-Extensive.
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Emily Narvaes Wilmsen
(970) 491-2336
The groundbreaking discovery covers very short wavelengths of light near 13 nanometers that are valuable particularly for the semiconductor manufacturing industry, which aims to develop the next generation of faster computer chips using that type of light by 2010 or 2011, said CSU University Distinguished Professor Jorge Rocca, senior author of the research. Rocca collaborated on the Nature Photonics paper with CSU colleagues Yong Wang, Brad Luther, Francesco Pedacci, Mark Berrill, Eduardo Granados and David Alessi.
"The potential applications are many - ultrahigh resolution microscopy, patterning to make nanodevices, and semiconductor industry measurements," Rocca said. "There are many other possibilities that in the future will also include biology."
The technology involves the generation of short wavelength light in the extreme ultraviolet or soft X-ray range of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths about 50 times shorter than visible light. A nanometer is billionths of a meter. A human hair is about 60,000 nanometers. These lasers can be used to "see" tiny features, create extremely small patterns and manipulate materials in ways that visible light can't.
The research reported in the Nature Photonics paper focused on making the light of lasers operating at 18.9 and 13.9 nanometers more "coherent" - a property that distinguishes laser light from light generated by other sources. Rocca's team generated a little seed of coherent X-ray light, converted the frequency of a visible laser beam to soft X-ray light and obtained a very coherent light at a low intensity. That seed was injected through a plasma amplifier and grew to produce a very high intensity beam of soft x-ray light with extraordinarily high coherence.
"Coherent soft x-ray light can be used to measure the properties of materials and directly write patterns with nano-scale dimension," Rocca said. "It can be used to look for extremely small defects in the masks that will be used to print the future generations of semiconductor chips."
The work is part of the research conducted at the National Science Foundation's Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Science and Technology - a partnership between Colorado State University in Fort Collins, the University of Colorado-Boulder and the University of California Berkeley - that combines the expertise of researchers who are among the world leaders in developing compact extreme ultraviolet coherent light sources, optics and optical systems for nanoscience, nanotechnology and other applications.
The center also has significant industry and national laboratory involvement. The largest computer chip manufacturers - Intel, Advanced Micro Devices Inc, IBM and Samsung - are industrial members of the EUV ERC, joining a set of industries that include small- and medium-sized companies.
####
About Colorado State University
Colorado State University is one of our nation's leading research universities with world-class research in infectious disease, atmospheric science, clean energy technologies, and environmental science. It was founded in 1870 as the Colorado Agricultural College, six years before the Colorado Territory became a state.
Last year, CSU awarded degrees to more than 5,000 graduates, and this year, it attracted nearly $300 million in research funding. Colorado State is a land-grant institution and a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University-Extensive.
For more information, please click here
Contacts:
Emily Narvaes Wilmsen
(970) 491-2336
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
When can we expect the nano fuel cells?
by Michael Orshan
Energy prices are going through the roof here in the US and elsewhere. Supplies of energy are steady, but the global use is higher and that is the issue. Everyone is rightfully looking into biomass, wind, geothermal and solar as ways to offset the lack of supplies. This is all taking time, as consumers we are waiting for economies of scales to kick in and then maybe this will all work out.
There is another way around this and doing this in parallel with renewable energy options is great. That is to optimize the energy we are already using. For instance hydrogen fuel cells will be great. If we can store the hydrogen in nanocells then we can use the exact amount of hydrogen to propel a car or whatever. We can use the nanocell concept for gas and most fuel supplies. Nanostorage devices will be great. However, when will they show up? Who is doing what about this? Anytime soon?
The concept for fuel cells is for more then vehicles. These are expected to be a super battery. It should really change mobile consumer electronics if you only need to recharge once a week or month. I sometimes wonder how tethered the world is to an electric outlet. Imagine of that was not the case!
Energy prices are going through the roof here in the US and elsewhere. Supplies of energy are steady, but the global use is higher and that is the issue. Everyone is rightfully looking into biomass, wind, geothermal and solar as ways to offset the lack of supplies. This is all taking time, as consumers we are waiting for economies of scales to kick in and then maybe this will all work out.
There is another way around this and doing this in parallel with renewable energy options is great. That is to optimize the energy we are already using. For instance hydrogen fuel cells will be great. If we can store the hydrogen in nanocells then we can use the exact amount of hydrogen to propel a car or whatever. We can use the nanocell concept for gas and most fuel supplies. Nanostorage devices will be great. However, when will they show up? Who is doing what about this? Anytime soon?
The concept for fuel cells is for more then vehicles. These are expected to be a super battery. It should really change mobile consumer electronics if you only need to recharge once a week or month. I sometimes wonder how tethered the world is to an electric outlet. Imagine of that was not the case!
Wall Street will resume nanotechnology financing
“ALL THE miracles of life that nature has created are based on Nanotechnology. It is up to mankind to perfect these miracles in the upcoming decades and centuries.”
Nanotechnology is one of the most active areas of research and development today with an investment of over $10 billion (2006) going into it worldwide. The United States, with its substantial government-funding involving the National Science Foundation (NSF), its Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defence (DOD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leads the world in nanotechnology research and development. In January 2007, the European Union launched its largest-ever funding programme for research and technological development called the Seventh Framework Program (FP7). The programme has allocated about $ 4.5 billion for nanotechnology research and development. Other countries, including Russia, India, Japan and China have earmarked several billion USD for future nanotechnology investment programmes.
During the last five years, Wall Street has not been active in nanotechnology financing. It has allowed the venture capital companies, without competition, to cherry-pick the elite nanotechnology investment opportunities while leaving many promising nanotechnology ventures to starve financially. Today, with 400+ nanotechnology products in the domestic marketplace, the industry appears credible and the Street’s focus may be changing. The planned $100 million Initial Public Offering (IPO) by NanoDynamics, Inc (ND) may change the funding landscape for nanotechnology companies. It’s a very important change. The reasons behind the ND IPO’s expected success will become clear once you dig through the S-1 Prospectus, understand which specific green and nanotechnology markets ND’s new products aim to penetrate and why ND will be profitable in both those markets. "Green Energy and Nanotechnology" is a winning corporate strategy for the next decade. After a successful ND offering, a financing rush will be on and Wall Street should once again become a major player in nanotechnology funding, especially for young and cash-starved nanotechnology companies.
Environmental applications of nanotechnology
Environmental benefits from nanotechnology are derived from a wide range of possible applications, including nanotechnology-enabled, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes that reduce waste products - ultimately leading to atomically precise molecular manufacturing with zero waste; the use of nano- materials as catalysts to minimize or eliminate the use of toxic materials for greater efficiency in the current manufacturing processes; the use of nano-materials and nano-devices to reduce pollution (e.g. water and air filters); and the use of nano-materials for more efficient alternative energy production (e.g. solar and fuel cells).
Fuel additives for increased fuel efficiency
Nano-particle additives have been shown to increase the fuel efficiency of diesel engines by approximately 5% which could result in a maximum saving of 22-23 millions of tons per annum of CO2 in Europe alone. This could be implemented immediately across the diesel-powered fleet. However, since little is known about the health impact of free nano-particles in diesel exhaust gases, a comprehensive toxicological testing and subsidized independent performance tests are required to validate the absence of environmental harm.
Solar Cells
Nanotechnology may deliver significant benefits in vastly decreasing the production costs of solar cells. Conservatively, if a distributed solar generation grid met 1% of the world’s electricity demand, approximately 40 million tons per annum of CO2 could be saved. The major barrier to this technology is the incorporation of nanotechnology into solar cells, not the nanotechnology itself. There is currently a lack of skills to transfer the science base into workable prototypes. What is needed is to develop programmes and facilities for taking fundamental research through to early stage prototypes where established mechanisms can be employed to commercialize new technologies. Centres of excellence in Photovoltaics have to be created to allow cross-fertilization of ideas from different scientific disciplines.
Hydrogen Production through Nanotechnology
Hydrogen-powered vehicles could eliminate all toxic emissions, which would improve public health. If hydrogen were generated via renewable means or using carbon capture and storage, all CO2 emissions from transport could be eliminated (over 1 billion tons per annum). The hydrogen economy, however, is estimated to be 20 years away from potential universal deployment. Nanotechnology is central to developing efficient hydrogen storage, which is likely to be the largest barrier to worldwide use. Nanotechnology is also a lead candidate for improving the efficiency of fuel cells and for developing a method for renewable hydrogen production. To initiate a process in the right direction, public procurement to fund hydrogen-powered urban public transport is recommended which in turn will create a market and infrastructure for hydrogen-powered transport. Funding large international projects and continuing R&D support will also be crucial.
Ethanol Production through Nanotechnology
The recent interest in ethanol has been sparked by its use as a renewable fuel alternative to gasoline. Even though we have been drinking ethanol, an alcohol, for thousands of years (fermented beverages such as beer and wine contain up to 5-15% ethanol by volume), the largest single use of ethanol is as a motor fuel and fuel additive. Ethanol is produced by fermentation of feedstocks when certain species of yeast metabolize sugar. The primary feedstock for ethanol production in the U.S. is corn. In Brazil, the world’s leading ethanol producer, it’s mostly derived from sugar cane. While there is a heated controversy over the economic and ecological benefits of using biomass for producing ethanol fuel, it seems that the carbon nano-tubes (CNT) are increasingly recognized as promising materials for catalysis, either as catalysts themselves or as catalyst additives or as catalyst supports. Research has shown that CNTs loaded with rhodium (Rh) nano-particles are able to convert a gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol. This appears to be the first example where the activity and selectivity of a metal-catalyzed gas-phase reaction benefits significantly from proceeding inside a nano-sized CNT reaction vessel.
Fuel Recycling
Diesel-burning engines are a major contributor to environmental pollution, since they emit a mixture of gases and fine particles that contain over 40 mostly toxic chemicals, including Benzene, Butadiene, Dioxin and mercury compounds. Diesel exhaust is listed as a known or probable human carcinogen by over 40 countries in the world. A Japanese government-supported research has shown that diesel soot can be recycled as a carbon source for the synthesis of single-walled carbon nano-tubes (SWCNTs). The diesel soot was predominantly collected by Soxhlet extraction of the particulate matter with ethanol. The collected diesel soot recycled by this method was then subjected to laser vaporization to synthesize SWCNTs, which can be used to produce new diesel fuel.
Batteries and Super-Capacitors
Recent advances in battery technology have made the range and power of electric vehicles more practical. Issues still surround the charge time. Nanotechnology may provide a remedy to this problem by allowing electric vehicles to be recharged much more quickly. Without nanotechnology, electric vehicles are likely to remain a niche market because of the issue of charge time. Significant infrastructural investment will be required to develop recharging stations throughout most industrialized nations. Fiscal incentives to purchasers such as the congestion charge scheme, fast track schemes for commercialization and cultivation of links with automotive multinationals will also be important.
Insulation
Cavity and loft insulation are cheap and effective; however, there are no easy methods for insulating solid walled buildings, which currently account for approximately a third of most buildings in industrialized countries with a cold winter climate. Nanotechnology provides several efficient approaches: Ultra thin nano-films on windows can reduce heat loss much more efficiently than anything currently on the market. In addition, improvement of Aerogels, which themselves are nanostructures, can minimize heat-loss of concrete walls.
Nanotechnology is one of the most active areas of research and development today with an investment of over $10 billion (2006) going into it worldwide. The United States, with its substantial government-funding involving the National Science Foundation (NSF), its Department of Energy (DOE), Department of Defence (DOD), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), leads the world in nanotechnology research and development. In January 2007, the European Union launched its largest-ever funding programme for research and technological development called the Seventh Framework Program (FP7). The programme has allocated about $ 4.5 billion for nanotechnology research and development. Other countries, including Russia, India, Japan and China have earmarked several billion USD for future nanotechnology investment programmes.
During the last five years, Wall Street has not been active in nanotechnology financing. It has allowed the venture capital companies, without competition, to cherry-pick the elite nanotechnology investment opportunities while leaving many promising nanotechnology ventures to starve financially. Today, with 400+ nanotechnology products in the domestic marketplace, the industry appears credible and the Street’s focus may be changing. The planned $100 million Initial Public Offering (IPO) by NanoDynamics, Inc (ND) may change the funding landscape for nanotechnology companies. It’s a very important change. The reasons behind the ND IPO’s expected success will become clear once you dig through the S-1 Prospectus, understand which specific green and nanotechnology markets ND’s new products aim to penetrate and why ND will be profitable in both those markets. "Green Energy and Nanotechnology" is a winning corporate strategy for the next decade. After a successful ND offering, a financing rush will be on and Wall Street should once again become a major player in nanotechnology funding, especially for young and cash-starved nanotechnology companies.
Environmental applications of nanotechnology
Environmental benefits from nanotechnology are derived from a wide range of possible applications, including nanotechnology-enabled, environmentally friendly manufacturing processes that reduce waste products - ultimately leading to atomically precise molecular manufacturing with zero waste; the use of nano- materials as catalysts to minimize or eliminate the use of toxic materials for greater efficiency in the current manufacturing processes; the use of nano-materials and nano-devices to reduce pollution (e.g. water and air filters); and the use of nano-materials for more efficient alternative energy production (e.g. solar and fuel cells).
Fuel additives for increased fuel efficiency
Nano-particle additives have been shown to increase the fuel efficiency of diesel engines by approximately 5% which could result in a maximum saving of 22-23 millions of tons per annum of CO2 in Europe alone. This could be implemented immediately across the diesel-powered fleet. However, since little is known about the health impact of free nano-particles in diesel exhaust gases, a comprehensive toxicological testing and subsidized independent performance tests are required to validate the absence of environmental harm.
Solar Cells
Nanotechnology may deliver significant benefits in vastly decreasing the production costs of solar cells. Conservatively, if a distributed solar generation grid met 1% of the world’s electricity demand, approximately 40 million tons per annum of CO2 could be saved. The major barrier to this technology is the incorporation of nanotechnology into solar cells, not the nanotechnology itself. There is currently a lack of skills to transfer the science base into workable prototypes. What is needed is to develop programmes and facilities for taking fundamental research through to early stage prototypes where established mechanisms can be employed to commercialize new technologies. Centres of excellence in Photovoltaics have to be created to allow cross-fertilization of ideas from different scientific disciplines.
Hydrogen Production through Nanotechnology
Hydrogen-powered vehicles could eliminate all toxic emissions, which would improve public health. If hydrogen were generated via renewable means or using carbon capture and storage, all CO2 emissions from transport could be eliminated (over 1 billion tons per annum). The hydrogen economy, however, is estimated to be 20 years away from potential universal deployment. Nanotechnology is central to developing efficient hydrogen storage, which is likely to be the largest barrier to worldwide use. Nanotechnology is also a lead candidate for improving the efficiency of fuel cells and for developing a method for renewable hydrogen production. To initiate a process in the right direction, public procurement to fund hydrogen-powered urban public transport is recommended which in turn will create a market and infrastructure for hydrogen-powered transport. Funding large international projects and continuing R&D support will also be crucial.
Ethanol Production through Nanotechnology
The recent interest in ethanol has been sparked by its use as a renewable fuel alternative to gasoline. Even though we have been drinking ethanol, an alcohol, for thousands of years (fermented beverages such as beer and wine contain up to 5-15% ethanol by volume), the largest single use of ethanol is as a motor fuel and fuel additive. Ethanol is produced by fermentation of feedstocks when certain species of yeast metabolize sugar. The primary feedstock for ethanol production in the U.S. is corn. In Brazil, the world’s leading ethanol producer, it’s mostly derived from sugar cane. While there is a heated controversy over the economic and ecological benefits of using biomass for producing ethanol fuel, it seems that the carbon nano-tubes (CNT) are increasingly recognized as promising materials for catalysis, either as catalysts themselves or as catalyst additives or as catalyst supports. Research has shown that CNTs loaded with rhodium (Rh) nano-particles are able to convert a gas mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen into ethanol. This appears to be the first example where the activity and selectivity of a metal-catalyzed gas-phase reaction benefits significantly from proceeding inside a nano-sized CNT reaction vessel.
Fuel Recycling
Diesel-burning engines are a major contributor to environmental pollution, since they emit a mixture of gases and fine particles that contain over 40 mostly toxic chemicals, including Benzene, Butadiene, Dioxin and mercury compounds. Diesel exhaust is listed as a known or probable human carcinogen by over 40 countries in the world. A Japanese government-supported research has shown that diesel soot can be recycled as a carbon source for the synthesis of single-walled carbon nano-tubes (SWCNTs). The diesel soot was predominantly collected by Soxhlet extraction of the particulate matter with ethanol. The collected diesel soot recycled by this method was then subjected to laser vaporization to synthesize SWCNTs, which can be used to produce new diesel fuel.
Batteries and Super-Capacitors
Recent advances in battery technology have made the range and power of electric vehicles more practical. Issues still surround the charge time. Nanotechnology may provide a remedy to this problem by allowing electric vehicles to be recharged much more quickly. Without nanotechnology, electric vehicles are likely to remain a niche market because of the issue of charge time. Significant infrastructural investment will be required to develop recharging stations throughout most industrialized nations. Fiscal incentives to purchasers such as the congestion charge scheme, fast track schemes for commercialization and cultivation of links with automotive multinationals will also be important.
Insulation
Cavity and loft insulation are cheap and effective; however, there are no easy methods for insulating solid walled buildings, which currently account for approximately a third of most buildings in industrialized countries with a cold winter climate. Nanotechnology provides several efficient approaches: Ultra thin nano-films on windows can reduce heat loss much more efficiently than anything currently on the market. In addition, improvement of Aerogels, which themselves are nanostructures, can minimize heat-loss of concrete walls.
Should we be worried about nanotechnology?
by Joshua Cockfield
Cosmos Online
Molecular construction: An illustration from a Nanotechnology Victoria poster of a 'fourth generation dendrimer'. Dendrimers are a type of complex polymer that include multiple braches and can be built using nanotechnology.
Image: Nanotechnology Victoria
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SYDNEY: Nanotech experts are more concerned than the public about the potential health and environmental risks of the technology, says a new survey. So should we be worried?
Detailed in the journal Nature Nanotechnology the study suggests the public are still largely in the dark over the potentially huge benefits and risks of the diminutive new science.
"Nanotechnology is starting to emerge on the policy agenda, but with the public, it's not on their radar," said study co-author Dietram Scheufele, a professor of life sciences communication and journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Despite acknowledging the risks, scientists surveyed believe their work will lead to major breakthroughs in medicine, environmental cleanup and military technology. By addressing any risks before the technology widely enters the public domain, the experts hope to avoid a backlash in public opinion that has been seen in other emerging technologies such as genetically modified food.
Micro machines
Nanotechnology is a promising area of applied science that draws from diverse fields including physics, chemistry and biology. The common theme that connects these threads is the manipulation of matter on a molecular scale. The fruits of nanotechnology don't exceed 100 nanometres in size, which is only one thousandth the breadth of a human hair. DNA, for example, is two nanometres wide and carbon nanotubes can be half that size in diameter.
Hundreds of consumer products already contain nanomaterials, most of which are cosmetics, sunscreens and cleaning products with microscopic particles. But this is the only first step in what promoters of nanotech say will be a technological revolution.
Nanomaterials lighter and stronger than those used today could revolutionise the car and aeroplane industries, and similar technologies are being developed in the fields of robotics, computers, clothing, energy storage and air purification. Medical scientists are investigating the possible uses of nanotechnology in treating cancer and other diseases. It is hoped that nanoparticles could specifically target and deliver drugs to cancerous cells.
Futurists imagine a world where sub-microscopic 'nanobots' repair damaged tissue or eliminate harmful pollutants from the environment. The idea of building molecular machines was first raised in the 1950's by U.S. physicist Richard Feynman who coined the term 'nanotechnology' – but if such advanced engineering is possible, it remains a long way off.
Risky business
To learn more about the perception of risks and benefits associated with the technology Scheufele and Elizabeth Corley of Arizona State University in Phoenix surveyed around 1,000 members of the public and 363 nanotech scientists. Their findings reveal a disparity between the perceptions of scientists and the general public on the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology.
The potential of nanoparticles to harm human health was found to be more of a worry to scientists than the general public.
The report draws attention to the existing debate within the scientific community about a lack of systematic research into the risks of nanotechnology. According to researchers, our current knowledge of the toxicology of nanoparticles is limited. There is a fear that the particles may have detrimental effects on the lungs, for example, if they are inhaled.
"We are realising that the standard regulations aren't necessarily appropriate for nanotechnology," said Peter Binks, the chief executive officer of Nanotechnology Victoria, a promotion and commercialisation body at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He highlighted the fact that current toxicology regulations relate to the mass of a dose – but in the case of nanoparticles, the surface area may be more important.
The report concluded that the public believe scientists to be a more trustworthy source of nanotechnology information than regulatory agencies and governmental bodies. "We found communication gaps, but also tremendous opportunities for scientists to close them" said Scheufele. "There is definitely a huge opportunity for scientists to communicate with a public who trusts them."
"This is a terrific report and really highlights that the debate is becoming more sophisticated," commented Binks. "In Australia, we are well positioned to participate in that debate."
Cosmos Online
Molecular construction: An illustration from a Nanotechnology Victoria poster of a 'fourth generation dendrimer'. Dendrimers are a type of complex polymer that include multiple braches and can be built using nanotechnology.
Image: Nanotechnology Victoria
Advertisement
Related articles
Nanotech dangers demand attention
Nano cancer detection
Nanotechnology offers chemotherapy relief
Molecular torch sheds light on cells
Australia's Eureka science prizes awarded
SYDNEY: Nanotech experts are more concerned than the public about the potential health and environmental risks of the technology, says a new survey. So should we be worried?
Detailed in the journal Nature Nanotechnology the study suggests the public are still largely in the dark over the potentially huge benefits and risks of the diminutive new science.
"Nanotechnology is starting to emerge on the policy agenda, but with the public, it's not on their radar," said study co-author Dietram Scheufele, a professor of life sciences communication and journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA.
Despite acknowledging the risks, scientists surveyed believe their work will lead to major breakthroughs in medicine, environmental cleanup and military technology. By addressing any risks before the technology widely enters the public domain, the experts hope to avoid a backlash in public opinion that has been seen in other emerging technologies such as genetically modified food.
Micro machines
Nanotechnology is a promising area of applied science that draws from diverse fields including physics, chemistry and biology. The common theme that connects these threads is the manipulation of matter on a molecular scale. The fruits of nanotechnology don't exceed 100 nanometres in size, which is only one thousandth the breadth of a human hair. DNA, for example, is two nanometres wide and carbon nanotubes can be half that size in diameter.
Hundreds of consumer products already contain nanomaterials, most of which are cosmetics, sunscreens and cleaning products with microscopic particles. But this is the only first step in what promoters of nanotech say will be a technological revolution.
Nanomaterials lighter and stronger than those used today could revolutionise the car and aeroplane industries, and similar technologies are being developed in the fields of robotics, computers, clothing, energy storage and air purification. Medical scientists are investigating the possible uses of nanotechnology in treating cancer and other diseases. It is hoped that nanoparticles could specifically target and deliver drugs to cancerous cells.
Futurists imagine a world where sub-microscopic 'nanobots' repair damaged tissue or eliminate harmful pollutants from the environment. The idea of building molecular machines was first raised in the 1950's by U.S. physicist Richard Feynman who coined the term 'nanotechnology' – but if such advanced engineering is possible, it remains a long way off.
Risky business
To learn more about the perception of risks and benefits associated with the technology Scheufele and Elizabeth Corley of Arizona State University in Phoenix surveyed around 1,000 members of the public and 363 nanotech scientists. Their findings reveal a disparity between the perceptions of scientists and the general public on the potential risks and benefits of nanotechnology.
The potential of nanoparticles to harm human health was found to be more of a worry to scientists than the general public.
The report draws attention to the existing debate within the scientific community about a lack of systematic research into the risks of nanotechnology. According to researchers, our current knowledge of the toxicology of nanoparticles is limited. There is a fear that the particles may have detrimental effects on the lungs, for example, if they are inhaled.
"We are realising that the standard regulations aren't necessarily appropriate for nanotechnology," said Peter Binks, the chief executive officer of Nanotechnology Victoria, a promotion and commercialisation body at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He highlighted the fact that current toxicology regulations relate to the mass of a dose – but in the case of nanoparticles, the surface area may be more important.
The report concluded that the public believe scientists to be a more trustworthy source of nanotechnology information than regulatory agencies and governmental bodies. "We found communication gaps, but also tremendous opportunities for scientists to close them" said Scheufele. "There is definitely a huge opportunity for scientists to communicate with a public who trusts them."
"This is a terrific report and really highlights that the debate is becoming more sophisticated," commented Binks. "In Australia, we are well positioned to participate in that debate."
World Gold Council identifies key areas for research funding
Released on Thursday 13th December 2007
The World Gold Council today announced five key markets for future research funding: advanced electronics, optical materials, fuel cell systems, biomedical applications and industrial catalysts—for future research funding to develop new industrial applications for gold. Richard Holliday, head of industrial applications, explains that ‘the financial resources available from the council under its market research and feasibility GROW program are finite and that only a limited proportion of project proposals received will be funded.’
The Council’s key areas of interest include:
Industrial catalysts, including chemical processing and pollution control applications—and especially innovative technology for improving the durability of gold catalysts for room temperature air purification applications, the use of gold catalysts or gold nanotechnology that is directly related to the control of harmful environmental pollutants and commercially viable preparation methods for producing high loading gold-on-carbon electrocatalysts for potential use in fuel cell applications.
Advanced electronics, including any technology and components likely to be used in next-generation devices.
Fuel cell systems, including applications both within the fuel cell structure and hydrogen processing infrastructure.
Optical materials, including nanotechnology, chemicals and coatings.
Biomedical applications, including medical implants, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals.
Follow these links to view the nanotechnology page of the World Gold Council, or to read the Council’s press release.
The World Gold Council today announced five key markets for future research funding: advanced electronics, optical materials, fuel cell systems, biomedical applications and industrial catalysts—for future research funding to develop new industrial applications for gold. Richard Holliday, head of industrial applications, explains that ‘the financial resources available from the council under its market research and feasibility GROW program are finite and that only a limited proportion of project proposals received will be funded.’
The Council’s key areas of interest include:
Industrial catalysts, including chemical processing and pollution control applications—and especially innovative technology for improving the durability of gold catalysts for room temperature air purification applications, the use of gold catalysts or gold nanotechnology that is directly related to the control of harmful environmental pollutants and commercially viable preparation methods for producing high loading gold-on-carbon electrocatalysts for potential use in fuel cell applications.
Advanced electronics, including any technology and components likely to be used in next-generation devices.
Fuel cell systems, including applications both within the fuel cell structure and hydrogen processing infrastructure.
Optical materials, including nanotechnology, chemicals and coatings.
Biomedical applications, including medical implants, diagnostics and pharmaceuticals.
Follow these links to view the nanotechnology page of the World Gold Council, or to read the Council’s press release.
The Future of Nanomaterials
The DC-based research and consulting firm Social Technologies recently released a series of 12 briefs that shed light on the top areas for technology innovation through 2025. The brief on "nanomaterials," by futurist Peter von Stackelberg, is the fourth trend in the series.
"In the next 10 to 20 years, we'll see major breakthroughs in nanomaterials and related processes used to produce many of our consumer and industrial products," von Stackelberg forecasts. Here's why.
Technology overview Small is the key word that describes the world of nanotechnology. The concept centers on miniaturization, and involves the creation of particles, fibers, films, coatings, and other materials that are significantly smaller than the typical bacterium—between one and 100 nanometers in size.
Because these particles are so tiny, nano-objects can access previously impenetrable areas. That means they can make consumer products lighter, stronger, and more efficient—creating a significant competitive advantage for the companies incorporating them into their goods. In an era when consumers are demanding products that are more effective, protective, and assistive, nanomaterials provide the perfect fit.
Industries and consumers are also demanding more efficient use of resources and fewer waste streams. Again, nanomaterials fit the bill. Additionally, rising energy costs and the insecurity of petroleum supplies are driving research into nanomaterials that can boost production from alternative sources, or cut demand via greater energy efficiency.
Challenges ahead
As nanotech emerges as a major technological force over the coming decades, it will face a variety of obstacles. These include:
Mastering nanoscale behavior. To date, the potential interactions of nanoscale matter are not understood, von Stackelberg explains. "As research progresses, we may find that nanomaterials do not act as expected, leading to unanticipated and potentially harmful consequences. Once understanding improves about how matter behaves at the nanoscale, researchers will be able to develop increasingly sophisticated applications of nanotech while avoiding human side effects."
Public fears. The perception of the benefits vs. hazards of nanotech will have a significant impact on consumer acceptance of the technology. "A survey conducted in 2006 showed that although 42% of those polled had no awareness of nanotech, 20% had heard a little about it and 11% were quite familiar with it," von Stackelberg says—noting that the majority of those in the know believed that the risks of nanotech outweigh the benefits (35%). Only 15% said they believe the benefits outweigh the risks, and 7% said the benefits and risks are about equal.
Nanotech risks. "Obviously, a rational assessment of the true risks of nanotechnology are needed to ensure that wildcards like ‘grey goo' don't dominate the discussions of risk while other, more realistic risks are ignored," he points out. The potential for severe risk have been identified by the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, and include:
Health and environmental risks. A growing body of scientific evidence reports that nanomaterials have the potential to pollute air, soil, and water and to damage human health. Some of the most interesting properties of nanomaterials—such as the ability of nanoparticles to penetrate human cells—also present health risks if these particles escape into the environment, where they can be absorbed into people's bodies. "Our understanding of the potential health and environmental implications of nanotech are extremely limited," adds von Stackelberg.
Proliferation of "nanolitter." As more sophisticated nanomaterials become widely used, nano-byproducts will need to be dealt with. For instance, it isn't currently known whether nanoparticles used to treat cancer can remain in a patient's body or be excreted. "The reality is that nanomaterials which are useful and benign in one setting can actually be harmful in another," von Stackelberg explains.
Criminal or terrorist use. Small, powerful weapons made from nanomaterials would be difficult for society to defend against.
Forecasts
Although the underlying concepts of nanotechnology were thought up in 1959, only during the 1990s were the first tentative steps taken toward identifying and developing nanomaterials. "Between the end of the first decade of the 21st century and 2025, a number of gamechangers will need to occur if nanotech is to advance significantly," von Stackelberg says. These gamechangers include:
A shift from "passive" to "active" nanotech. In the coming decades, nanotech will likely make the transition from simple nanomachines—particles, crystals, rods, tubes, and sheets of atoms—to more complex ones that contain valves, switches, pumps, and motors.
Nanoscale tools. To work at the nanoscale, new tools will be needed to allow researchers and technicians to see, measure, and manipulate individual atoms and molecules. "One promising approach uses dynamic light scattering, a technique that measures how much nanoparticles jiggle when hit with laser light," von Stackelberg shares. "Many scientists agree that this method has the potential to do rapid, accurate measurement, and is expected to be operational by 2010."
Nanofabrication. Currently, manufacturing processes for nanomaterials are extremely expensive, produce only small amounts of material, and generate a significant amount of impurities and waste, von Stackelberg says. "But consider this: Assembly of nanodevices today is at the same stage as the automobile industry was before Henry Ford developed the assembly line."
Learn more
To determine the relevance of these findings and forecasts for major business sectors, set up an interview with Peter von Stackelberg by sending an email to Hope Gibbs, leader of corporate communications, at hope.gibbs@socialtechnologies.com .
Peter von Stackelberg ) Futurist
Peter von Stackelberg, the leader of Social Technologies' Futures Interactive program, brings more than a decade of experience as a futurist, strategic thinker, and writer. He also serves as an adjunct instructor in strategic management of technology and innovation at the State University of New York- Alfred, and as an advisor to the computer animation program at Alfred State. Peter has previously worked as a journalist, business analyst, university webmaster, e-commerce project manager, published poet, and computer artist. He is former editor-in-chief of Shaping Tomorrow and the founder of Applied Futures and FuturesWatch.org. He received a BA in journalism from Ryerson Polytechnical University in Toronto, Canada, and an MS in studies of the future from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and has taken graduate courses in creative writing, computer art, and art history in pursuit of an MA in Humanities. Areas of expertise: Biotechnology, energy (green, renewable, oil), nanotechnology, future of technology, scenario planning.
Social Technologies is a global research and consulting firm specializing in the integration of foresight, strategy, and innovation. With offices in Washington DC, London, and Shanghai, Social Technologies serves the world’s leading companies, government agencies, and nonprofits. A holistic, long-term perspective combined with actionable business solutions helps clients mitigate risk, make the most of opportunities, and enrich decision-making.
http://www.socialtechnologies.com/
"In the next 10 to 20 years, we'll see major breakthroughs in nanomaterials and related processes used to produce many of our consumer and industrial products," von Stackelberg forecasts. Here's why.
Technology overview Small is the key word that describes the world of nanotechnology. The concept centers on miniaturization, and involves the creation of particles, fibers, films, coatings, and other materials that are significantly smaller than the typical bacterium—between one and 100 nanometers in size.
Because these particles are so tiny, nano-objects can access previously impenetrable areas. That means they can make consumer products lighter, stronger, and more efficient—creating a significant competitive advantage for the companies incorporating them into their goods. In an era when consumers are demanding products that are more effective, protective, and assistive, nanomaterials provide the perfect fit.
Industries and consumers are also demanding more efficient use of resources and fewer waste streams. Again, nanomaterials fit the bill. Additionally, rising energy costs and the insecurity of petroleum supplies are driving research into nanomaterials that can boost production from alternative sources, or cut demand via greater energy efficiency.
Challenges ahead
As nanotech emerges as a major technological force over the coming decades, it will face a variety of obstacles. These include:
Mastering nanoscale behavior. To date, the potential interactions of nanoscale matter are not understood, von Stackelberg explains. "As research progresses, we may find that nanomaterials do not act as expected, leading to unanticipated and potentially harmful consequences. Once understanding improves about how matter behaves at the nanoscale, researchers will be able to develop increasingly sophisticated applications of nanotech while avoiding human side effects."
Public fears. The perception of the benefits vs. hazards of nanotech will have a significant impact on consumer acceptance of the technology. "A survey conducted in 2006 showed that although 42% of those polled had no awareness of nanotech, 20% had heard a little about it and 11% were quite familiar with it," von Stackelberg says—noting that the majority of those in the know believed that the risks of nanotech outweigh the benefits (35%). Only 15% said they believe the benefits outweigh the risks, and 7% said the benefits and risks are about equal.
Nanotech risks. "Obviously, a rational assessment of the true risks of nanotechnology are needed to ensure that wildcards like ‘grey goo' don't dominate the discussions of risk while other, more realistic risks are ignored," he points out. The potential for severe risk have been identified by the Center for Responsible Nanotechnology, and include:
Health and environmental risks. A growing body of scientific evidence reports that nanomaterials have the potential to pollute air, soil, and water and to damage human health. Some of the most interesting properties of nanomaterials—such as the ability of nanoparticles to penetrate human cells—also present health risks if these particles escape into the environment, where they can be absorbed into people's bodies. "Our understanding of the potential health and environmental implications of nanotech are extremely limited," adds von Stackelberg.
Proliferation of "nanolitter." As more sophisticated nanomaterials become widely used, nano-byproducts will need to be dealt with. For instance, it isn't currently known whether nanoparticles used to treat cancer can remain in a patient's body or be excreted. "The reality is that nanomaterials which are useful and benign in one setting can actually be harmful in another," von Stackelberg explains.
Criminal or terrorist use. Small, powerful weapons made from nanomaterials would be difficult for society to defend against.
Forecasts
Although the underlying concepts of nanotechnology were thought up in 1959, only during the 1990s were the first tentative steps taken toward identifying and developing nanomaterials. "Between the end of the first decade of the 21st century and 2025, a number of gamechangers will need to occur if nanotech is to advance significantly," von Stackelberg says. These gamechangers include:
A shift from "passive" to "active" nanotech. In the coming decades, nanotech will likely make the transition from simple nanomachines—particles, crystals, rods, tubes, and sheets of atoms—to more complex ones that contain valves, switches, pumps, and motors.
Nanoscale tools. To work at the nanoscale, new tools will be needed to allow researchers and technicians to see, measure, and manipulate individual atoms and molecules. "One promising approach uses dynamic light scattering, a technique that measures how much nanoparticles jiggle when hit with laser light," von Stackelberg shares. "Many scientists agree that this method has the potential to do rapid, accurate measurement, and is expected to be operational by 2010."
Nanofabrication. Currently, manufacturing processes for nanomaterials are extremely expensive, produce only small amounts of material, and generate a significant amount of impurities and waste, von Stackelberg says. "But consider this: Assembly of nanodevices today is at the same stage as the automobile industry was before Henry Ford developed the assembly line."
Learn more
To determine the relevance of these findings and forecasts for major business sectors, set up an interview with Peter von Stackelberg by sending an email to Hope Gibbs, leader of corporate communications, at hope.gibbs@socialtechnologies.com .
Peter von Stackelberg ) Futurist
Peter von Stackelberg, the leader of Social Technologies' Futures Interactive program, brings more than a decade of experience as a futurist, strategic thinker, and writer. He also serves as an adjunct instructor in strategic management of technology and innovation at the State University of New York- Alfred, and as an advisor to the computer animation program at Alfred State. Peter has previously worked as a journalist, business analyst, university webmaster, e-commerce project manager, published poet, and computer artist. He is former editor-in-chief of Shaping Tomorrow and the founder of Applied Futures and FuturesWatch.org. He received a BA in journalism from Ryerson Polytechnical University in Toronto, Canada, and an MS in studies of the future from the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and has taken graduate courses in creative writing, computer art, and art history in pursuit of an MA in Humanities. Areas of expertise: Biotechnology, energy (green, renewable, oil), nanotechnology, future of technology, scenario planning.
Social Technologies is a global research and consulting firm specializing in the integration of foresight, strategy, and innovation. With offices in Washington DC, London, and Shanghai, Social Technologies serves the world’s leading companies, government agencies, and nonprofits. A holistic, long-term perspective combined with actionable business solutions helps clients mitigate risk, make the most of opportunities, and enrich decision-making.
http://www.socialtechnologies.com/
Monday, January 7, 2008
Organization for the Economic Cooperation and Development Student Rankings
by Michael Orshan
What do exactly do with our taxes? Do we spend in on the advancement of science and technology? How about education? Ha! How about, I don’t know what else? Besides war and basic operations, I can’t figure out what the US government does for the advancement of society. Once upon a time we lead the world in so much.
Check out the student assessment study recently released. Korea. Oh my god, Korea is having so much success in education they should franchise whatever they are doing. Or Finland, who is having an equally phenomenal success story. I hope that someone on this side of the world is checking these programs out.
So what’s the news? I’ve checked several times now and on the reading scale, the United States is not on the chart. Who is preventing them from showing up besides the top dogs? Well the bottom three is Azerbaijan, Qatar and Kyrgyzstan.
What about math? Well the United States makes the bottom 3rd. The country rankings are below and the report is at
http://www.oecd.org/document/2/0,3343,en_32252351_32236191_39718850_1_1_1_1,00.html. It is worth a viewing.
Range of rank of countries/economies on the reading scale
Korea 556
Finland 547
Hong Kong-China 536
Canada 527
New Zealand 521
Ireland 517
Australia 513
Liechtenstein 510
Poland 508
Sweden 507
Netherlands 507
Belgium 501
Estonia 501
Switzerland 499
Japan 498
Chinese Taipei 496
United Kingdom 495
Germany 495
Denmark 494
Slovenia 494
Macao-China 492
Austria 490
France 488
Iceland 484
Norway 484
Czech Republic 483
Hungary 482
Latvia 479
Luxembourg 479
Croatia 477
Portugal 472
Lithuania 470
Italy 469
Slovak Republic 466
Spain 461
Greece 460
Turkey 447
Chile 442
Russian Federation 440
Israel 439
Thailand 417
Uruguay 413
Mexico 410
Bulgaria 402
Serbia 401
Jordan 401
Romania 396
Indonesia 393
Brazil 393
Montenegro 392
Colombia 385
Tunisia 380
Argentina 374
Azerbaijan 353
Qatar 312
Kyrgyzstan 285
Range of rank of countries/economies on the mathematics scale
Chinese Taipei 549
Finland 548
Hong Kong-China 547
Korea 547
Netherlands 531
Switzerland 530
Canada 527
Macao-China 525
Liechtenstein 525
Japan 523
New Zealand 522
Belgium 520
Australia 520
Estonia 515
Denmark 513
Czech Republic 510
Iceland 506
Austria 505
Slovenia 504
Germany 504
Sweden 502
Ireland 501
France 496
United Kingdom 495
Poland 495
Slovak Republic 492
Hungary 491
Luxembourg 490
Norway 490
Lithuania 486
Latvia 486
Spain 480
Azerbaijan 476
Russian Federation 476
United States 474
Croatia 467
Portugal 466
Italy 462
Greece 459
Israel 442
Serbia 435
Uruguay 427
Turkey 424
Thailand 417
Romania 415
Bulgaria 413
Chile 411
Mexico 406
Montenegro 399
Indonesia 391
Jordan 384
Argentina 381
Colombia 370
Brazil 370
Tunisia 365
Qatar 318
Kyrgyzstan 311
What do exactly do with our taxes? Do we spend in on the advancement of science and technology? How about education? Ha! How about, I don’t know what else? Besides war and basic operations, I can’t figure out what the US government does for the advancement of society. Once upon a time we lead the world in so much.
Check out the student assessment study recently released. Korea. Oh my god, Korea is having so much success in education they should franchise whatever they are doing. Or Finland, who is having an equally phenomenal success story. I hope that someone on this side of the world is checking these programs out.
So what’s the news? I’ve checked several times now and on the reading scale, the United States is not on the chart. Who is preventing them from showing up besides the top dogs? Well the bottom three is Azerbaijan, Qatar and Kyrgyzstan.
What about math? Well the United States makes the bottom 3rd. The country rankings are below and the report is at
http://www.oecd.org/document/2/0,3343,en_32252351_32236191_39718850_1_1_1_1,00.html. It is worth a viewing.
Range of rank of countries/economies on the reading scale
Korea 556
Finland 547
Hong Kong-China 536
Canada 527
New Zealand 521
Ireland 517
Australia 513
Liechtenstein 510
Poland 508
Sweden 507
Netherlands 507
Belgium 501
Estonia 501
Switzerland 499
Japan 498
Chinese Taipei 496
United Kingdom 495
Germany 495
Denmark 494
Slovenia 494
Macao-China 492
Austria 490
France 488
Iceland 484
Norway 484
Czech Republic 483
Hungary 482
Latvia 479
Luxembourg 479
Croatia 477
Portugal 472
Lithuania 470
Italy 469
Slovak Republic 466
Spain 461
Greece 460
Turkey 447
Chile 442
Russian Federation 440
Israel 439
Thailand 417
Uruguay 413
Mexico 410
Bulgaria 402
Serbia 401
Jordan 401
Romania 396
Indonesia 393
Brazil 393
Montenegro 392
Colombia 385
Tunisia 380
Argentina 374
Azerbaijan 353
Qatar 312
Kyrgyzstan 285
Range of rank of countries/economies on the mathematics scale
Chinese Taipei 549
Finland 548
Hong Kong-China 547
Korea 547
Netherlands 531
Switzerland 530
Canada 527
Macao-China 525
Liechtenstein 525
Japan 523
New Zealand 522
Belgium 520
Australia 520
Estonia 515
Denmark 513
Czech Republic 510
Iceland 506
Austria 505
Slovenia 504
Germany 504
Sweden 502
Ireland 501
France 496
United Kingdom 495
Poland 495
Slovak Republic 492
Hungary 491
Luxembourg 490
Norway 490
Lithuania 486
Latvia 486
Spain 480
Azerbaijan 476
Russian Federation 476
United States 474
Croatia 467
Portugal 466
Italy 462
Greece 459
Israel 442
Serbia 435
Uruguay 427
Turkey 424
Thailand 417
Romania 415
Bulgaria 413
Chile 411
Mexico 406
Montenegro 399
Indonesia 391
Jordan 384
Argentina 381
Colombia 370
Brazil 370
Tunisia 365
Qatar 318
Kyrgyzstan 311
IBM Demos New Nanotechnology Method to Build Chip Components
ARMONK, N.Y.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Dec. 8, 2003–
IBM today announced it is the first to successfully apply a novel approach in nanotechnology to aid conventional semiconductor processing, potentially enabling continued device miniaturization and chip performance improvements. IBM used a “molecular self assembly” technique that is compatible with existing chip-making tools, making it attractive for applications in future microelectronics technologies because it avoids the high cost of tooling changes and the risks associated with major process changes.
IBM’s self-assembly technique leverages the tendency of certain types of polymer molecules to organize themselves. The polymer molecules pattern critical device features that are smaller, denser, more precise, and more uniform than can be achieved using conventional methods like lithography. The use of techniques such as self assembly could ultimately lead to more powerful electronic devices such as microprocessors used in the growing array of computer systems, communications devices, and consumer electronics. IBM expects self-assembly techniques could be used in pilot phases 3-5 years from now.
“Self assembly opens up new opportunities for patterning at dimensions smaller than those in current technologies,” said Dr. T.C. Chen, vice president of science and technology at IBM Research. “As components in information technology products continue to shrink toward the molecular scale, self-assembly techniques could be used to enhance lithographic methods.”
Nanotechnology is a broad field of science in which materials are manipulated at dimensions which approach the size of individual atoms or molecules. Self assembly is a subset of nanotech that refers to the natural tendency of certain individual elements to arrange themselves into regular nanoscale patterns.
In this instance, IBM researchers used self assembly to form critical features of a semiconductor memory device. The polymer patterns the formation of a dense silicon nanocrystal array which becomes the basis for a variant of conventional FLASH memory. Nanocrystal memories are difficult to fabricate using conventional methods; by using self-assembly, IBM has discovered a much easier method to build conventional semiconductor devices such as FLASH memories. Device processing, including self assembly, was performed on 200 mm diameter silicon wafers using methods fully compatible with existing chip-making tools.
This nanotechnology breakthrough is reported in a paper entitled “Low Voltage, Scalable Nanocrystal FLASH Memory Fabricated by Templated Self Assembly” by K.W. Guarini, C.T. Black, Y. Zhang, I.V. Babich, E.M. Sikorski and L.M. Gignac will be presented by IBM tomorrow at the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) in Washington, D.C. Continuing its leadership in technology innovation, IBM is presenting 19 papers at IEDM this year, more than any other company.
IBM today announced it is the first to successfully apply a novel approach in nanotechnology to aid conventional semiconductor processing, potentially enabling continued device miniaturization and chip performance improvements. IBM used a “molecular self assembly” technique that is compatible with existing chip-making tools, making it attractive for applications in future microelectronics technologies because it avoids the high cost of tooling changes and the risks associated with major process changes.
IBM’s self-assembly technique leverages the tendency of certain types of polymer molecules to organize themselves. The polymer molecules pattern critical device features that are smaller, denser, more precise, and more uniform than can be achieved using conventional methods like lithography. The use of techniques such as self assembly could ultimately lead to more powerful electronic devices such as microprocessors used in the growing array of computer systems, communications devices, and consumer electronics. IBM expects self-assembly techniques could be used in pilot phases 3-5 years from now.
“Self assembly opens up new opportunities for patterning at dimensions smaller than those in current technologies,” said Dr. T.C. Chen, vice president of science and technology at IBM Research. “As components in information technology products continue to shrink toward the molecular scale, self-assembly techniques could be used to enhance lithographic methods.”
Nanotechnology is a broad field of science in which materials are manipulated at dimensions which approach the size of individual atoms or molecules. Self assembly is a subset of nanotech that refers to the natural tendency of certain individual elements to arrange themselves into regular nanoscale patterns.
In this instance, IBM researchers used self assembly to form critical features of a semiconductor memory device. The polymer patterns the formation of a dense silicon nanocrystal array which becomes the basis for a variant of conventional FLASH memory. Nanocrystal memories are difficult to fabricate using conventional methods; by using self-assembly, IBM has discovered a much easier method to build conventional semiconductor devices such as FLASH memories. Device processing, including self assembly, was performed on 200 mm diameter silicon wafers using methods fully compatible with existing chip-making tools.
This nanotechnology breakthrough is reported in a paper entitled “Low Voltage, Scalable Nanocrystal FLASH Memory Fabricated by Templated Self Assembly” by K.W. Guarini, C.T. Black, Y. Zhang, I.V. Babich, E.M. Sikorski and L.M. Gignac will be presented by IBM tomorrow at the IEEE International Electron Devices Meeting (IEDM) in Washington, D.C. Continuing its leadership in technology innovation, IBM is presenting 19 papers at IEDM this year, more than any other company.
Nanotech Semiconductor announces breakthrough new CMOS Transimpedance Amplifier IC Family. Double the Sensitivity of existing ICs, at lowest power con
11 December 2007
2.5Gbps APD replacement & 10Gbps in CMOS for the first time
Bristol, England, December 7th 2007 – Nanotech Semiconductor Limited ("Nanotech"), a fabless IC company specializing in advanced Analog & Mixed-Signal ICs for fiber based Communications applications, today announced its latest breakthrough in CMOS TIA design.
Building on over a decade of Worlds firsts in pure-CMOS, this new family of 2.5Gb and 10Gb TIAs offers at least 3-4dB more Sensitivity at each data rate Vs. the best existing solutions, which are typically in expensive SiGe processes.
The NT25L55 offers –33dBm typically at 2.5Gbps, with a standard PIN diode, and with only 33mA current consumption. The NT25L55 can therefore be used to replace APD based solutions in GPON networks, offering dramatic cost and power savings.
The NT28L50 and NT28L51 offer –25dBm typically at 10Gbps, again with only 33mA consumption. The NT28L50 is intended for upcoming SFP+ modules, while the NT28L51 is tailored to LRM applications. Both ICs are believed to offer not only by far the highest performance in the world, but also are the World’s first CMOS 10Gbps TIAs.
All ICs require a single 3.3v supply, and are pin-compatible with previous products. On-chip filtering means no capacitors are required inside the ROSA, offering both Bill-of-Materials cost reduction and faster, lower cost assembly. Photodiode Monitor source/sink and output polarity are both bond-programmable, offering complete build flexibility.
'Alpha' customers are being sought now, with production ramp-up expected early in 2008.
Dr. Ya Nong Ning, Marketing Director for GOF products, added: "Manufactured in standard 0.13u CMOS, at the world’s largest wafer foundry, this new family of ICs offers customers exactly what they need in terms of reliability, short manufacturing lead-times, and CMOS pricing, in addition to the best performance ever seen."
Gary Steele, CEO, commented: "One of the most interesting things about this latest architectural breakthrough is that it builds upon the Company’s earlier solutions to the challenges in the Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) world. Not only does this new architecture offer both higher sensitivity and lower power, but it is also extremely forgiving of it’s opto-electrical and mechanical environment, something the Consumer- and Auto-orientated POF world takes for granted, but that is relatively new to the Glass fiber world."
Contact Nanotech for details of the Alpha customer program, datasheets & applications support materials. Alpha customers will also have early access to important additional novel features, under NDA.
About Nanotech Semiconductor
Nanotech is a Venture-Capital backed, UK based fabless chip company, focused on Analog and mixed-signal ICs principally for fiber-optics based communications.
www.nanosemi.co.uk
2.5Gbps APD replacement & 10Gbps in CMOS for the first time
Bristol, England, December 7th 2007 – Nanotech Semiconductor Limited ("Nanotech"), a fabless IC company specializing in advanced Analog & Mixed-Signal ICs for fiber based Communications applications, today announced its latest breakthrough in CMOS TIA design.
Building on over a decade of Worlds firsts in pure-CMOS, this new family of 2.5Gb and 10Gb TIAs offers at least 3-4dB more Sensitivity at each data rate Vs. the best existing solutions, which are typically in expensive SiGe processes.
The NT25L55 offers –33dBm typically at 2.5Gbps, with a standard PIN diode, and with only 33mA current consumption. The NT25L55 can therefore be used to replace APD based solutions in GPON networks, offering dramatic cost and power savings.
The NT28L50 and NT28L51 offer –25dBm typically at 10Gbps, again with only 33mA consumption. The NT28L50 is intended for upcoming SFP+ modules, while the NT28L51 is tailored to LRM applications. Both ICs are believed to offer not only by far the highest performance in the world, but also are the World’s first CMOS 10Gbps TIAs.
All ICs require a single 3.3v supply, and are pin-compatible with previous products. On-chip filtering means no capacitors are required inside the ROSA, offering both Bill-of-Materials cost reduction and faster, lower cost assembly. Photodiode Monitor source/sink and output polarity are both bond-programmable, offering complete build flexibility.
'Alpha' customers are being sought now, with production ramp-up expected early in 2008.
Dr. Ya Nong Ning, Marketing Director for GOF products, added: "Manufactured in standard 0.13u CMOS, at the world’s largest wafer foundry, this new family of ICs offers customers exactly what they need in terms of reliability, short manufacturing lead-times, and CMOS pricing, in addition to the best performance ever seen."
Gary Steele, CEO, commented: "One of the most interesting things about this latest architectural breakthrough is that it builds upon the Company’s earlier solutions to the challenges in the Plastic Optical Fiber (POF) world. Not only does this new architecture offer both higher sensitivity and lower power, but it is also extremely forgiving of it’s opto-electrical and mechanical environment, something the Consumer- and Auto-orientated POF world takes for granted, but that is relatively new to the Glass fiber world."
Contact Nanotech for details of the Alpha customer program, datasheets & applications support materials. Alpha customers will also have early access to important additional novel features, under NDA.
About Nanotech Semiconductor
Nanotech is a Venture-Capital backed, UK based fabless chip company, focused on Analog and mixed-signal ICs principally for fiber-optics based communications.
www.nanosemi.co.uk
Nano Titanate Batteries May Resurrect the Electric Car
In January 2007, a member of our Design News staff claimed responsibility for a murder; see “I Killed the Electric Car” by Chuck Murray. Chuck’s article presented simple calculations to illustrate that for standard American drivers, conventional electric cars make no sense due to long charge time and low mileage-per-charge. Nonetheless, Chuck elicited some angry reader feedback including a post, “What about the Chevy Volt, Chuck!?”, by our Editor-In-Chief, John Dodge, who apparently likes to wait 6 hours every time he needs to fuel his car.
After almost a year of staring one another down from their respective cubicles and periodically firing ethanol and bio-diesel spitballs at each other across the office, Chuck and John can finally put their debate to rest.
Advances in battery technology originally aimed at lap top computers piggybacked atop zero-emission vehicle regulations established to entice development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may be breathing new life into the electric car.
“Who’s Resurrecting the Electric Car?” by David Schneider appeared in the October edition of American Scientist Magazine. According to this article, lithium-ion batteries first used in lap top computers are now being successfully integrated into street-legal cars such as the high-end Roadster by Tesla Motors. Powered by computer batteries, this car boasts the performance, speed, and range of its gas-fired sports car cousins. While consumers may need to take out a second mortgage to buy a Tesla Roadster (base price $98,000 before upgrades), the company has already filled all available reservations for the 2008 model year, and they will soon be taking orders for their 2009 model. While a cursory search failed to reveal any data on this company’s financial viability, Tesla’s growing product wait list seems to denote a company in no danger of going under.
When Chuck Murray killed the electric car in January 2007, his calculations considered the time required to traverse various distances in excess of the EV1's 70- to 100-mile-per-charge range. Key to this analysis was the inconvenient five-hour charge time associated with lead-acid or nickel-metal-hydride batteries. With four charge stops at five hours per stop between Chicago and Detroit, Chuck’s regular 5-hour jaunt increased to a 25 hour exercise in patience.
To eliminate long charge times, the new generation of electric vehicles will be powered by lithium-based batteries related to the cells used to power laptops, but with a twist. Historically, the challenge with scaling-up lithium batteries was their tendency to release oxygen if they overheated, causing fires and explosions. However, by switching the battery’s carbon chemistry for titante nano-particles, the fire hazard is eliminated. Although this switch reduces energy density with respect to carbon-based lithium-ion batteries, it enables scale-up of lithium technology competent for safe use in electric cars.
Nano-titanate-based lithium batteries have greater energy density than the lead-acid or nickel-metal-hydride batteries of the old EV1. Plus, they have an even more desirable attribute: the ability to recharge in about 10 minutes as opposed to hours. For rapid charging, the Altairnano lithium titanate battery is the leading power source for automotive applications. The uncanny 10-minute recharge time is enabled by nano-materials that dramatically reduce ion travel distance while increasing the surface area available to the ions.
Another startup electric car manufacturer, Phoenix Motorcars, is using this new battery technology in their zero-emission fleet vehicles. Rapid recharge time and 100+ mile range may qualify vehicles from Phoenix Motorcars for the highest zero emission vehicle category established by the California Air Resources Board. This category, originally slated for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, may provide Phoenix substantial credit for each vehicle they put on the road.
Driving a Phoenix automobile powered by Altairnano batteries, even Chuck Murray, the great murder of electric vehicles, could comfortably get from Chicago to Detroit in about 5 hours and 30 minutes without burning a drop of gasoline. John Dodge could make it in 5.5 hours too, if he was willing to give up those six-hour pit stops.
After almost a year of staring one another down from their respective cubicles and periodically firing ethanol and bio-diesel spitballs at each other across the office, Chuck and John can finally put their debate to rest.
Advances in battery technology originally aimed at lap top computers piggybacked atop zero-emission vehicle regulations established to entice development of hydrogen fuel cell vehicles may be breathing new life into the electric car.
“Who’s Resurrecting the Electric Car?” by David Schneider appeared in the October edition of American Scientist Magazine. According to this article, lithium-ion batteries first used in lap top computers are now being successfully integrated into street-legal cars such as the high-end Roadster by Tesla Motors. Powered by computer batteries, this car boasts the performance, speed, and range of its gas-fired sports car cousins. While consumers may need to take out a second mortgage to buy a Tesla Roadster (base price $98,000 before upgrades), the company has already filled all available reservations for the 2008 model year, and they will soon be taking orders for their 2009 model. While a cursory search failed to reveal any data on this company’s financial viability, Tesla’s growing product wait list seems to denote a company in no danger of going under.
When Chuck Murray killed the electric car in January 2007, his calculations considered the time required to traverse various distances in excess of the EV1's 70- to 100-mile-per-charge range. Key to this analysis was the inconvenient five-hour charge time associated with lead-acid or nickel-metal-hydride batteries. With four charge stops at five hours per stop between Chicago and Detroit, Chuck’s regular 5-hour jaunt increased to a 25 hour exercise in patience.
To eliminate long charge times, the new generation of electric vehicles will be powered by lithium-based batteries related to the cells used to power laptops, but with a twist. Historically, the challenge with scaling-up lithium batteries was their tendency to release oxygen if they overheated, causing fires and explosions. However, by switching the battery’s carbon chemistry for titante nano-particles, the fire hazard is eliminated. Although this switch reduces energy density with respect to carbon-based lithium-ion batteries, it enables scale-up of lithium technology competent for safe use in electric cars.
Nano-titanate-based lithium batteries have greater energy density than the lead-acid or nickel-metal-hydride batteries of the old EV1. Plus, they have an even more desirable attribute: the ability to recharge in about 10 minutes as opposed to hours. For rapid charging, the Altairnano lithium titanate battery is the leading power source for automotive applications. The uncanny 10-minute recharge time is enabled by nano-materials that dramatically reduce ion travel distance while increasing the surface area available to the ions.
Another startup electric car manufacturer, Phoenix Motorcars, is using this new battery technology in their zero-emission fleet vehicles. Rapid recharge time and 100+ mile range may qualify vehicles from Phoenix Motorcars for the highest zero emission vehicle category established by the California Air Resources Board. This category, originally slated for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, may provide Phoenix substantial credit for each vehicle they put on the road.
Driving a Phoenix automobile powered by Altairnano batteries, even Chuck Murray, the great murder of electric vehicles, could comfortably get from Chicago to Detroit in about 5 hours and 30 minutes without burning a drop of gasoline. John Dodge could make it in 5.5 hours too, if he was willing to give up those six-hour pit stops.
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