Free download - Vinnova

Advanced production of nanothreads in semiconductor materials could generate new Swedish export successes. Mikael Björk and Ann
Persson have made path-breaking discoveries that may result in new electronic components and medical sensors.
learning around the country is accomplished
by research schools, common
education programmes and Competence
centres. Anders Flodström also
regards international cooperation as
important for the quality of Swedish
research. Above his desk there is a map
of the world with pins for the 75 universities
around the world with which the
Royal Institute has research exchanges.
COOPERATION PARTNERS
– During the 1980s Sweden educated
more Chinese guest students than any
other country in the world. Many of
these are now professors in their home
country and they make good cooperation
partners.
Maintaining a leading position in
science is also important when it comes
to establishing research-intensive
companies in future growth areas. Lund
University of Technology in the south
of Sweden is involved in a nanotechnology
research venture that is unique in
Europe. It ranges over disciplines such
as quantum physics and materials science
to electronics and life science.
– Many young world-class researchers
are working in this multidisciplinary
environment. Our success is due to
the support we have received for many
years from courageous and far-sighted
research funders, says Lars Samuelsson,
who is leading the research project.
The most exciting project at the moment
is building electronic components
from the atomic level in the form of
nanothreads in semiconductor materials.
This research has been designated
one of the country’s strongest scientist
environments. A new, unique production
plant makes it possible to produce
nanothreads in a laboratory environment
that is optimized for nanotechnology
and nanoelectronics.
The nanotechnology research being
done in Lund has resulted in the
establishment of a number of companies,
some of which are collaborating
with Philips and IBM. This offers great
potential, explains Lars Samuelsson.
In many respects, microelectronics and
optics are already based on nano effects.
– One future challenge is to make
even smaller and more energy-efficient
components based on nanothreads.
And before long there will be applications
in the field of medical technology.
We hope that by setting up innovative
companies supported by first-class nano
research we will pave the way for future
export successes and new jobs.
V I N N O V A M A G A Z I N E | 2 3