Micro-Nano SIG

 


The Micro:Nano SIG was launched at AILU's 10th microprocessing workshop in June 2008. Lasers are a key technology in the micro and nano-engineering fields, where they provide high-resolution, accuracy, speed and flexibility. The engineering of micro features is key to the technical and commercial success of many mass-produced components ranging from photovoltaic cells, inkjet print heads and flat panel displays, to MEMS components and disposable medical instruments. It is to address the special needs of this burgeoning sector that AILU launched the Micro:Nano group.

Free Membership of the Micro:Nano Group
Membership of the Micro:Nano Group is free to AILU members and non-members alike.

The activities of the Micro:Nano Group will address the interests of laser processing

Message from the Chair by Jack Gabzdyl

July 2010

Looking to future growth in micro-processing.

Group brings together researchers, product and service providers and end users with an interest in micro/nano laser processing applications and technologies.
To say we live in interesting times is perhaps an understatement. 2010 has brought about a modest recovery but there is still a general nervousness and whispered references to the risks of a “double dip”... And recovery is being hampered by a global shortage of basic electronic components. Who would have thought that production and supply of complex laser processing systems would be slowed down by lack of simple resistors and capacitors! In amongst all this, the humble laser has celebrated its 50th birthday with a steady stream of advocates telling how the half century of applications have helped shape the world in which we live.
The macro element of laser materials processing has been hardest hit whilst micro-processing felt the recession but activity has been supported by sectors such as medical and scientific, and signs are good for a strong recovery with predicted growth rates above the laser sector average. The semiconductor and electronics manufacturing sectors are moving into a new round of capital purchasing and laser processing systems will prove to be high on the shopping list. Specific markets such as the manufacture of OLEDs will provide significant opportunities for laser processing technologies. The solar sector is also set for a strong comeback and looks set to get back on its pre-recession hockey-stick growth. Other alternative energy sources such as fuel cells are also set to grow. Consumer electronics are also driving demand for laser processing systems, with the success of the iPad, iPod and iPhone spawning a plethora of lookalikes.
So where does this leave us in the Micro:Nano Special Interest Group? We are in a somewhat fragmented and highly innovative sector in which there is always something new coming along. What we hope to provide is a forum for members to share knowledge based on markets, technologies and processes, through sector specific workshops, networking events and meetings. I would like to encourage all AILU members working in this sector to participate through the magazine, website and workshops so that we can keep pace with developments and advance the use of laser micro-processing in the UK.

professionals involved in producing products, processes, devices and instrumentation for all sectors. All members will be mailed relevant news and events information as and when we receive it and will be offered the opportunity to shape future events and other Micro:Nano Group activities. As well as enjoying the AILU magazine, workshop discounts, free consultancy and networking benefits, AILU members of the Micro:Nano Group can participate in discussions on the dedicated Micro:Nano forum in the members area of the website.

The Micro:Nano Group activities and events are done in partnership with the Nanotechnology KTN and the Photonics KTN.

       

Joining the Micro:Nano Group
To join the Micro:Nano Group either fill in the flyer or email the AILU Office or Toby Gill (NanoKTN).

Accessing the on-line Micro:Nano SIG Forum

To access the forum you first need to login using your assigned name and password. The entry point is in the top right corner of this page. (tip: If you are still using the random number/letter password you were originally given, why not change it to something memorable by clicking on the ‘edit details’ link after you’ve logged in?)

Once you do this a link to the forum will appear in the left hand links column under ‘Laser User Groups’.

Micro:Nano Group Events

AILU workshop - Meeting future manufacturing needs with laser-materials innovations at the micro- and nano level, 22 September 2009: See events listing for full details of the programme.

Funding opportunities in High Value Manufacturing: Micro/Nano laser processing success stories, 25 November 2008: See events listing for full details of the programme. Click here transfer to the Nanotechnology KTN web site and to download the presentations

PKTN LUNCHTIME LECTURE: 7th July 2008: The Micro:Nano Group is delighted to present the first AILU lecture which is part of the Photonics KTN lunchtime lecture series.

Title: Laser processing of micro-optics and interconnects
Mike Osborne, Optek Systems, Abingdon, UK

Abstract: Laser processing of quartz optical components can be both rapid, flexible, reproducible and accurate. View the Lecture here

These interactive meetings through the web provide an excellent opportunity for you to hear experts talking about their innovation with an opportunity to ask questions after their presentation.

FUTURE LECTURES

AILU would like to provide names of people available to give this type of lecture to a broader audience to promote the activities of all Special Interest Groups within AILU.

If you would like to suggest a topic and speaker for this forum please contact AILU Office.

Call for UK Stategy on Nanotechnologies

Thursday 16 July 2009 saw Lord Drayson, Science and Innovation Minister and chair of the Ministerial Group on Nanotechnologies, call on industry and interested groups to help create a UK strategy for nanotechnologies. The aim of the strategy is to describe the actions necessary to ensure that the UK obtains maximum economic, environmental and societal benefit from nanotechnologies while keeping the risks properly managed.

Industry, academia and consumer groups will be invited to use a new website to help develop the strategy, building on and consolidating the existing research and consultations that have already taken place. The Department for Business, Innovations and Skills want the strategy to be influenced and informed by the full range of stakeholders. The website will gather views on core issues including research, regulation, innovation and commercialisation, measurement and standards and information as well as on the anticipated impact of nanotechnologies on a wide range of sectors. It can be found at: www.interactive.bis.gov.uk/nano

Funding Opportunities

European funding

A series of Framework 7 ICT calls relevant to Photonics are anticipated in the Autumn of 2009. The final work program has yet to be announced but you can find indication to the content here .

Check out the ‘interesting text’ and ‘a list of possible’ link for information that would allow you to start to think of relevant projects and partners. There are also current calls open in nanotechnology and new materials that may be relevant to you, see http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm.

Thanks to SEPNET, The South East Photonics Network, for supplying these summaries

Useful Links

The Centre of Excellence in Metrology for Micro and Nano Technologies (CEMMNT) offers a convenient, single point access for clients to outsource their materials and processing challenges through a unique partnership of world class technology organisations.  For more information click here

The Solar Energy Society (UK-ISES) UK National Section of the International Solar Energy Society.
This Society represents the UK national section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES). ISES has launched a world-wide information system for renewable energy, WIRE. This is a resource website for fast, comprehensive and up-to-date information on renewable energy. For more information click here


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