Forming the foundation for the next generation of scientific discovery


Florida International University’s nanotechnology researchers are designing and developing prototypes and testbeds in their quest toward scientific discoveries and technological breakthroughs. Their research has the potential to significantly advance the nation’s electronic, information, sensor, health care, defense and environment pollution-control technology bases.

In a remarkably short span of time, FIU researchers have established major research programs in the areas of bio/nano electronics, next generation information storage, bio/nano sensors and novel multifunctional bio/nano materials, processes and characterization.

BIG IDEAS ON AN INCREDIBLY SMALL SCALE


Research being conducted today at the Motorola Nanofabrication Research Facility will improve the quality of life in our communities tomorrow. Here are some of the compelling advances being made by FIU researchers:

BIO/NANO ELECTRONICS AND INFORMATION STORAGE


The Motorola Nanofabrication Research Facility is among the few entities in the world where functioning magnetic devices on a nano-scale can be engineered and fabricated. The researchers at FIU are developing a three-dimensional magnetic recording technology that will increase the information storage beyond the current technology roadmap. To put it into perspective, a device utilizing this high-area density technology – a device the size of a dime – can record the contents of the entire Library of Congress.

Protein-based storage technology dwarfs anything in use today. It is anticipated that this innovation will make computers faster, more powerful and less expensive. This biomaterial-based storage technology leap-frogs several years ahead of the present technological limits.

FIU researchers have also proposed a novel approach to bring about major advances for future memory devices and biosensors combining the bio and nanotube technologies. They have made an array of nanotube field-effect transistors, which could eventually be used to make smaller, faster computer chips and sensitive biosensors.

BIO/NANO SENSORS


Bio/nano and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS/MEMS) are integrated devices or systems combining electrical and mechanical components. They are fabricated with components in the nano/micro range using silicon device processing techniques. FIU research in this area addresses the design, simulation and optimization of NEMS sensors.

Protein-based storage technology being developed at FIU will change the architecture of computers, making them faster, more powerful and less expensive.

Biochemical-sensors research seeks to regulate biological systems such as sensors with light, in essence creating an “on” and “off” photoswitch. The incorporation of such light-sensitive biosensors into highly integrated chips will allow high-volume and low-cost sensors to be developed.

The spin-polarized device being developed at FIU will have the potential to become a core device in future electronics, or so-called Spintronics. The science behind future electronic devices, Spintronics relies on using the information stored not only in the electron’s charge but also in the electron’s spin. Its near-term applications are in the fields of ultra-high density and ultra-fast information technology.

The ability to detect small amounts of materials, including pathogenic bacteria and biomolecules integral to cell responses, is important to life-science research, drug discovery, medical diagnostics and homeland security. FIU researchers are focusing on the design, fabrication and characterization of resonating optical structures that lend themselves to easy integration with lab-on-a-chip concepts. It is anticipated that use of opticalmultiplexers will facilitate the creation of an array
of devices able to sense many biomolecules simultaneously.

The nanotube-based lab-on-a-chip developed at FIU combines strength with excellent electrical properties. This argues well for next-generation, ultra-portable devices for personal health-care monitoring. Time from sampling to test result will be much faster because of the rapid-sensor response time.

BIO/NANO MATERIAL, PROCESSES AND CHARACTERIZATION


The multifunctionality of nanomaterials is foreseen in varied ways, from futuristic hydrogen energy-powered applications to tissue engineering to the development of next-generation reactive sorbents for eliminating nuclear, biological and chemical reagents from air, water and soil media, as well as skin and personal equipment.

The synthesis and modeling of nanostructured materials will focus on the discovery of unique nanomaterials and phases for electronics, semi-conductor and superconductor applications. With its massive parallel-computing capability, FIU is well positioned to be a leader in the area of atomic and predictive modeling.

New technologies are being developed using nanoscale materials as drug-delivery vehicles and sensors, allowing for more specific drug design than exists currently and targeted drug delivery.

The nanotube-based lab-on-a-chip being developed at FIU will likely be an integral component of next-generation, ultra-portable devices used in personal health-care monitoring.