Southampton to host international conference on nanotechnologies

A conference which will discuss emerging silicon-based nanotechnologies for advanced information and communication devices which mean that mobile phones and computers will be even lighter, more functional and more economical, will be held at the University of Southampton next month.

Professor Hiroshi Mizuta, Head of the Nano Research Group at the University’s School of Electronics and Computer Science (ECS), whose research interest is in the development of novel nanoelectronic devices, will host the 2010 International Symposium on Atom-scale Silicon Hybrid Nanotechnologies for ‘More-than-Moore’ and ‘Beyond CMOS’ era on 1 and 2 March 2010 at the University.

For the ‘More than Moore’ era, the researchers are trying to co-integrate conventional electronic devices with other heterogeneous nanotechnologies such as nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS), nanophotonic and nanospintronic devices to meet challenging specifications for advanced applications such as high-performance, extremely low-power and even more functional switch, memory and sensor devices. On the theme of ‘Beyond CMOS’ the researchers will discuss work on atom-scale silicon nanotechnologies which could control individual dopant (impurities in silicon) atoms, charge and spin rates of single-electrons and NEMS states of silicon nanostructures. These extreme silicon nanotechnologies will result in a breakthrough to the next generation digital economy by providing a unique solution to massively-parallel and highly-secure information processing technology and extremely high-density information storage beyond the multi-Tetra-bit/inch2 era.

Eight sessions delivered by eminent academics and industry representatives will address key aspects of the symposium theme which include atomically-controlled nanostructure fabrication, hybrid NEMS technology, single-dopant devices and single-spin technology. These emerging silicon-based nanotechnologies will provide us with a breakthrough to overcome the limits of present ICT systems.

Commenting on the significance of the symposium, Professor Mizuta said: “This event will illustrate that if we adopt unique properties of atomically-controlled nanostructures and heterogeneous co-integration with other emerging technologies such as NEMS, nanophotonics and nanospintronics, we can develop extremely functional information processing devices, faster than anything we could ever have imagined with just conventional technologies.â€?

The 2010 International Symposium on Atom-scale Silicon Hybrid Nanotechnologies for ‘More-than-Moore’ and ‘Beyond CMOS’ will be held at Garden Court, University of Southampton on 1-2 March 2010, sponsored by Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST).

For further information contact Joyce Lewis; tel. +44(0)23 8059 5453.