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nanotimes News in Brief
11-05 :: May/June 2011
IBM // Opening of Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center
I
BM (NYSE: IBM) and ETH Zurich opened the Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center loca-
ted on the campus of IBM Research in Zurich, Swit- zerland. The facility is the centerpiece of a 10-year strategic partnership in nanoscience between IBM and ETH Zurich where scientists will research novel nanoscale structures and devices to advance energy and information technologies.
The Binnig and Rohrer Nanotechnology Center offers a cutting-edge, collaborative infrastructure designed specifically for advancing nanoscience. The noise- free labs open up a new level of precision, thereby potentially extending the scale on which scientists are able to measure and experiment even further.
• A large cleanroom for micro and nanofabrication provides scientists from IBM and ETH Zurich with a flexible environment and tools for lithography, wet processing, dry etching, thermal processes, thin-film deposition or metrology and characteriza- tion. The cleanroom also features a special area for processing carbon-based materials and structures.
• Six uniquely designed noise-free labs shield extre- mely sensitive experiments from external distur- bances, such as vibrations, electro-magnetic fields, for example from nearby trains and cellphone towers, temperature fluctuations and acoustic noise.
© IBM
“Our partnership with the IBM research laboratory in Ruschlikon and its close proximity to the ETH Zurich is truly fortunate for us,” said Prof. Ralph Eicher, pre- sident, ETH Zurich. “With this new Nanotechnology Center, we bring our unique, long-standing and pro- lific cooperation to a new level. I am convinced that both scientific partners, as well as the Zurich region and the Swiss industry will benefit from it.”
The building represents an investment of $60 million in infrastructure costs and an additional $30 million for tooling and equipment which, including the ope- rating costs, are shared by the partners.