Quantum physics is entering the computer age thanks to the work of a dedicated band of European researchers.

 

The tunable fluorescent nanoparticles known as quantum dots make ideal tools for distinguishing and identifying rare cancer cells in tissue biopsies, Emory and Georgia Tech scientists have demonstrated.

 

 

 

Since Richard Feynman's first envisioned the quantum computer in 1982, there have been many studies of potential candidates -- computers that use quantum bits, or qubits, capable of holding an more than one value at a time and computing at speeds far beyond existing silicon-based machines for certain problems. Most of these candidate systems, such as atoms and semiconducting quantum dots, work for quantum computing, but only at very low temperatures.

 

A team of University of Minnesota-led researchers has cleared a major hurdle in the drive to build solar cells with potential efficiencies up to twice as high as current levels, which rarely exceed 30 percent.

 

Conventional solar cell efficiency could be increased from the current limit of 30 percent to more than 60 percent, suggests new research on semiconductor nanocrystals, or quantum dots, led by chemist Xiaoyang Zhu at The University of Texas at Austin. Zhu and his colleagues report their results in this week's Science.

 

The search for time and cost effective as well as sensitive methods for bioanalytical assays is currently of great interest. At the Center of Biofunctional Nanomaterials in San Sebastian (Spain), Valery Pavlov and his co-workers are undertaking research in the area of the design and preparation of new biomaterials for such applications. They report on a new analytical approach in which the enzymatic generation of quantum dots can be applied to the detection of enzymatic activities inChemistry - A European Journal ("Analytical Applications of Enzymatic Growth of Quantum Dots").

 

For the very first time, a team of researchers in Germany has introduced quantum dots in fully epitaxial nitride laser structures without the need for hybrid systems -- effectively eliminating the cumbersome method of combining different materials from epitaxy and evaporation. This should help pave the way to a further optimization of lasers and single photon emitters in the visible spectrum region, according to the team. A detailed description of their findings appears in the journal Applied Physics Letters, which is published by the American Institute of Physics (AIP).

 

Researchers from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new nanotechnology-based “microlens” that uses gold to boost the strength of infrared imaging and could lead to a new generation of ultra-powerful satellite cameras and night-vision devices.

 

Nanotechnology is the basis of many new products in industries as diverse as electronics, health, energy, cosmetics, coatings, packaging and textiles. The key to unlocking the innovation potential of nanotechnology is through chemistry, says Dr Mark Morrison, Scientific Manager, Institute of Nanotechnology.

Nanotechnology is the subject of much hype, claim and counter-claim. To many people, nanotechnology is still a technology of the future, associated more with science fiction than with fact.

One industry sector in particular has its feet firmly on the ground, has seen the reality behind the hype, and is already seeking new solutions to old problems by applying nanotechnology. That industry is the packaging industry, and this short paper outlines a few areas where the application nanotechnology is set to make a real difference.

The military have been quicker than most to appreciate the potential of nanotechnology. More money is being spent on nanotechnology research for military applications than for any other area. The idea that nanotechnology could lead to lighter weight, smarter devices for soldiers in the field, uniforms that offer ballistic and other protection, and more deadly weaponry, has proved irresistible. This article examines some of the military problems for which nanotechnologies are offering new solutions.

In this article, Jurgen Altmann discusses the potential military applications of nanotechnlogy, and looks at the ethical concerns involved. He describes a framework for an ethical assessment, and follows this with a discussion of the current system of preventive arms control.  He asks whether nanotechnology will lead to a revolutionary change in this international system.

Japan has long been recognised as a world leader and key player in global advances in science and technology and recent investment and progress is establishing the country’s place in the global nanotechnology arena.

Having early access to accurate and reliable diagnostic information is a crucial part of medical treatment; it can improve the prognosis for patients by identifying diseases or conditions at a much earlier and more treatable stage; it can provide information on the ongoing effectiveness of therapies; and it can reduce the costs for increasingly cash-strapped healthcare systems by reducing the time spent in expensive hospital stays. For many patients, for example those with conditions like diabetes, it can be an important part of daily routine and essential self-testing.

In every issue we bring you an interview with a leading opinion maker from the world of nanotechnology. Ottilia Saxl talks with CEA-LETI Director Laurent Malier about his burning ambitions.

Nanoparticles for new vaccines, nanostructures on credit cards, microscopy and spins are just some of the range of research projects currently underway at institutions across Switzerland.

Laser scanning microscopes are at the forefront of scientific research. Advances in microscopy are already enabling researchers to image live cells and tissues in three dimensions, but there are improvements to be made.

Diabetes has reached epidemic levels in the developed world and the race is on to develop new tools to manage and treat the condition. From sensing devices no bigger than a human hair to implanting new glucose-regulating cells, Tania Saxl investigates the ultimate ambition to create an artificial pancreas.

...but who benefits?

“Prevention is better than cure” seems a simple enough statement, but how does it affect the future of medicine? Ottilia Saxl reports.

Until now, healthcare companies have made money by treating disease. So what is in it for those companies who go into the business of prevention? Intuition might say nothing, but let’s look at the possibilities in a little more depth.

New materials such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires, nanofibres, quantum dots and nanoparticles are being explored for their use as (nano) sensors. The potential of these materials for sensing has already been exploited in several industries ranging from security, health and environmental monitoring to automotive, agriculture and energy.

Below some potential industrial applications of nanotechnology enabled sensors are discussed.