Basic operations in the field of nanotechnology that are currently very difficult or impossible to perform could become easy with a new multi-nano tool called FIBLYS. |
In
the European funded project FIBLYS (or FIB anaLYSis) three industry and
four research partners from Czech Republic, France, Germany and
Switzerland have created a multi-nano tool named FIBLYS. This tool is
made up of a dual Focused Ion Beam (FIB) and Scanning Electron
Microscope (SEM) together with Scanning Probe Microscope (SPM) as well
as a possibility of important analytical capabilities. FIBLYS can help
researchers achieve goals, which earlier were impossible, by showing
surface elevations merely ten nanometer high.
The
researchers aim to make problematic or impossible basic operations in
the field of nanotechnology easy. With the FIBLYS tool offering several
techniques it will be possible to perform imaging, analysis, nano-scale
manipulation and surface modification of nanostructures during and
directly after production. This makes it possible to avoid degradation
by oxidation and contamination of the measurement, which could occur
during long separated production and control lines. The researchers
think that corrections of defects found early may be feasible. This
multi-nano tool can also be cheaper for the user, since no transport of
samples between different apparatuses that cost to operate separately is
needed.
FIBLYS,
though still only a prototype, can aid in the development of more
efficient solar cells where nanowires, very small spikes, are something
new under the sun. By introducing these nanowires on the solar cells’
surfaces the scientists estimate a ten to fifteen percent increase in
energy output can be achieved. However, it is crucial that these
nanowires are spread out evenly on the surface to reach this estimated
effect. FIBLYS is used for looking at the nanowires on the solar cells’
surfaces and make this possible. In this way the instrument could change
this industry.
Another
area where this powerful eye could make a different is in the battery
industry, where engineers are also searching for easier and cheaper
approaches to move very small particles into desired nanostructures, to
improve batteries’ energy storage capacities. Recently, the
nanotechnology company Nanosys announced the use of silicon
nanocomposites to improve lithium ion cell storage capacity.
By
tying production, analysis and controlling together FIBLYS can both
speed up the production of nanomaterials and improve product quality
substantially.
