The Micro:Nano SIG, AILU’s newest, was launched at AILU's 10th microprocessing workshop in June 2008. Lasers are a key technology in the micro and nano-engineering fields, where they provide high-resolution, accuracy, speed and flexibility. The engineering of micro features is key to the technical and commercial success of many mass-produced components ranging from photovoltaic cells, inkjet print heads and flat panel displays, to MEMS components and disposable medical instruments. It is to address the special needs of this burgeoning sector that AILU launched the Micro:Nano group.

Free Membership of the Micro:Nano Group
Membership of the Micro:Nano Group is free to AILU members and non-members alike.

The activities of the Micro:Nano Group will address the interests of laser processing professionals involved in producing products, processes, devices and instrumentation for all sectors. All members will be mailed relevant news and events information as and when we receive it and will be offered the opportunity to shape future events and other Micro:Nano Group activities. As well as enjoying the AILU magazine, workshop discounts, free consultancy and networking benefits, AILU members of the Micro:Nano Group can participate in discussions on the dedicated Micro:Nano forum in the members area of the website.

The Micro:Nano Group activities and events are done in partnership with the Nanotechnology KTN and the Photonics KTN.

Joining the Micro:Nano Group
To join the Micro:Nano Group either fill in the flyer or email the AILU Office or Toby Gill (NanoKTN).

Accessing the on-line Micro:Nano SIG Forum

To access the forum you first need to login using your assigned name and password. The entry point is in the top right corner of this page. (tip: If you are still using the random number/letter password you were originally given, why not change it to something memorable by clicking on the ‘edit details’ link after you’ve logged in?)

Once you do this a link to the forum will appear in the left hand links column under ‘Laser User Groups’.

Micro:Nano Group Events

Funding opportunities in High Value Manufacturing: Micro/Nano laser processing success stories, 25 November 2008: See events listing for full details of the programme. Click here transfer to the Nanotechnology KTN web site and to download the presentations

Microprocessing workshop, 4th June 2008: See events listing for full details of the programme. It was a very successful day with over seventy delegates, a review of the event at Daresbury is available here.

PKTN LUNCHTIME LECTURE: 7th July 2008: The Micro:Nano Group is delighted to present the first AILU lecture which is part of the Photonics KTN lunchtime lecture series.

Title: Laser processing of micro-optics and interconnects
Mike Osborne, Optek Systems, Abingdon, UK

Abstract: Laser processing of quartz optical components can be both rapid, flexible, reproducible and accurate. It allows production of geometries which are difficult or impossible to achieve by other means. The non-contact process allows on-line inspection of many different geometries such as single optical interconnects, multi-fibre ribbon cables and other micro-optical components. Laser cleaving is fast accurate process which reduces the likelihood of failure at both the processing stage and during deployment in the field.

View the Lecture here

These interactive meetings through the web provide an excellent opportunity for you to hear experts talking about their innovation with an opportunity to ask questions after their presentation.

FUTURE LECTURES

AILU would like to provide names of people available to give this type of lecture to a broader audience to promote the activities of all Special Interest Groups within AILU.

If you would like to suggest a topic and speaker for this forum please contact AILU Office.

Funding Opportunities

European funding

A series of Framework 7 ICT calls relevant to Photonics are anticipated in the Autumn of 2009. The final work program has yet to be announced but you can find indication to the content here .

Check out the ‘interesting text’ and ‘a list of possible’ link for information that would allow you to start to think of relevant projects and partners. There are also current calls open in nanotechnology and new materials that may be relevant to you, see http://cordis.europa.eu/fp7/dc/index.cfm.

Thanks to SEPNET, The South East Photonics Network, for supplying these summaries

More information

Download a Micro:Nano Group brochure here.

To join the Micro:Nano Group either fill in the flyer or email the AILU Office

Useful Links

The Centre of Excellence in Metrology for Micro and Nano Technologies (CEMMNT) offers a convenient, single point access for clients to outsource their materials and processing challenges through a unique partnership of world class technology organisations.  For more information click here

The Solar Energy Society (UK-ISES) UK National Section of the International Solar Energy Society.
This Society represents the UK national section of the International Solar Energy Society (ISES). ISES has launched a world-wide information system for renewable energy, WIRE. This is a resource website for fast, comprehensive and up-to-date information on renewable energy. For more information click here