THE IMM HAS PIONEERED SPANISH NANOTECHNOLOGY

The Institute of Microelectronics of Madrid (IMM) forms part of the CNM (National Centre of Microelectronics). It was founded in 1985 for optoelectronic research, and was already using nanotechnology although in those years it was not yet known as such.

LG- We could say that yes, the IMM has always been in the vanguard of the use of nanofabrication techniques, as first equipment of Spain of molecular beam epitaxy was first installed here, designed and constructed in the IMM, and the first electron beam lithography equipment. In addition, the IMM has pioneered the development and application of nanolithography and atomic force microscopy. These technologies are nowadays essential tools for nanofabrication. From our experience developing instrumentation and of nanofabrication processes, the activity in the centre has evolved following the needs of science and society. At the moment we are dedicated to working exclusively with nanoscience and nanotechnology

AC- The IMM works basically in two lines of investigation: nano-photonic structures optoelectronics and thermo-electronics within the fields of information technology and health and energy, and atomic force microscopy, nanolithography and their applications in the development of biosensors nano-mechanics. The applications of these two lines of work are focused towards the development of devices for future technologies of quantum information, sensorial devices and biosensors, photovoltaic cells and recovery of the heat for electrical energy.

LG- The IMM has generated two spin-off companies: SENSIA and Mecwins, both in the field of biosensors, with which we still maintain strong links. MECWINS is involved in the development of sensors based on nanomechanical devices with applications in genomic research. Its objective is to develop and commercialize technologies for genetic analyses based on ´label-free´ detection technologies, thus providing alternative routes to the techniques available at present based on fluorescent markers.
SENSIA develops sensors based on the resonance of superficial plasmons. The IMM performs the evaluation of the optical elements for the sensory platform, which has already been successfully applied in identifying the presence of organo-chloride pesticides, organophosphates in aqueous samples, and for identifying ADN for early breast cancer detection or for determining pituitary hormones in biological samples.
AC- In addition, we maintain a close collaboration with BIOAPTER for the optimization of sensors for biological microanalysis in foods, and with the Italian company BIOTECGEN within the NANOMAGMA European project for the development of biosensors based on magnetoplasmonic nanostructures. We also have projects with NANOTEC, a Spanish company which makes equipment for characterization on a nanometric scale for the development of microscopes that allow the visualisation of individual molecules in a biological medium.
At present two patents on the development of new methods of microscopy are being exploited commercially by Asylum Research Inc (Santa Barbara, USA), one of the most important and dynamic companies in the sector.
More recently we have begun a collaboration project with the German company RAITH, a world-wide leader in the commercialisation of nanolithography equipment using electron beams and now using ion beam lithography.
On the other hand, our students can benefit from a natural progression of their activities into industry once they have finished their doctorate, being employed by relevant companies such as Thales Alenia, Isofotón, Toshiba or the IMM spin-offs.

LG- We rely on our global 'human equipment' made up of 76 people, 90% of which are dedicated to research, and the remaining 10% are maintenance and administration staff.

AC- I would highlight a new line of research -facilitated through the financing by the program IDEAS of the European Research Council, in which a young researcher of the IMM has had the idea to use nanotechnology for the recovery of heat by means of thermoelectrical devices. It is about increasing their efficiency through their nanostructuring using electrochemical technologies, similar to galvanization, which are low cost and known at an industry level. It is easy to imagine the impact this would have - using the heat that dissipates from the exhaust of millions of cars, or in the heating chimneys of a building, or industry chimneys, etc., and its transformation in electrical energy. The thermoelectrial devices would allow the generation of electricity from that residual heat, thereby reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas discharge.

LG- Our mission is to contribute to scientific knowledge and to society by carrying out research in the diverse fields of nanoscience and nanotechnology. This commitment takes shape in further education - in 2009 of six doctoral theses based on investigation projects in diverse areas were completed, and in research project in various areas.
On a European level I would highlight the following: NANOMAGMA (we exploited the novel concept of combining materials with plasmonic and magnetic properties. We are convinced these "Magneto Plasmonic" systems can be fundamental components in future developments of syntonizable nano-optical devices or in ultrasensitive biosensors, for example), BIODOT (a project which ultimate aim is the development of nanoelectronic sensors for detecting molecules and the interactions between biological molecules), and OPTONANOMECH (project of the Marie Curie program in collaboration with the University of Yale for the development of a chip-integrated nanophotonic platform for the detection and performance of nanomechanical systems in fluids).
AC- On a national scale, within the CONSOLIODER-INGENIO 2010 framework, other projects include QOIT (elements of quantum optics for information technologies), GENESIS (new generation of cellular materials and systems for photovoltaic conversion), FUNCOAT (functionality on a superficial and interface level for the development of high-value added devices), and MOLECULAR NANOSCIENCE.

Examples of structures made in the IMM using the diverse techniques of nanolithography available within the IMM:
Above: Plasmonic nanodonuts made of Au by electron beam lithography.
Below left: Silicon nanowires made by ion beam lithography. The width of the nanowires is 15 nanometers.
Lower right: Molecular protein wires made by nanolithography using atomic force microscopy.

From left to right: Luisa González, Director of the IMM; Antonio García Martín, Director of the Department of Manufacture and Characterisation of Nano-structures; Montserrat Calleja, Director of Department of Sensorial Devices and Biosensors. The equipment "ionLiNE" which appears in the photo, from RAITH, is the second to be installed in the world from a new generation of systems for lithography by ion beam.

Image of a human hair (above left) taken by sweeping electronic microscopy (SEM). In its interior we see a box where it is compared, on scale, with the size of nanodevice for laser emission. Also shown is detailed view of the structure of a nanodevice crystal laser photon (above right) which contains in its interior quantum points (down right, microscopy of forces atomics - AFM). The suitable combination of quantum points and cavities photonic cavities allow the obtaining of emission devices of light laser (down left) 100 times smaller than the width of a human hair.