mesa+ annual report 2011

ANNUALREPORT 2011

MESA+ AnnuAl REpoRt 2011

General

Preface..... ............................................................................................ 5About MESA+, in a nutshell ...................................................................6MESA+ Strategic Research Orientations ..........................................8Commercialization..................................................................................16The Dutch Nano-landscape ................................................................18National NanoLab facilities ................................................................20International Networks.........................................................................22Education ...................................................................................................24Awards, honours and appointments ...............................................26

HiGHliGHts

BES Biomolecular Electronic Structure .................................32BIOS BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip .............................................................. 33BNT BioMolecular Nanotechnology ......................................... 34CBP Computational BioPhysics .................................................. 35CMS Computational Materials Science .................................... 36COPS Complex Photonic Systems ................................................ 37CPM Catalytic Processes and Materials ................................. 38ICE Interfaces and Correlated Electron systems............... 39IM Inorganic Membranes.......................................................... 40IMS Inorganic Materials Science ...............................................41IOMS Integrated Optical MicroSystems .................................... 42LPNO Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics .............................43MCS Mesoscale Chemical Systems ..........................................44MnF Molecular nanoFabrication ................................................ 45MSM Multi Scale Mechanics ........................................................ 46MST Membrane Science and Technology .............................. 47MTP Materials Science and Technology of Polymers ............48MaCS Mathematics of Computational Science ............................ 49NBP Nanobiophysics ..................................................................... 50NE NanoElectronics .................................................................... 51NEM NanoElectronic Materials ................................................... 52NI NanoIonics ............................................................................... 53NLCA Nanofluidics for Lab on a Chip Applications ..................54OS Optical Sciences .................................................................... 55PCF Physics of Complex Fluids ................................................. 56PCS Photocatalytic Synthesis .................................................... 57PIN Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials ....................58PNS Programmable NanoSystems ........................................... 59PoF Physics of Fluids ................................................................... 60PGMF Physics of Granular Matter and Interstitial Fluids ....61QTM Quantum Transport in Matter ........................................... 62SC Semiconductor Components ............................................. 63SFI Soft Matter, Fluidics and Interfaces ............................... 64ST PS Science, Technology and Policy Studies ...................... 65TST Transducer Science and Technology ............................ 66

Publications

MESA+ Scientific Publications 2011 ...........................................70

about Mesa+

MESA+ Governance Structure .....................................................76Contact details .................................................................................76

(05)

[PREFACE]

2011 - The Year Between2011 was a year between two major Nanotechnology programmes: NanoNed had come to an end and NanoNextNL

had just started. With the launch of NanoNextNL a new period was heralded in, in which innovation research grants

became available to the Dutch nanotechnology community. The main difference between these two national

programmes is the focus on valorisation and collaboration with industry. This is completely in line with another

topic that marked 2011: a new Dutch Government programme on innovation called 'topsectors', i.e. strong industrial

areas reinforced by the joint research and development of Dutch industry, research institutes and universities, and

science foundations. MESA+ was fervently involved in both these initiatives. First, through the roll out of NanoNextNL

with significant contributions from several MESA+ research groups. Second, by actively participating in the updated

research agenda of the national nanotechnology roadmap. Over the coming years it will become clear whether and how

this new strategy of the Dutch Government to stimulate innovation through active interaction between industry and

institutes such as MESA+ will prove to be a sound alternative to the successful programmes NanoNed and NanoNextNL.

2011 was also the first year of actually running the new NanoLab at MESA+. Obviously, starting up such a complex new lab

is no trivial matter; in fact you could say it is quite a challenge. But apart from a few minor setbacks, when the time came

the inauguration went very smoothly, thanks to the users and technicians. The number of visitors who are motivated to

learn more about nanotechnology and wish to see the new NanoLab is significant and still on the increase. Furthermore,

the organisation of this Dutch national facility, NanoLabNL, has been formalised and is certainly prepared for the future.

2011 was also a year in which MESA+ realised a significant increase in the number of research groups. A rearrangement

of research at the University of Twente resulted in an expansion of MESA+, which increased to 34 research chairs and over

525 researchers, including more than 300 PhD-students.

2011, a year between a very successfully period of developing into a mature institute and a period marked by a challenging

future with new opportunities.

Ir. Miriam Luizink, Technical Commercial Director, Prof. dr. ing. Dave H.A. Blank, Scientific Director,

MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology

“MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology is one

of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world”

MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology is one of the largest nanotechnology research institutes in the world, delivering competitive and

successful high quality research. MESA+ is part of the University of Twente, and cooperates closely with various research groups

within the university. The institute employs 525 people of whom 300 are PhD candidates or postdocs. With its NanoLab facilities the

institute holds 1250 m2 of cleanroom space and state of the art research equipment. MESA+ has an integral turnover of approximately

50 million euros per year of which 60% is acquired in competition from external sources (National Science Foundation, European

Union, industry, etc.).

MESA+ supports and facilitates researchers and actively stimulates cooperation. MESA+ combines the disciplines of physics,

electrical engineering, chemistry and mathematics. Currently 34 research groups participate in MESA+. MESA+ introduced Strategic

Research Orientations, headed by a scientific researcher, that bridge the research topics of a number of research groups working

in common interest fields. The SROs’ research topics are an addition to the research topics of the chairs. Their task is to develop

these interdisciplinary research areas which could result in new independent chairs. Internationally attractive research is achieved

through this multidisciplinary approach. MESA+ uses a unique structure, which unites scientific disciplines, and builds fruitful

international cooperation to excel in science and education.

MESA+ has been the breeding ground for more than 45 MESA+ high-tech start-ups to date. A targeted program for cooperation

with small and medium-sized enterprises has been specially created for start-ups. MESA+ offers the use of its extensive NanoLab

facilities and cleanroom space under hospitable conditions. Start-ups and MESA+ work together intensively to promote the transfer

of knowledge. MESA+ has created a perfect habitat for start-ups in the micro and nano-industry to establish and to mature.

MESA+ is a Research School, designated by the Royal Dutch Academy of Science. All MESA+ PhD’s are member of the MESA+ School

for Nanotechnology, part of the Twente Graduate School.

About MESA+, in a nut shell

(06)

[RESEARCH]

Mission and strategyMESA+ conducts research in the strongly multidisciplinary field of nanotechnology and nanoscience.

The mission of MESA+ is:

n to excel in its research field;

n to explore (new) research themes;

n to educate researchers and engineers in its field;

n to commercialize and valorize research results;

n to initiate and participate in fruitful (inter)national cooperation.

MESA+ has defined the following key performance indicators for achieving its mission:

n scientific papers in high ranked jounals like Science or Nature;

n 1:1 balance between university funding and externally acquired funds;

n sizable spin-off activities.

MESA+ focuses on three issues to pursue its mission:

n to create a top environment for international scientific talent;

n to create strong multidisciplinary cohesion within the institute;

n to become a national leader and international key player in nanotechnology.

Organizational structure

MESA+ is an institute of the University of Twente and falls under the responsibility of the board of the university. The scientific

advisory board assists the MESA+ management in matters concerning the research conducted at the institute and gives feedback

on the scientific results of MESA+. The governing board advises the MESA+ management in organizational matters. The scientific

director accepts responsibility for the institute and the scientific output. The managing director is responsible for commercialization,

central laboratories, finance, communications and the internal organization. The participating research groups and SRO program

directors form the MESA+ advisory board.

(07)

[RESEARCH]

university board

advisory board:• strategic research orientations

• research Groups

scientific Director/technical commercial Director

scientific advisory board Governing board

nanolabManagement support

Dr. Pepijn W.H. Pinkse:

"Applied NanoPhotonics:

there's more

to light than

meets the eye"

Optics has revolutionized fields as various as data storage and long-distance communication. Optical systems have a chance

to become even more ubiquitous in other areas, like today’s smart devices, but this step requires further miniaturization. The

example of electronics shows us that miniaturization will sooner or later hit physical limitations. In the case of optics this will

be in the nanodomain. Working with optics on this scale requires new concepts to be developed and many questions to be

answered:

How can we shrink the dimensions of optical structures to or even below the wavelength limit? To what extend can we build

so called ‘’meta-materials” that have specially engineered optical properties by nanostructuring? How can we miniaturize

lasers, reduce their threshold and increase their yield? How can one make high-sensitivity optical detectors, e.g. for medical

applications, and integrate them in low-cost labs on a chip? And on the more fundamental side: Can single emitters be controlled

efficiently and embedded into nanophotonic structures? Can we use nanophotonics to study complex (molecular) systems and

can we tailor light to efficiently steer their behavior? Are there opportunities to exploit the quantum character of light for new

functionality?

The goal of our SRO is to address these questions exploiting the expertise in MESA+ groups. Building adaptivity into nanophotonic

systems will be a common paradigm in answering these questions. Adaptivity allows optimizing properties or processes with

clever learning algorithms. Adaptive systems can react on external stimulus, can compensate for fluctuations and inevitable

randomness in nanophotonic structures.

Applied NanoPhotonics

(08)

[StRAtEgiC RESEARCH oRiEntAtionS]

Applied Nanophotonics (ANP) started in October 2009 with the arrival of Pepijn Pinkse from the Max Planck Institute for Quantum

Optics in Garching to become ANP program director at MESA+. ANP fosters new research and develops new expertise on a few

key areas. For instance by means of ANP group meetings, colloquia and workshops, ANP stimulates cooperation between the

research groups at MESA+ that have a strong optics focus including COPS, IOMS, LPNO, NBP, and OS.

Program director: Dr. P.W.H. Pinkse, phone +31 53 489 2537, [email protected], www.utwente.nl/mesaplus/anp

(09)


ANP in action at the open air Museum in Ootmarsum. In 2011 we organized our second

yearly workshop with over 70 participants from the MESA+ groups COPS, IOMS, LPNO,

NBP & OS.

Data taken in an ANP collaboration with the groups COPS and

OS. Visible are Near-field Scanning Optical Microscopy images

of propagating light in a photonic-crystal waveguide. For specific

wavelengths and locations, Anderson-localized light is observed

(purple highlights) [S.R. Huisman et al., arXiv:1201.0624v1.]

Dr. Peter M. Schön:

"What makes Nanotechnology possible?

There are many important driving

forces to mention, but for sure one of the

most influential was the development

of scanning probe microscopies.”

The Strategic Research Orientation (SRO) Enabling Technologies has started its activity in January 2011. It is a multi disciplinary

program aiming at bundling the research activities of MESA+ in a very important enabling area in nano technology, that is

Scanning Probe Microscopy.

Of key interest for the SRO are scanning probe microscopies for nanoscale electrochemistry and novel combinations with optics/

spectroscopies. Enabling Technologies aims to foster research and expertise in the field of nanoscale electro chemistry and

electrical probing. For instance by means of ET group meetings and workshops, the strategic research orientation Enabling

Technologies aims to stimulate cooperation between the research groups at MESA + that have a strong interest in nanoscale

electrochemistry and electrical probing. With respect to novel combinations of scanning probes with optical techniques the

collaboration with the SRO ANP provides an excellent base.

Towards an ultra-high speed AFM with chemical sensitivity

The research groups Materials Science and Technology of Polymers (MTP) and Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials (PIN)

work in collaboration aiming to integrate STM and electrochemistry into AFM. The approach will encompass the combination of

tunnel current sensing AFM and SECM (scanning electrochemical microscope). Novel spectroscopic modes are in development for

these hybrid atomic force microscopies with the key objectives of chemical imaging and reactivity studies at the molecular level

under various conditions, for instance in a liquid environment. As model systems molecular layers on conducting substrates will

be investigated, such as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold and phthalocyanine layers comprising different central ions.

Enabling Technologies

(10)



(11)

Poster price for Hairong Wu

Hairong Wu (second person on the right side)- PhD student bridging between the groups MTP and PIN

and funded from the SRO ‘Enabling Technologies’ won two times a poster price. The first time was at the

Dutch Polymer Days 2012 in Lunteren, the second time at the ISPAC 25th 2012 conference. This picture is

taken on the ISPAC conference. Left: Prof. dr. Pavel Kratochvíl (Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry,

Czech Republic (ISPAC)). Right: Prof. dr. ir. Peter J. Schoenmakers (University of Amsterdam).

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: R. Heimbuch, H. Wu, A. Kumar, B. Poelsema, P. Schön, G.J. Vancso, H.J.W. Zandvliet, Temperature dependent transport study of a single octanethiol molecule, submitted

These systems shall be used for initial fundamental chemical identification and

reactivity studies.

Program director: Dr. Peter M. Schön, phone +31 53 489 3170, [email protected],

www.utwente.nl/mesaplus/enablingtechnologies

Nanomedicine Healthcare faces new challenges in the 21st century. Populations are evolving, and life expectancy continues to increase in

developed countries. Consequently, new classes of diseases which are related to ageing must be handled, and a new paradigm of

“healthy ageing” has been identified by the EU as a priority. Furthermore, the healthcare system must become more competitive,

and drastically reduce its overall expenses. To address these issues, novel and more appropriate approaches must be developed

for disease detection and treatment.

Cancer -which is the first cause of death in developed countries- is a good example where traditional medical approaches fail for:

(i) early disease detection, (ii) efficient, localized and personalized treatment, and (iii) non-invasive tissue analysis for diagnosis

and prognosis. A reason for this failure lies in the difference in scales between traditional medical techniques and molecular

processes involved in disease development. Diseases are primarily correlated with molecular and nm-scale phenomena such as

DNA mutations, dysregulation in protein functioning, while medical approaches mostly work at the scale of a whole organism or

tissue.

In that context, the advent of nanotechnology that deals with the manipulation of matter at the sub-100 nm scale is expected to have

a tremendous impact in medicine. Using nm-size tools offers exciting new possibilities such as probing and acting at the subcellular

or molecular scale; which enables to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and molecular processes.

Nanomedicine is the particular sub-field of medicine where structures originating from the parent field of nanotechnology are employed

to derive new approaches for diagnosis, imaging, treatment, and to get better insight into molecular events involved in disease

(12)

[StRAtEgiC RESEARCH oRiEntAtionS]Dr. Séverine Le Gac:

"Nanotechnology offers new

approaches to medicine for early

disease detection, for targeted,

localized, personalized treatment, and for

better understanding of molecular

processes involved in diseases.”

(13)


processes. Nanotechnology-based protocols bring new capabilities in terms of localized,

specific and targeted in vivo protocols, for both imaging and treatment. For diagnosis and

fundamental analysis, nm-size structures and miniaturized sensors present the required

detection sensitivity to determine the molecular signature of a disease, for instance using a

single cell analysis approach, which is essential for patient-specific treatment.

Nanomedicine is an interdisciplinary field, requiring expertise from various disciplines

such as medicine, engineering, chemistry, biophysics, and biology. The MESA+ Institute

for Nanotechnology covers all these disciplines with the development of nanosensors,

miniaturized point-of-care devices, inorganic and organic nanoparticles, nanostructures,

new nanomaterials, and biomolecule analysis.

In 2012, the SRO will first make an inventory of existing research at MESA+ related to

nanomedicine. Thereafter, promising research lines will be identified on which MESA+

can profile worldwide in the field of nanomedicine, and around which the activities of

the SRO nanomedicine -or nanotechnology for innovative medicine- will be organized.

Program director: Dr. ir. Séverine Le Gac, phone +31 53 489 2722, [email protected],

www.utwente.nl/mesaplus/nanomedicine

NanoMaterials for Energy The worldwide energy demand is continuously growing and it becomes clear that future energy supply can only be guaranteed

through increased use of renewable energy sources. With energy recovery through renewable sources like sun, wind, water, tides,

geothermal or biomass the global energy demand could be met many times over; currently however it is still inefficient and too

expensive in many cases to take over significant parts of the energy supply. Innovation and increases in efficiency in conjunction

with a general reduction of energy consumption are urgently needed. Nanotechnology exhibits the unique potential for decisive

technological breakthroughs in the energy sector, thus making substantial contributions to sustainable energy supply.

The goal of the Strategic Research Orientation (SRO) NanoMaterials for Energy is to exploit and expand the present expertise of the

MESA+ groups in the field of nano-related energy research. Through multidisciplinary collaboration between various research groups

new materials with novel advanced properties will be developed in which the functionality is controlled by the nanoscale structures

leading to improved energy applications. The range of new research projects for nano-applications in the energy sector comprises

gradual short and medium-term improvements for a more efficient use of conventional and renewable energy sources as well as

completely new long-term approaches for energy recovery and utilization.

Ultra-thin piezoelectrics for energy harvesting

Piezoelectric materials can transform mechanical energy into electrical energy and vice versa. Because of that they are used in

a multitude of everyday applications from gas lighters to inkjet printers and from ultrasound generators in medical applications

(echography devices, blood sensors, lithotripters) to vibration dampers (in cars, skis, helicopter blade). However, piezoelectric

materials have the potential to play an even greater role in society by harvesting the energy that is wasted ubiquitously as vibrations

(from cars, house appliances, industrial machine) and transforming it into electricity. But in order to fulfill our dream of paving roads,

(14)

[StRAtEgiC RESEARCH oRiEntAtionS]Dr. ir. Mark Huijben:

Breakthroughs in energy

applications can only be

accomplished by manipulation

of novel materials on the

nano scale.”

(15)


railways and homes with piezoelectrics, these materials have to be made lighter, thinner and

less toxic than the ones available today (which contain heavy chemical elements).

An important step into this direction has been achieved by collaboration between Guus

Rijnders and co-workers (IMS, MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente),

Beatriz Noheda (RUG, Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials), the CIN2-Barcelona and

the CEMES-CNRS Institutes in Toulouse and Zaragoza. The results have been published in

Nature Materials.

The researchers have shown that ultra-thin films (with thickness of about 100 atomic layers)

of piezoelectric materials deposited under carefully designed conditions, self-organize

and flex at the nanometer scale in periodic fashion. This produces huge strain gradients

(large differences in the distances between atoms) in such a way that a new mechanism to

produce piezoelectricity can take place (so-called flexoelectricity). This greatly increases

the materials response at these small thicknesses. Moreover, this novel way of producing

piezoelectricity is less dependent on the chemical composition and will allow non-toxic

and more readily available materials to be investigated for piezoelectric energy harvesting

application.

Program director: Dr. ir. Mark Huijben, phone +31 53 489 4710, [email protected],

www.utwente.nl/mesaplus/nme

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] G. Catalan, A. Lubk, A. H. G. Vlooswijk, E. Snoeck, C. Magen, A. Janssens, G. Rispens, G. Rijnders, D. H. A. Blank, B. Noheda, Flexoelectric rotation of polarization

in ferroelectric thin films, Nature Materials 10 (2011) 963-967. [2] H.J. Chang, S.V. Kalinin, A.N. Morozovska, M. Huijben, Y.H. Chu, P. Yu, R. Ramesh, E.A. Eliseev, G.S. Svechnikov, S.J. Pennycook, A.

Borisevich, Atomically-resolved mapping of polarization and electric fields across ferroelectric-oxide interfaces by Z-contrast imaging, Advanced Materials 23 (2011) 2474.

[CoMMERCiAlizAtion]

(16)

(17)

Nanotechnology offers chances for new business. Around knowledge institutions, stimulated by a dynamic entrepreneurial

environment, nuclei of spin-off companies arise. The number of new businesses based on nanotechnology is growing rapidly. MESA+

plays an important role nationwide, being at the start of more than 45 spin-offs. Access to state-of-the-art nanotech infrastructure,

shared facilities functioning in an open innovation model, is of crucial importance for both creation and further development of spin-off

companies. These spin-off companies are important for the national and regional economy; SMEs will become increasingly important

for employment and turnover. MESA+ intensifies and strengthens its commercialization activities to further increase the number of

patents, the number and size of spin-offs and, consequently, its national and international reputation.

High Tech FactoryMESA+ is establishing the High Tech Factory, a shared production facility for products based on micro- and nanotechnology. High

Tech Factory is designed to ensure that the companies involved can concentrate on business operations and focus their energies on

growth rather than on realizing the basic production infrastructure required for achieving that growth. In 2011 the first 500 m2 of

High Tech Factory labs have become available as production environment. Development of cleanrooms, labs and offices will continue

and is expected to be finalized by the end of 2012.

High Tech FundThe technical infrastructure fund High Tech Fund offers an operational lease facility for companies in micro- and nanotechnology.

Equipment is located in the production facility High Tech Factory. The 9 M€ fund, supported by the ministry of Economic Affairs, the

province of Overijssel and the region of Twente, was launched successfully in June 2010. In 2011 investments have been realized for

the companies SolMateS and Medspray.

MESA+ Technology AcceleratorWith the MESA+ Technology Accelerator, organized in UT international ventures (UTIV), MESA+ invests in early stage scouting of

knowledge and expertise with a potential interest from the market. The first phase of technology and market development is organized

in so-called stealth projects. A successful stealth project is continued as a spin-off or license. Through the initiative Kennispark, the

UT is applying the UTIV model more widely at the University.

Kennispark TwenteCommercialization of nanotechnology research is one of the very strong drivers of MESA+. As illustrated in the topics above, key

aspects of the MESA+ agenda encompass business development, facility sharing, area development, and growth towards a production

facility. With these key commercialization projects MESA+ contributes strongly to the Kennispark agenda and the provincial and

regional innovation systems.

Commercialization

[CoMMERCiAlizAtion]

The Dutch Nano-landscape The Dutch Nano-landscape The Dutch Nano-landscape The Dutch Nano-landscape

The Dutch Nano-landscape The Dutch Nano-landscape



(18)

(19)

Netherlands Nano InitiativeThe nanotechnology research area is comprehensive and still extending. The Netherlands continually makes choices based on

existing strengths supplemented with arising opportunities, as is described in the NNI business plan ‘Towards a Sustainable Open

InnovationEcosystem’ (2009) in micro and nanotechnology. Generic themes in which the Netherlands excel are beyond Moore and

nanoelectronics, nanomaterials, bionanotechnology and instrumentation, while application lies within the areas of water, energy,

food, and health and nanomedicine. These generic and application areas are, when applicable, covered by risk analyses and

technology assessment of nanotechnology. NanoLabNL provides the infrastructure for the implementation of the NNI strategic

research agenda.

In 2011 an update of the nanotechnology roadmap has been established, and forms part of the ‘topsector’ innovation policy of the

Dutch government.

NanoNextNLNanoNextNL, the 250 M€ innovation program has started in 2011. NanoNextNL, a collaboration of 120 partners, proposes to apply

micro- and nanotechnologies to strengthen both the technology base and competitiveness of the high tech and materials industry

and to apply them in support of a variety of societal needs in food, energy, healthcare, clean water and the societal risk of certain

nanotechnologies. The main economic and societal issues addressed in this initiative are:

n the societal need for risk analysis of nanotechnology;

n the need for new materials;

n ageing society and healthcare cost;

n more healthy foods;

n need for clean tech to reduce energy consumption, waste production and provide clean water;

n advanced equipment to process and manufacture products that address these issues.

NanoNextNL covers all relevant generic, application and social themes.

the Dutch nano-landscape

[tHE DutCH nAno-lAnDSCAPE]

National NanoLab facilities National NanoLab facilities National NanoLab facilities National NanoLab facilities

National NanoLab facilities National NanoLab facilities



(20)

(21)

National NanoLab facilitiesNanoLabNLNanoLabNL is listed on the ’The Netherlands’ Roadmap for Large-Scale Research Facilities’ as one of 28 large-scale research facilities

whose construction or operation is important for the robustness and innovativeness of the Dutch science system.

NanoLabNL provides access to a coherent, high-level, state-of-the-art infrastructure for nanotechnology research and innovation in

the Netherlands. The NanoLab facilities are open to researchers from universities as well as employees from companies. NanoLabNL

seeks to bring about coherence in national infrastructure, access, and tariff structure. Since its establishment in 2004 the NanoLabNL

partners invested about 110 M€ in nanotech facilities through their own funding and additional public funding.

The partners in NanoLabNL are:

n Twente: MESA+ Institute of Nanotechnology at University of Twente;

n Delft: Kavli Institute of Nanoscience at Delft University of Technology and TNO Science & Industry;

n Groningen: Zernike Institute for Advanced Materials at Groningen University;

n Eindhoven, Technical University Eindhoven and Philips Research Laboratories (associate partner).

Together, these four locations cover most of the country and offer the widest possible spectrum of nanotechnology facilities for

researchers in the Netherlands to use.

MESA+ NanoLabMESA+ NanoLab has extensive laboratory facilities at its disposal, offering a wide spectrum of opportunities for researchers in the

Netherlands and abroad:

n a 1250 m2 fully equipped cleanroom, with a focus on microsystems technology, nanotechnology, CMOS and materials and process

engineering;

n a fully equipped central materials analysis laboratory;

n a number of specialized laboratories for chemical synthesis and analysis, materials research and analysis, and device

characterization.

In 2011 MESA+ has invested largely in realizing its new BioNanoLab, part of the MESA+ NanoLab, for research in bionanotechnology,

nanomedicine and risk analysis.

The MESA+ NanoLab facilities play a crucial role in the research programs and in collaborations with industry. MESA+ has a

strong relationship with industry, both through joint research projects with the larger multinational companies, and through a

commercialization policy focused on small and medium sized enterprises.

[nAtionAl nAnolAb FACilitiES]

(22)

International Networks(Inter)national position and collaborationsMESA+ has a strong international position, several strategic collaborations and is active in international networks and platforms.

MESA+ has strategic collaborations with: NINT (Canada), Ohio State, Materials Science Nano Lab (US), Stanford, Geballe Lab of

Advanced Materials (US), Berkeley, nanoscience lab Ramesh group (US), California NanoSystems Institute at UCLA (US), JNCASR

(India), NIMS (Japan), University of Singapore, and the Chinese Academy of Science CAS, and in Europe with: Cambridge, IMEC,

Karlsruhe, Munster, Aarhus and Chalmers University.

EICOONEICOON is the FP7 Euro-Indo forum for nano-materials research coordination & cooperation of researchers in sustainable energy

technologies. The consortium addresses the strategic assessment including synergy analysis of nano-materials research needs in

the EU and India. It establishes and communicates the mutual interests and topics for future coordinated calls to enable decision

and policy makers to make better informed decisions. Besides the assessment, the project also addresses the dissemination of the

"nano-materials research acquis" in the field by organization of events. Finally, it brings together researchers to exchange ideas for

joint projects for future research collaboration.

Visit the EICOON website for more information: www.eicoon.eu.

[intERnAtionAl nEtwoRkS]

International Networks International Networks International Networks International Networks

International Networks International Networks



(23)

Impressions of MESA+ meeting

(24)

(25)

EducationTwente Graduate SchoolMESA+ School for Nanotechnology

MESA+ is a Research School, designated by the Royal Dutch Academy of Science.

All PhD students are member of the MESA+ School for Nanotechnology which is part of the University of Twente’s Twente Graduate

School. The Graduate School is aiming to strengthen education and improve the skills of PhD students.

Master of Science NanotechnologyAccess to the best research students worldwide is critical to the success of MESA+. In the academic year 2005-2006 a master track

nanotechnology was started as the first accredited master’s training at the University of Twente. MESA+ invests in information to

students of appropriate bachelor’s courses, and brings the master’s nanotechnology to the attention of its international cooperation

partners.

The master Nanotechnology will be incorporated into the MESA+ School for Nanotechnology.

Fundamentals of NanotechnologyNanotechnology is a multidisciplinary research field, and requires expertise from the field of electrical engineering, applied physics,

chemical technology and life sciences. The course ‘Fundamentals of Nanotechnology’ is annually organized by MESA+ and provides an

initial introduction to the complete scope of what nanotechnology is about. The course is set up for graduate students and postdoctoral

fellows that are starting to work or are currently working in the field of nanotechnology. The workshop is given in an intensive one-

week format; participants attend about 20 lectures and labtours on different subfields of nanotechnology. Each year about 25 students

participate.

[EDuCAtion]

(26)

simon stevin Meester 2011 The STW Technology Foundation has awarded Prof. dr. ing. Dave Blank the title of Simon Stevin Meester 2011. The prize was presented

on 6 October during a conference organized in honour of STW's 30th anniversary. The Simon Stevin Meester prize is the largest

award given for technological-scientific research in the Netherlands. The prize is intended for top researchers who are successful

in linking excellent fundamental scientific research to socially-relevant issues and applications.

Blank is the sixth scientist from the University of Twente/MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology to have been awarded the Simon

Stevin Meester title. Previous winners include Detlef Lohse (2009), Albert van den Berg (2002), Cock Lodder (2002), Miko Elwenspoek

(1998) and David Reinhoudt (1998).

erc Proof of conceptProf. dr. Detlef Lohse (Physics of Fluids group) and Prof. dr. ir. Albert van den Berg (BIOS Lab-on-a-chip group) are among the first

European researchers who are granted the new European Research Council (ERC) Proof-of-Concept grant.

These 'top up' grants, worth up to €150,000 each, are designed to help in the valorisation of ERC-funded research. In total, 30

top researchers, already holding ERC grants, will be given this additional support to bridge the gap between their research and

the earliest stage of a marketable innovation. The funding can cover activities related to for instance intellectual property rights,

technical validation, market research or investigation of commercial and business opportunities.

erc starting GrantIn 2011 four young MESA+ researchers have been awarded the ERC Starting Grant of 1,5 million euros each. Dr. Regina Luttge of the

Mesoscale Chemical Systems group, Dr. Allard Mosk of the Complex Photonic Systems group, Prof. dr. Serge Lemay of the NanoIonics

group and Dr. ir. Michel de Jong of the NanoElectronics group. ERC Starting Grants aim to support up-and-coming research leaders

who are about to establish or consolidate a proper research team and to start conducting independent research in Europe.

VIDI grantDr. Nathalie Katsonis of the Biomolecular NanoTechnology group is the recipient of a Netherlands Organisation for Scientific

Research NWO Vernieuwingsimpuls VIDI grant (2011) on a project called “Nanostructured super-reflectors: learning lessons from

scarab beetles”. This grant of maximum 800,000 euros enables her to develop her own research topic and start a research group

of her own.

VENI grantThe Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO) has awarded a VENI-STW grant to Transducers Science and

Technology researcher Dr. ing. Léon Woldering and Dr. ir. Floris Zwanenburg of the NanoElectronics group. With this prestigious

grant of 250,000 euro, both can develop their research ideas for a further three years. The topic of research of Léon Woldering

is ‘controlled three-dimensional self-assembly of silicon nanoparticles using hydrogen-bonds’. Floris Zwanenburg’s research is

focused on spin quantum bits in silicon quantum dots.

Marie Curie Career Integration GrantDr. Sonia Garcia-Blanco of the Integrated Optical Microsystems group and Dr. ir. Floris Zwanenburg of the NanoElectronics group

both won the Marie Curie Career Integration Grant of 100,000 euros. Marie Curie Career Integration Grants are intended to improve

Dr. Regina Luttge

Dr. Allard Mosk

Awards, honours and appointments

Prof. dr. Serge Lemay

Dr. ir. Michel de Jong

(27)

considerably the prospects for the permanent integration of researchers who are offered a stable research post in Europe after a

mobility period in a country different from the country where the researcher has been active during the past years.

KncV Gold Medal Prof. dr. Jeroen Cornelissen of the MESA+ group Biomolecular Nanotechnology won the KNCV (Royal Netherlands Chemical

Society) Gold Medal. During the official opening of the international Year of Chemistry 2011 he received the Gold Medal, which is

regarded as the most important Dutch prize for young researchers who have excelled in the area of chemical research.

Valorization Grants phase 1 Dr. Burak Eral and Dr. Dileep Mampallil of the Physics of Complex Fluids Group are awarded an STW Valorisation Grant phase 1

of 25,000 euros for exploring the commercialization of a substantial improvement of a workhorse method in analytical chemistry:

Matrix assisted laser adsorption Ionization mass spectroscopy for short MALDI-MS.

Dr. ir. Wim van Hoeve, former PhD of the Physics of Fluids group, received the 25,000 euros STW Valorisation Grant for the

validation of a monodisperse microbubble generator. His grant is financed by FOM (Foundation for Fundamental Research on

Matter). Van Hoeve started the spin off company Tide Microfluidics.

Dr. Loes Segerink, PhD at the BIOS, Lab- on- a-Chip group received a valorization grant for the project “fertility chip, on-chip semen

analysis system”. The grant will be used to conduct a study into the technical and commercial feasibility of the fertility, in close

cooperation with the MESA+ spin-off company Blue4Green.

YES! Fellow FOM The Foundation for Fundamental Research on Matter has awarded a Young Energy Scientist (YES!) Fellowship to Dr. Süleyman Er

of the Computational Materials Science group. The former FOM PhD student will spend the next four years looking for a new class

of solar cell components that can convert sunlight into electricity more efficiently and at a low cost. With a YES! Fellowship, FOM

gives young researchers the chance to develop themselves at a top foreign institute in fundamental energy research.

Grant for Fertility InnovationDr. ir. Séverine Le Gac is one of the winners of the Grant for Fertility Innovation (GFI) of 200,000 euros at the 27th Annual meeting

of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) in Stockholm, Sweden on July 4th 2011. The grant will

focus on the application of microfluidic devices for the culture of human embryos.

Simon Stevin gezel Dr. Loes Segerink, PhD at the BIOS Lab-on-a-chip group has won both the jury and the public prize (1,000 euros each) of the STW

‘Simon Stevin leerling’ for her research on the "fertility chip" that can count sperm and measure their motility (ability of sperm

to move properly towards an egg).

Ercoftac Da Vinci award On 10 October, Dr. Richard Stevens received the Da Vinci Award 2011, which is awarded by the 'European Research Community

on Flow, Turbulence and Combustion'. Stevens gained his doctorate on 30 June 2011 in the MESA+ Physics of Fluids group of prof.

dr. Detlef Lohse for his thesis entitled 'Rayleigh-Bénard turbulence'. The Da Vinci Award is a recognition of his scientific work and

his talent for presenting data clearly. The prize consists of 1,000 euros, a certificate and a medal.

Dr. Nathalie Katsonis

Dr. ing. Léon Woldering

(28)

Overijssel PhD award At the 50th Dies Natalis, Dr. ir. Martin Jurna, former PhD of MESA+ Optical Sciences group, received the 2011 Overijssel PhD award

for the best University of Twente thesis from last year. The award, 5,000 euros, was presented by the Queen’s Commissioner, Drs.

Ank Bijleveld. Martin Jurna received this award for his thesis ‘Vibrational phase contrast cars microscopy’.

Cum laude distinctionIn 2011 two MESA+ PhD candidates received cum laude distinctions for their work: Dr. ir. Hans Boschker of the Inorganic

Materials Science group for his thesis: ‘Perovskite oxide heteroepitaxy strain and interface engineering’ and Dr. Tian Gang of the

NanoElectronics group for his thesis on Inorganic-organic hybrid electronics.

Graduate programme MESA+MESA+ School for Nanotechnology received 800,000 euros from the Netherlands Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO)

for the training of four young researchers. The funding is part of NWO’s Graduate Programme and is aimed at encouraging the

development of Dutch PhD courses.

MESA+ meeting 2011During the MESA+ meeting 2011 in the Grolsch Veste on September 27, Ir. René Heimbuch, Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials

group, won the 1st prize for the best poster. The 2nd prize was won by Ir. Shuo Kang, NanoIonics group, and the 3rd prize by Ir.

Carmen Stoffelen, Molecular NanoFabrication group. The MESA+ meeting is to illustrate the various projects and programs of the

MESA+ institute by means of lectures and scientific poster presentations.

Appointmentsn From February 1, 2011 Prof. dr. ir. Alexander Brinkman is appointed as head of the new chair on Quantum Transport in Matter. The

research addresses quantum aspects of electronic transport in novel materials and devices. Examples of quantum phenomena

of interest are entanglement and teleportation. Materials under study are correlated electron systems such as superconductors,

oxides and their interfaces, and topological insulators.

n Prof. dr. ir. Leon Lefferts of the Catalytic Processes and Materials group has been appointed part-time professor at Aalto

University in Helsinki. At the Finnish university, he will carry out research into the production of hydrogen gas from biomass.

n Prof. dr. Vinod Subramaniam of the Nanobiophysics group received visiting professorship at University of Konstanz. He is also

appointed as extraordinary professor Nanoscale Imaging at the Radboud University Nijmegen, Faculty of Medical Sciences,

from December 1, 2011.

n Prof. dr. ir. Albert van den Berg has joined the board of the KNAW, the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, in

June 2011.

n Prof. dr. ing. Dave Blank has become captain of science of the topsector board High Tech Systems and Materials.

n Ir. Miriam Luizink has been elected chairman of the board of the NanoLabNL association.

n NanoElectronics prof. dr. ir. Wilfred van der Wiel has become a member of the Global Young Academy. This Academy aims

to empower and mobilize young scientists to address issues of particular importance to early career scientists. Current working

groups focus on improving Early Scientific Careers, Science-Society Dialogue, Science-Education, and Interdisciplinary Research.

Dr. Loes Segerink

Dr. Sonia Garcia-Blanco and Dr. ir. Floris Zwanenburg

Mesa+ annual rePort 2011

(32)

Prof. dr. Claudia Filippi“Electronic-structure theory has dramatically

expanded the role of computational modeling,

enabling a detailed atomistic understanding of

real materials. Our research focuses on the

challenge to further enhance the predictive

power of these approaches while bridging to

the length-scales of complex (bio)systems.”

Why is Green Fluorescent Protein not green? A challenge for multi-scale modeling

We are currently interested in rationalizing the structural mechanisms underlying the optical properties of autofluorescent proteins, in

particular the homologues of Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP), a family of proteins widely used for noninvasive in-vivo imaging of cells

and tissues. Given the complexity of these photo-biological systems, theoretical approaches rely on multi-scale embedding schemes

to couple a quantum description of the photosensitive chromophore with a classical treatment of the rest of the protein. Contrary to

what is generally portrayed in the literature, we demonstrate that the use of a standard classical description of the protein does not

allow us to correctly predict the position of the absorption maxima of wild-type GFP and to reproduce the bathochromic shift in the

protein, which should be particularly significant for the neutral form. Because of these distressing findings, we are currently working

on the developments of novel approaches to treat chromophore-protein interactions beyond standard hybrid models.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: C. Filippi, F. Buda, L. Guidoni, A. Sinicropi, Bathochromic Shift in Green Fluorescent Protein: A Puzzle for QM/MM Approaches, J. Chem.

Theory Comput., publication date (Web) November 21, 2011.

biomolecular Electronic Structure

The Biomolecular Electronic Structure (BES) group is a computational group

in the field of electronic structure theory and focuses on the methodological

development of novel and more effective approaches for investigating the

electronic properties of materials. Our current research centers on the

problem of describing light-induced phenomena in biological systems, where

available computational techniques have limited applicability. Deepening

our physical understanding of the primary excitation processes in

photobiological systems is important both from a fundamental point of view

and because of existing and potential applications in biology, biotechnology,

and artificial photosynthetic devices.

Figure: The Green Fluorescent Protein chromophore in its protein

environment.

[HigHligHtS]

(33)

[HigHligHtS]

Prof. dr. ir. Albert van den Berg“We try to do top-level research

on micro- and nanofluidics and

new nanosensing principles, and

to integrate that into real-life Lab-

on-Chip systems for biomedical

and sustainable applications.”

In the BIOS Lab-on-a-Chip group fundamental and applied aspects of

miniaturized bioanalytical laboratories are studied. With the use of

advanced and newly developed micro- and nanotechnologies, enabled

by the MESA+ Nanolab facilities, microdevices with nanostructures for

medical and sustainable applications are realized, ranging from chips

for monitoring medication to counting sperm cells, and from discovery

of new biomarkers and ultrasensitive detection thereof to harvesting

electrical energy from water.

bioS lab-on-a-ChipAl2O3/Silicon NanoISFET with Near Ideal Nernstian Response

The multidisciplinary work presented here concerns Nanoscale ISFET (ion sensitive field-effect transistor) pH sensors that produce

the well-known sub-Nernstian pH-response for silicon dioxide (SiO2) surfaces and near ideal Nernstian sensitivity for alumina (Al2O3)

surfaces. Measured pH responses from titrations of thin atomic layer deposited (ALD) alumina (Al2O3) surfaces on the nanoISFETs

results in near ideal Nernstian pH sensitivity of 57.8 ± 1.2 mV/pH (pH range: 2 - 10; T = 22 °C) and temperature sensitivity of 0.19 mV/

pH °C (22 °C ≤ T ≤ 40 °C). A comprehensive analytical model of the nanoISFET sensor based on the combined Gouy-Chapman-Stern

and Site-Binding (GCS-SB) models supports the experimental results and an extracted ∆pK ≈ 1.5 from the measured responses further

supports the near ideal Nernstian pH sensitivity.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: S. Chen, J.G. Bomer, E.T. Carlen, A. van den Berg, Al2O3/Silicon NanoISFET with Near Ideal Nernstian Response, Nano Lett. 11 (2011) 2334.

Figure 2: (a) and (b) pH behavior of SiO2 surfaces. (a) Bare SiO2 with

non-linear ∆Ids with increasing pHB. (b) Measured pHB-∆o of bare

SiO2 with measured and fitted response. (c) and (d) pHB-∆o response

of ALD Al2O3 surfaces. (c) pH titration direction showing the response

hysteresis. (d) Measured and fitted response for four different silicon

nanowire devices at T = 22 °C, ∆o / ∆pHB = 57.8±1.2 mV/pH; at T =

30 °C, ∆o / ∆pHB = 59.4±0.3 mV/pH; and at T = 40 °C, ∆o / ∆pHB =

61.3±0.8 mV/pH.

Figure 1: (a) High-resolution scanning electron microscopy

images of fabricated silicon nanowires. (b) Schematic of

electrical measurement, Inset: microscope image of polyimide

encapsulated device prior to testing. (SiN: low-stress silicon

nitride; Al: Aluminum; PI: polyimide).

(34)

[HigHligHtS]

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: M. Brasch, A. de La Escosura, Y. Ma, C. Uetrecht, A.J.R. Heck, T. Torres, J.J.L.M. Cornelissen, Encapsulation of phthalocyanine supramolecular stacks

into virus-like particles, Journal of the American Chemical Society 133 (18) (2011) 6878-6881.

Prof. dr. Jeroen J.l.M. cornelissen“Using the building blocks from

Nature to make and understand

new technologies.”

encapsulation of Phthalocyanine supramolecular stacks into Virus-like Particles

Naturally occurring nanoparticles such as protein cages can be used as well-defined and monodisperse platforms for the organization

of chemical entities both in their inner cavities and on their exterior surfaces.

We developed a method to stack phthalocyanine dyes inside virus based protein cages. The advantage of using protein cages for the

formation of phthalocyanine stacks is i) the low concentration of phthalocyanine in bulk solutions second, ii) it is possible to control

the size and structures of such stacks, which allow an efficient way to determine the properties of these macrocycles and iii) the

enclosure of phthalocyanine inside protein cages make them suitable for medical applications such as photodynamic therapy.

To enclose phthalocyanine inside protein cages a water-soluble zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and the native virus protein were simply

co-incubated in solution (Figure 1). Interestingly, capsids of two different sizes can be obtained, depending on the pH. At neutral

pH the formation of stacks inside the protein shell is favored, whereas the formation of dimers is favored at lower pH. In both cases

the stacking behavior and the optical properties can be followed by spectroscopy. The superior optical and electronic properties of

phthalocyanines together with the biocompatible nature of the protein cages makes the system applicable for biomedical applications

such as photodynamic therapy.

BioMolecular Nanotechnology

The BioMolecular Nanotechnology (BNT) group is founded in 2009 by the appointment

of it’s chair prof. Jeroen Cornelissen and acts on the interface of biology, physics

and materials science coming from a strong chemical back ground. The research of

the group centers around the use of biomolecules as building blocks for (functional)

nanostructures, relying on principles from Supramolecular and Macromolecular

Chemistry. Current research lines involve the use of well-defined nanometer-sized

protein cages as reactors and as scaffolds for new materials, while new directions in

the field of liquid crystalline materials are explored. The success of the multidisciplinary

work of the group partly relies on intense interactions within MESA+ and with other

(inter)national collaborators.

Figure: Schematic representation of the encapsulation of Pc

stacks into CCMV VLPs. The length and arrangement of the

stacks within the capsids in the cartoon are tentative.

(35)

[HigHligHtS]

Prof. dr. Wim J. Briels“There's plenty of room in the middle.”

Is it possible for flat clathrin lattices to transform into cages?

Clathrin is a three-legged protein with the ability to self-assemble into a large variety of polyhedral cages. The nucleation and

growth of a curved lattice against the inside of a cell membrane wraps the membrane around a cargo at the opposite side of the

membrane, thereby creating a cargo-laden vesicle inside the cell (endocytosis). Completed cages contain exactly twelve pentagons

and a variable number of hexagons. We have developed a highly coarse-grained simulation model of this protein, see Figure 1, and

thereby determined the crucial features enabling self-assembly. Cryo-electron microscopy images (cryo-EM) show that clathrin also

self-assembles into flat hexagonal lattices adjacent to a membrane. A long-standing conundrum in the field is whether and how a

flat ‘plaque’ transforms into a cage, the main problem being that the introduction of twelve pentagons requires a daunting amount of

reshuffling of the lattice. Our simulations reveal a much simpler mechanism: when the flat triskelia in a plaque acquire a small pucker,

e.g. in response to the presence of cargo, the resulting build-up of stresses causes the lattice to fracture and release a dome-like

fragment. This nucleus subsequently grows into a cage by binding free clathrin from the cytosol, with the obligatory twelve pentagons

easily being created at the lattice edge. Numerous cryo-EM images show hemi-spherical clathrin domes partially surrounded by

semi-circular frayed lattice edges, remarkably similar to our simulation snapshots, which hitherto were overlooked as transition

intermediates. The novel mechanism also explains why multiple coats often appear to originate from the same ‘hot spot’.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: W.K. den Otter, W.J. Briels, The generation of curved clathrin coats from flat plaques, Traffic 12 (2011) 1407-1416.

Computational bioPhysics

The Computational BioPhysics (CBP) group investigates how the thermo-

dynamic and rheological properties of a complex fluid emerge from its

molecular constitution. Our computational studies focus on the mesoscopic

level, i.e. the time and length scales of the macro-molecules determining

the macroscopic behaviour, while the atomic details of these molecules

are reduced to their bare essentials. By developing equations of motions

and force fields that capture only the crucial molecular features, a complex

molecule like a polymer or a protein can be modeled as a single particle.

This approach proves very successful in studying the emerging macroscopic

properties of biological and non-biological soft condensed matter.

Figure 2: Snapshot of colloidal particles in a sheared non-

Newtonian fluid, made possible by the in-house development of

Responsive Particle Dynamics. The simulations are producing

new insights into the unexplained phenomenon that some visco-

elastic fluids induce alignment of colloids under shear, with

the arrows indicating the flow direction, while other fluids with

superficially similar flow properties leave the colloids randomly

distributed.

Figure 1: Simulations have uncovered the prerequisites that

allow clathrin proteins to self-assemble into a wide variety of

polyhedral cages.

(36)

[HigHligHtS]

Figure: A single layer of graphene (Gr) separated from a copper

electrode (Cu) by three layers of hexagonal boron nitride (BN).

The dipole layers are visible as negative (blue) and positive (red)

charge contours.

Prof. dr. Paul J. Kelly”Computational Materials Science:

taking the guesswork out of

NanoScience and Technology.”

Understanding the magnetic, optical, electrical and structural properties

of solids in terms of their chemical composition and atomic structure by

numerically solving the quantum mechanical equations describing the motion

of the electrons is the central research activity of the group Computational

Materials Science (CMS). These equations contain no input from experiment

other than the fundamental physical constants, making it possible to analyze

the properties of systems which are difficult to characterize experimentally or

to predict the physical properties of materials which have not yet been made.

This is especially important when experimentalists attempt to make hybrid

structures approaching the nanoscale.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: M. Bokdam, P.A. Khomyakov, G. Brocks, Z.C. Zhong, P.J. Kelly, Electrostatic Doping of Graphene through Ultrathin Hexagonal Boron Nitride

Films, Nano Letters 11 (2011) 4631-4635.

Ultrathin gate dielectric for graphene

The performance of silicon-based technology could be improved for almost half a century by making devices smaller and smaller.

Because this approach will eventually come up against the intrinsic limitations of silicon, there is a constant search for alternatives.

A material that has received much attention recently is graphene, a monolayer of graphite. Graphene is a two dimensional half metal

comprising sp2-bonded carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure. The high mobility of both electrons and holes in graphene

makes it a promising starting material for high frequency transistors. For practical applications of such a material only one atom thick,

the choice of a suitable substrate is non-trivial. Hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) is a completely flat layered material with the same

honeycomb structure as graphene with strong in-plane and weak out-of-plane interactions. Unlike graphene, it has a very large band

gap so it is an ideal substrate and gate dielectric with which to build metal|h-BN|graphene field-effect devices.

We used first-principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations for Cu|h-BN|graphene stacks to study how the position of the

Fermi level in graphene depends on the thickness of the h-BN layer and on a potential difference applied between Cu and graphene.

We developed an analytical model that describes this doping very well, allowing us to identify the key parameters that govern the

device behaviour. For ultrathin layers of h-BN, we predict an intrinsic doping of graphene that should be observable in experiment.

It is dominated by novel interface terms that were evaluated from DFT calculations for the individual materials and for interfaces

between h-BN and Cu or graphene.

Computational Materials Science

(37)

[HigHligHtS]

No permission for emission

COPS scientists have experimentally demonstrated a prediction made nearly a quarter-century ago: that spontaneous emission of light

can be inhibited within a 3-D photonic bandgap. By learning how to control such emission and suppression, researchers could someday

build better solid-state lasers or reduce the inevitable noise in quantum computers.

To this end, the group developed “inverse woodpile” photonic band gap crystals with a 3-D diamond structure, in collaboration with

ASML, Philips, TNO. The crystals were etched out of silicon with nanometre precision utilizing a fully CMOS-compatible process - in

itself a remarkable, pioneering achievement. They calculated the theoretical band gap where all modes of light waves are forbidden in

all 3 dimensions - the photonic band gap.

Next, the researchers immersed the crystal into a suspension of colloidal quantum dots made of lead sulfide, which emit at photon

energies of 0.8 to 0.9 eV at room temperature, corresponding to telecommunications wavelengths (1,500 to 1,390 nm). The team excited

the quantum dots with short pulses from a 532-nm-wavelength laser. The excited dots act as single-photon sources. Because the

quantum-dot emission was relatively low, the scientists had to collect the light for hours and carefully subtract background noise.

As predicted, the decay rates of the quantum dot emissions within the photonic bandgap were reduced by a factor of 10, while they

were enhanced by as much as a factor of two outside the bandgap. In other words, it took the dots 10 times longer to emit a photon

within the crystal. In an actual finite-sized photonic band gap crystal, the strength of the effect depends on the distance of the dots

from the surface of the crystal.

The results build on theoretical studies of cavity quantum electrodynamics begun by American and Canadian scientists in the 1980s.

In parallel to the spontaneous emission work, COPS has also obtained a great success in realizing a record-high resolution optical focus

by using a so-called high-index resolution enhancement by scattering (HIRES).

Prof. dr. Willem l. Vos“COPS strives to catch light with

nanostructures. But beware dear

colleagues, since Shakespeare once

said: ‘Light, seeking light, doth light of

light beguile’. In other words: the eye in

seeking truth deprives itself of vision.”

Complex Photonic Systems

The Complex Photonic Systems (COPS) group studies light propagation in ordered

and disordered nanophotonic materials. We investigate photonic bandgap materials,

random lasers, diffusion and Anderson localization of light. We have recently

pioneered the control of spontaneous emission in photonic bandgaps and the active

control of the propagation of light in disordered photonic materials. Novel photonic

nanostructures are fabricated and characterized in the MESA+ cleanroom. Optical

experiments are an essential aspect of our research, which COPS combines with a

theoretical understanding of the properties of light. Our curiosity driven research

is of interest to various industrial partners, and to applications in medical and

biophysical imaging.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] M.D. Leistikow, A.P. Mosk, E. Yeganegi, S.R. Huisman, A. Lagendijk, W.L. Vos, Inhibited spontaneous emission of quantum dots observed

in a 3D photonic band gap, Phys. Rev. Lett. 107 (2011) 193903: 1-5. [2] E.G. van Putten, D. Akbulut, J. Bertolotti, W.L. Vos, A. Lagendijk, A.P. Mosk, Scattering Lens Resolves

sub-100 nm Structures with Visible Light, Phys. Rev. Lett. 106 (2011) 193905: 1-4.

Figure 1: Electron microscope image of a three-dimensional

diamond structure in silicon (encircled), consisting of identical

pores in an orthogonal pattern that cross each other at an angle

of 90º. The upper part of the figure shows the upper surface

of the chip, in which many pores have been etched. Top left a

dust particle can be seen that ended up on the crystal after the

process. In the side of the chip an orthogonal pattern of pores has

been etched in a single go, perpendicular to the other pores. The

scale at the top right is two micrometres, about 50 times as thin

as a human hair.

Figure 2: The graph shows when quantum dot light sources in

a photonic crystal emit light after being excited by a short laser

pulse at time 0 (blue triangles). The slope of the curves is inversely

proportional to the lifetime: the shallower the curve, the longer

the lifetime of the quantum dots. For comparison, dots outside

a crystal reveal a much shorter lifetime. The 10x longer lifetime

in the crystal is a measure for the strong inhibition of vacuum

fluctuations by the photonic band gap crystal.

[HigHligHtS]

(38)

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] D.B. Thakur, R.M. Tiggelaar, T.M.C. Hoang, J.G.E. Gardeniers, L. Lefferts, K. Seshan, Ruthenium catalyst on carbon nanofiber support layers

for use in silicon-based structured microreactors, Part I: Preparation and characterization, Applied catalysis B: environmental 102(1-2) (2011) 232-242. [2] D.B. Thakur, Y. Weber,

R.M. Tiggelaar, J.G.E. Gardeniers, L. Lefferts, K. Seshan, Ruthenium catalysts on Carbon Nano Fiber support layers for S-based structured microreactors I - Catalytic reduction of

bromate in aqueous phase, Applied catalysis B: environmental 102(1-2) (2011) 243-250.

Prof. dr. ir. Leon Lefferts“One of the most valuable

applications of nanotechnology

is in the area of heterogeneous

catalysis. The challenges are to

improve the level of control over the

active nanoparticles as well as the

local conditions at those particles,

and to understand the molecular

mechanism at the surface.”

Carbon-nano-fibers in microchannels: an advanced catalyst support for operation in liquid phase

Interdisciplinary work performed by Vijay Thakur in cooperation with the MCS group resulted in two publications in one issue of

Applied Catal. B, Environmental, the leading journal in environmental catalysis. It was nicely demonstrated that manipulation of the

microstructure (Figure 1) of the catalysts support layer based on carbon-nano-fibers (Figure 2), inside the channel in a microreactor,

induced am important improvement in the transport of traces of bromate to the catalytic active site. This improvement results in

enhanced removal of bromate (BrO3-) in the sub ppm range in drinking water. Bromate is a safety problem in drinking water produced

in regions close to salty water, thus always containing traces of Br-, in combination with ozone treatment.

Catalytic Processes and Materials

The aim of the Catalytic Processes and Materials (CPM) group is to understand hetero geneous

catalysis by investigation of catalytic reactions and materials on a fundamental level in

combination with their application in practical processes. Our research focuses on three themes:

1. Sustainable processes for fuels and chemicals, like catalytic conversion of biomass to fuels.

2. Heterogeneous catalysis in liquid phase.

3. High yield selective oxidation.

The fundamental study of surface reactions in liquid phase requires the development of new

analysis techniques for which CPM is in the forefront of leading catalysis groups in the world.

Moreover, we explore preparation and application of new highly porous, micro-structured

support materials as well as micro-reactors and micro-fluidic devices, using the information

obtained from in-situ spectroscopy studies.

Figure 1: A schematic representation of reactant flow inside

micro-channel coated with a classical washcoat layer (left) versus

carbon nanofiber layer (right).

Figure 2: SEM images in top view (left) and cross-section of a

micro-channel filled with CNFs. The micro-channels contain Si

pillars to improve the attachment of the fibers to the wall.

(39)

[HigHligHtS]

Opposites attract; can excitons lead to a dissipation-less energy transport?

In physics a crucial difference exists between fermions and bosons. The former are spin-½ particles such as electrons, and the latter

are particles with zero or integer spin, such as photons and ‘Cooper-pairs’ of two electrons. The most spectacular manifestation

of the difference between the two classes of particles is the fact that at a sufficiently low temperature a system of bosons can

become completely entangled into a macroscopic phase-coherent quantum state; a Bose-Einstein condensate. Superconductivity is a

consequence of this condensation of the bosonic Cooper-pairs.

In the still enigmatic high-Tc superconductors an additional aspect comes into play, namely the fact that also in the ‘normal state’

the charge transport is highly anomalous, and strongly influenced by mutual interactions between the charge carriers (‘electronic

correlations’). In the MESA+ ICE group, and in the frame of an NWO VICI grant, a study is carried out on the creation and possible

Bose-Einstein condensation of another type of bosonic particles in such correlated electron compounds, namely bound states of

electrons and holes (excitons). Experimental studies are performed on thin-film sandwiches comprised of p-doped and n-doped cuprate

perovskites, and in a collaboration with the Institute Lorentz in Leiden the consequences of a Bose-Einstein condensation of excitons

is studied theoretically. A particulary interesting question is whether such exciton condensation could provide an alternative pathway

to high(er) temperature superfluidity and perhaps even superconductivity, which both are of great interest for a dissipationless

transportation of energy.

The research has led to the prediction of a novel quantum effect, namely the quantization of magnetic flux enclosed in a ring-shaped

bilayer system (Fig. 1) as a crucial test to verify the occurrence of exciton Bose-Einstein condensation. Experimental research is

underway to test these predictions (Fig. 2).

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: L. Rademaker, J. Zaanen, H. Hilgenkamp, Prediction of quantization of magnetic flux in double-layer exciton superfluids, Phys. Rev. B. 83

(2011) 012504.

Prof. dr. ir. Hans Hilgenkamp"The Interfaces and Correlated Electron

systems group (ICE) focuses on materials

and interfaces with unconventional

electronic properties, especially related

to interactions between the mobile

charge carriers".

Interfaces and Correlated Electron systems

Materials with exceptional, well-tailored properties are at the heart of many new

applications. In the electronic/magnetic domains, powerful means to create such

properties are nanostructuring as well as the use of compounds in which the intrinsic

physics involves ‘special effects’. These can arise from intricate interactions of the

mobile charge carriers mutually and/or with the crystal lattice. In the Interfaces and

Correlated Electron systems group (ICE), the fabrication and basic properties of such

(nano-structured) novel materials are studied, and their potential for applications is

explored. Current research involves superconductors, p- and n-doped Mott compounds,

topological insulators, electronically active interfaces between oxide insulators and

novel electronic materials for energy harvesting applications.

Figure 2: Schematic of a concentric p-n ring structure to study

exciton formation in correlated electron systems and their

possible Bose-Einstein condensation, as fabricated using thin

film technologies in the MESA+ Institute.

Figure 1: Prediction of a novel quantum effect; the magnetic flux

in a concentric ring structure composed of an electron-doped

and hole-doped layers becomes quantized in the case of a Bose-

Einstein condensation of the indirect excitons formed between

these layers (Rademaker et al., PRB 2011).

(40)

[HigHligHtS]

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] Luiten-Olieman et al., Porous stainless steel hollow fibers with shrinkage-controlled small radial dimensions, Scripta Materialia 65 (2011) 25-28.

[2] Luiten-Olieman et al., Porous stainless steel hollow fiber membranes via dry-wet spinning, J Membrane Sci 370 (2011) 124-130. [3] Luiten-Olieman et al., Towards a generic

fabrication method of thin organic hollow fibers, submitted.

Prof. dr. ir. Arian Nijmeijer“Material science on the Ångstrom

scale to make ceramic membranes

that can be applied in large scale

separation processes”.

Porous inorganic hollow fibers with shrinkage-controlled small radial dimensions

The Inorganic Membranes group has developed a facile method for inexpensive production of thin inorganic hollow fiber membranes,

with unprecedented small radial dimensions, superior thermal and chemical stability, and high mechanical strength. The method is

based on dry-wet spinning of a particle loaded polymer solution, followed by thermal treatment to burn out the polymer and sinter the

inorganic particles together. The extremely small radii (down to ~200 mm) are achieved by surface energy driven viscous deformation

of the fibers above the glass transition (Tg) of the polymer, prior to burn out of the polymer and sintering. During viscous deformation,

so-called macro-voids are removed from the fiber, causing extensive shrinkage and enhanced mechanical properties. Figure 1 depicts

schematically the change in morphology and dimensions of a stainless steel loaded fiber during heat treatment.

The method is applicable for a broad range of inorganic materials (see Figure 2), on the condition that the particle concentration is kept

within a powder specific limited concentration range. Above a certain maximum concentration the timescale of viscous deformation

becomes too large and removal of macro-voids is minor. Below a minimum particle concentration, particle cohesion during burn-out

of the polymer is insufficient to obtain strong and well-defined fibers. The results allow fabrication of inorganic membranes with

extremely large surface area to volume ratio that can be used in applications that involve high temperatures, high pressure, and

aggressive chemicals, i.e., where organic membranes fail due to limited stability.

inorganic Membranes

Activities of the group Inorganic Membranes (IM) revolve

around energy efficient molecular separation under

extreme conditions, for instance high temperature, elevated

pressures, and chemically demanding environments, using

inorganic membranes. The group combines Materials

Science in the nanometer range length scale with Process

Technology on macroscopic scale. Particular topics include

sol-gel derived nano-porous membranes, ultra-thin hybrid

membranes, dense ion conducting membranes, and

inorganic porous scaffolds.

Figure 1: Schematic depiction of the fabrication of a thin stainless

steel hollow fiber.

Figure 2: Selection of thin inorganic hollow fibers, on the right a

commercial alumina capillary for comparison.

(41)

[HigHligHtS]

Hydrogen Generation from Photocatalytically Active Nanowires: Towards Multifunctional Nanowire Devices

Nanorods and nanowires have a high potential for utilization in a wide range of novel nanotechnological and biomedical applications.

For solar fuel applications, we developed a novel type of segmented nanowire with emergent photocatalytic property. The nanowire

is essentially a photo-electrochemical nanowire diode. When dispersed in methanol/water and exposed to UV light, it autonomously

catalyzes the conversion of methanol to hydrogen. The functionality of the nanowire is based on its axially segmented architecture,

which consists of a photoactive zinc oxide (ZnO) segment, and a metallic segment that are connected via a Schottky barrier. When

excitons are formed in the ZnO photoanode upon illumination, the formed electrons are transported to the Ag cathode, where they

participate in the reduction of aqueous protons to hydrogen gas. The electron holes remain behind in the ZnO phase and is eventually

consumed at the anode surface in the oxidation of methanol.

The modular approach to constructing multiply segmented nanowires is a versatile and flexible way to fabricate autonomously

functioning nanosystems that are able to carry out multiple complex tasks, e.g. autonomous movement, magnetic control over the

direction of movement, and photocatalytic activity.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: A.W. Maijenburg, E.J.B. Rodijk, M.G. Maas, M. Enculescu, D.H.A. Blank, J.E. ten Elshof, Hydrogen Generation from Photocatalytic Silver|Zinc Oxide

Nanowires: Towards Multifunctional Multisegmented Nanowire Devices, Small 7 (2011) 2709-2713.

Prof. dr. ing. Dave H.A. Blank“The recent developments in controlled

synthesis and characterization tools has

increased the applicability of inorganic

nanoscale materials enormously.

This holds especially for complex and

functional oxide materials, enabling the

development of new materials and devices

with novel functionalities. Our aim is to

consolidate our leading role in this field.”

inorganic Materials Science

The Inorganic Materials Science (IMS) group works at the international forefront

of materials science research on complex metal oxides and hybrids, and

provides an environment where young researchers and students are stimulated

to excel. The research is focused on establishing a fundamental understanding

of the relationship between composition, structure and solid-state physical and

chemical properties of inorganic materials, especially oxides. Insights into these

relationships enable us to design new materials with improved and yet unknown

properties that are of interest for fundamental studies as well as for industrial

applications. With the possibility to design and construct artificial materials on

demand, new opportunities become available for novel device concepts.

Figure 1: Working principle of photoactive segmented Ag|ZnO

nanowire. UV radiation is absorbed by the ZnO segment, creating

an electron-hole pair. The electrons flow into the Ag phase and

are consumed in an electrochemical reduction process, forming

hydrogen gas. The hole in the ZnO segment is consumed in an

oxidative half-reaction, in this case the oxidation of methanol.

Figure 2: Scanning electron microscope image of a axially

segmented silver-zinc oxide nanowire. Nanowire length 4 μm;

diameter 150-200 nm.

Figure 1a: Optical measurement set-up of the spectral-domain

OCT system with a free-space Michelson interferometer and an

integrated optical AWG spectrometer.

Figure 1b:OCT image of a three-layered scattering phantom.

Figure 2: Raman spectra, measured on human teeth in two

orthogonal polarizations with an integrated optical spectrometer,

on (a) sound enamel, (b) early-stage caries.

(42)

[HigHligHtS]

Prof. dr. Markus Pollnau“Guiding light into the

future!"

integrated optical spectrometers for biomedical sensing applications

Arrayed waveguide gratings (AWGs) are known as elegant and effective devices for optical wavelength separation. Significant

improvements in robustness, size, and cost of some biomedical instrumentation may be achieved by replacing the currently

used bulky spectrometers by AWGs. To employ these in such sensing applications, design trade-offs need to be made, involving

wavelength range, cross-talk, polarization sensitivity, and efficiency of signal collection.

We developed AWGs for two biomedical applications: optical coherence tomography (OCT) for cross-sectional imaging of, e.g., the

eye or the skin [1], and Raman spectrometry, in this case for quality assessment of tooth enamel [2].

Figure 1a schematically shows a so-called spectral-domain OCT set-up. Back-reflected light from (sub-surface) structures in an

object interferes with light directly from a broad-band light source. The resulting interference pattern depends on both the depth

of the reflective structure and the wavelength. By spectrally analysing this pattern, the depth structure can be reconstructed, as

shown for a layered “phantom” object in Figure 1b.

Raman spectroscopy can provide information on the chemical composition of an object, by measuring the wavelength shift of

light due to the vibrational energy of specific chemical bonds. Early-stage dental caries is inconspicuous to the naked eye, but

the chemical and structural change is readily visible in the Raman spectrum. Two polarization components of a dental Raman

spectrum are measured with an AWG. The quality of enamel affects the ratio between these components, as shown in the measured

spectra of Figure 2.

As the intensity of a Raman spectrum is typically a billion times smaller than that of the light source, efficient collection of the

scattered light is of utmost importance. To this end, we have exploited the imaging properties of AWGs to provide an integrated

confocal light delivery and signal collection system [3], that can be readily integrated with the spectrometer.

Integrated Optical MicroSystems

The Integrated Optical MicroSystems (IOMS) group performs research on highly compact,

potentially low-cost and mass-producible optical waveguide devices with novel functionalities.

After careful design using dedicated computational tools, optical chips are realized in

the MESA+ clean-room facilities by standard lithographic tools as well as high-resolution

techniques for nano-structuring, such as focused ion beam milling and laser interference

lithography. Integrated optical devices, including on-chip integrated light sources and

amplifiers, optically resonant structures, micro-mechanically or thermo-optically actuated

switches, spectrometers, and novel light generation, manipulation, and detection schemes

based on these devices are developed for a variety of applications in the fields of optical

sensing, bio-medical diagnostics, and optical communication.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] B.I. Akca, V.D. Nguyen, J. Kalkman, N. Ismail, G. Sengo, F. Sun, A. Driessen, T.G. van Leeuwen, M. Pollnau, K. Wörhoff, R.M. de Ridder, Towards spectral-domain

optical coherence tomography on a chip, IEEE J. Select. Top. Quantum Electron. 18 (2012) 1223-1233. [2] N. Ismail, L.-P. Choo-Smith, K. Wörhoff, A. Driessen, A. C. Baclig, P. J. Caspers, G. J. Puppels,

R. M. de Ridder, M. Pollnau, Raman spectroscopy with an integrated arrayed-waveguide grating, Opt. Lett. 36 (2011) 4629-4631. [3] N. Ismail, B. I. Akca, F. Sun, K. Wörhoff, R. M. de Ridder, M.

Pollnau, A. Driessen, Integrated approach to laser delivery and confocal signal detection, Opt. Lett. 35 (2010) 2741-2743.

[HigHligHtS]

(43)

Figure 1: Schematic of the ellipsometer setup.

Figure 2: Environmentally induced polarization variation of light

from an optical fiber shows as a random walk of the Stokes

polarization vector on the Poincare sphere, but remains bound

to a well-defined orbit (left). An ellipsometric characterization

of thin films is then obtained with sub-nanometer precision

by measuring the tilt or deformation of such orbits, see e.g.

projection on S(3)-S(4) plane (right). Measured orbits are shown

for light exiting the fiber (green), for reflection on a multilayer

mirror [black] and on carbon films of 0.3 nm [red] and 0.8 nm

[blue] on top of the multilayer mirror.

Prof. dr. Klaus J. boller"Light displays the

beauty of nature.

We put light to work,

for knowledge and

applications."

ellipsometry with an undetermined polarization state

Polarization-based measurements become increasingly important, both as a fundamental tool for scientific research, and as a vital

tool for applications in the chemical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. In surface science, it is well known that polarization

based measurements are extremely sensitive when the polarization of light incident to the sample can be set and detected with high

accuracy. An example of this is ellipsometry which can measure sub-monolayer changes in surface coverage. However, it was believed

that ellipsometry with such precision was not possible in a remote mode using fiber-transmitted light, because fibers suffer from

environmentally induced, unpredictable instabilities of their birefringence that results in a randomly varying output polarization state.

We show that, in spite of this randomness, ellipsometry can be performed in a fiber based setup (see Figure 1 [3]), by actually exploiting

the randomness. We demonstrate, using a polarization maintaining fiber, that the polarization output state, though undergoing random

changes, still remains restricted to a sharply defined orbit on the Poincaré polarization sphere (see Figure 2 left). Once this orbit is

mapped out through random walk of the polarization, the effect of the sample on the reflected light shows up as a tilt or deformation

of the orbit (see Figure 2). These changes allow retrieval of the ellipsometric parameters and . Using this novel approach, we

demonstrated that the sensitivity is again as high as required for the detection of monolayer films on surfaces.

Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics

The Laser Physics and Nonlinear Optics (LPNO) group explores the generation and manipulation

of coherent light in improved and novel ways. This included new concepts for lasers and nonlinear

optical interactions. Research comprises wide ranges of intensities, time scales and light

frequencies. Regarding laser concepts we investigate a novel types of laser such as based on slow

light in photonic structures or based on phase-locked diode arrays. Nonlinear generation of light

with large spectral bandwidth is investigated [1], such as for sensitive and specific detection of

molecules. We devise methods to implement such nonlinear generation in waveguides for use in

integrated photonics. Nonlinear generation at extreme intensities is investigated, such as to generate

ultra-short pulses in the XUV wavelength range. Such radiation in combination with nano-structured

optics can enable improved spectral control [2], microscopy and XUV lithography on the nano-scale.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] J. Storteboom, C.J. Lee, A.F. Nieuwenhuis, I.D. Lindsay, K.-J. Boller, Incoherently pumped continuous wave optical parametric oscillator

broadened by non-collinear phasematching, Opt. Express 19 (2011) 21786. [2] I.V. Kozhevnikov, R. van der Meer, H.M.J. Bastiaens, K.-J. Boller, F. Bijkerk, Analytic theory of

soft x-ray diffraction by lamellar multilayer gratings, Opt. Express 19 (2011) 9172. [3] F. Liu, C.J. Lee, J. Chen, E. Louis, P. J. M. van der Slot, K.-J. Boller, F. Bijkerk, Ellipsometry

with randomly varying polarization states, Opt. Express 20 (2012) 870.

(44)

LC chips with 1 million theoretical plates

To cope with the ever increasing sample complexity, in particular in the Life Sciences (metabolomics, proteomics, etc.), analytical

instruments, like liquid chromatography (LC) systems, have continuously been improved in order to achieve higher separation

efficiencies. One relatively simple way to create a high efficiency in regular (one dimensional) LC is to fabricate very long separation

columns. This has indeed been done by several research teams, using columns of tens of meters long packed with particles of 5 µm

diameter or larger, which can result in efficiencies of hundreds of thousands of plates but with the obvious drawbacks of very long

separation times and the need for very high pressures. The best results were obtained for a set of coupled monolithic columns (which

have higher permeability than packed columns) with a total length of 12 m, giving 1.2 million plates in 2.5 hours, at quite common

pressures of 400-500 bars.

In collaboration with the Vrije Universiteit of Brussels, chromatographic column chips with micromachined pillar arrays columns have

been continuously improved over the last decade. Pillar array columns are a powerful alternative for classical packed bed columns and

monoliths, because the perfect order of pillar arrays improves (i.e. decreases) the plate height, which is the characteristic parameter

describing the performance of an LC column, by a factor of 2 or more compared to a column packed with particles of similar size as

the pillars, as we have demonstrated in previous work (PhD thesis of Wim De Malsche, 2008).

An essential additional contribution to the improvement of LC chips was the design and microfabrication of flow distributors at the

inlet and outlet of pillar array columns. The optimized flow distributor allows the connection of a pillar array column to conventional

commercial chromatographic instrumentation (injectors and detectors) with a minimal effect of separation efficiency.

Combining sections of pillar array columns (pillar diameter: 5 µm) connected via optimized flow distributors to low-dispersion bends

(Figure 1), it was possible to fold a 3 m LC column on a fraction of a 10 cm diameter silicon wafer (Figure 2). With this chip, 1 million

theoretical plates were achieved for an unretained marker, for a column pressure of 350 bar, within only 20 minutes, which is much

faster than what had been previously been achieved.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] J. Vangelooven, S. Schlautmann, F. Detobel, H. Gardeniers, G. Desmet, Experimental optimization of flow distributors for pressure-driven

separations and reactions in flat-rectangular microchannels, Anal. Chem. 83 (2011) 467-477. [2] W. De Malsche, J. Op De Beeck, S. De Bruyne, H. Gardeniers, G. Desmet, The

realization of 1,000,000 theoretical plates in liquid chromatography using very long pillar array columns, Anal. Chem. 84 (2012) 1214-1219.

Prof. dr. Han J.G.e. Gardeniers"Downscaling and integration of unit

operations in chemistry is exploited to

enhance yield and selectivity of chemical

reactions and product purification, and to

improve the analysis of mass-limited (bio)

chemical samples. Furthermore, micro and

nanostructured surfaces with integrated

fluidic and electronic functionality are used in

the study of living cell and tissue behavior."

Mesoscale Chemical Systems

The research focus of the Mesoscale Chemical Systems (MCS) group is on the themes:

n Alternative activation mechanisms for chemical process control and process

intensification: Examples are: electrostatic control of surface processes and reactions

in liquids, photochemical mciroreactors for solar-to-fuel conversion, sonochemical

microreactors and microreactors with integrated work-up functionality;

n Miniaturization of chemical analysis systems: Examples are: liquid chromatography

on a chip, microscale NMR, nanostructured gas sensors, micro optical absorption

cells (UV, IR); n Micro and nanostructured surfaces for biological studies: Chip-

based array of bioreactors with integrated electronic and microfluidic functionality

are developed for the study of neurophysiologic responses of neuronal tissue.

Figure 1: Column sections with circular pillars with a diameter

of 5 μm, connected via flow distributors and a low dispersion

microchannel bend. The arrows indicate the direction of liquid

flow.

Figure 2: Photograph of 3 m long pillar array column on a

silicon chip, with connecting capillaries and fittings.

[HigHligHtS]

(45)

[HigHligHtS]

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: A. Perl, A. Gomez-Casado, D. Thompson, H.H. Dam, P. Jonkheijm, D.N. Reinhoudt, J. Huskens, Gradient-driven motion of multivalent ligand

molecules along a surface functionalized with multiple receptors, Nature Chemistry 3 (2011) 317-322.

Prof. dr. ir. Jurriaan Huskens"Molecular

nanoFabrication:

assembling the future of

molecular matter!"

A hop, skip and jump

The kinetics of multivalent (multi-site) interactions at interfaces is poorly understood despite its fundamental importance for molecular

or biomolecular motion and molecular recognition events at biological interfaces (membranes).

In a recent study published in Nature Chemistry, we have used fluorescence microscopy to monitor the spreading of mono-, di- and

trivalent ligand molecules on a receptor-functionalized surface, and performed multi-scale computer simulations, in collaboration

with Dr. Damien Thompson from Tyndall, Cork, in order to understand the surface diffusion mechanisms.

Three mechanisms for multivalent surface diffusion were identified, which we dubbed walking, hopping and flying (Figure 1).

Fluorescent guest molecules were printed in stripe patterns on receptor surfaces, and incubated in solutions containing varying

concentrations of the same receptor, in order to induce competition and thus promote spreading (Figure 2). To our surprise, the

spreading rate as a function of receptor concentration showed a complex behavior, initially increasing in speed, then decreasing,

and increasing again. This could only be explained by assuming the coexistence of several spreading mechanisms (Figure 1).

Analogous to chemotaxis, we found that the spreading is directional – along a developing gradient of vacant receptor sites – and is

strongly dependent on ligand valency and on the concentration of a competing monovalent receptor in solution. The study shows

that the interfacial behavior of multivalent systems is much more complex than that of monovalent ones.

Molecular nanoFabrication

The Molecular nanoFabrication (MnF) group, headed by Prof. Jurriaan Huskens, focuses on nano-

chemistry and self-assembly. Key research elements are: supramolecular and monolayer chemistry

at interfaces, multivalency, supramolecular materials, biomolecule assembly and cell patterning,

nano particle assembly, soft and imprint lithography, chemistry in microfluidic devices, and multistep

integrated nanofabrication schemes. Application areas are: chemical and biosensing, tissue engineering,

heavy metal waste handling, catalysis and synthesis, solar-2-fuel devices, and nano-, spin- and flexible

electronic devices. The group has several collaborations within MESA+, e.g. on the assembly of proteins

and cells on patterned surfaces (with the TR group) and on nanoelectronic and spintronic devices (with

the NE group). Furthermore, the group actively participates in the Twente Graduate School program

Novel NanoMaterials, and in the national programs NanoNext and Towards BioSolar Cells.

Figure 1: Spreading of multivalent molecules on receptor

interfaces: cartoon of the elementary mechanisms involved in

multivalent surface diffusion.

Figure 2:

Left: Fluorescence microscopy images (top) and integrated line

profiles (bottom) of printed patterns of a divalent guest on a

receptor surface after incubation in a receptor-containing solution

for given amounts of time.

Right: Spreading rates as a function of the receptor concentration

in solution used for incubating the printed guest samples showing

the unexpected decrease in spreading rate for the multivalent

guests GII and GIII at intermediate receptor concentrations.

(46)

Deformation induced pattern transformations in soft granular crystals

Ordered arrays of particles are excellent candidates for components of future acoustic, optical and electronic devices. The MSM

group studied, by experiments and numerical simulations, the compression of a two-dimensional regular array of millimeter scale

cylindrical particles with contrasting dimensions. Under uni-axial compression the system undergoes an intriguing transformation

to a new periodic pattern, as illustrated in figure 1. The transformation is smooth and homogeneous for particles with a size ratio of

0.53, and the original pattern is recovered after unloading. At a slightly larger size ratio of 0.61, compressions beyond a critical strain

induce a sudden transition, reminiscent of a shear band, to a pattern that no longer returns to the initial state upon unloading. The

simulations indicate that this qualitative difference is mainly determined by the size ratio of the particles, whereas their mechanical

properties are of lesser importance. Future research could be done towards nano-scale mechanical systems where also e.g. light will

be affected by the pattern transformation when the structures are of size of the wave-length of electromagnetic waves.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] F. Göncü, S. Willshaw, J. Shim, J. Cusack, S. Luding, T. Mullin, K. Bertoldi, Deformation induced pattern transformation in a soft granular

crystal, Soft Matter 7 (2011) 2321. [2] F. Göncü, S. Luding, K. Bertoldi, Exploiting pattern transformation to tune phononic band gaps in a two-dimensional granular crystal,

J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 6 (2012) EL475-EL480.

Prof. dr. stefan luding“How does contact mechanics at the particle

level determine the macroscopic flow

properties of granular matter?”

Multi Scale Mechanics

The group Multi Scale Mechanics (MSM) studies fluids and solids, as well

as granular systems where various physical phenomena with different

characteristic time- and length-scales are taking place simultaneously. At each

length scale, the question arises how the mechanics at that level is determined

by the properties of the underlying level, and how, in turn, the current level

affects the next level. Micro-Macro theory is one way to predict and describe this

hierarchy, and advanced numerical simulations help us understand the various

levels and their couplings. By combining numerical simulations with theory

and experiments, the Multi Scale Mechanics group aims at understanding the

properties of granular and related advanced materials.

Figure 1: Uni-axial compression induces a pattern

transformation in a two-dimensional regular array of particles

with contrasting dimensions and softness. Here, the original

state is recovered upon unloading.

Figure 2: Snapshot of a simulation box containing 125,000

particles with a very wide distribution of radii. By developing an

efficient algorithm to detect contacts in extremely polydisperse

systems, we are now able to calculate the equations of state,

jamming transition densities, and structural slow changes like

nucleation for these systems.

[HigHligHtS]

Dr. ir. Kitty nijmeijer“Molecular design of membranes

to control mass transport.”

Pushing the limits of block copolymer membranes for co2 separation

This paper presents an integrated concept for the design of PEO based block copolymer membranes as a method to increase the

CO2 permeability while maintaining the CO2/N2 selectivity. It combines the enhancing effect on the permeability of tailoring the

molecular design of the block copolymers with that of molecular blending. The current work describes the synthesis and mass

transport properties of a series of such molecularly tailored PEO based membranes and a poly(ethylene glycol) based additive. PEO-

ran-PPO5000-T6T6T/PDMS-PEG blend membranes (Figure 1) have been synthesized and their pure gas permeation characteristics have

been analyzed. The addition of the PDMS-PEG additive results in exceptionally high CO2 permeable block copolymer membranes. At

50 wt.% additive content, a CO2 permeability as high as 896 Barrer has been obtained, at sufficiently high CO2/light gas selectivities.

The performance of this system (and potential other systems) exceeds the boundaries (described by Robeson) that existed until

recently (Figure 2). This shows that by smart design and selection of the molecular structure of the membrane, the performance of

membranes can be increased to a level formerly unknown for this type of block copolymers. The concept presented is not limited to

this specific case and hence opens a window of opportunity for further development of highly permeable block copolymer systems

for CO2 separation and in particular for use in post-combustion CO2 capture.

Membrane Science and Technology

The research group Membrane Science & Technology

(MST) focuses on the multi-disciplinary topic of membrane

science and technology for the separation of molecular

mixtures. We aim at designing polymer membrane

chemistry, morphology and structure on a molecular

level to control mass transport phenomena. We consider

our expertise to be a multidisciplinary knowledge chain

ranging from molecule to process. The research program

is divided into three application clusters: Energy, Water

and Life Sciences.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: S.R. Reijerkerk, M. Wessling, K. Nijmeijer, Pushing the limits of block copolymer membranes for CO2 separation, Journal of Membrane

Science 378 (1-2) (2011) 479-484.

CH2 CH2 O CH2 CH Ox

y C

O

C

O

O CH2 CH2 O CH2 CH Ox

y

n

CH3CH3

(a)

C N

O

(CH2)6 N CCN(CH2)6N

O

C

O

C O

OO

CO

O

HHHH

(b)

Si O Si OCH3

CH3

CH3

CH3

CH3

Si O SiCH3

CH3

CH3

OO

CH3p

m

n

CH3

(c)

Figure 1: Chemical structure of (a) the PEO-ran-PPO5000 soft

segment, (b) the T6T6T hard segment and (c) the PDMS-PEG

additive (80 wt.% PEG).

Figure 2: Robeson CO2/N2 upper bound relationship at 35°C. The

data obtained in the current work for blends of the PEO-ran-

PPO5000-T6T6T block copolymer and the PDMS-PEG additive (n)

are compared to work in literature.

(47)

[HigHligHtS]

(48)

Polymeric Coatings for Luminscent Nanocrystals

Quantum Dots (QD) are semiconducting nanocrystals that show strong, nearly monochromatic optical fluorescence emission. The

color of this emission can be tuned by changing the size of the nanocrystal. The stable and strong fluorescence, and the tunability

of the color make these QDs interesting candidates as optical markers in biological and biomedical research. A protocol describing

a new class of polymeric coating (Figure 1) for QDs was developed by the Materials Science and Technology group in collaboration

with researchers from Singapore. The method described in the protocol is based on functionalization of an anhydride polymer

backbone with nucleophilic agents. Small functional groups, bulky cyclic compounds and polymeric chains can be integrated with

the coating prior to solubilization. The polymer-coated QDs display good colloidal stability in water, which is sufficient for many

proposed applications, such as in cell imaging. They furthermore can be covalently coupled to other structures thus allowing one to

integrate them in hierarchical, functional materials. To demonstrate bio-labelling applications, the team carried out cell imaging of

the mammalian cancer cells C-6 (see image).

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: D. Janczewski, N. Tomczak, M.-Y. Han, G.J. Vancso, Synthesis of functionalized amphiphilic polymers for coating quantum dots, Nature

Protocols 6 (2011) 1546-1553.

Prof. dr. G. Julius Vancso "The general focus of research in the MTP

group revolves around devising and building

tools and synthesizing molecular platforms

that enable studies of macromolecular

structure and behavior from the nanometer

length scale, bottom up. This knowledge is

then used in macromolecular materials and

devices with enhanced or novel properties

and functions for targeted applications."

Materials Science and Technology of Polymers

The current research in the Materials Science and Technology of Polymers (MTP) group

focuses on platform level research in macromolecular nanotechnology and polymer materials

chemistry. The applications are utilized in collaborations with specialized groups. The

projects target problems aiming at controlled synthesis of stimulus responsive “intelligent”

polymers, and manipulation as well as fabrication of complex polymeric architectures in

combination with nanoparticles, and metallic or semiconductor nanocrystals. Controlled

assembly of systems from the nanoscale to macroscopic dimensions, and their applications

in surface engineering, responsive molecular architectures, devices such as molecular

motors, sensors and actuators, nanostructured composites, and molecular delivery are

considered. The development of enabling tools such as scanning probe microscopes, and

optical approaches, including single molecule imaging, complements this effort.

Figure 2: Image of mammalian cancer cells marked with red

light-emitting QDs. The blue color is emitted by the stained cell

nuclei.

Figure 1: Generic structure of the coating polymer. (R is a

functional group, which can show chemical reactivity)

[HigHligHtS]

´

(49)

[HigHligHtS]

Prof. dr. ir. Jaap J.W. van der Vegt“Without Mathematics there

will be no significant advances in

Computational Science.”

a novel numerical method for multi-fluid flow computations

Multi-fluid problems, such as droplets in inkjet printing and gas bubbles in small micro devices require the accurate capturing of the

liquid-gas interface. Many numerical algorithms tend to diffuse the interface and do not capture the details of the complex dynamics

at the interface, such as instabilities and the break-up and coalescence of the interface. We developed a novel numerical method for

multi-fluid computations by combining a space–time discontinuous Galerkin finite element discretization of the multi-fluid equations

with a level set method and cut-cell based interface tracking. The space–time discontinuous Galerkin method offers high accuracy,

an inherent ability to handle discontinuities and a very local stencil, making it relatively easy to combine with local mesh refinement

to capture flow details near the interface. The front tracking is incorporated via cut-cell mesh refinement to ensure a sharp interface

between the fluids. To compute the interface dynamics the level set method is used because of its ability to deal with merging and

breakup. Also, the level set method is easy to apply in higher dimensions. Small cells arising from the cut-cell refinement are merged

to improve the stability and performance. The interface conditions are incorporated in the numerical discretization for the interface

and the space-time discontinuous Galerkin discretization ensures that the scheme is conservative as long as the numerical fluxes

are conservative. The numerical method is demonstrated on a helium bubble in a tube filled with air modeled with the compressible

Euler equations. A shock wave causes a Rayleigh-Taylor instability at the helium-air interface which is accurately modeled by the

numerical algorithm.

Mathematics of Computational Science

The Mathematics of Computational Science (MaCS) group focuses on the mathematical

aspects of advanced scientific computing. The two main research areas are the

development, analysis and application of numerical algorithms for the (adaptive) solution

of partial differential equations and the mathematical modeling of multi-scale problems

making these accessible for computation. Special emphasis is put on the development

of discontinuous Galerkin finite element methods, efficient (parallel) solution algorithms,

and the modeling of complex turbulent flows using Large Eddy Simulation. Important

applications are in the fields of (dispersed) two-phase and granular flows, turbulent flows

(including particles, combustion, rotation and buoyancy), free surface flows, energy

systems, bio-fluid mechanics and computational electromagnetics.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: W.E.H. Sollie, O. Bokhove, J.J.W. van der Vegt, Space-time discontinuous Galerkin finite element method for two-fluid flows, Journal of

Computational Physics, 230 (2011) 789-817.

Figure: Density contours of helium bubble-air shock interaction

test using a space-time discontinuous Galerkin finite element

method with a combined cut-cell level set approach.

(50)

Unraveling the mechanisms of -Synuclein oligomer-membrane interactions

-Synuclein is a small intrinsically disordered protein that is abundantly expressed throughout the human brain. Aggregation of

this protein is implicated in the onset and progression of Parkinson’s disease, and there is compelling evidence that the interaction

of small oligomeric aggregates of the proteins with lipid membranes contributes to neurotoxicity. Using an assay based on the

bleaching of fluorescent lipids, postdoctoral fellow Dr. Martin Stöckl has recently shown that -synuclein oligomer-induced impairment

of membrane integrity is not limited to the formation of permanent membrane spanning pores. Using lipid mixtures with a varying

fraction of negatively charged lipids, a sharp cutoff where the impairment of membrane integrity sets in was observed, suggesting

that only membranes with an initial destabilization are susceptible. Detailed studies reveal an additional mechanism attributed to an

enhanced lipid flip-flop which has been observed for the first time. These findings indicate that an important mechanism for amyloid

oligomer toxicity lies in the disruption of lipid packing in the membrane.

Atomic force microscopy: probing frequency-dependent elasticity properties at the nanoscale

We have also studied amyloid fibrils of -Synuclein, which are typically several micrometers in length and 3 to 8 nm in diameter. Using

newly developed nanomechanical property mapping methods, such as Pulsed Force Microscopy (PFM), Harmonic Force Microscopy

(HarmoniX) and PeakForce QNM, it is possible with AFM to determine the elastic properties of these protein fibrils on the nanoscale.

Interestingly, all the modes mentioned above operate at a different frequency, and one of the outstanding questions is whether the

operating frequency influences the measured elastic modulus of the material. Kim Sweers, a PhD student who graduated in May

2012, used Pulsed Force Microscopy (PFM) and nano-indentation to mechanically characterize a sample consisting of low-density

polyethylene (LDPE, E=0.2 GPa) islands in polystyrene (PS, E=2 GPa). The material’s stiffness did indeed increase significantly with

an increasing frequency, and as a result of this also the apparent height of the PS phase.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] M.T. Stöckl, M.M.A.E. Claessens, V. Subramaniam, Kinetic measurements give new insights into lipid membrane permeabilization by

-synuclein oligomers, Mol. BioSyst. 8 (2012) 338-345. [2] K.K.M. Sweers, K.O. van der Werf, M.L. Bennink, V. Subramaniam, Spatially resolved frequency-dependent

elasticity measured with pulsed force microscopy and nanoindentation, Nanoscale (2012) 2072-2077.

Prof. dr. Vinod Subramaniam“Our goal is to perform

world-class research in

molecular and cellular

biophysics at the nanometer

scale, to gain new

insights into fundamental

mechanisms related to

disease.”

nanobiophysics

The Nanobiophysics (NBP) group is focusing on research in molecular and cellular biophysics at the

nanometer scale. We have intellectual interests in the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease

related protein aggregation, in protein-ligand interactions on cell surfaces, and in the emerging field

of nanobiophotonics, where we use the toolbox of nanophotonics to manipulate biological fluorophores.

Nanoscale functional imaging, involving quantitative measurements of dynamic molecular and cellular

biophysical processes at high spatial, temporal, and chemical resolutions, is an integral element of

our research. We are also fascinated with developing cutting-edge technologies to address these

challenging research questions. Strong collaborations with other MESA+ groups and national and

international collaborators are essential elements of our work. We are closely involved in NanoNextNL,

as project leaders, and as programme director within the theme Nanomedicine.

Figure 1: Upon membrane binding -synuclein oligomers

integrate into the lipid bilayer of large unilamellar vesicles

(LUVs) where they form pore like structures or cause membrane

thinning. Using chemical bleaching of C6-NBD-PC by dithionite

we could not only observe a fast influx of dithionite but also

an additional slow loss of fluorescence presumably due to an

enhanced lipid flip-flop.

Figure 2: (a) Height and stiffness of low-density polyethylene

(LDPE) islands in a polystyrene (PS) surrounding, obtained with

Pulsed Force Microscopy. (b) Stiffness of LDPE as a function of

the probing frequency obtained with PFM (closed diamonds) and

nano-indentation (open circles).

[HigHligHtS]

(a)

(b)

(51)

[HigHligHtS]Prof. dr. ir. Wilfred G. van der Wiel“Nanoelectronics

is where electrical

engineering,

physics, chemistry,

materials science

and nanotechnology

inevitably meet.”

Tunable doping of a metal with molecular spins

The mutual interaction of localized magnetic moments and their interplay with itinerant conduction electrons in a solid are

central to many phenomena in condensed-matter physics, including magnetic ordering and related many-body phenomena such

as the Kondo effect, the Ruderman–Kittel–Kasuya–Yoshida interaction and carrier-induced ferromagnetism in diluted magnetic

semiconductors. The strength and relative importance of these spin phenomena are determined by the magnitude and sign of the

exchange interaction between the localized magnetic moments and also by the mean distance between them. Detailed studies of

such systems require the ability to tune the mean distance between the localized magnetic moments, which is equivalent to being

able to control the concentration of magnetic impurities in the host material.

We have developed a conceptually novel approach for doping a non-magnetic metal film with localized magnetic moments that

involves depositing a monolayer of metal ligand complexes onto the film [1]. The metal ions in the complexes used are cobalt

and zinc, and the concentration of magnetic impurities in the gold film can be controlled by varying the relative amounts of

cobalt complexes (which carry a spin) and zinc complexes (which have zero spin). Kondo and weak localization measurements

demonstrate that the magnetic impurity concentration can be systematically varied up to ~800 ppm without any sign of inter-

impurity interaction (see Figure 1). The impurity concentration in the metal is directly proportional to the molecular spin dopant

concentration in solution (see Figure 2). Moreover, we find no evidence for the unwanted clustering that is often produced when

using alternative methods. This work should pave the way for the further study of the spin phenomena that lie at the very

heart of solid-state physics. The work was performed at MESA+ in a collaboration of the NanoElectronics (NE) and Molecular

nanoFabrication (MnF) groups.

nanoElectronics

The Chair NanoElectronics (NE) performs research and provides education in the field of nano-

electronics. Our research involves hybrid inorganic-organic electronics, spin electronics and

quantum electronics. The research goes above and beyond the boundaries of traditional disciplines,

synergetically combining aspects of Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science,

and Nanotechnology. NE consists of more than 25 group members is actively looking for people to join.

The field of nanoelectronics comprises a mix of intriguing physical phenomena and revolutionary novel

concepts for devices and systems with improved performance and/or entirely new functionality.

NE has some dedicated infrastructure including MBE deposition, scanning tunneling microscopy,

cryogenic measurement systems down to temperatures of 10 mK in combination with magnetic fields

up to 10 tesla.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: T. Gang, M. Deniz Yilmaz, D. Ataç, S.K. Bose, E. Strambini, A.H. Velders, M.P. de Jong, J. Huskens, W.G. van der Wiel, Tunable Doping of a

Metal with Molecular Spins, Nature Nanotechnology 7 (2012) 232.

Figure 2: Tunable molecular spin doping. Two different quantities

plotted as a function of Co complex fraction in the donor solution:

Magnetic impurity concentration, c, derived from Kondo

measurements (black squares); phase coherence length, l(2 K)

(blue dots), derived from weak localization measurements.

Figure 1: Kondo effect. a] Temperature dependence of the

normalized resistivity, norm(T)= (T)-min

xAu(150 K) of a

(99.99%) pure Au film (green hexagons), and the same Au film

with inserted molecular monolayers made from mixed Co

complex[x%]/Zn complex[(100-x)%] solutions with x = 0 (orange

diamonds), 25 (blue down triangles), 50 (green up triangles),

67 (red dots), and 100 (black squares). Inset: structure of metal

terpyridine complex, with “M” being either Co or Zn. b] Data of

(a) with the bare Au film curve subtracted. The solid curves are

fits to NRG theory for a S = ½ Kondo system. c] The experimental

data with both normalized temperature and resistivity values are

compared with numerical renormalization group (NRG) theory

for S =1/2, showing very good agreement.

p(15OK)-Pmin

(52)

Metallic and insulating interfaces of amorphous srtio3-based oxide Heterostructures

A new type of conducting interfaces in complex oxide heterostructures based on strontium titanate has been created in

collaboration with researchers from the Technical University of Denmark.

The conductance confined at the interface of complex oxide heterostructures have been shown to provide new opportunities

to explore nanoelectronic as well as nanoionic devices. We have realized metallic interfaces in SrTiO3-based heterostructures

with various insulating overlayers of amorphous LaAlO3, SrTiO3, and yttria-stabilized zirconia films. The interfacial conductivity

results from the formation of oxygen vacancies near the interface, suggesting that the redox reactions on the surface of SrTiO3

substrates play an important role.

The result is important for understanding the origin of the metallic interface in epitaxial heterostructures, which is essentially a

quasi-2D electron gas between two insulating oxides, one of which is SrTiO3.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: Y. Chen, N. Pryds, J.E. Kleibeuker, G. Koster, J. Sun, E. Stamate, B. Shen, G. Rijnders, S. Linderoth, Metallic and Insulating Interfaces of

Amorphous SrTiO3-Based Oxide Heterostructures, Nanoletters 11 (9) (2011) 3774-3778, doi: 10.1021/nl201821j.

Prof. dr. ing. Guus Rijnders"Recent advances in materials engineering at the

atomic scale facilitated a significant revival in the

field of functional complex oxide materials."

NanoElectronic Materials

The aim of the NanoElectronic Materials (NEM) group is to advance the field of

materials science, with a focus on nanomaterials for applications in electronic

devices. The research is based on current trends in nanomaterials science and

developments within MESA+, such as the controlled growth of materials, control

of their structure, and understanding of the structure-property relations. The

research is focused on three areas: Artificial Materials, Functional and Smart

Materials for Devices, as well as In-situ Characterization of Film Growth and

Interface Processes. These areas have in common that they find their basis in

materials science, bridging major disciplines within MESA+, i.e., Chemical

Engineering, Applied Physics, and Nanotechnology.

Figure 1: Top panel: High-resolution scanning transmission

electron microscopy image (cross section) of an atomically

sharp interface between amorphous LaAlO3 and crystalline

SrTiO3. Bottom panel: Electron energy loss spectroscopy

image, green=La, purple=Ti. (EMAT, Antwerp)

[HigHligHtS]

(53)

Figure: (a) Cross-section image of an electrochemical nanogap

device. The spacing between the top and bottom electrode in this

device is 31 nm, allowing very fast shuttling of electrons between

the electrodes. (b) Measured current versus time for the top

(red) and bottom (black) electrodes. The plateaus in the current

correspond to 0, 1 or 2 molecule being present in the device at

any given time. The currents are equal but opposite because

each electron delivered to the top electrode is ejected from the

bottom electrode.

[HigHligHtS]

a new single-molecule technique based on the ping-pong effect

Electrochemical detection is ideally suited for miniaturized sensors, as it directly translates chemical information into electrical

signals that can be manipulated on the same chip. Because a typical electrochemical reaction involves the transfer of only

one or a few electrons between a molecule and an electrode, however, detecting a single molecule in this way represents an

enormous challenge (at least at room temperature, where most real-world sensors need to operate!). To solve this problem,

we have developed a new fluidic device, the nanogap. This consists of two electrodes separated by a thin (<100 nm) layer of

liquid, as shown in figure 1(a). Different voltages are applied to the two electrodes such that one electrode donates electrons

to electrochemically active molecules while the other electrode withdraws electrons. Any electrochemically active molecule

trapped between the electrodes thus acts as a ping-pong ball, shuttling electrons from the first to the second electrode and

giving rise to a small (but measurable) current. Because our device is open to an outside reservoir, the number of molecules

in the nanogap fluctuates with time, giving rise to corresponding steps in the current measured at the electrodes (figure 1(b)).

Our goal in the coming years will be to exploit this new capability for fundamental experiments on stochastic detection and as a

platform for more selective electrochemical sensors.

Prof. dr. serge J.G. lemay“The physics of ions in liquid are directly

relevant to a surprisingly wide array of

research areas of current scientific and

societal interest. These include nanoscience

(the ‘natural’ length scale for ions), energy

(fuel cells, supercapacitors), neuroscience

(signal transduction, new experimental

tools), and health and environment

monitoring (new and better sensors)."

NanoIonics

The goals of the group NanoIonics (NI) are to add to fundamental

understanding of electrostatics and electron transfer in liquid,

and to explore new concepts for fluidic devices based on this new

understanding. Our experimental tools, which are largely dictated

by the intrinsic nanometer scale of the systems that we study,

include single-molecule techniques borrowed from biophysics,

sensitive electronics, and lithography-based microfabrication.

Through its focus on nanoscience and its multidisciplinary

nature, this research is a natural fit for MESA+.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: M.A.G. Zevenbergen, P.S. Singh, E.D. Goluch, B.L. Wolfrum, S.G. Lemay, Stochastic sensing of single molecules in a nanofluidic electrochemical

device, Nano Letters 11 (2011) 2881-2886.

(54)

[HigHligHtS]

Nanofluidics for Lab on a Chip Applications

Prof. dr. Jan Eijkel"The Nanofluidics for Lab on a Chip Applications

group aims to perform innovative fluidic research for

biomedical and energy applications."

Fluid flow on the nanoscale is fundamentally different

from fluid flow on the microscale, since another set of

forces becomes dominant. In the Nanofluidics for Lab on a

Chip Applications group (NLCA) we explore fundamental

phenomena of nanoscale fluidics and apply them to subjects

ranging from green energy generation to single-molecule

research and from innovative separation methods to point of

care diagnostics.

Green energy from flowing water with bubbles

Green energy has become an important topic in scientific research, mainly because society is in dire need for novel environmentally-

friendly energy conversion systems. Lab on a Chip technology provides new opportunities to convert fluidic mechanical energy to

electrical energy.

We use a fluidic approach to convert mechanical to electrical energy. When a microfluidic channel with glass walls is filled with an

aqueous solution, the glass walls become electrically charged due to the dissociation of surface groups. This leads to the formation

of an diffuse cloud of mobile counter-ions in the solution directly adjacent to the wall. When we pump the solution through the

channel, these mobile ions move with the flowing liquid thereby creating an electrical current (the ‘streaming current’, IS in figure

1). By placing electrodes at the two ends of the channel, we can capture this current and when we lead it though an external load

we can harvest electrical energy. This is a straightforward and simple way to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy.

The Achilles heel of the above classical mechanism is, that the current not only flows through the load doing useful work (ILOAD) , but

also, uselessly, back through the channel (IC) because the filling solution is electrically conductive. The conversion efficiency as a

result remains low. We now have mended this Achilles heel by injecting air bubbles into the channel via a fluidic T-split (figure 2).

The air bubbles block the backflow of current and thus increase the current flow through the external load. For the same amount

of input energy we now will harvest more output energy. Figure 3 shows how the conversion efficiency increases with increasing

gas pressure, generating more and more bubbles in the channel. A more than 100-fold increase in efficiency was observed due to

bubble injection.

Though the efficiency improvement is remarkable, the total efficiency is still low (inset figure 3). Our research in this NWO-funded

TOP program is now aiming at employing gas-liquid flow to further increase the conversion efficiency.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: Y. Xie, D. Sherwood, L. Shui, A. van den Berg, J.C.T. Eijkel, Strong enhancement of streaming current power by application of two phase Flow,

Lab Chip 11 (2011) 4006.

Figure 2: Injection of gas bubbles into the channel increases the

electrical resistance of the channel. As a result a much larger VS

can be obtained, and hence a higher output power ILOAD*VS. The lamp

burns much more brightly.

Figure 3: The conversion efficiency (relative to the efficiency without

gas bubbles), as a function of the gas pressure. The efficiency can

be increased more than 100-fold using bubble injection. Inset: The

total process efficiency however is still low (inset) and efforts are

focussed on further improvement.

Figure 1: The principle of energy harvesting by the streaming

potential. The useful output power obtained in the lamp equals

ILOAD*VS. Due to the low electrical resistance of the aqueous solution,

VS must be small to prevent all current from leaking back as IC

through the channel. This limits the conversion efficiency and the

lamp burns only weakly.

[HigHligHtS]

Prof. dr. Jennifer l. Herek“Fundamental research in

spectroscopy and imaging

shines light on innovation and

technology.”

Exploiting optical and molecular phase relations to improve imaging

Our research on nonlinear microspectroscopy has led to a revolutionary new approach that provides an intuitive and unified description

of the various signal contributions, allowing for direct extraction of the vibrational response [Figure 1]. Three optical fields create a

pair of interfering Stokes-Raman pathways to the same vibrational state. Frequency modulating one of the fields leads to amplitude

modulations on all of the fields. This vibrational molecular interferometry technique allows imaging at high speed free of nonresonant

background, and is able to distinguish between electronic and vibrational contributions to the total signal.

Identifying complex molecules often entails detection of multiple vibrational resonances, especially in the case of mixtures. Phase

shaping of broadband pump and probe pulses allows for the coherent superposition of several resonances, such that specific molecules

can be detected directly and with high selectivity. We have developed an approach for combining spectral phase shaping and closed-

loop optimization strategies to perform chemically-selective nonlinear microscopy [Figure 2]. To predict the optimal excitation profile

we employ evolutionary algorithms that use the vibrational phase responses of five distinct molecules with overlapping resonances

and investigate the effect of phase instability on the optimization.

Optical Sciences

Optical Sciences (OS) is a dynamic and multidisciplinary research group, whose

infrastructure and expertise ranges from near-field probing of (single) molecules

and materials through nonlinear spectroscopy and imaging to nanostructure

fabrication and ultrafast laser spectroscopy. The integration of phase-shaped

femtosecond laser pulses and adaptive learning algorithms within these themes

is leading to exciting new research at the interface of chemistry, physics and

nanomaterials science. Applications include improving the efficiency of solar-

driven photovoltaic and photo catalytic devices, chemically-selective imaging

in biology and pharmacology, and studying wave propagation and nonlinear

phenomena in nanostructured materials.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] A.C.W. van Rhijn, A. Jafarpour, M. Jurna, H.L. Offerhaus, J.L. Herek, Coherent control of vibrational transitions: Discriminating

molecules in mixtures, Faraday Discussions 153 (2011) 227-235, [2] E.T. Garbacik, J.P. Korterik, C. Otto, S. Mukamel, J.L. Herek, H.L. Offerhaus, Background-free nonlinear

microspectroscopy with vibrational molecular interferometry, Physical Review Letters 107 (2011) 253902.

Figure 1: Comparing the new vibrational molecular

interferometry (VMI) technique to conventional CARS

imaging shows a marked improvement in signal clarity due to

background suppression.

Figure 2: The coherent control learning loop aims to find optimal

pulse shapes to enhance specific chemical signals in nonlinear

imaging.

(55)

(56)

[HigHligHtS]

Figure 1: Coffee stain formation (a) and its suppression (b) with

electrowetting (EW). EW excitation during the evaporation is

achieved by applying an AC voltage to interdigitated electrodes

in the substrates (red and blue dashes in the top of (b). Images in

the bottom are for micrometer-sized colloidal particles.

Figure 2: Numerically calculated trajectories of tracer particles

in an oscillating drop water drop in ambient oil with time-

dependent contact angle as in electrowetting experiments. The

spiraled trajectories (left) can be decomposed into a time-

periodic oscillatory motion and a net time averaged flow (right),

which leads to a vortex within the drop. The latter is responsible

for suppressing the coffee stain formation in Fig. 1.

Prof. dr. Frieder Mugele“Nanoscience and -technology are

characterized by large surface-to-volume

ratios. At PCF, we develop strategies to

understand and manipulate complex fluid

flows on the micro- and nanometer scale

using various controls of wetting behavior

and interfacial properties including in

particular electrowetting.”

say goodbye to coffee stains: how electrowetting-driven microfluidics controls pattern formation in evaporating colloidal suspensions

Drying drops of complex fluids such as coffee, paint, and blood typically leave behind ring-shaped solid residues on solid surfaces

commonly known as coffee stains. This ubiquitous phenomenon is caused by an evaporation-driven flow from the center of the drop

towards the edge that carries along the solute. The resulting heterogeneous deposition of material is undesired in various coating

processes involving drop deposition, such as including inkjet printing of complex fluids, micro-array technology, and MALDI sample

preparation. We show that electrowetting can be used to generate flows inside evaporating drops that compensate the evaporation-

drive flux and prevent solute accumulation at the drop edge. Rather than being distributed in a wide ring, the entire solute remains

concentrated in a single spot (see figures). This complex microfluidic effect allows to improve the signal-to-noise ratio of MALDI mass

spectrometry by more than an order of magnitude.

Physics of Complex Fluids

The goal of the Physics of Complex Fluids (PCF) group is to understand and

control the physical properties of liquids and solid-liquid interfaces from

molecular scales up to the micrometer meter range. We are particularly

interested in i) nanofluidics, ii) (electro)wetting & microfluidics, iii) soft matter

mechanics. Our research connects fundamental physical and physico-

chemical phenomena in nanotribology and -lubrication, microfluidic two-

phase flow, static and dynamic wetting, superhydrophobicity, drop impact,

drop evaporation to practically relevant applications such as enhanced oil

recovery, inkjet printing, immersion lithography, lab-on-a-chip systems, and

optofluidics.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] H.B. Eral, D. Mampallil, M.H.G. Duits, F. Mugele, Suppressing the coffee stain effect: how to control colloidal self-assembly in evaporating

drops using electrowetting, Soft Matter 7 (2011) 4954. [2] J.M. Oh, D. Legendre, F. Mugele, Shaken not stirred - on internal flow patterns in oscillating sessile drops,

EuroPhys. Lett. 98 (2012) 34003.

a) without EW b) with EW

[HigHligHtS]

Prof. dr. Guido Mul“We strive to be a major player in

the solar to fuel research arena,

making use of the expertise

and outstanding facilities of the

MESA+ institute to construct

nanostructured materials and

devices.”

Revealing the operation mechanism of a solar to fuel catalyst

Photocatalytic conversion of CO2 and H2O to fuel-like molecules is an ideal reaction to store solar energy in the form of chemical energy

and to close the carbon cycle (the solar to fuel process). One of the most efficient inorganic photocatalysts for this process is based

on a silica matrix functionalized with isolated Titania sites, known as Ti-SBA-15 (SBA-15 is a silica matrix with regular channels). Little

is known about the nature of the intermediates involved in the reaction, and the ways these are formed and decomposed to the final

products. We have performed a systematic study of the light induced reaction of potential intermediates (H2, CO, CH2O (formaldehyde))

over the Ti-SBA-15 catalyst, using an advanced set-up for photocatalysis evaluation (Figure 1). Based on the results, we believe in a

mechanism for CO2 reduction in which CO and formaldehyde are important intermediates, and in which transient Ti–OOH species are

likely involved (Figure 2). We currently explore mild steam treatment of the catalyst, to create a higher effective quantity of accessible

sites. Surface modification of SBA-15 with Lewis bases (primary, secondary, and tertiary amines) to enhance CO2 adsorption is another

direction we pursue. This increases the probability of electron transfer from the photo-excited sites to CO2, which is most likely the

rate limiting step.

Photocatalytic Synthesis

Photocatalysis is based on the use of light activated catalysts in chemical conversion.

Practical application is limited because of problems in light management, such as mismatch

in catalyst sensitivity and solar spectrum, the limited ability of photo-excited states to induce

electron transfer reactions, and lack of efficient light exposure of catalysts in reactors. The

Photocatalytic Synthesis (PCS) group aims at understanding the role of both the physical and

chemical properties of innovative materials in establishing photocatalytic transformations,

to allow improved catalyst design. We also study the effect of process conditions and reactor

geometry on performance, to establish operation of devices with high efficiency. Fields of

application we target are: 1) conversion of CO2 and H2O to hydrocarbons, 2) alkane activation,

and 3) purification of waste streams (air and water).

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: C. Yang, J. Vernimmen, V. Meynen, P. Cool, G. Mul, Journal of Catalysis 284 (2011) 1-8

Figure 2: Illustration of the global description of the mechanism

of solar to fuel synthesis over catalytic Ti-centers (Ti-OH)

embedded in a silica matrix, yielding methane, ethane, and

ethylene by conversion of CO2 and H2O.

(57)

Figure 1: Overview of the multiple batch reactor used to

study solar to fuel chemistry of up to 12 photo-catalysts

simultaneously. Analysis of the gas phase products is performed

by micro-Gas Chromatography.

Ultrafast decay of Pb-islands on Ni(111)

The morphology of thin films is subject to a sometimes complex interplay between kinetics and thermodynamics of the film-substrate.

A nice, unanticipated example of the possible intricacy of processes underlying the evolving morphology was observed during the

growth of Pb/Ni(111) at 474 K: 38 monolayers high Pb-mesas develop, which only cover 31% of the substrate. These flat-topped islands

are stabilized by quantum well states in the Pb-film, i.e. standing waves with the lead Fermi wavelength. Slow heating makes the Pb-

mesas collapse into hemispheres at ~525 K, i.e. well below the melting temperature. Figure 1 illustrates this process. The collapse is

incredibly fast: a billion Pb-atoms move within 2 milliseconds over hundreds of nanometers! This spectacular diffusivity outnumbers

the values for atomic events, as obtained from SPM and first principle calculations, by six orders of magnitude! Improved knowledge

of physics at the mesoscopic length scale must be developed to understand the process.

Knudsen gas provides nanobubble stability

Surface nanobubbles are a recent discoveries in interfacial physics. They are nanoscopic gaseous domains that form at the solid/liquid

interface. The fundamental interest focuses on the fact that they are surprisingly stable to dissolution, lasting for at least 10 orders

of magnitude longer than the classical expectation. We provide a model for the remarkable stability of surface nanobubbles to bulk

dissolution. The key to the solution is that the gas in a nanobubble is of Knudsen type. This leads to the generation of a bulk liquid

flow which effectively forces the diffusive gas to remain local. Our model predicts the presence of a vertical water jet immediately

above a nanobubble, with an estimated speed of a few m/s in good agreement with our atomic force microscopy measurements.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: T.R.J. Bollmann, R. van Gastel, H.J.W. Zandvliet, B. Poelsema, Anomalous decay of electronically stabilized lead mesas on Ni(111), Physical Review Letters

107(13) (2011) 136103. [2]. T.R.J. Bollmann, R. van Gastel, H.J.W. Zandvliet, B. Poelsema, Quantum size effect driven structure modifications of Bi films on Ni(111), Physical Review Letters

107(17) (2011) 176102. [3]. J.R.T. Seddon, H.J.W. Zandvliet, D. Lohse, Knudsen gas provides nanobubble stability, Physical Review Letters 107(11) (2011) 116101. [4] J.R.T. Seddon, E.S. Kooij, B.

Poelsema, H.J.W. Zandvliet, D. Lohse, Surface bubble nucleation stability, Physical Review Letters 106(5) (2011) 056101.

Prof. dr. ir. Harold J.W. Zandvliet“Emerging nanoscopic techniques, such

as low energy electron microscopy and

He ion microscopy, have provided us

with new insights that went far beyond

our wildest expectations.”

Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials

The research field of the Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials (PIN)

group involves controlled preparation and understanding of interfaces,

low-dimensional (nano)structures and nanomaterials. We focus on systems

that (1) rely on state-of-the art applications or (2) can potentially lead to

future applications. Our research interest is driven by the fact that on a

nanometer length scale the material properties depend on size, shape and

dimensionality. A key challenge of our research activities is to obtain control

over the properties in such a way that we are able to tailor the properties for

(device) applications, ranging from nano/micro-electronics, nano-electro-

mechanical systems and wettability to sustainable energy related issues.

Figure 2: Knudsen gas streaming and nanobubble geometry. (a)

The broken symmetry created between one solid surface and

one ‘leaky’ liquid/gas interface leads to bulk upwards flow in the

Knudsen gas. (b) The tangential component of the bulk Knudsen

gas flow drives a bulk liquid flow due to the continuity of shear

stress at the liquid/gas interface. (c) Finally, due to conservation

of mass, this gas-rich liquid stream circulates upwards at the

bubble apex and back around to the three-phase line, effectively

transporting the diffusive outfluxing gas back to the three-phase

line for re-entry.

Figure 1: (a) Sum of two consecutive LEEM frames with

acquisition time 80 ms. The light grey area refers to the mesa

which has collapsed into a hemisphere (dark area) in the second

frame. (b) Cartoon of the process.

(58)

[HigHligHtS](a)

(b)

(59)

[HigHligHtS]

Prof. dr. ir. Hajo Broersma"Evolution has a huge impact

on living organisms and their

successful survival. Now is the time

to apply fast computer-controlled

evolution to dead matter in order to

produce energy-efficient and useful

components for our future survival."

NASCENCE: Nanoscale Engineering for Novel Computation using Evolution

NASCENCE is a FET research project within the framework of the Call FP7-ICT-2011.9.6 Unconventional Computation (UCOMP).

The aim of this project is to model, understand and exploit the behaviour of evolving nanosystems (e.g. networks of nanoparticles,

carbon nanotubes or films of graphene) with the long term goal to build information processing devices exploiting these architectures

without reproducing individual components. With an interface to a conventional digital computer we will use computer controlled

manipulation of physical systems to evolve them towards doing useful computation.

During the project our target is to lay the technological and theoretical foundations for this new kind of information processing

technology, inspired by the success of natural evolution and the advancement of nanotechnology, and the expectation that we soon

reach the limits of miniaturisation in digital circuitry (Moore's Law). The mathematical modelling of the configuration of networks

of nanoscale particles combined with the embodied realisation of such systems through computer controlled stochastic search

can strengthen the theoretical foundations of the field while keeping a strong focus on their potential application in future devices.

Members of the consortium have already demonstrated proof of principle by the evolution of liquid crystal computational processors

for simple tasks, but these earlier studies have only scraped the surface of what such systems may be capable of achieving.

With this project we want to develop alternative approaches for situations or problems that are challenging or impossible to solve with

conventional methods and models of computation. Achieving our objectives fully would provide not only a major disruptive technology

for the electronics industry but probably the foundations of the next industrial revolution.

Overall, we consider that this is to be a highly adventurous, high risk project with an enormous potential impact on society and

the quality of life in general. Apart from the Programmable NanoSystems group, other UT groups involved are NanoElectronics,

Mathematics of Computational Science, Formal Methods and Tools, and Computer Architectures for Embedded Systems. The other EU

consortium partners involved in the NASCENCE project are located in Durham, Lugano, Trondheim and York.

Programmable nanoSystems

Men has been able to design, build and integrate electronic circuits very

successfully, but it is a huge challenge to build complex, fault tolerant

systems for more complicated functionality. Interestingly, nature itself has

managed to do this through a relatively simple process of evolutionary

testing and modifying, and it succeeded to do so in a universe of great

physical complexity. Within the Programmable NanoSystems (PNS) group

we explore the theoretical and experimental possibilities of using systems of

nanomaterials as a black box for computational tasks by developing genetic

and evolutionary algorithms to control and modify the external impulses that

will be used to (re)configure the computational properties of the material.

Figure 1: a schematic illustration of the set-up.

Figure 2 (a): a prototype interface.

Figure 2 (b): the material disc with a micro-electrode-array.

Figure 2 (c): a film of nanotubes on the array.

Order-to-disorder transition in a coffee stain

When a droplet containing suspended particles, such as coffee, evaporates, a ring-shaped stain is left behind on the substrate; see Fig.

1. This coffee-stain effect was first explained by Robert Deegan et al. [1]: in an evaporating drop with a pinned contact line, a capillary

flow is generated to replenish the liquid that has evaporated from the drop edge. This flow drags along the particles, which are then

deposited at the contact line. We have studied the dynamics of the ring stain formation in water drops with polystyrene particles [2]. As

shown in Fig. 2, the remaining stains showed a remarkable structure: in the outermost layers of the stain, the particles have aggregated

in a crystalline way, whereas further inwards the particle packing becomes very disordered.

To explain this peculiar particle ordering, it is crucial to understand the dynamics of the droplet evaporation. To this end, we filmed the

droplets simultaneously from the sides and from below, and performed micro-PIV to measure the velocity field inside the droplets. A rush-

hour of particles was observed during the last moments of the droplet’s life: the particle velocity increases dramatically as the droplet

height decreases to zero. This temporal divergence of the velocity can be understood quantitatively from simple mass conservation. This

is induces a diverging radial velocity at the of the droplet life.

The order-to-disorder transition in the remaining stain can be explained by this rush-hour behavior in the particle velocity. Particles that

arrive early, when the deposition rate is still low, have time to arrange by Brownian motion and form an ordered structure. Particles that

arrive during the rush hour have no time for such arrangement and form a jammed, disordered pattern. We can predict when the order-

to-disorder transition will occur by comparing the particle diffusion time to the typical arrival time. A critical particle speed is obtained

when these two timescales are equal: particles that arrive at a lower speed will form the ordered phase, particles with a higher speed

the disordered phase.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] A.G. Marin, H. Gelderblom, D. Lohse, J.H. Snoeijer, Order-to-Disorder Transition in Ring-Shaped Colloidal Stains, PRL 107 (2011) 085502. [2]

D.P.M. van Gils, S.G. Huisman, G.W.H. Bruggert, C. Sun, D. Lohse, Torque Scaling in Turbulent Taylor-Couette Flow with Co- and Counterrotating Cylinders, PRL 106 (2011)

024502. See also: Pysics Today, January 2011. [3] J.R.T. Seddon, H.J.W. Zandvliet, D. Lohse, Knudsen Gas Provides Nanobubble Stability, PRL 107 (2011) 116101. [4] J.R.T. Seddon,

E.S. Kooij, B. Poelsema, H.J.W. Zandvliet, D. Lohse, Surface Bubble Nucleation Stability, PRL 106 (2011) 056101.

Prof. dr. Detlef lohse“The physics of fluids

is very different on the

nano- and micro-scale

as compared to the

macro-scale and offers

various challenges of both

fundamental and applied

character.”

Physics of Fluids

The Physics of Fluids (PoF) group is studying

various flow phenomenona, both on a micro-

and macro-scale. We use both experimental,

theoretical, and numerical techniques and we

do both fundamental and applied research. Our

main research areas are:

n Turbulence and Two-Phase Flow

n Granular Flow

n Biomedical Application of Bubbles

n Micro- and Nanofluidics

Figure 1: Coffee stains with their characteristic dark rings on a

desk.

Figure 2: a) A water droplet containing 1-micrometer polystyrene

particles on a glass slide. b) The ring-shaped stain of particles

left on the substrate after the droplet has evaporated. c) The

same stain 50x enlarged. Particles in the outermost layers have

arranged in a crystalline way, whereas the inner layers have a

disordered structure. d) The stain 2x further enlarged, to show the

crystalline structure of the particles.

(60)

[HigHligHtS]

(61)

[HigHligHtS]

smoluchowski-Feynman ratchet in a granular gas

Molecular motors, such as those responsible for tensing and relaxing your muscles, move in a strange manner: They propel

themselves forwards despite - or thanks to - a continuous bombardment of the randomly moving molecules in their surroundings.

This random movement is called Brownian motion and a well-constructed motor at the nanoscale actually makes use of this to

generate a directed movement (and therefore work).

In 1912 the physicist Marian Smoluchowski - as a gedankenexperiment - introduced a clever device that is a classical example

of such a motor. It consists of a series of vanes mounted on an axis, which are set in motion under the influence of the molecular

bombardment. As this motion would take place in both rotational directions, Smoluchowski devised a second element, a ratchet

and pawl. This would ensure that the axis could only rotate in a single direction and could therefore perform work, for example by

pulling a small weight up. However, in 1963 Richard Feynman demonstrated that the second law of thermodynamics would prevent

the device from working in a system that was in a state of thermal equilibrium. With this, the gedankenexperiment appeared to

have been consigned to the waste bin.

Yet the objection formulated by Feynman does not apply to a system that is far from thermal equilibrium, such as a granular

gas that is created by vigorously vibrating a container filled with beads on top of a shaking device. Using both experiments

and numerical simulations we have successfully demonstrated that Smoluchowski’s device works superbly in this environment.

In addition we found an unpredicted feature: the interplay of the moving vanes and the granular gas spontaneously creates a

convection roll within the system. This roll breaks the symmetry on its own accord, without the need of introducing a ratchet and

a pawl to force the broken symmetry.

Dr. Devaraj van der Meer"What fascinates me in granular matter

is that in many aspects it resembles an

ordinary molecular fluid or solid. And at

the same time it adds a complete new

dimension of unexpected or even mind-

boggling phenomena."

Physics of Granular Matter and Interstitial Fluids

Granular materials, like sand, flour or iron ore, are among the most frequent

materials in nature and are the most processed substance in industry, second

only to water. Their often counterintuitive behavior however is distinctly

different from that of molecular matter and remains far from understood. The

Physics of Granular Matter and Interstitial Fluids (PGMF) group employs a

combination of experiments, analysis and numerical techniques to attain to

a profound understanding of the physics of granular flow. Special attention is

given to unraveling the intricate role of the interstitial fluid, the gas or liquid

that resides within the pores between the grains. The group is embedded into

the Physics of Fluids group.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] S. Joubaud, D. Lohse, D. van der Meer, Fluctuation theorems for an asymmetric rotor in a granular gas, Phys. Rev. Lett. 108 (2012)

210604. [2] P. Eshuis, K. van der Weele, D. Lohse, D. van der Meer, Experimental realization of a rotational ratchet in a granular gas, Phys. Rev. Lett. 104 (2010) 248001.

Figure 2: Smoluchowski's device is brought to life in a granular

gas: a top view of the experimental device in operation (left) and a

side view of the simulation (right).

Figure 1: Smoluchowski’s gedankenexperiment with the vanes

on the right, the ratchet and pawl on the left and in the middle a

pulley with a weight.

(62)HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATION: M. Veldhorst, M. Snelder, M. Hoek, T. Gang, V. Guduru, X. Wang, U. Zeitler, W.G. van der Wiel, H. Hilgenkamp, A. Brinkman, Josephson

supercurrent through a topological insulator surface state, Nature Materials 11 (2012) 417. [arxiv preprint cond-mat\1112.3527 (2011).]

Quantum Transport in Matter

Prof. dr. ir. Alexander Brinkman"It is fascinating to exploit quantum

effects such as entanglement

and non-locality in materials and

electronic devices."

Superconducting topological nanostructure first step towards Majorana fermion

Topological insulators and superconductors are two very special electronic materials. Topological insulators are electrical insulators

in the bulk but conduct at the surface. The surface conduction has the special property that the spin of the electrons is coupled to

the direction in which they move. A superconductor conducts electricity without resistance.

MESA+ researchers have now realized a sandwich nanostructure of a Bi2Te3 topological insulator in between two Nb superconductors

(see Figure 1). By combining measurements at large magnetic fields at the HFML in Nijmegen with electrical measurements at low

temperatures it could be shown that the surface of Bi2Te3 indeed behaves topologically. By measuring so called Josephson effects (see

Figure 2) they have shown that a supercurrent can flow from one superconductor to the other through a topological insulator surface

state over a distance of the order of 100 nm.

In 1937 the Italian physicist Ettore Majorana predicted the existence of fermionic particles that could be their own anti-particle.

Theory predicts that a superconducting topological insulator might host these particles. The realized nanostructures therefore now

form an important technological platform to investigate the presence and properties of these particles. Majorana fermions bear the

potential of reducing the problem of decoherence of quantum states and these particles could experimentally open up the new field

of topological quantum computation.

The Quantum Transport in Matter (QTM) group is

founded in 2011 by the appointment of its chair

prof. dr. ir. Alexander Brinkman. It is the aim of the

group to explore the electronic transport effects of

quantum phenomena in materials and electronic

devices. The research in the group builds on recent

nanotechnological and thin film technological

developments within MESA+ and with advanced

electronic transport experiments a quantum

mechanical dimension is given to the research.

[HigHligHtS]

Figure 1: Top: Atomic force micoscopy image of the smooth

surface of the topological insulator bismuth-telluride (Bi2Te3).

Bottom: Electron microscopy image of the superconductor

– topological insulator nano sandwich. The spacing between

the Nb superconducting electrodes on top of the Bi2Te3 flake

increases (from left to right: 50, 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300

nanometer).

Figure 2: The color-coded resistance is measured as function

of current (horizontal axis) and microwave irradiation power

(vertical axis). This 'Bessel-peacock' image results from the ac

Josephson effect.

(63)

[HigHligHtS]

Measurement of the temperature of a substrate surface

In many new processes, employed in integrated circuit manufacturing and solar cell production, a condition is created where

temperature equilibrium is disturbed on purpose. Examples include plasma processing, laser treatments and rapid thermal

anneals. It is often difficult to determine the temperature at the surface of the substrate under treatment; while the surface

temperature is a critical parameter for the result of this treatment.

A kind of temperature dosimeter was developed by postdoc Erik Faber to solve this problem. The dosimeter has a resistance that

will change permanently and in a predictable manner when it is heated up. A resistive structure is made on top of the substrate,

that consists of two films, typically silicon and a transition metal. Upon heating, a diffusion-limited chemical reaction takes place

leading to the thinning of the original films and the formation of a new alloy. The resistance change is a direct measure of the

amount of diffusion that has taken place.

The effect of resistance change is strongly enhanced by forming structures with a submicrometer gap (as shown in figure 1). The

gap closes upon high-temperature annealing by the same process as described above. Figure 2 exemplifies how the resistance

evolves over time in this gap-type resistive structure.

The approach has been patented in 2010 and led to several journal and conference publications. This research was sponsored by

the Dutch Technology Foundation STW.

Prof. dr. Jurriaan Schmitz"Microchips are great, but we want

them better still. In the EE-group

Semiconductor Components we study

new materials and new device concepts

for integrated circuits."

Semiconductor Components

The research program of Semiconductor Components (SC) deals with silicon-

based technology and integrated-circuit devices. Scope of the group is “More

than Moore” microtechnology. Our aim is to contribute to this emerging field

by developing low-temperature processing techniques, adding functionality

to completed CMOS microchips, and developing novel devices. The research

comprises thin film deposition; the integration of new components (such as silicon

LED’s and elementary particle detectors) into CMOS; and advanced device physics

and modelling. The group has strong ties with Philips, NXP Semiconductors, ASM

International, and the CTIT-group IC-design. The Dutch Technology Foundation

STW and the Ministry of Economic Affairs are the main funding sources.

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] E. Faber, R.A.M. Wolters, J. Schmitz, On the kinetics of platinum silicide formation, Applied Physics Letters 98(8) (2011) 082102.

[2] E. Faber, R.A.M. Wolters, J. Schmitz, Novel test structures for dedicated temperature budget determination, IEEE Transactions on Semiconductor Manufacturing, in

press (2012).

Figure 2: Typical resistance evolution over time during

annealing at 350 °C. The higher two curves show experiments

where the layer thicknesses in the bilayer were incorrectly

chosen for the effect to occur. The bottom curves show distinct

changes in resistance, each representing the closure of one of

the gaps. The resistance change observed in this experiment

is permanent, allowing for measurements after the high-

temperature step in a dedicated probe station.

Figure 1: Top view of a metal pattern on a thin layer of silicon.

The resistance from bottom to top will decrease when the gaps

close during a high-temperature treatment.

(64)

[HigHligHtS]

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] H.C. Aran, S. Pacheco Benito, M.W.J. Luiten-Olieman, S. Er, M. Wessling, L. Lefferts, N.E. Benes, R.G.H. Lammertink, Carbon nanofibers

in catalytic membrane microreactors, Journal Of Membrane Science, 381(1-2) (2011) 244-250. doi:10.1016/j.memsci.2011.07.037. [2] H.C. Aran, D. Salamon, T. Rijnaarts, G.

Mul, M. Wessling, R.G.H. Lammertink, Porous Photocatalytic Membrane Microreactor (P2M2): A new reactor concept for photochemistry, Journal Of Photochemistry And

Photobiology A-Chemistry (2011) doi:10.1016/j.jphotochem.2011.09.022.

Prof. dr. ir. Rob G.H. Lammertink“Understanding and

optimizing processes at

the interface.”

Advanced microreactors for clean water

Microreactors have very large surface to volume ratios, enabling the development of more efficient processes. We develop advanced

microreactors with integrated membrane technology for multiphase processes (Gas-Liquid-Solid systems). These reactors were

utilized for catalytic reduction and photocatalytic oxidation reactions in water, which are of great importance for water treatment. In

collaboration with the PCS, CPM and IM groups, we fabricated, analyzed, and characterized hybrid microreactors. Porous stainless

steel hollow fibers were covered with carbon nanofibers with high surface area as catalyst support. Subsequently, a palladium catalyst

was deposited for catalytic hydrogenation of nitrite ions in water. These reactors showed superior reduction properties of nitrite ions,

even in the absence of palladium catalyst and hydrogen gas, thanks to the reductive properties of the reactor material itself.

For oxidative processes, the Porous Photocatalytic Membrane Microreactors (P2M2) concept benefits from a stable gas-liquid-solid

interface by the use of a porous membrane and a reduced light path for multiphase photocatalytic reactions. This reactor has tailored

surface properties with a hydrophobic porous membrane support and a hydrophilic photocatalytic microchannel. We applied these

reactors for photocatalytic degradation processes. Additional membrane-assisted oxygen supply increased the reactor performance

drastically, even at dilute concentration of oxygen.

The Soft matter, Fluidics and Interfaces (SFI) group is addressing

interfacial phenomena that are relevant for transport processes.

Careful interfacial design and fabrication will allow manipulating

(multiphase) flow on a (sub)micrometer level. Fabrication of

well-defined structures is a crucial aspect, in order to study the

fundamentals of interfacial phenomena. The connection between

microfluidics and interfaces is evident as interfacial phenomena start

to dominate at small length scales. A fundamental understanding

at the microscopic length scale is required to understand and

manipulate transport phenomena.

Soft matter, Fluidics and interfaces

Figure 1: Porous stainless steel hollow fiber decorated with

carbon nanofibers (CNFs) and deposited palladium catalyst.

Figure 2: P2M2 (porous photocatalytic membrane

microreactors) during operation under UV-Light.

(65)

[HigHligHtS]

Science, Technology and Policy Studies

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] H. te Kulve, A. Rip, Constructing Productive Engagement: Pre-engagement Tools for Emerging Technologies, Sci Eng Ethics (2011)

17:699-714. [2] M. Ruivenkamp, Circulating Images of Nanotechnology (21 April 2011). [3] H. te Kulve, Anticipatory Interventions in the Co-evolution of Nanotechnology

and Society (21 April 2011). [4] C. Shelley-Egan, Ethics in Practice: Responding to an Evolving Problematic Situation of Nanotechnology in Society (13 May 2011).

The department Science, Technology and Policy Studies (ST PS) investigates the dynamics

and governance of science, technology and innovation from an interdisciplinary social science

perspective. Our research covers ongoing dynamics, historical developments and future-oriented

studies. Studying such dynamics is a goal in itself, but also an important prerequisite for policy

recommendations and exploring strategic implications for innovation actors. In the area of

nanotechnologies, studies (funded by NanoNed, NanoNextNL, European Union) have focused on

Constructive Technology Assessment in various domains as lab on a chip, deep brain implants,

food packaging, and drug delivery. We also study organizational and institutional issues like

collaboration in science, practices of responsible innovation, promises and concerns, and sectoral

implications. In 2011, three PhD theses on issues of nanotechnology and society were completed

under supervision of Arie Rip. A number of new PhD and postdoc projects have started, supervised

by Kornelia Konrad and Stefan Kuhlmann.

Prof. dr. arie rip“Bridge the gap between innovation

and ELSA (Ethical, Legal and Social

Aspects).That’s our aim, so we focus

on what happens in and around the

nano-world, rather than on public

responses to nanotechnology.

And we work towards improving

the anticipation on embedding of

nanotechnology in society."

nano in food packaging: current dynamics and future scenarios

The extent to which, and how, nanotechnologies are taken up in an application domain, here food and food packaging, depends on

the specific conditions within the industry (including customers and end consumers) and the more or less successful coordination

of activities of relevant actors within the sector. Anticipation, particularly with the help of scenarios, is important for a critical

assessment of the potential and impacts of nanotechnologies, and for supporting stakeholders in developing appropriate strategies.

Such scenarios will also include presently less visible actors which may become important in the near future. The article argues

that engagement of business and other actors in such anticipatory activities is important, and that this needs proper preparation

and timing to be effective. Scenarios are used in strategy-articulation workshops. To draw up such scenarios requires analysis of

ongoing societal and technological developments, drawing on an understanding of general patterns in innovation processes so as

to map dynamics and do “controlled speculation” about possible futures.

The current situation in the food packaging sector is one of cautious uptake of nanotechnology because of concerns over possible

concerns of consumers. Also, business actors are waiting for others to make the first move. Attempts to break through this “waiting

game” will have different repercussions. The scenarios trace possible outcomes of such attempts. One possibility is a shift away

of research from long-term advanced packaging solutions to more short-term applications, eventually resulting in a decrease

of interest in nano for food packaging. A second scenario shows how proactive regulation may support trust, but also create a

competitive advantage for big firms compared to smaller companies. In a third scenario researchers and industrialists create

nano-platforms, which expand into a broader forum linking also critical NGOs and pharmaceutical companies, thus creating trust

and momentum for further developments.

Actors involved in food packaging – schematic presentation and

interacting at a scenario workshop.

Figure 1: (left) Planar Pt electrodes after the alternating pulse

process . Visible destruction of electrodes due to reaction in

the bubbles is in good correspondence with the current density.

(right) AFM image of the destructed area on the electrode.

Significant displacement of the material is visible.

Figure 2. Schematic explanation of the process. (left) Voltage

pulses of alternating polarity produce bubbles containing

mixture of both gases. (middle) If the pulses are short, the

bubbles will be small enough to explode. Optical images of

gold electrodes before and after the process are presented.

(right) The graph shows the current in the system (red) and the

vibrometer signal (blue). The signal peaks correlating with the

current demonstrate periodic decrease in gas amount in the

liquid due to the reaction.

Prof. dr. ir. Gijs Krijnen “The fabrication of complex 3D

micro- and nano-objects is going to

be a main challenge for the near

future. A combination of photo-

lithography based technologies with

self-assembly is one potential solution

to this challenge.”

Combustion of oxygen-hydrogen mixture in nanobubbles

How small can the combustion chamber of an engine be? It is largely believed that it cannot be very small, and has to be larger

than, say, 100 micrometers, or so. This is because the heat needed to sustain a fast chemical reaction escapes via the chamber walls

more efficiently for small chambers, and temperatures required for combustion cannot be reached. Our research showed that this

truth is not universal and combustion can proceed in chambers as small as 100 nanometers or even less. Using electrolysis of water

we produced small bubbles containing a mixture of oxygen and hydrogen. This is possible when short voltage pulses of alternating

polarity are applied to the electrodes, producing each gas periodically in the same location. The faster the polarity switches, the smaller

formed bubbles are. We discovered that for a switching time smaller than 25 microseconds the reaction in the bubbles is ignited

spontaneously. This switching time results in the formation of bubbles smaller than 150 nanometer in diameter, which subsequently

explode.

A sudden disappearance of visible gas production was observed for switching frequencies higher than 20 kHz, while for single

polarity pulses the visible gas was produced in accordance with expectations. The disappearance of gas was accompanied by a

considerable destruction of platinum electrodes, as shown in Figure 1 (left). Atomic force microscope image shows that this is due

to material displacement (Figure 1, right). The destruction was weaker for a tough material such as tungsten and stronger for a soft

material such as gold. Interferometric measurements showed that the gas concentration in liquid is reduced periodically in correlation

with the voltage pulses (Figure 2, right). With the help of an external probe positioned nearby the electrodes the thermal effect of the

reaction was measured. The precise mechanism of the reaction in the nanobubbles is not clear yet, but it is likely that fast microseconds

dynamics and high Laplace pressure in nanobubbles are involved.

transducer Science and technology

At Transducer Science and Technology (TST) we specialize in 3D

nano- and micro fabrication, combining top down lithography

based methods with directed- and self-assembly. We invent new

fabrication techniques and acquire fundamental understanding on

the underlying physics. We demonstrate the techniques on various

devices and develop the science of working principles and design,

with the aim to ultimately transfer this knowledge to industry. We

work on three generations of fabrication technologies -MEMS,

nanotechnology and self-assembly- thus covering the range

between fundamental research and application.

(66)

[HigHligHtS]

HIGHLIGHTED PUBLICATIONS: [1] V.B. Svetovoy, R.G.P. Sanders, T.S.J. Lammerink, M.C. Elwenspoek, Combustion of hydrogen-oxygen mixture in electrochemically

generated nanobubbles, Physical Review E 84 (2011) 035302(R). [2] L.A. Woldering, L. Abelmann, M.C. Elwenspoek, Predicted photonic band gaps in diamond-lattice

crystals built from silicon truncated tetrahedrons, J. Appl. Phys. 110 (2011) 043107; http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.3624604. [3] W.W. Koelmans, A. Sebastian, L. Abelmann, M.

Despont, H. Pozidis, Force modulation for enhanced nanoscale electrical sensing, Nanotechnology 22 (25) (2011) 1-9.

Mesa+ annual rePort 2011

PHD tHeses

Abdulla, S.M.C. (2011, April 06). Integration of Micro-cantilevers with Photonic Structures

for Mechano-optical Wavelength Selective Devices. University of Twente (170 pag.). Prom./

coprom.: Dr.ir. G.J.M. Krijnen.

Andreski, A. (2011, September 15). Superconducting Circuits with Pi-shift Elements. University

of Twente (344 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. J.W.M. Hilgenkamp.

Andricciola, P. (2011, December 21). Interpretation of MOS transistor mismatch signature

through statistical device simulations. University of Twente (149 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.

dr. J. Schmitz & H.P. Tuinhout.

Al-Hadidi, A.M.M. (2011, February 25). Limitations, improvements, alternatives for the silt

density index. University of Twente (196 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. W.G.J. van der Meer

& Dr.ir. A.J.B. Kemperman.

Aran, H.C. (2011, November 04). Porous ceramic and metallic microreactors - tuning interfaces

for multiphase processes. University of Twente (126 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. R.G.H.

Lammertink & Prof.dr.-ing. M. Wessling.

Bakker, G.J. (2011, July 08). LFA-1 dynamics on the membrane of leukocytes: a single dye

tracing study. University of Twente (148 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Dr. M.F. Garcia Parajo & Prof.

dr. N.F. van Hulst.

Beer, S.J.A. de (2011, May 27). Probing the properties of confined liquids. University of Twente

(187 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. F. Mugele & Dr. H.T.M. van den Ende.

Bettahalli Narasimha, M.S. (2011, February 04). Membrane supported scaffold architectures

for tissue engineering. University of Twente (180 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.-ing. M.

Wessling & Dr. D. Stamatialis.

Bliznyuk, O. (2011, July 07). Directional wetting on patterned surfaces. University of Twente

(129 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. B. Poelsema.

Bollmann, T.R.J. (2011, September 23). Escape from Flatland: strain and quantum size effect

driven growth of metallic nanostructures. University of Twente (108 pag.). Prom./coprom.:

Prof.dr.ir. B. Poelsema & J.W.M. Frenken.

Boogaard, A. (2011, January 12). Plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition of silicon

dioxide : optimizing dielectric films through plasma characterization. University of Twente

(186 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. R.A.M. Wolters & A.Y. Kovalgin.

Boogaard, A.J.R. van den (2011, December 13). Ion-enhanced growth in planar and structured

Mo/Si multilayers. University of Twente (104 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. F. Bijkerk.

Bos, J.A. van der (2011, January 14). Air Entrapment and Drop Formation in Piezo Inkjet Printing.

University Twente (119 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. D. Lohse & Dr. M. Versluis.

Boschker, J.A. (2011, February 04). Perovskite oxide heteroepitaxy; strain and interface

engineering. University of Twente (142 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ing. D.H.A. Blank & Prof.

dr.ing. A.J.H.M. Rijnders.

Bruijn, S. (2011, April 27). Diffusion phenoma in chemically stabilized multilayer structures.

University of Twente (114 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. F. Bijkerk.

Chen, J. (2011, July 01). Characterization of EUV induced contamination on multilayer optics.

University of Twente (119 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. F. Bijkerk.

Chen, S. (2011, October 13). Silicon Nanowire Field-effect Chemical Sensor. University of

Twente (126 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. A. van den Berg & E.T. Carlen.

Dagamseh, A.M.K. (2011, December 21). Bio-inspired Hair Flow Sensor Arrays: From Nature

to MEMS. University of Twente (173 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Dr.ir. G.J.M. Krijnen & Dr.ir. R.J.

Wiegerink.

Dalwani, M.R. (2011, November 11). Thin film composite nanofiltration membranes for extreme

conditions. University of Twente (160 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.-ing. M. Wessling & Dr.ir.

N.E. Benes.

Domanski, M. (2011, September 02). Nanofabrication methods for improved bone implants.

University of Twente (174 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. J.G.E. Gardeniers & Dr. R. Luttge.

Dutczak, S.M. (2011, November 11). Solvent resistant nanofiltration membranes. University of

Twente (141 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.-ing. M. Wessling & Dr. D. Stamatialis.

Duvigneau, J. (2011, February 11). Scanning Thermal Lithography for Nanopatterning of

Polymers. Transient Heat Transport and Thermal Chemical Functionalization Across the

Length Scales. University of Twente (183 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. G.J. Vancso.

MESA+ Scientific Publications 2011

(70)

[SCiEntiFiC PubliCAtionS]

Embrechts, A. (2011, May 19). Single Molecule Force Spectroscopy of self complementary

hydrogen-bonded supramolecular systems: dimers, polymers and solvent effects. University

of Twente (166 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. G.J. Vancso & Dr. H. Schönherr.

Engelen, J.B.C. (2011, January 14). Optimization of Comb-Drive Actuators [Nanopositioners for

probe-based data storage and musical MEMS]. University of Twente (124 pag.). Prom./coprom.:

Prof.dr. M.C. Elwenspoek & Dr.ir. L. Abelmann.

Eral, H.B. (2011, March 04). Colloidal suspensions under external control. University of Twente

(214 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. F. Mugele & Dr. M.H.G. Duits.

Everts, F. (2011, January 28). Characterization of nanometre-scale patterns on Cu(001) and

Ag(001) by means of optical spectroscopy and high-resolution electron diffraction. University

of Twente (103 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. B. Poelsema.

Gang, T. (2011, October 28). Assemly and Magneto-Electrical Characterization of Hybrid

Organic-Inorganic Systems. University of Twente (142 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. W.G.

van der Wiel & Prof.dr.ing. D.H.A. Blank.

Geskus, D. (2011, November 16). Channel waveguide lasers and amplifiers in single-

crystalline ytterbium-doped potassium double tungstates. University of Twente (155 pag.).

Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. M. Pollnau & Dr. K. Wörhoff.

George, A. (2011, December 15). Sub-50 nm Scale to Micrometer Scale Soft Lithographic

Patterning of Functional Materials. University of Twente (86 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Dr.ir. J.E. ten

Elshof & Prof.dr.ing. D.H.A. Blank.

Gomez Casado, A. (2011, July 15). Strength and dynamics of multivalent complexes at surfaces.

University of Twente (157 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. J. Huskens & Dr. P. Jonkheijm.

Groenland, A.W. (2011, July 08). Nanolink-based thermal devices: integration of ALD TiN thin

films. University of Twente (157 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. R.A.M. Wolters & A.Y. Kovalgin.

Gu, H. (2011, March 18). Controlling two-phase flow in microfluidic systems using

electrowetting. University of Twente (128 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. F. Mugele & Dr. M.H.G.

Duits.

Hildenbrand, N. (2011, June 10). Improving the electrolyte-cathode assembly for mt-SOFC.

University of Twente (157 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ing. D.H.A. Blank & Dr. B.A. Boukamp.

Hoeve, W. van (2011, March 23). Fluid dynamics at a pinch: droplet and bubble formation in

microfluidic devices. University of Twente (128 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. D. Lohse.

Hosseiny, S.S. (2011, July 15). Vanadium / air redox flow battery. University of Twente (163

pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.-ing. M. Wessling.

Izadi, N. (2011, January 07). Bio-inspired MEMS Aquatic Flow Sensor Arrays. University of

Twente (246 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Dr.ir. G.J.M. Krijnen.

Jani, J.M. (2011, December 02). Multiphase membrane contactors and reactors. University of

Twente (152 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. R.G.H. Lammertink & Prof.dr.-ing. M. Wessling.

Jose, S. (2011, December 13). Reflector stack optimization for Bulk Acoustic Wave resonators.

University of Twente (129 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. J. Schmitz & Dr.ir. R.J.E. Hueting.

Karminskaya, T. (2011, February 16). Theory of Josephson effect in junctions with complex

ferromagnetic/normal metal weak link region. University of Twente (119 pag.). Prom./coprom.:

Prof. H. Rogalla & Dr. A. Golubov.

Koelmans, W.W. (2011, June 17). Parallel Probe Readout. University of Twente (134 pag.). Prom./

coprom.: Prof.dr. M.C. Elwenspoek & Dr.ir. L. Abelmann.

Kopec, K.K. (2011, January 28). Charged porous membrane structures for separation of bio molecules.

University of Twente (155 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.-ing. M. Wessling & Dr. D. Stamatialis.

Kottumakulal Jaganatharaja, R. (2011, June 29). Cricket Inspired Flow-Sensor Arrays.

University of Twente (187 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Dr.ir. G.J.M. Krijnen.

Kulve te, H. (2011, April 21). Anticipatory interventions and the co-evolution of nanotechnology

and society. University of Twente (263 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. A. Rip.

Lamprecht, T. (2011, June 23). Embedded Micro-Mirrors for Compact Routing of Multimode

Polymer Waveguides. University of Twente (137 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. M. Pollnau.

Lee, J.S. (2011, May 20). Biodegradable polymersomes for drug delivery. University of Twente

(166 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. J. Feijen.

Lu, Jiwu (2011, June 22). Solar Cells on CMOS Chips as Energy Harvesters. University of Twente

(117 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. J. Schmitz & Dr. A.Y. Kovalgin.

Mampallil Augustine, D. (2011, September 22). Microfluidic flow driven by electric fields.

University of Twente (175 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. F. Mugele & Dr. H.T.M. van den Ende.

Manukyan, G. (2011, September 16). Electrical manipulation of liquids at interfaces. University

of Twente (109 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. F. Mugele & Prof.dr.ir. R.G.H. Lammertink.

(71)


Martinez Mercado, J. (2011, July 15). Clustering and Lagrangian Statistics of Bubbles. University

of Twente (120 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. D. Lohse.

Masood, M.N. (2011, November 24). Surface modification of silicon nanowire field-effect devices

with Si-C and Si-N bonded Monolayers. University of Twente (134 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.

dr.ir. A. van den Berg & E.T. Carlen.

Mikkenie, R. (2011, November 17). Materials Development for Commercial Multilayer Ceramic

Capacitors. University of Twente (200 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ing. A.J.H.M. Rijnders & Dr.ir.

J.E. ten Elshof.

Odijk, M. (2011, March 04). Miniaturized electrochemical cells for applications in drug screening

and protein cleavage. University of Twente (181 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. A. van den Berg

& Dr.ir. W. Olthuis.

Pacheco Benito, S. (2011, October 26). Carbon Nanofiber layers on Metal and Carbon Substrates.

University of Twente (134 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. L. Lefferts.

Ploeg, S.H.W. van der (2011, May 11). Characterization of Multi Qubit Systems. University of

Twente (106 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof. H. Rogalla & Dr. A. Golubov.

Putten, E.G. van (2011, October 28). Disorder-Enhanced Imaging with Spatially Controlled Light.

University of Twente (112 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. A. Lagendijk & Dr. A.P. Mosk.

Roy, D. (2011, September 28). Characterization of electrical contacts for phase change memory

cells. University of Twente (131 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. R.A.M. Wolters.

Ruggi, A. (2011, June 10). Tuning brightness and oxygen sensitivity of Ru(II) and Ir(III) lumino phores.

University of Twente (177 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. D.N. Reinhoudt & Dr. A.H. Velders.

Ruivenkamp, M. (2011, April 21). Circulating Images of Nanotechnology. University of Twente

(249 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. A. Rip.

Segerink, L.I. (2011, November 04). Fertility chip, a point-of-care semen analyser. University of

Twente (156 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. A. van den Berg & Dr.ir. A.J. Sprenkels.

Shelley Egan, C. (2011, May 13). Ethics in practice: responding to an evolving problematic

situation of nanotechnology in society. University of Twente (168 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.

A. Rip & Dr. M. Kirejczyk.

Spasenovic, M. (2011, June 30). Surface plasmon polaritons and light at interfaces: propagating

and evanescent waves. University of Twente (130 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof dr. L. Kuipers &

Prof.dr. T.D. Visser.

Stawski, T.M. (2011, December 15). Understanding Microstructural Properties of Perovskite

Ceramics through Their Wet-Chemical Synthesis. University of Twente (152 pag.). Prom./

coprom.: Dr.ir. J.E. ten Elshof & Prof.dr.ing. D.H.A. Blank.

Steen, J-L.P.J. van der (2011, April 01). Geometrical scaling effects on carrier transport in

ultrthin-body MOSFETs. University of Twente (169 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. J. Schmitz, L.

Selmi & Dr.ir. R.J.E. Hueting.

Veen, P.J. de (2011, September 30). Interface Engineering for Organic Electronics; Manufacturing

of Hybrid Inorganic-Organic Molecular Crystal Devices. University of Twente (197 pag.). Prom./

coprom.: Prof.dr.ing. A.J.H.M. Rijnders & Prof.dr.ing. D.H.A. Blank.

Vereshchagina, E. (2011, December 09). Low-Power Silicon-based Thermal Sensors and

Actuators for Chemical Applications. University of Twente (135 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.

J.G.E. Gardeniers.

Yang, C. (2011, June 24). Photocatalytic CO2 Activation by Water. University of Twente (126 pag.).

Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. G. Mul.

Yilmaz, M.D. (2011, June 09). Orthogonal supramolecular interaction motifs for functional

monolayer architectures. University of Twente (171 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. J. Huskens.

Zhong, Z.C. (2011, October 12). Instability, the driving force for new physical phenomena.

University of Twente (111 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. P.J. Kelly.

Zhou, W. (2011, February 02). Proton-conducting solid acid electrolytes based upon

MH(PO3H). University of Twente (132 pag.). Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr.ir. A. Nijmeijer & Dr. H.J.M.

Bouwmeester.

Zijlstra, A.G. (2011, September 02). Acoustic Surface Cavitation. University of Twente (139 pag.).

Prom./coprom.: Prof.dr. D. Lohse.

acaDeMic Journal reFereeD (ranKeD bY iMPact Factor › 6)

G. Catalan, A. Lubk, A.H.G. Vlooswijk, E. Snoeck, C. Magen, A. Janssens, G. Rispens, G. Rijnders,

D.H.A. Blank and B. Noheda, Flexoelectric rotation of polarization in ferroelectric thin films,

Nature Materials 10 (12), 963-967 (2011).

B. Gjonaj, J. Aulbach, P.M. Johnson, A.P. Mosk, L. Kuipers and A. Lagendijk, Active spatial control

of plasmonic fields, Nature Photonics 5 (6), 360-363 (2011).

(72)


(73)

[SCiEntiFiC PubliCAtionS]A. Perl, A. Gomez-Casado, D. Thompson, H.H. Dam, P. Jonkheijm, D.N. Reinhoudt and J. Huskens,

Gradient driven motion of multivalent ligand molecules along a surface functionalized with

multiple receptors, Nature Chemistry 3 (4), 317-322 (2011).

Ariando, X. Wang, G. Baskaran, Z.Q. Liu, J. Huijben, J.B. Yi, A. Annadi, A.R. Barman, A. Rusydi,

S. Dhar, Y.P. Feng, J. Ding, H. Hilgenkamp and T. Venkatesan, Electronic phase separation at the

LaAlO3/SrTiO3 interface, Nature Communications 2 (2011).

R. de la Rica, R.M. Fratila, A. Szarpak, J. Huskens and A.H. Velders, Multivalent Nanoparticle

Networks as Ultrasensitive Sensors, Angew Chem Int Edit 50 (25), 5703-5706 (2011).

M. Bokdam, P.A. Khomyakov, G. Brocks, Z.C. Zhong and P.J. Kelly, Electrostatic doping of

graphene through ultrathin hexagonal boron nitride films, Nano Lett 11 (11), 4631-4635

(2011).

S.Y. Chen, J.G. Bomer, E.T. Carlen and A. van den Berg, Al2O3/Silicon NanoISFET with Near Ideal

Nernstian Response, Nano Lett 11 (6), 2334-2341 (2011).

Y.Z. Chen, N. Pryds, J.E. Kleibeuker, G. Koster, J.R. Sun, E. Stamate, B.G. Shen, G. Rijnders

and S. Linderoth, Metallic and Insulating Interfaces of Amorphous SrTiO3-Based Oxide

Heterostructures, Nano Lett 11 (9), 3774-3778 (2011).

B.L.M. Hendriksen, F. Martin, Y.B. Qi, C. Mauldin, N. Vukmirovic, J.F. Ren, H. Wormeester,

A.J. Katan, V. Altoe, S. Aloni, J.M.J. Frechet, L.W. Wang and M. Salmeron, Electrical Transport

Properties of Oligothiophene-Based Molecular Films Studied by Current Sensing Atomic Force

Microscopy, Nano Lett 11 (10), 4107-4112 (2011).

G. Hlawacek, F.S. Khokhar, R. van Gastel, B. Poelsema and C. Teichert, Smooth Growth of

Organic Semiconductor Films on Graphene for High-Efficiency Electronics, Nano Lett 11 (2),

333-337 (2011).

M.A.G. Zevenbergen, P.S. Singh, E.D. Goluch, B.L. Wolfrum and S.G. Lemay, Stochastic sensing

of single molecules in a nanofluidic electrochemical device, Nano Lett 11 (7), 2881-2886 (2011).

H.J. Chang, S.V. Kalinin, A.N. Morozovska, M. Huijben, Y.H. Chu, P. Yu, R. Ramesh, E.A. Eliseev,

G.S. Svechnikov, S.J. Pennycook and A.Y. Borisevich, Atomically Resolved Mapping of

Polarization and Electric Fields Across Ferroelectric/Oxide Interfaces by Z-contrast Imaging,

Adv Mater 23 (21), 2474 (2011).

R. Truckenmuller, S. Giselbrecht, N. Rivron, E. Gottwald, V. Saile, A. van den Berg, M. Wessling

and C. van Blitterswijk, Thermoforming of film-based biomedical microdevices, Adv Mater 23

(11), 1311-1329 (2011).

W.P. Voorthuijzen, M.D. Yilmaz, W.J.M. Naber, J. Huskens and W.G. van der Wiel, Local doping of

silicon using nanoimprint lithography and molecular monolayers, Adv Mater 23 (11), 1346-1350

(2011).

H.C. Aran, D. Salamon, T. Rijnaarts, G. Mul, M. Wessling and R.G.H. Lammertink, Porous

Photocatalytic Membrane Microreactor (P2M2): A new reactor concept for photochemistry,

Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology a-Chemistry 225 (1), 36-41 (2011).

E. Louis, A.E. Yakshin, T. Tsarfati and F. Bijkerk, Nanometer interface and materials control for

multilayer EUV-optical applications, Progress in Surface Science 86 (11-12), 255-294 (2011).

T.W.H. Oates, H. Wormeester and H. Arwin, Characterization of plasmonic effects in thin films

and metamaterials using spectroscopic ellipsometry, Progress in Surface Science 86 (11-12),

328-376 (2011).

A.W. Maijenburg, E.J.B. Rodijk, M.G. Maas, M. Enculescu, D.H.A. Blank and J.E. ten Elshof,

Hydrogen Generation from Photocatalytic Silver|Zinc Oxide Nanowires: Towards Multifunctional

Multisegmented Nanowire Devices, Small 7 (19), 2709-2713 (2011).

I. J. Minten, K.D.M. Wilke, L.J.A. Hendriks, J.C.M. van Hest, R.J.M. Nolte and J. Cornelissen, Metal-

ion-induced formation and stabilization of protein cages based on the cowpea chlorotic mottle

virus, Small 7 (7), 911-919 (2011).

S. Ramachandra, Z.D. Popovic, K.C. Schuermann, F. Cucinotta, G. Calzaferri and L. De Cola,

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer in Quantum Dot–Dye-Loaded Zeolite L Nanoassemblies,

Small 7 (10), 1488-1494 (2011).

X.F. Sui, Q. Chen, M.A. Hempenius and G.J. Vancso, Probing the Collapse Dynamics of Poly(N-

isopropylacrylamide) Brushes by AFM: Effects of Co-nonsolvency and Grafting Densities, Small

7 (10), 1440-1447 (2011).

C.C. Wu, D.N. Reinhoudt, C. Otto, V. Subramaniam and A.H. Velders, Strategies for Patterning

Biomolecules with Dip-Pen Nanolithography, Small 7 (8), 989-1002 (2011).

A. Ruggi, F.W.B. van Leeuwen and A.H. Velders, Interaction of dioxygen with the electronic

excited state of Ir(III) and Ru(II) complexes: principles and biomedical applications, Coordination

Chemistry Reviews 255 (21-22), 2542-2554 (2011).

M.A. Kostiainen, P. Ceci, M. Fornara, P. Hiekkataipale, O. Kasyutich, R. J. M. Nolte, J. Cornelissen,

R.D. Desautels and J. van Lierop, Hierarchical self-assembly and optical disassembly for

controlled switching of magnetoferritin nanoparticle magnetism, Acs Nano 5 (8), 6394-6402

(2011).

(74)

[SCiEntiFiC PubliCAtionS]J.D.B. Bradley and M. Pollnau, Erbium-doped integrated waveguide amplifiers and lasers,

Laser & Photonics Reviews 5 (3), 368-403 (2011).

R. Osellame, H. Hoekstra, G. Cerullo and M. Pollnau, Femtosecond laser microstructuring: an

enabling tool for optofluidic lab-on-chips, Laser & Photonics Reviews 5 (3), 442-463 (2011).

M. Brasch, A. de la Escosura, Y.J. Ma, C. Uetrecht, A.J.R. Heck, T. Torres and J. Cornelissen,

Encapsulation of phthalocyanine supramolecular stacks into virus-like particles, J Am Chem

Soc 133 (18), 6878-6881 (2011).

R. de la Rica and A.H. Velders, Biomimetic Crystallization of Ag2S Nanoclusters in Nanopore

Assemblies, J Am Chem Soc 133 (9), 2875-2877 (2011).

A. Gomez-Casado, H.H. Dam, M.D. Yilmaz, D. Florea, P. Jonkheijm and J. Huskens, Probing

Multivalent Interactions in a Synthetic Host–Guest Complex by Dynamic Force Spectroscopy,

J Am Chem Soc 133 (28), 10849-10857 (2011).

P.S. Singh, H.S.M. Chan, S. Kang and S.G. Lemay, Stochastic Amperometric Fluctuations as a

Probe for Dynamic Adsorption in Nanofluidic Electrochemical Systems, J Am Chem Soc 133

(45), 18289-18295 (2011).

E.M. Benetti, C. Acikgoz, X.F. Sui, B. Vratzov, M.A. Hempenius, J. Huskens and G.J. Vancso,

Nanostructured Polymer Brushes by UV-Assisted Imprint Lithography and Surface-Initiated

Polymerization for Biological Functions, Adv Funct Mater 21 (11), 2088-2095 (2011).

H.L. Castricum, G.G. Paradis, M.C. Mittelmeijer-Hazeleger, R. Kreiter, J.F. Vente and J.E. ten

Elshof, Tailoring the Separation Behavior of Hybrid Organosilica Membranes by Adjusting the

Structure of the Organic Bridging Group, Adv Funct Mater 21 (12), 2319-2329 (2011).

P. Lukanov, V.K. Anuganti, Y. Krupskaya, A.M. Galibert, B. Soula, C. Tilmaciu, A.H. Velders,

R. Klingeler, B. Buchner and E. Flahaut, CCVD synthesis of carbon-encapsulated cobalt

nanoparticles for biomedical applications, Adv Funct Mater 21 (18), 3583-3588 (2011).

D. Janczewski, N. Tomczak, M.Y. Han and G.J. Vancso, Synthesis of functionalized amphiphilic

polymers for coating quantum dots, Nature Protocols 6 (10), 1546-1553 (2011).

Y. Asano, A.A. Golubov, Y.V. Fominov and Y. Tanaka, Unconventional surface impedance of a

normal-metal film covering a spin-triplet superconductor due to odd-frequency cooper pairs,

Phys Rev Lett 107 (8) (2011).

J. Aulbach, B. Gjonaj, P.M. Johnson, A.P. Mosk and A. Lagendijk, Control of Light Transmission

through Opaque Scattering Media in Space and Time, Phys Rev Lett 106 (10) (2011).

T.R.J. Bollmann, R. van Gastel, H.J.W. Zandvliet and B. Poelsema, Anomalous Decay of

Electronically Stabilized Lead Mesas on Ni(111), Phys Rev Lett 107 (13) (2011).

T.R.J. Bollmann, R. van Gastel, H.J.W. Zandvliet and B. Poelsema, Quantum Size Effect Driven

Structure Modifications of Bi Films on Ni(111), Phys Rev Lett 107 (17) (2011).

H. Ebert, S. Mankovsky, D. Kodderitzsch and P.J. Kelly, Ab Initio Calculation of the Gilbert

Damping Parameter via the Linear Response Formalism, Phys Rev Lett 107 (6) (2011).

M.R. Fitzsimmons, N.W. Hengartner, S. Singh, M. Zhernenkov, F.Y. Bruno, J. Santamaria,

A. Brinkman, M. Huijben, H.J.A. Molegraaf, J. de la Venta and I.K. Schuller, Upper Limit to

Magnetism in LaAlO3/SrTiO3 Heterostructures, Phys Rev Lett 107 (21) (2011).

E.T. Garbacik, J.P. Korterik, C. Otto, S. Mukamel, J.L. Herek and H.L. Offerhaus, Background-

Free Nonlinear Microspectroscopy with Vibrational Molecular Interferometry, Phys Rev Lett

107 (25) (2011).

M.D. Leistikow, A.P. Mosk, E. Yeganegi, S.R. Huisman, A. Lagendijk and W.L. Vos, Inhibited

Spontaneous Emission of Quantum Dots Observed in a 3D Photonic Band Gap, Phys Rev Lett

107 (19) (2011).

Z.Q. Liu, D.P. Leusink, X. Wang, W.M.Lu, K. Gopinadhan, A. Annadi, Y.L. Zhao, X.H. Huang, S.W.

Zeng, Z. Huang, A. Srivastava, S. Dhar, T. Venkatesan and Ariando, Metal-Insulator Transition

in SrTiO3-x Thin Film Induced by Frozen-out Carriers, Phys Rev Lett 107 (14) (2011).

G. Manukyan, J.M. Oh, D. van den Ende, R.G.H. Lammertink and F. Mugele, Electrical Switching

of Wetting States on Superhydrophobic Surfaces: A Route Towards Reversible Cassie-to-

Wenzel Transitions, Phys Rev Lett 106 (1) (2011).

A.G. Marin, H. Gelderblom, D. Lohse and J.H. Snoeijer, Order-to-Disorder Transition in Ring-

Shaped Colloidal Stains, Phys Rev Lett 107 (8) (2011).

J.R.T. Seddon, E.S. Kooij, B. Poelsema, H.J.W. Zandvliet and D. Lohse, Surface Bubble Nucleation

Stability, Phys Rev Lett 106 (5) (2011).

J.R.T. Seddon, H.J.W. Zandvliet and D. Lohse, Knudsen Gas Provides Nanobubble Stability,

Phys Rev Lett 107 (11) (2011).

D.P.M. van Gils, S.G. Huisman, G.W. Bruggert, C. Sun and D. Lohse, Torque Scaling in Turbulent

Taylor-Couette Flow with Co- and Counterrotating Cylinders, Phys Rev Lett 106 (2) (2011).

E.G. van Putten, D. Akbulut, J. Bertolotti, W.L. Vos, A. Lagendijk and A.P. Mosk, Scattering Lens

Resolves sub-100 nm Structures with Visible Light, Phys Rev Lett 106 (19) (2011).

(75)

[SCiEntiFiC PubliCAtionS]R. de la Rica and A.H. Velders, Supramolecular Au Nanoparticle Assemblies as Optical Probes

for Enzyme-Linked Immunoassays, Small 7 (1), 66-69 (2011).

A.W. Maijenburg, E.J.B. Rodijk, M.G. Maas, M. Enculescu, D.H.A. Blank and J.E. ten

Elshof, Hydrogen Generation from Photocatalytic Silver|Zinc Oxide Nanowires: Towards

Multifunctional Multisegmented Nanowire Devices, Small 7 (19), 2709-2713 (2011).

I.J. Minten, K.D.M. Wilke, L.J.A. Hendriks, J.C.M. van Hest, R.J.M. Nolte and J. Cornelissen, Metal-

ion-induced formation and stabilization of protein cages based on the cowpea chlorotic mottle

virus, Small 7 (7), 911-919 (2011).

S. Ramachandra, Z.D. Popovic, K.C. Schuermann, F. Cucinotta, G. Calzaferri and L. De Cola,

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer in Quantum Dot–Dye-Loaded Zeolite L Nanoassemblies,

Small 7 (10), 1488-1494 (2011).

X.F. Sui, Q. Chen, M.A. Hempenius and G.J. Vancso, Probing the Collapse Dynamics of Poly(N

-isopropylacrylamide) Brushes by AFM: Effects of Co-nonsolvency and Grafting Densities,

Small 7 (10), 1440-1447 (2011).

C.C. Wu, D.N. Reinhoudt, C. Otto, V. Subramaniam and A.H. Velders, Strategies for Patterning

Biomolecules with Dip-Pen Nanolithography, Small 7 (8), 989-1002 (2011).

R. Arayanarakool, L.L. Shui, A. van den Berg and J.C.T. Eijkel, A new method of UV-patternable

hydrophobization of micro- and nanofluidic networks, Lab on a Chip 11 (24), 4260-4266 (2011).

W. Browne, J.M. Gordillo, J. Hussong, M. Kreutzer, D. Lohse, F. Mugele, P. Onck, N. Schorr and A.

van den Berg, Contributors to the Netherlands issue, Lab on a Chip 11 (12), 1993-1994 (2011).

E. Castro-Hernandez, W. van Hoeve, D. Lohse and J.M. Gordillo, Microbubble generation in a

co-flow device operated in a new regime, Lab on a Chip 11 (12), 2023-2029 (2011).

C. Dongre, J. van Weerd, G.A.J. Besselink, R.M. Vazquez, R. Osellame, G. Cerullo, R. van

Weeghel, H.H. van den Vlekkert, H. Hoekstra and M. Pollnau, Modulation-frequency encoded

multi-color fluorescent DNA analysis in an optofluidic chip, Lab on a Chip 11 (4), 679-683 (2011).

H. Hardelauf, J. Sisnaiske, A.A. Taghipour-Anvari, P. Jacob, E. Drabiniok, U. Marggraf, J.P.

Frimat, J.G. Hengstler, A. Neyer, C. van Thriel and J. West, High fidelity neuronal networks

formed by plasma masking with a bilayer membrane: analysis of neurodegenerative and

neuroprotective processes, Lab on a Chip 11 (16), 2763-2771 (2011).

L.I. Segerink, A.J. Sprenkels, J.G. Bomer, I. Vermes and A. van den Berg, A new floating

electrode structure for generating homogeneous electrical fields in microfluidic channels,

Lab on a Chip 11 (12), 1995-2001 (2011).

Y.B. Xie, J.D. Sherwood, L.L. Shui, A. van den Berg and J.C.T. Eijkel, Strong enhancement of

streaming current power by application of two phase flow, Lab on a Chip 11 (23), 4006-4011

(2011).

F. Ay, I. Inurrategui, D. Geskus, S. Aravazhi and M. Pollnau, Integrated lasers in crystalline

double tungstates with focused-ion-beam nanostructured photonic cavities, Laser Physics

Letters 8 (6), 423-430 (2011).

VISIT OUR WEBSITE (WWW.UTWENTE.NL/MESAPLUS/PUBLICATIONS) FOR THE COMPLETE

PUBLICATION LIST.

Patents

L.I. Segerink, A.J. Sprenkels, M.J. Koster, A. van den Berg, “Compact 2D fluorescence

detection system for on-chip analysis”, 61/483,900.

K. van der Maaden, J.A. Bouwstra, W. Jiskoot, N. Tas, “Method to coat an active agent to a

surface”, N2007382, 9 Sept. 2011.

S. Le Gac, V.C. Stimberg, A. van den Berg, “A method for preparing a microfluidic device

comprising a series of bilayer lipid membrane sections”, 2007354, 5 Sept. 2011.

Rottenberg, X., Jansen, H.V., Tilmans, H.A.C. & De Raedt, W.”Switchable capacitor”, EP1398811,

10 Aug. 2011.

Volker, A.W.F., Blokland, H., Velthuis, J.F.M. & Lotters, J.C., “Fluid flow meter using thermal

tracers”, EP2100105, 12 Jan. 2011.

Dutczak, S.M., Cuperus, D.F. & Stamatialis, D. “Crosslinked polyimide membrane”, EP 11171318.6.

MESA+ AnnuAl REpoRt 2011

ANNUALREPORT 2011

Mesa+ Governing board Dr. G.J. Jongerden - Managing Director Exergy

Prof. dr. ir. A.J. Mouthaan - Dean Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Science

Ir. J.J.M. Mulderink - Consultant Sustainable Technology

Dr. A.J. Nijman - Director Research Strategy & Business Development Philips NatLab

Prof. dr. J.A. Put - Director Performance Materials DSM Research

Dr. J. Schmitz - Vice President, Manager Process Technology Lab NXP Semiconductors

Prof. dr. G. van der Steenhoven - Dean Faculty Science & Technology

Mesa+ scientific advisory board Dr. J.G. Bednorz - IBM Zurich Research Laboratory, Switzerland

Prof. H. Fujita - University of Tokyo, Japan

Prof. M. Möller - Rheinisch-Westfäische Technische Hochschule Aachen (RWTH), Germany

Prof. C.N.R. Rao - Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research, India

Dr. H. Rohrer - IBM Zürich Research Laboratory, Switzerland

Prof. F. Stoddart - University of California, USA

Prof. E. Thomas - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA

Prof. E. Vittoz - Swiss Center for Electronics and Microtechnology (CSEM), Switzerland

Prof. G. Whitesides - Harvard University, USA

Mesa+ Management Prof. dr. ing. D.H.A. Blank - Scientific Director

Ir. M. Luizink - Technical Commercial Director

Contact details MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology

University of Twente, P.O. Bo 217, 7500 AE Enschede, the Netherlands

+ 31 53 489 2715, [email protected], www.utwente.nl/mesaplus

MESA+ Governance Structure[About MESA+]

colophon Editing: MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, Miriam Luizink, Annerie van Steijn-Heesink I Design: WeCre8 Creatieve Communicatie, Enschede,

the Netherlands I Photography: Eric Brinkhorst, Martin Bosker (Slightly Tilted) I Printed by: DeltaHage, The Hague, the Netherlands.

(76)

mesa+ annual report 2011

Documents

inorganic materials

mtp materials science

physics of complex fluids

physics of g

pin physics of interfaces

pof physics of fluids

mst membrane science

lpno laser physics