mesa magazine no 2

Nano solution for mega-problem Greek wisdom Enterprising scientist Method in madness

From coffee stain to filled nano-football It all happens at the interface

volume 2 number 1 2013

magazine

April 2013 - volume 2 - number 1

MESA+ Magazine is published by MESA+, Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, PO Box 217, 7500 AE Enschede, The Netherlands

Editors: Miriam Luizink, David Redeker, Annerie Heesink , Myrthe Swaak Photography: Eric Brinkhorst Graphic design and realisation: WeCre8 creative communication, Enschede

MESA+ Magazine is published twice annually.

Circulation: 1.000 copies More information is obtainable from Annerie Heesink, tel.: +31 53 - 489 3803.

No part of this publication may be reproduced in whatever form without the prior written permission of the publisher and other copyright owners.

This publication has been compiled with the greatest of care. Nevertheless, the publisher is not liable for any inaccuracies in this publication or for the unforeseen ­consequences of any errors.

Coverphoto: Gregor Hlawacek Helium Ion Microscopy image (secondary electron detector) of “Winestone” or Potassium Bitartrate extracted by the PIN group members from a bottle of “Zweigelt, Rösler, Blauer Burgunder” (2006) F. Eitler, Austria.

preface I MESA+ MAGAZINE 03

MESA+ is the Dutch institute for nano­ technology. MESA+ combines research, education, facilities and spin-offs. This magazine offers readers a collection from MESA+. From a Greek student who thought “that’s the place for me” to an

Content Nano solution for mega-problem...................................................................................... 4 Greek wisdom............................................................................................................................... 6 Enterprising scientist.............................................................................................................. 8 Method in madness...................................................................................................................10 Commercialisation....................................................................................................................12 From coffee stain to filled nano-football....................................................................14 It all happens at the interface.............................................................................................16 50x MESA+ spin-offs...............................................................................................................18

enterprising researcher who now sells his satellite technology to aircraft constructors so that we have fast Internet access during flight. Enjoy!

One big ‘nano-kitchen’........................................................................................................... 20 New acquisition: layer maker............................................................................................22

Ir. Miriam Luizink, technical commercial director

MESA+ schedule 2013........................................................................................................... 23

Prof. dr. ing. Dave H.A. Blank, scientific director

04

MESA+ MAGAZINE I RESEARCH

Nano solution for mega-problem MESA+ offers five

Mark Huijben, programme director of the multidisciplinary

in electric cars. In the future they must become two to

multidisciplinary

research programme NanoMaterials for Energy: “It’s

three times more efficient by nanotechnology so that they

strategic research

frequently a matter of the price we have to pay for energy.

can travel just as far by one battery charge as a car that

programmes.

For instance, you can make highly effective solar panels,

runs on petrol.

Several research

but if they are very expensive then there is little point. At

groups are

MESA+ we are trying to develop new materials that will

Nano improves batteries

investigating

contribute to a sustainable future with affordable energy.”

As the programme director, Huijben is the figurehead of the NanoMaterials for Energy programme. He is often

the frontiers of nanomaterials

Nano minimises loss

out on the road finding out whether joint ventures with

and energy

MESA+ research consequently also delves into energy

other parties are feasible. He recently had a meeting with

research in the

loss. Or even better: ensures that the loss remains as low

a major battery research institute in Münster, Germany,

NanoMaterials

as possible. Huijben: “Half of all the electricity we generate

and a discussion with the Mayor of Enschede on a regional

for Energy

is lost. Look for instance at the heat expelled from a car’s

collaboration.

programme.

exhaust. You could convert that heat into electricity by using new nanomaterials. The French and German car

Nano combines

industries are very interested in that.” The industry would

Huijben maintains close contact with 18 of the 34 research

also like to find a solution for the mediocre batteries used

groups within MESA+. Some fifty doctoral candidates

RESEARCH I MESA+ MAGAZINE 05

Name: Mark Huijben (1978) POSITION: Programme Director

NanoMaterials for Energy and lecturer in the Inorganic Materials Science group PREVIOUSLY: Huijben obtained his

master’s degree in technical physics

­

from the University of Twente.

During his study he did his practical training at Stanford University (U.S.). He obtained his doctorate in 2006 - also from the University of Twente - on research into new properties of the interface between oxydic materials by means of

NanoMaterials for Energy The Strategic Research Orientation ‘NanoMaterials for Energy’ combines energy research on nanomaterials. This research focuses for instance on: solar cells, fuel cells, piezo-electronics and thermoelectronics. More information can be obtained via: http://www.utwente.nl/mesaplus/nme/

atomic controlled fabrication. After receiving his doctorate he became a

Strategic Research Orientations

postgraduate at UC Berkeley (U.S.).

To stimulate collaboration between the various disciplines MESA+ works on

Since 2009 he has been a lecturer

the basis of a unique structure of Strategic Research Orientations (SROs) in

and programme director at the

which some 35 researchers in allied fields of study work together on a single

University of Twente

new theme. This method of working leads to ground-breaking interdisciplinary

MESA+... “Knowledge of the minute

research, it reinforces the cohesion between ongoing research, and it simplifies

ensures major applications”

broaching completely new fields of research. MESA+ offers five multidisciplinary strategic research programmes: 1. Applied NanoPhotonics 2. NanoMaterials for Energy 3. Enabling Technologies 4. Nanotechnology for Innovative Medicine 5. Risk Analysis and Technology Assessment

and postgraduates are working on solar cells, fuel cells,

Huijben: “Fusion still has to prove its worth. It’s much too

piezoelectric systems and other subjects in the field of

early for that. Wind energy can play a role, but the sun’s

nanomaterials and energy. Once a month the researchers

potential is many times greater. But let me stress: it’s not

present their results to one another. Huijben: “We are

something that will happen of its own accord. We really

looking to see where internal collaboration is possible

need to invest in research and development over the next

so that we can set up new projects. If, for instance, you

few years, otherwise energy will become prohibitive within

combine research in the field of photocatalysis with

the space of ten years.”

nanoelectronics you can make nano devices for solar fuels.”

Nano is crucial Nano is not something that happens of its own accord

And nano will have to help solve that mega energy

The sun again? Huijben: “Yes, that’s where the future lies.

problem? Huijben: “Nano is crucial in that respect. Thanks

It doesn’t necessarily have to be by means of solar panels.

to nano research we now understand, for example, the

You can also think in terms of solar fuels; in principle

fundamental workings of a solar cell and therefore

that’s also a form of solar energy, only it will be directly

also today’s limitations so that we can develop crucial

chemically stored and not stored in the form of electricity

improvements. You must know how something works on

like in batteries.” And wind energy? Or nuclear fusion?

the smallest scale to realise the biggest changes.”

06

MESA+ MAGAZINE I master nanotechnology

NAME: Pantelis Bampoulis (1987) POSITION: Studying for his master’s degree in Nanotechnology.

Working on his master’s thesis in the Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials group under the supervision of Harold Zandvliet. He is studying metal deposition on semiconductors and attempts to make nanothreads, etc.

PREVIOUSLY: He obtained his bachelor’s degree in Material Sciences from the University of Patras in Greece MESA+... “was the place I wanted to go to even when I was doing my bachelor’s research in Greece”

“Everything must be done with the greatest precision.

That’s why we use advanced equipment and the best materials.”

master nanotechnology I MESA+ MAGAZINE 07

People generally think that MESA+ only has to do with research, facilities and spin-offs. But the institute also offers courses for postgraduates, PhD students and undergraduates. Greek Pantelis Bampoulis is such an undergraduate. He is following the MSc programme in Nanotechnology. “I already knew of MESA+ when I was engaged in my bachelor programme research in Greece.”

Greek wisdom

hot and a small amount of iridium evaporates. We then allow it to precipitate onto a small piece of semiconductor. This allows us to make nanothreads. By changing the conditions and varying the materials we are able to make either short or longer threads. It may sound simple, but I can assure you it’s quite complicated. Everything must be done as accurately as possible and that’s why we use advanced equipment and the best materials. The study itself is a component of the Physics of Interfaces and Nanomaterials group. My daily supervisor is Tijs Mocking; the professor is Harold Zandvliet.”

Why did you come to the Netherlands?

“Ten years ago I started to chat with a Dutch boy on an Internet

What’s the atmosphere like in the group?

forum. At first we mainly chatted about football, but later on our

“There is a good atmosphere. No, I’m not exaggerating. For instance,

discussions turned to politics and our own countries. Ultimately we

a short while ago I was in the coffee area. That’s where we often go

became friends and he came to Greece with his parents. To help me

during breaks. And here in the lab my computer has been transformed

familiarise myself with my follow-up study the Dutch boy visited

into Ork out of The Lord of the Rings. The computer opposite is a

three universities of technology for me. Ultimately I chose for the

Hobbit, and you can find other characters out of the series in other

University of Twente. That was because during my bachelor’s study

labs. Tijs is my daily supervisor. And Harold regularly comes down

in Greece I kept coming across the name MESA+. They had published

from his office on the first floor to our lab on the ground floor. He is

the papers I was studying.”

always ready to give us useful suggestions and helps us enormously.”

So you were already reading scientific articles during your bachelor’s

Do you still have time to do other things in addition to your study?

study?

“Well, initially I had little time over. I was usually engrossed in my

“Yes, the bachelor phase is quite extensive in Greece. During my final

books. But now that I’m in the lab every day I have some free time in

research I made light-emitting materials. I used quantum dots and

the evenings. Two evenings a week I take Dutch lessons: three hours

read articles written by MESA+ experts. That’s how I already knew

each evening. And I try to do fitness exercises on two other evenings.

about the institute.”

My friends are a mix of different nationalities and my girlfriend is from Germany. At the weekends we occasionally go somewhere

Can you tell us something about your study?

in Germany or to a Dutch town. Of course, I do miss my family and

“I obtained my bachelors in material sciences in Greece from the

friends in Greece. But you can’t have everything.”

University of Patras. In August 2011 I started on my Nanotechnology master’s degree programme at Twente. I passed in all my first-year

MESA+, for education too

subjects in one go and am now doing my masters research. If every­

MESA+ provides a major part of the nanotechnology lessons at

thing goes well I should have completed it in May 2013. I will then do

the University of Twente. That starts as early as the bachelor’s

three months of practical training and I hope to graduate at the end

programmes, through the master’s programmes, up to and including

of August.”

the graduate school for PhD students and postgraduates. The institute offers the Nanotechnology MSc programme for master’s degree

What’s the subject matter of your research?

students. MESA+ also participates in many other MSc programmes.

“I am growing thin layers of metal on semiconductor surfaces. The

The MESA+ Graduate School for Nanotechnology unites above 350

metal we are using, for instance, is iridium. We send a substantial

postgraduates and doctoral candidates and is accredited by KNAW,

electric current through a thread of pure iridium. The thread becomes

the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences.

08

MESA+ MAGAZINE I spin-off

MESA+ stands for research, education, excellent facilities and entrepreneurship. Occasionally all of them unite in a single person. Chris Roeloffzen for instance: scientist, lecturer and entrepreneur.

Enterprising scientist

SATRAX: Internet for all aircraft passengers SATRAX (SAtellite TRAcking “plus the X simply because it looks good”) is a company that develops a revolutionary

Engineering and technology

type of antenna: an antenna that allows

“I have always had a particular interest in engineering and technology. But I don’t want to be

aircraft to be equipped with a fast

engaged in the theoretical side alone; I also want to make things that really work, things that

Internet connection via the satellite.

are useful. The combination of inventing, building, testing and doing something with the result

Today, aircraft generally have a sort

is to my mind very appealing.”

of satellite dish inside a plastic dome.

That dome implies that the aircraft

Teamwork

consumes two to three per cent

“I established SATRAX in 2009; a company that manufactures a revolutionary type of satellite

more kerosene. These dishes have a

antenna. I soon realised that I couldn’t be good in all aspects of the business and after three

capacity for only about ten telephone

months I brought in co-founder Paul van Dijk. He is the general manager and I’m the technical

calls simultaneously. The SATRAX

director. Early in 2013 we took on our first employee. We have our chips manufactured by

antennas are flat and can be installed

LioniX, another spin-off. You can’t do everything yourself. You have to do what you’re good at.”

inside the skin of the plane. That saves fuel. Moreover, the antennas utilise the

The university

full capacity and a hundred telephone

“I am in full employment at the University of Twente. The university stands firmly behind

calls are possible. Or a hundred HD

my company but I still have to clearly separate the two. The research part belongs to the

television channels. Or a combination

university; the products belong to the company. The measuring equipment you see in this lab

of TV, Internet and telephone.

costs hundreds of thousands. As a new company there’s no way I could have paid for it. The

SATRAX has meanwhile made two

university gets the publications and also ensures that the knowledge is utilised.”

demonstration models of their system which have been tested and certified.

The market

The first orders are expected within the

“Our invention is now ready for the market. We have gathered the complete supply chain around

next few years. Aircraft builders are

us. You’re not a success if you only have an idea or a prototype. You have to have a working,

their first target group, but the system

tested and validated demonstration model. We are now ready to upgrade to mass production.

can also prove useful for space travel,

Several international companies have already expressed their interest. For Internet in

shipping, the car industry, the armed

aircraft, for instance, and there’s also interest in a new generation of mobile telephone masts.

forces and astronomy.

Complaints are already being made about reception on today’s 3G band. We’ll soon have 4G, and our invention is suitable for that too. We shall continue to grow in 2013.”

n http://www.satrax.nl

spin-off I MESA+ MAGAZINE 09

Name: Chris Roeloffzen (1973) POSITION: University lecturer in the Telecommunication Engineering Group, run

by Frank Leferink, and technical director of SATRAX, a company that manufactures a revolutionary type of antenna to enable fast access to the Internet and make telephone calls from inside aircraft PREVIOUSLY: He studied engineering physics in Twente and obtained his doctorate - also from Twente - on research into optical chips.

Roeloffzen conducted part of his doctoral research at IBM in Zurich. He has been a university lecturer since 2002. In 2009 he founded SATRAX MESA+... “We have a unique infrastructure here at Twente. Thanks to MESA+ I am able to produce high performance optical chips”

“The combination of inventing, building, testing and doing something with the result is to my mind very appealing.”

The secret behind the SATRAX antenna The SATRAX antenna does not work like a standard satellite

behind SATRAX is that it transforms radio waves into light.

dish. It consists of a series of small antennae. Scientists refer

And recently we have been able to manipulate light on a chip.

to that as an array, i.e. a series. If you know how to link up

For instance, SATRAX is now able to ensure that certain light

that series of antennae properly then you have the equivalent

waves are passed through a small ring twice so that they come

of a large antenna. The crux of the matter here is in the word

out the other side at the same time as other light waves. The

‘properly’. Array antennae are on the market but they have

chip is programmed in such a way that it constantly calculates

difficulty with equalising the incoming satellite waves. For the

which light waves have to make an extra cycle through the ring.

experts: conventional arrays shift the phases of the individual

SATRAX has these chips manufactured by LioniX, a MESA+

signals while SATRAX corrects the path length. The technique

spin-off specialised in the manufacture of optical chips.

10

MESA+ MAGAZINE I RESEARCH

Simon Huisman hopes to obtain his doctorate in September 2013.

That is six months faster than the usual four years. “You can only excel in something if the people around you give their support and encouragement.”

Method in madness Why did you start to study physics?

years of my research that I can now use them to obtain my

‘“Because I want to know what makes the world go round.

doctorate. After consulting my supervisors we decided

I want to understand all the facts. For a long time I was

that I could focus on the new research line. Luckily MESA+

in two minds whether to study theoretical physics or

also offers the facilities I need to set up that research.”

technical physics. As you can see, my ultimate choice was for technical physics. The real, new physics develops

You’re doing research in two different groups. Is that

from observations made in the lab. Theory is of course

practical?

also important, you get nowhere without analysis and

“The benefits far outweigh the disadvantages. For

interpretation, but the seed is planted in the lab.

instance: I now have twice as much equipment and expertise at my disposal. And it’s always beneficial to

What is your research focused on?

find that not all groups work in the same way. Obviously

“I’m trying to manipulate light. For example, I try to

in theory this implies more meetings and other

capture light or make it travel slower. During my MSc

‘administrative burdens and social obligations’. But I’m

research I studied light in orderly structures. My PhD

quite self-willed and choose where to go myself.”

research focuses on orderly structures with a bit of chaos now and again. Now I’m working with disorderly systems.”

In 2012 you won the poster prize at Physics@FOM, the largest physics conference held in the Netherlands.

But disorder is the absolute nightmare for any

This year you are presenting a poster with your younger

researcher isn’t it?

brother. Tell me about it.

“There is some degree of irregularity or disorder in any

When we started to set up the new research line we

system, however perfect it may appear to be. So it’s

searched for motivated students to work with. My

much better if you understand what disorder does. But

brother had just started with the Complex Photonics

yes, studying disorder is complicated and risky. But it’s

Systems group. Naturally we gave it good thought

that that makes it so interesting. I am balancing on the

beforehand and consulted with our supervisors. It was a

borderline of what we can do and what we know.”

privilege to work together with my brother. We know each other through and through. Communication between the

All good and well, but you still have to obtain your

two of us went smoothly. The results were better than we

doctorate and to do that you need results?

expected. It was a real case of - what I think is a dreadful

“I was lucky to have had so many good results in the first

word: synergy.”

RESEARCH I MESA+ MAGAZINE 11

NamE: Simon Huisman (1986) POSITION: PhD student with the Complex Photonics Systems group, headed by Willem Vos, and the Optical Sciences group, headed

by Jennifer Herek. Huisman is engaged in quantum optics. He manipulates light with structures on the wavelength scale PREVIOUSLY: Huisman obtained his BSc (cum laude) from Twente in 2007 and his MSc in 2010 in technical physics. He conducted his graduation research at the FOM institute AMOLF and the University of Calgary in Canada. He was a guest of CERN for three months in the summer of 2008 HOBBY: Huisman is an enthusiastic ballroom dancer. He takes part in competitions and practices the sport every day MESA+... “makes my research possible. I feel privileged to be able to make intensive use of the equipment and expertise of MESA+”

“The real, new physics develops from observations made in the lab.”

12

MESA+ MAGAZINE I high tech factory

Commercialisation What is the High Tech Factory?

What does the High Tech Factory offer?

The High Tech Factory is a production facility situated on

- An attractive location on the Kennispark and University of

the University of Twente campus and offers companies first-­ class space such as laboratories and cleanrooms.

Director Miriam Luizink: “It is not a building for starters;

Twente campus.

- Different companies engaged in micro and nanotechnology close together.

not a temporary address. It is a shared production facility.

- 13 first-rate cleanrooms of 30m2 to 40m2.

In principle any business can use it. In other words, they

- 20 well-equipped laboratories ranging from 20m2 to 105m2.

not need to be a MESA+ spin-off. Companies can have their

- 46 offices varying from 17m2 to 32m2.

offices elsewhere and still make use of one of the High Tech

- A collective canteen, meeting facilities, etc.

Factory cleanrooms

- Security, mail room, Internet, etc.

Why is such a production facility necessary?

What is the High Tech Fund?

If a small business has developed a concept into a prototype

As a company engaged in nano or microtechnology you’ve

they are faced with the next step: commercialisation. To

not finished with a cleanroom only. You also need equipment.

really get a foot in the market you have to be able to produce

And the equipment needed is also costly. Banks and private

in series, including testing, assembly and packaging. Nano­

investors are often hesitant to finance such equipment because

tech companies can make their products for the commercial

they don’t have enough knowledge to be able to assess an

market in the High Tech Factory. The cleanrooms needed

investment of this kind. MESA+ and the network surrounding

for this cost millions. Companies can lease a cleanroom

the institute do have that knowledge. That’s why the High Tech

in the High Tech Factory and therefore need not build one

Factory set up an equipment fund named the High Tech Fund,

themselves. This means that businesses are able to focus

financed by the Overijssel Provincial Authority, the Ministry of

on their product and not have to worry about the basic

Economic Affairs and the Twente Regional Authority. The fund

infrastructure.

invests in costly equipment at a company’s request which can then be used on a lease basis.

high tech factory I MESA+ MAGAZINE 13

High Tech Factory: Production facilities for small products with a big impact

Relevant companies Demcon, IMS, Medimate, Medspray, Micronit, Ostendum R&D, SmartTip, SolMateS, Twente Solid State Technology, UNeedle, UT International Ventures, Nanophysics, Deltamask.

opening The new offices, high tech labs and cleanrooms of the High Tech Factory will be officially opened on 16 May, 2013. Want to join us?

More information and the opportunity to put your name down can be found on www.hightechfactory.com For more information Monique Snippers, project manager High Tech Factory, tel. 053 489 2323, m.a.b.snippers@hightechfactory.com, www.hightechfactory.com

14

MESA+ MAGAZINE I research

The interview with PhD student Hanneke Gelderblom takes place in the group’s coffee corner. Usually not the best place for an interview. However, it’s a befitting place to talk about her research as it so happens that Gelderblom is studying how fluids such as coffee and wine dry up. Moreover, she is also able to check whether the printer (unfortunately for this article not an inkjet printer that produces droplets but a laser printer) is printing her draft thesis properly. She hopes to obtain her doctorate from Detlef Lohse, head of the physics of fluids group.

From coffee stain to

filled nano-football Why did you come to Twente?

started purely out of curiosity. But industry apparently

“I was studying biomedical technology at Eindhoven and

has a problem with evaporating fluids and the circles they

had finished my final assignment on the hydrodynamics

subsequently leave behind.”

of blood flow through blood vessels. For my PhD research I was searching for something in the physics of fluids,

What is the goal of your research?

preferable a combination of theory and experiment.

“First and foremost to satisfy our curiosity, explain why

Lohse’s group is one of the best in this field. World wide.”

things happen in nature the way they do. Having said that, we also want to be able to design things ourselves. For

And, were you successful, finding a combination of theory

instance, you can fill a droplet of fluid with microscopic

and experiment?

polystyrene balls. That’s the plastic used to make plastic

“Yes, although I must say that I haven’t conducted many

beakers and chip boxes. If you then let the droplet

experiments myself. I’m better at making models, with

evaporate in a controlled fashion, then you automatically

pen and paper that is. But I have worked closely together

get a good stacked structure. A sort of ‘filled nano-football’.

with Álvaro Gomez Marin. He was a postgraduate in our

This self-assembly of orderly structures could possibly

group. He is an expert in the evaporation of fluids in a

mean something in terms of new fabrication techniques

controlled fashion. After carrying out an experiment he

for computer chips.

always asked me whether I could explain the results. That was the starting point for me to make calculations and

How do you look back on your doctoral research, and what

create a model that not only explained the results but also

will the future hold in store for you?

predicted what would happen if he made adjustments to

“Well, when I first started here four years ago I had to

certain conditions in his experiment.

acclimatise. Ours is a big group, almost sixty people. I really had to find my way around. After six months I had found my

Isn’t that a bit dull just sitting at your desk with paper in

feet and that’s when everything started to go smoothly. By

front of you and pen in hand?

the way, a large group also has an advantage. There’s always

“No, on the contrary. It’s always puzzles that you are trying

someone around to help you if there’s something you don’t

to solve. Besides, you work together on something, and

know. For instance, I have learnt a great deal from Leen van

my models give rise to new ideas for experiments. And

Wijngaarden. That’s an eighty year-old professor emeritus.

it always gives you a good feeling to understand what

He still comes here and is a sort of walking encyclopedia.

the world’s all about. Plus the fact that it proves to be

Right now I can’t say anything about the future. I’m working

useful. Take our coffee stain research for example. That

on something very exciting and it just isn’t finished yet.”

research I MESA+ MAGAZINE 15

“Statisfy our curiosity and explain why things happen in nature the way they do, that’s my goal!”

NAME: Hanneke Gelderblom (1985) POSITION: PhD student in Detlef Lohse’s Physics of Fluids group. Hopes to obtain her doctorate in April 2013 on research into how fluids evaporate PREVIOUSLY: Studied biomedical technology at Eindhoven from 2003 to 2009 with a final assignment on the hydrodynamics of blood flow through vessels MESA+...“offers me the facilities to carry out my research properly”

16

MESA+ MAGAZINE I onderzoek

The best Dutch nanotechnologists work at MESA+.

One of them is Jeroen Cornelissen. At his fortieth he belongs to the new batch of young professors at the institute. A chat about giving lectures, heading a department, and the cell as an overcrowded fish bowl.

It all happens at the interface Jeroen Cornelissen has just returned from giving a lecture

wooden stick is a conductor and this plastic stirrer too. You

on organic chemistry. He teaches first-year students

want to place two conductors on a chip as close together

the molecular and chemical basis of life. Cornelissen:

as possible. But the one may not influence the other. So

“Giving lectures costs physical energy, but it perks me up

you have to insulate them. You can do that with the help of

mentally. It’s fantastic if you see that during the series

organic materials. We used a trick to get air bubbles into

of lectures the whole group becomes enthusiastic and

glass and that gave us a good insulator. Later on we used

that they understand how it works. And then you have the

that same principle to make sensors from porous glass.

real fanatics who want to know more and ask intelligent

And as it happens, IBM is now focusing on sensors.

questions after the lecture; that really is terrific.”

The flattest possible group IBM uses organic chemistry

After his postgraduate period with IBM Cornelissen

Jeroen Cornelissen (1972) graduated from Nijmegen as a

was a lecturer at Nijmegen between 2002 and 2009.

chemist. After that he obtained his doctorate cum laude

Since 2009 he holds a professorship at MESA+. He runs

at Nijmegen in the field of organic chemistry and polymer

the Biomolecular Nanotechnology group. “I try to keep

chemistry. He then went to San José in California to do

the group structure as flat as possible. There are three

research into organic materials at IBM.

members of staff and some 15 trainee research assistants

What’s IBM’s link with organic chemistry? Cornelissen, still

and postgraduates. Each member of staff has his own field

in his ‘teaching mode’, picks up a wooden ice lolly stick and a

of interest, but we attempt to interweave our projects

plastic coffee stirrer and explains: “Look, imagine that this

with one another in a natural fashion.”

onderzoek I MESA+ MAGAZINE 17

Name: Jeroen Cornelissen (1972) POSITION: Professor of Biomolecular Nanotechnology PREVIOUSLY: Studied chemistry at Nijmegen and obtained his doctorate cum laude there in 2001. He was a postgraduate at IBM. He does a great deal by virtue of grants for individual researchers: Veni (2002), Vidi (2005), EURYI (2007) MESA+... “facilitates excellent research. Not only with the best equipment, but also with intellectual infrastructure”

Cornelissen does not believe in applying artificial structures.

But he does try to lay down the law on molecules.

Cornelissen, specialised in the surface of virus particles

cages can also serve to protect a medicine and ensure

and is working jointly on a project with staff member

that it’s delivered to the right place in the body.”

Nathalie Katsonis who knows a great deal about the structure of liquid crystals. In this joint project they

That sounds futuristic: protein cages. How does it

are attempting to keep Cornelissen’s virus particles in

work? Cornelissen: “We used to work a lot with viruses.

their place by means of a material with Katsonis’ spiral

Now the shell of a virus resembles a sort of miniature

staircase structure.

football. We recently discovered that bacteria also

Cornelissen: “We combine chemistry with biology and

make protein cages for their own use. The reason why is

physics and work closely together with Juriaan Huskens’

not yet clear but we think that it has to do with the fact

Molecular Nanofabrication group. We share laboratory

that a bacterial cell is not so empty and structured as

space and technicians. I am convinced that the majority

they say in most biology books. The cell is more like a

of scientific discoveries arise at the interface of

sort of overcrowded fish bowl where there is scarcely

disciplines.”

room to swim. Such a cage probably serves to allow certain reactions take place in a protected environment.

Nature inspires

Maybe because they are toxic for the environment or

As the leader of a research group Cornelissen does not

because the environment is toxic for the reaction. It’s

believe in applying artificial structures. But he does

also possible that the reaction has to take place very

try to lay down the law on molecules. Cornelissen: “We

precisely, that it takes place very slowly and may not

want to use biological principles to design materials

be disturbed. We are trying to understand the concepts

that assemble themselves. For instance we make

and apply them to make our own materials.”

protein cages, and thus form nanoreactors. These

18

MESA+ MAGAZINE I spin-off

This heading might look like a calculation but of course it isn’t. Recently MESA+ welcomed their fiftieth spin-off. eMALDI, a company that makes controlled evaporation of droplets possible. This, for instance, ensures fast and reliable blood tests.

50x MESA+ spin-offS The idea behind eMALDI actually surfaced from a ‘Friday afternoon experiment’. That’s what scientists call tests they do that are indirectly connected with their research. Such experiments are often conducted on a Friday afternoon.

Researchers of the Physics of Complex Fluids group wanted to have a droplet of liquid evaporate in a controlled fashion.

The fact of the matter is that droplets generally evaporate in an irregular fashion. Imagine for instance – it is after all Friday afternoon – a droplet of wine. No wine stain is the same. Wouldn’t it be great if we could make uniform stains, preferably with no ring, i.e. very compact, was the original idea of the researchers. They thought they could do just that by using voltage. And after many attempts using different amperages and surfaces these students at Twente ultimately did produce the ideal stain.

Analyst made superfluous

the blood droplet. ‘We must be able to improve that’, thought

It wasn’t long before these researchers from Twente

the researchers. The result was eMALDI, the electrically

found that controlled evaporation wasn’t just fun for a

improved version of MALDI. With eMALDI the droplet of

Friday afternoon with wine, but that there are also useful

blood dries neatly and a good, homogeneous pile of residue

applications on the horizon to be discovered. For instance,

precipitates in the centre. This allows the laser to analyse

hospitals use the MALDI technique to test blood. To do this

the complete stain in one go, making the test much more

they allow droplets of blood to evaporate and then use a laser

reliable. Moreover, the analysis can be automated because

to measure what’s in the residue. That MALDI technique did

the droplet always precipitates on the same place. In other

not actually work very well. This is because the drop of blood

words the analyst can use the joystick to play a game or

dries in an irregular fashion and leaves a ring behind. An

concentrate on more constructive work.

analyst then has to examine each stain and, using a joystick,

Burak Eral, co-founder of eMALDI: “Many doctors simply

focus the laser on the stain he thinks is representative of

shrug off the MALDI analysis. They prefer to carry out a

spin-off I MESA+ MAGAZINE 19

NAME: Burak Eral (1981) POSITION: Technical manager of the MESA+ spin-off eMALDI and postgraduate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT, in the United States). eMALDI is a spin-off from the Physics of Complex Fluids group headed by Frieder Mugele. eMALDI improves the MALDI analysis technique by means of controlled evaporation of a fluid by means of electricity. Eral studies gels and other substances that can be used to dissolve poorly soluble medicines at the MIT PREVIOUSLY: He obtained his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the Bogazici University, Istanbul (Turkey).

Completed his master’s programme at the University of California in Santa Barbara (U.S.) Then worked for one year at an analytical chemistry

“eMaildi ensures fast, reliable blood analyses.

This is of vital importance regarding certain treatments.”

company he had worked with on his master’s research. Obtained his doctorate at Twente on the development of microfluidic methods for manipulating soft condensed substances. Was a postgraduate at Twente and patented the technology that led to eMALDI MESA+...“Gave us the space, the time and the facilities to follow our curiosity and realise our dream”

three-day, old-fashioned, but reliable test rather than get

customers that the principle does work and that we can mass

an unreliable MALDI result within a couple of hours. But

produce it. And then? What does the future hold in store if

eMALDI does make fast blood analyses reliable. This means

the next five years go according to plan? Eral: “The market

that doctors win valuable time. For example: this is of vital

for chemical analysis apparatus is in the hands of a couple of

importance regarding blood tests connected with cancer

large companies. One of these analysis giants will probably

treatments.”

take us over in the future.”

And so what started as a Friday afternoon experiment

Curiosity leads to business

emerged as a business. Eral: “And that’s partly thanks

That sounds almost too good to be true. Where can we buy

to MESA+. They have given us enormous support. From

eMALDI? Eral: “We have made a prototype of the actual

technicians to management. They gave us the space, the

core of the technique. Next year we intend to improve the

time and the facilities to follow our curiosity and realise our

prototype. After that it’s a matter of showing potential

dream.”

20

MESA+ MAGAZINE I nanolab

Name: Gerard Roelofs (1959)

More than 1,000 square

POSITION: Head of MESA+ NanoLab

metres of cleanroom, 250

PREVIOUSLY: Roelofs studied chemistry at

pieces of equipment, 400

HTS Enschede. After that he worked more than

users from 34 research

a year for NatLab, Philips’ research laboratory.

groups and 50 companies.

He returned to Twente in 1985 where he

MESA+ NanoLab is one of

became head of the electrotechnology

the showpieces of Dutch

cleanroom. Since 2005 Roelofs has been the

nanotechnology. An interview

head of MESA+ NanoLab

with Gerard Roelofs, head of

MESA+... “makes it possible for scientists

MESA+ NanoLab. “Our motto

and businesses to share their knowledge

is: Creating opportunities.”

and expertise”

One big ‘nano-kitchen’ The door is closed for the interview; a card with ‘do

need and when they need it. Recently we started to

not disturb’ hangs on the door outside. Generally

allow researchers to draw up their own process plans,

speaking, Gerard Roelofs’ office door is kept wide

and we can assist them to do that.”

open. It is a constant coming and going of people from the world of science and industry. Roelofs: “Making a

MESA+ NanoLab attracts many companies. Doesn’t

device sometimes takes twenty to thirty steps that

that conflict with the more fundamental-oriented

have to be completed in one to two weeks. We have

researchers that also use the facilities?

the entire chip manufacturing process under one

Roelofs: “No, on the contrary. You see that researchers

roof here. We have an extensive array of apparatus

and companies discuss their processes and problems

comprising 250 pieces of equipment. I sometimes call

with each other. The NanoLab is en environment for

it a ‘big kitchen’. Our team ensures that all equipment

researchers and companies in which they share their

is in good working order and that it does what the

knowledge and expertise. What we do make sure

specifications promise. Nothing is more annoying

of is that there is no glut of people using the various

for a scientist or a company if step 7, for instance, is

equipment. No company wants entirely different

unsuccessful. There is no way back and you have start

things being done by others on what for them is critical

from scratch again.”

apparatus. We certainly take that into account. We always plan similar processes on the same equipment.

Thirty process steps in two weeks. That means you

And if a company wants to have a piece of equipment

have to get your planning right. How do you do that?

totally for its own use, then the company can get in

Do you have to reserve equipment?

touch with the High Tech Factory which is also located

Roelofs: “Yes, that’s done over the Internet. Companies

here on the campus. (Read more about the High Tech

often have planners and they know exactly what they

Factory on pages 12 and 13.)

nanolab I MESA+ MAGAZINE 21

‘Wij zorgen ervoor dat alle apparatuur werkt en doet wat de specificaties beloven.’ NanoLab MESA+ NanoLab offers a wide range of opportunities for researchers of companies and knowledge institutes in the Netherlands and from abroad: -1 ,250 m2 of equipped cleanrooms focusing on microsystems and nanotechnology.

- Fully equipped central analysis laboratory.

-S pecialised laboratories for chemical synthesis and analysis, material research and characterisation.

22

MESA+ MAGAZINE I nanolab

The MESA+ cleanroom houses more than 250 pieces of equipment. One of the newest devices is the Atomic Layer Deposition cluster tool or ALD. 10 Questions with 10 answers.

New acquisition: layer maker 1. Name? Atomic Layer Deposition cluster tool, generally known as ‘the new ALD’.

2. W hat can the device do? Attach thin layers to a chip surface precisely and quickly. It does this in such a way that the

6. Acquisition costs? One million euros inclusive of VAT, exclusive of maintenance fees and use.

7. Financiers? MESA+, NanoLabNL (a consortium of private companies, government and the scientific community).

device does not become clogged. In other words, channels

8. Dimensions? Width 3 m, length 5 m, height 2 m.

stay channels and nanothreads remain nanothreads. You can

9. Delivery date? 23 November 2012, ready for use on 1 February

also stack several layers on top of each another. The device is

2013. The device consists of five components which must be

intended for 100 mm wafers and builds up layers of 0.1 to 0.5

hermetically stacked. After assembly, the device creates a

nanometre per minute.

low vacuum and therefore all compartments must be carefully

3. W ho wants to do that? Companies and scientists. MESA+ has engaged someone with the specific purpose of becoming fully acquainted with the apparatus over a period of three months.

This will allow MESA+ to better instruct new users.

4. W hy do we want it? For example, you can make electricity-

assembled with great precision. The device must also be connected to vacuum pumps, electricity, cooling water and different sorts of gases.

10. Competitors? There are three or four similar devices at one of our NanoLabNL partners in Eindhoven but they are chiefly

conducting channels and have a liquid pulsate from one end

used for research into process conditions. Applications are our

to the other. Or you can make a device in a pill that retains the

focus at MESA+. Making a device consists of several steps that

medication until you give a signal from outside the body that the

often have to be carried out in quick succession. The new ALD

medicine can be released.

ensures that the NanoLab has all the frequently used process

5. Supplier? Picosun from Finland.

steps for making devices at the same location.

schedule I MESA+ MAGAZINE 23

MESA+ schedule 2013 Date

march

april

may

june

july

August

September

Name

Group

Promotor

12

MESA+ colloquium

21

MESA+ technical colloquium

15

Ana Pinheiro de Melo

IM

Arian Nijmeijer

22

Robert van der Meer

LPNO

Fred Bijkerk

22

Olga Kattan Readi

MST

Kitty Nijmeijer

28

Giri Sripathi

IM

Arian Nijmeijer

09

MESA+ colloquium

19

Hanneke Gelderblom

PoF

Detlef Lohse

19

Sebastian Gonzalez-Briones

MSM

Stefan Luding

18

MESA+ technical colloquium

25

Hakki Acar

OS

Kobus Kuipers

14

MESA+ colloquium

15

Remco Hartkamp

MSM

Stefan Luding

16

MESA+ technical colloquium

17

Xin Wan

IMS

Guus Rijnders

11

MESA+ colloquium

18

MESA+ technical colloquium

28

Arzu Çolak

PIN

Harold Zandvliet

12

Dieter ’t Mannetje

PCF

Frieder Mugele

12

Maarten van Megen

BIOS

Albert van den Berg

25

Emre Yüce

COPS

Willem Vos

25 - 28

COMS 2013

30

Melanie Brasch

BNT

Jeroen Cornelisse

30

Arpita De

BIOS

Albert van den Berg

16

MESA+ meeting 2013

19

MESA+ technical colloquium

20

Jochen Aulbach

COPS

Ad Lagendijk

26

Vivek Nagendra Prakash

PoF

Detlef Lohse

MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology I P.O. Box 217 I 7500 AE Enschede I the Netherlands I mesaplus@utwente.nl I www.utwente.nl/mesaplus