Micro-Nanotechnology Centre

STFC Technology's Micro-Nanotechnology Centre provides micro- and nano-fabrication technology. In addition to traditional Integrated Circuits, this technology is used to create a number of miniature devices for a range of novel applications.

For example, a Field Emission Electric propulsion system is under development for space satellites. This system uses microfabricated field emitter arrays based on gated silicon nanotips. This charge neutralising sub-system is used in conjunction with ionising devices to create a propulsion system for the European Space Agency's LISA pathfinder mission.

Other applications of the technology include collaborations with the medical profession to develop microfabricated structures, or scaffolds, which can be used to simulate complex structures found with the body. Working with teams from the Universities of Nottingham and Leeds, STFC is creating a minute scaffolding on which liver cells will be grown.

STFC also holds a world record for the smallest advert, a fun application of very advanced technology.