Moving on the Nanoscale

Researchers at Bio Nano Consulting (BNC), have produced a miniaturised version of the London tube map, measuring 2 x 3 mm, which is approximately the size of a pinhead. The map was etched using specialised lasers by Dr Richard Winkle, a BNC researcher at Imperial College London, whilst testing the capabilities of an Oxford Lasers micromachining system.

Dr Mike Fisher, the company’s Business Development Director, commented, “Producing such intricate detail on such a small scale reflects … expertise … which is transferable to a number of nanoscale projects across industry such as the manufacture of microfluidic systems.” He continued, “This version of the London [tube] is not strictly on the nanoscale, so we are taking on this challenge. Using our state-of-the-art micro and nanofabrication equipment, we believe we can shrink the tube map another 100 times, making it invisible to the naked eye.”

The London tube map was on display on the BNC exhibition stand at the Nano 4 Life Conference on 11 February 2009. Run by BNC on behalf of the Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network, the one-day conference explored critical areas where nanotechnology offers opportunities to advance health care provision from speakers from GSK, AstraZeneca and GE Healthcare.

BNC is a joint venture of Imperial College London and University College London, funded through the UK’s Technology Strategy Board with additional support from the London Development Agency. With its partner organisation, the National Physical Laboratory, it offers services in microsystems and nanotechnology, inlcuding, design, 3-D modelling and visualisation, rapid prototyping, and characterisation.

Tags: Nanotechnology and Microtechnology