Application of synchrotron X-ray nano-probes for nanoscience and nanotechnology

Nanoscience research and innovation for the design and engineering of functional smart materials is critical for modern high technology products in a circular economy, and has an increasing weight in many sectors of the EU economy.

Nanoscience and nanotechnology are in their second decade of intensive development and follow different dynamics. Nanoscience has enjoyed strong support as it combines curiosity-driven fundamental research on the effects of high surface-to-volume ratios in nanostructured matter (enhanced reactivity and quantum confinement effects) and the exploration of new electronic, optical, chemical, magnetic, mechanical properties and potential innovative functionalities. Nanotechnology is a complex science-based technology with a projected impact on the economy ranging from 5% to 15% of the global production of goods. Nevertheless, at present nanotechnology is mostly an enabling technology and not an end product.

Nanoscience is also one of the main drivers for the development of the European Large Scale Research Infrastructures. In particular, on synchrotrons, the last few years have seen major developments in X-ray nanoprobe techniques (absorption, phase contrast, diffraction, fluorescence). These developments are based on the coupling of synchrotron X-ray beam unique features with new optics capable to focus the beam down to size as low as 20nm. As a result, new opportunity are opening, including:

•      higher spatial resolution
•      three-dimensional imaging
•       the possibility to exploit the coherence of the beam
•      setups permitting in situ and real-time observation

This talk would provide some further detail and examples about the opportunities offered by these unique features, with a special focus toward the opportunities available at the European Synchrotron (ESRF) once the installation of the Extremely Brilliant Source will be concluded.