September 26, 2005 – The European Commission (EC) has launched Merging Optics and Nanotechnologies (MONA), a project within its 6th Framework Program (FP-6) that aims to “leverage synergies in photonics and nanotechnologies, seeking to increase the impact and efficiency of investment on European research,” according to a statement by the organization. MONA will attempt to bridge the gap between photonics and nanotechnologies; through collaboration between equipment manufacturers and nanotechnologies and photonics experts, the project will help to isolate and address significant manufacturing issues.
The three main goals for the project include a common site for exchanging information concerning research, networks of excellence, and integrated projects in photonics and nanotechnologies; promoting the timely exchange of scientific results, market development, and technology needs through MONA-developed workshops; and developing a European roadmap for photonics and nanotechnologies. Six European countries and regions are working under the MONA project, with CEA-LETI at the helm and contributions from players such as Acreo, Aixtron, Alcatel-Thales, ASMI, the European Photonics Industry Consortium, Intec, OpticsValley, Schott, VDI Technologiezentrum (VDI TZ), and Yole Développement.