Providing low-cost processes and tools that meet the needs of nanoprinting processes is the main objective of the European NAPA integrated project, requiring for the development of devices to be employed in various applications in nanoelectronics, nanobiotechnology, nanophotonics, and others. To achieve this, the project was split into three lines of research: nanoimprint lithography, MEMS-based nanopatterning, and soft lithography. In each of these lines, the research was organized with three different focuses&#8212materials, tools, and simulation. The project was sub-divided into six sub-projects, each involving a number of working groups whose remit had been clearly laid down. CIDETEC is leading one of these working groups in developing the new thermoplastic polymers with properties for applications in nanopatterning lithography. By means of living radical polymerization (LRP), a number of low polydispersion polymethacrylates, co-polymers, and other polymeric materials designed for this application have been synthesized at random.

(April 26, 2005) Schärding, Austria &#8212 EV Group (EVG) has installed a low-temperature wafer-bonding system at Silicon Microstructures Inc. (SMI), a silicon pressure and inertial sensors provider for automotive, medical, and industrial applications.