As part of its involvement in the EC FP7 project Coordination of Nanometrology in Europe (CO-NANOMET), CEMMNT has created a free-to-access database holding details of the many companies, research institutes, government bodies and universities active in the field of nanometrology throughout the whole of Europe. The database maps key technical capabilities for each organisation and forms a portal through which potential users can seek to access ground-breaking nanometrology capabilities.

CO-NANOMET Nanometrology Capabilities Database

CEMMNT, working together with LNE, the national measurement institute for France, has used its knowledge and experience of nanometrology techniques to identify organisations offering access to cutting edge measurement and characterisation instrumentation throughout Europe. The CO-NANOMET Nanometrology Capabilities Database enables registered users to view these capabilities and to search for specific nanometrology techniques within target countries or throughout the whole of the European Research Area (ERA).

The database includes coverage not only of the EC member states, but also of other associated states within the ERA (Norway, Switzerland, Turkey, etc.) and builds a comprehensive picture of the key technical capabilities within the region.

The database encompasses measurement and characterisation technologies, which can be used to investigate structure, form and chemical composition below the 100nm realm, including techniques such as scanning probe microscopy (SPM), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and many others.

In order to access, cost-free, all of the features of the database, users are required to register online. Registration also allows organisations to add their own nanometrology capabilities to the database, thereby contributing to this living picture of cutting edge measurement and characterisation facilities available throughout Europe.

To search the CO-NANOMET Nanometrology Capabilities Database, please go to http://search.co-nanomet.eu/

The CO-NANOMET Project

The CO-NANOMET project was awarded a grant of €1 million and commenced in January 2009. Over its two-year duration, the project aims to influence and guide the nanometrology infrastructure throughout Europe. The project is lead by euspen - The European Society for Precision Engineering - and also involves CEMMNT partners NPL and QinetiQ.

The CO-NANOMET project includes a programme of activities, addressing the need within Europe to create a coherent and capable nano scale metrology framework that can successfully support the development and commercialisation of nanotechnologies. The project goals are to:

• Define a European strategy for nanometrology
• Identify and coordinate leading nanometrology activity across Europe
• Coordinate European training and education of scientists, engineers and end-users in nanometrology
• Create a central hub that builds on, coordinates and provides visibility to new and existing activities across Europe
• Signpost, network and recommend the development of new nanometrology infrastructures across Europe

For more information about CO-NANOMET, visit the project website: www.co-nanomet.eu/ or contact project coordinator, Theresa Burke on 01234 754 024 or at theresa-burke@euspen.eu