The GalnP/GaAs/Ge tandem triple junction cells are the highest efficiency photovoltaic (PV) devices and are likely to be the first of the 'Third Generation' cells to enter the terrestrial PV market in concentrator applications. They employ three different solar cells stacked on top of each other to capture and convert a wider spectral range of solar radiation to electricity. The commercial viability of concentrator systems depends crucially on the use of the highest efficiency cells. The Strain-Balanced Quantum Well Solar Cell (SB-QWSC) is an innovative, nanostructured cell, pioneered by the Quantum Photovoltaic Group (QPG) at Imperial College, which has the potential to enhance the efficiency of the triple junction cell significantly by replacing the GaAs cell. The SB-QWSC increases tandem efficiency by reducing the absorption band-gap of GaAs resulting in better utilisation of the solar spectrum. Recent experimental and theoretical work based on photoluminescence (PL), photoconductivity (PC) and electroluminescence (EL) studies have revealed that the Quasi-Fermi Level Separation (QFLS) in single quantum well (SQW) devices is smaller than expected in both the dark and the light. This implies lower recombination and hence enhanced efficiency. Furthermore, the SB-QWSC dark currents at concentrator current levels show ideality factor n = 1. This suggests that minimum non-radiative recombination levels can be achieved in SB-QWSC. Finally the exciting possibility of efficiency enhancement by photon recycling can also be considered as the unavoidable radiative energy would be re-absorbed in other wells in a light trapping environment. There is therefore a great need to clarify the mechanisms behind the general efficiency enhancement in the SB-QWSC. This will be done by extending the recent studies on QFLS in SQW devices under light illumination to SB-QWSCs, in particular by the study of an already existing sequence of cells with varia#

This project concerns New and Advanced Concepts in Renewable Technologies. It is relevant to FP6 objective Research Development and validation of thin -film PV technologies with higher efficiency cost ratio. The field of study is thin film solar cells manufactured by novel low cost methods. It adopts an interdisciplinary approach from two leading European scientific institutions. It is is proposed to increase solar cell efficiency in the II-VI materials field by : - Flexible and quantitative modelling optimisation from a knowledge based perspective based on characterisation on a nanometre scale. This will develop a quantitative understanding of light and dark currents taking materials issues specific to this system into account down to the grain size scale. - Extrapolation of the knowledge to improved designs. These will primarily consist of changes to the band structure of the cell in order to maximise photocurrent, and minimise the trap dominated dark current by manipulating carrier density profiles in the depletion layers. - Increase efficient use of light by using light trapping techniques. In turn these relax requirements on layer thickness required to absorb incident light, and consequently relax the requirements on minority carrier transport. This leads to solar cells more tolerant of imperfect material, of particular interest in polycrystalline material. - Implement innovations in real thin film polycristalline devices (chalcopyrite type) produced by low cost methods (electroplating) in which the host laboratory has a recognized experience.

Nowadays, one of the main scientific challenges is the fabrication of nanostructured materials (polymer nanofibres and nanotubes) in demand for a broad range of applications. Electrospinning has been shown to be an effective method for the production of polymer fibres with diameters in the range from several micrometers down to tens of nanometers. It has been found that the fibre diameter can be controlled within a broad range by proper selection of the processing parameters. For selected applications it is desirable to control not only the fibre diameter, but also the internal morphology. Nanostructured fibres as for example porous fibres are of interest for a broad range of applications in areas such as sensor or filter technologies and the preparation of functional nanotubes by fibre templates. Tubes with such dimensions may be used to store or transport gases or fluids, for fuel cells, near field optics, nano-electronics and combinational chemistry, for applications in the area of catalysis, drug release or even encapsulation. Composite materials trying to mimic the exceptional properties of many biomaterials, and particularly polymer nanocomposites are materials with great scientific and technological challenges related to their promising nanostructure-property correlations. The development of carbon-nanotube-reinforced polymer composites not only offers unique opportunities to improve the physical and mechanical properties of a given matrix but also allows the evaluation of the intrinsic properties of the reinforcing nanoscale phase. The key technical challenges which remain for such carbon-nanotube-reinforced polymers are the achievement of a homogeneous dispersion, good interfacial bonding and a controlled degree of alignment. It is also apparent from these studies that an ability to predict nanocomposite properties for a given filler type and loading fraction remains challenging.

Microsensor and microactuator technologies are of strategic importance for the EU. In particular, the association of silicon micromachining with integrated optics (IO) have the advantage of small scale, easy integration and appropriate size to control or manipulate optical radiations. It can result in the production of miniaturised, low cost and smart optical microsensors with moving parts. This technology is therefore suitable to fabricate precision-defined optical components and offers a relative easy alignment procedures of optical with mechanical parts. With the support of GROWTH programme (proposal "OCMMM", G1RD-ct-2000-00261, Jan. 2001) we proposed the development of an innovative on-chip testing technology for in situ metrology of MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). This is based on in-situ optical interrogation of mechanical parameters by incorporating a sensing arm of an integrated Mach-Zehnder interferometer into actuated MEMS structures. In this case the microinterferometer cannot be reused for other systems. The alternative is the combination of previously developed opto-mechanical technology with fiber-optic and microactuator technology. Optical microsensors, based on phase-modulated detection, can provide high resolution measuring. Thus, the present proposal is an accompanying measure for OCMMM proposal aiming the realisation of a low-cost ex-situ optical vibrometer, based on an integrated Michelson interferometer with two reference arms and one sensing arm. each of them connected to an optical fiber. Electrostatically driven mirror creates a phase modulation between both the reference arms of the interferometer. The research project couples the distributed potential of both Applicant and Host Organisations. Applicant task will be the design, realisation and testing of proposed electrostatically heterodyned optical vibrometer. By strong contacts with SMEs, the project offers the opportunity to make research in the context of industry requi

Molecular scale interactions at artificial and naturally occurring responsive surfaces, e.g. the cell membrane, play a crucial rolein many biological and biomedical processes. Responsive surfaces with molecular level control are considered as key to manycrucial problems in nanobiotechnology. We aim at contributing to the development of such surfaces starting from afundamental understanding of structure-property relationships in advanced nanomaterials and processes from the molecularscale. Specifically we propose to investigate the translation of external stimuli into forces in single macromolecules by meansof atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements for two classes of stimuli-responsive polymers, i.e. unique redox-activeorganometallic poly(ferrocenylsilanes) and elastin-based biopolymers. The communication with single molecules occurs viaconformational/dimensional changes of these polymers under stress via changes in chain torsional potential energy landscapeand thus variations in the corresponding macromolecular characteristic ratio. These occur upon redox stimulation or uponchanges in e.g. temperature or pH. The challenging project will be tackled in a rational manner (control instead of trial anderror) by depositing molecules individually at precisely defined positions using scanning probe lithography. Subsequently, thenanomechanical properties of an ensemble of individually addressable molecules will be probed molecule for molecule bysingle molecule force spectroscopy, hence avoiding a convolution of data of many molecules. This approach will also beutilized to selectively pick up individual macromolecules by chemically functionalized tips, followed by AFM measurements thataim at unraveling the effects of several external stimuli on the macromolecules response. Based on the results, responsivesurfaces with molecular level control can be designed for applications in the areas of (bio)sensors, drug delivery,nano/microfluidics, and smart coatings.

This SSA is for support for a 5-day conference on the theme 'Nanotechnology and the Health of the EU Citizen in 2020' from 5-9 September 2005 in Edinburgh. It is being organized by The Institute of Nanotechnology. It will build on the success of EuroNanoForum2003, and promote developments in nanotechnology that are leading to innovative solutions for health and healthcare in Europe as part of an integrated and responsible approach. The format will be a combination of thematic workshops, public debate, forums, and conference showing the state-of-the-art. EuroNanoForum2005 is forming a prestigious element of the UK's 6th Presidency of the EU, which runs from June to December 2005. It will also be timely in terms of reinforcing the EU policy for research funding for nanotechnology and converging technologies in the Seventh Framework Programme. EuroNanoForum2005 will explore several critical issues, such as the ongoing competitiveness of the European healthcare industries; meeting the demands of an ageing population, the early diagnosis and potential cures, for example, of cancer, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory diseases. It aims to demonstrate the potential of nanotechnologies to address these issues, support the creation of high quality jobs, and underpin important EU objectives such as the Lisbon Agenda. To achieve its aim, EuroNanoForum2005 will promote exchanges on groundbreaking European research in nanotechnologies as applied to healthcare, bringing together key industrial players, academia, and policy makers, in an international context. Key themes include: - A review of EU research progress since 2003 - A look to FP7, and the role of convergent technologies in the EU strategy for healthcare - New developments in tissue engineering; targeted drug delivery; biomaterials; analytical, imaging and sensing techniques - How ethical, environmental, social, safety & risk concerns are being addressed - Nanomedicine for the developing countries

The EUROSOI network embraces a broad range of research areas related to Silicon-On-lnsulator technology(from materials to end-user electronic applications in traditionally strong European industrial sectors such asautomotive, communications, space). EUROSOI aims at federating the existing research work on SOI topics andat providing an appropriate communication channel between academic groups and industrial production centres.EUROSOI coordination efforts will be focused on fostering different activities to improve the lack of industrialdevelopment in Europe in SOI topics. A network of research centres, industries and end-users is the appropriatetool to structure and organize the existing RandD work on SOI topics, and achieve a critical mass to efficientlyclose the gap between academic groups and industry, which is responsible for the weakness of EuropeanIndustry with regard to SOI. Key actions to reach the above-mentioned objectives are: i)to promote interactionbetween scientists, ii)to take advantage of the previous experience of research groups, iii)to join forces tomaximize the synergy between individual skills, thus obtaining the best achievable global results, and iv) toprovide an appropriate communication channel between academic groups and industrial production centres.EUROSOI will contribute to this by: a)The exchange of information during the workshops organized by thenetwork. (b)Scientific exchange between partners by research visits of scientist and student grants, (c) A web-based database on work by SOI containing: news, resources, project results, reports, links, seminars, training,courses, job opportunities, grants, (d) Elaboration of the European SOI Roadmap: identification of scientificpriority areas and formulation of research and development strategies, (e) Elaboration of Who is Who Guide inSOI.

This research proposal aims to study the correlation between the defects generated by the radiation and the degradation observed in the macroscopic characteristics of microelectronic devices, following this strategy, we will be able to develop and obtain new materials and devices more resistant to radiation. The research activities are divided in two branches. The first objective is to investigate the radiation hardening of silicon detectors, to be used especially in High Energy Physics experiments. Our interest will mainly focus on the evaluation of the radiation hardness of standard and oxygen-enriched High Resistivity silicon. The analysis will be performed on both, test structures and full-size radiation detectors. The main specific potential advantages and drawbacks in detectors processing with oxygen-rich material will be investigated. Based on the analysis of the experimental outcome, as well as on technological and electrical simulation results, it is expected to improve the process technology, as well as the silicon radiation detectors design. Our second objective is to study the radiation effects on the performance and reliability of thin gate dielectrics and CMOS transistors, which are essential for the correct circuits operation in high radiation environments. Our interest will focus on the mechanisms that lead to the radiation-induced degradation of the gate dielectric layers subjected to high energy irradiations. Especial emphasis will be given to the electrical stability and post irradiation response of the generated damage. The thermal and electrical annealing kinetics of the radiation-induced damage will be determined. It is expected to elaborate degradation models enabling prediction of device performance and reliability in radiation-harsh environments, as well as Guidelines for hardening the technologies.

The development of new methodologies in the field of material science and nanotechnology represents a useful tool to further explore and modify biomaterial design. Biocompatiblity is dependent on material-related factors,such as topography and surface chemistry, as well as cell adhesion and function. The focus of this multidisciplinary work is the creation of a system, which permits the study of bone cells adhesion and the regulation of their cellular activities. We propose to use novel chemical techniques to mimic the extracellular environment with bioactive peptides arranged into a rigid well defined nano-template. We reason that these peptides should control cell attachment and activate integrin-dependent intracellular signaling pathways for bone cell proliferation, differentiation and death by apoptosis.The fellow will gain experience in material science, biophysical chemistry, biophysics, cell biology, and clinical research. The scientific and educational activity will be also embedded in a high quality research and education environment established at the Heidelberg University. Because of her past research experience, the candidate fits excellently to the named project where multidisciplinary skills and knowledge are needed. She will combine her abilities with the abilities of the group of Biophysical Chemistry at the University of Heidelberg, whose main focus is the control of cell adhesion by biophysics and nanotechnology. Until the end of the Marie Curie Fellowship in 2005 she will have the chance to gain enough qualifications to become an associated faculty member in an European Institute or University.The European Community is investing into a young researcher which will have great potential to connect European research activities in future years. Thus, her will for worldwide mobility is enhancing her own scientific excellence which than will be carried forward to other young scientists and research institutions in Europe.

In the next ten years scientific developments in the field of nanomaterials will influence many different industrial branches e.g. automotive, aeronautics, mechanical engineering, medical systems or health. In these industrial sectors many SMEs are involved as traditional suppliers, start-ups or producers of high tech products. In order to remain competitive on these markets, the companies have to integrate these new results in their commercial vision for future products. The project NANO ROAD SME will develop technology roadmaps in the domain of nanomaterials comprising the latest high level scientific results by using a dynamic and holistic approach. Their functions will be to identify trends in research and development and to associate them to product and application visions. They will outline, which of them are technically and economically promising or possess high potentials for problem-solving and where potential risks and relevant investigation requirements are assumed or social discussion requirement could prevail. In a second step these roadmaps will be adapted to the SME industrial culture in order to facilitate the integration of the European RTD results for nanomaterials in the different industrial branches. The project involves well-known European research organisations and networks, which are leaders in the domain of nanomaterials, European experts in the development of technology roadmaps and organisations specialised in the knowledge transfer to the industry and especially to SMEs. The project has a large European dimension. It involves 12 organisations from 7 European countries including one Candidate country. The project 'Nano Road SME' is a pilot initiative which will develop technology roadmaps and use them to facilitate the transfer and integration of European RTD results from the nanotechnological field (especially nanomaterials) to SMEs.. The main challenge is to encourage a knowledge based approach in #