Cornell already has a strong program in atomic-scale characterization, including scanning transmission electron microsocopy capable of detecting one atom in a column of 400. The new facility will allow increased sophistication of atomic-scale experiments. MEM technology also promises revolutionary sensors that can emulate eyes, ears, nose and tongue. This technology is evolving at a rapid rate and has the capability of providing major breakthroughs in applications as diverse as displays, data storage, biomedical prosthetics and drug delivery systems. One way of synthesizing new materials for optical, electronic and biological devices is to begin from the bottom.
Construction begins with the assembly of nanostructures from atomic and molecular building blocks.
Cornell already has expertise in these areas and it is expected that this will expand as new faculty members are recruited. Developments in devices for diagnostic or prosthetic applications that can be expected from miniaturization in biotechnology and bioengineering are ultra-rapid gene sequencing, chemical sensing for drug delivery and patterned templates for controlled cellular growth. Critical to this research is an interactive facility with the proper environment.